With the singles and two other best songs placed at the front end, how does the second half fare? In direct comparison, poorly.

Odeon may lack two of the qualities that were so evident and satisfying on albums like Suzuki and No Hassle, namely their smooth consistency and unbroken flow.

It's another debut album laid low by ravages of hype.

With a bit more definition, a bit more purpose and just a bit more consistency you wonder if it could have been great.

Rudimental have already shown on their tremendously successful singles that they have that special knack for making exciting and diverse pop. Sadly on Home it is a knack that we hear too little of.

If much of this is catchy, however, you can’t help but miss the Noah And The Whale who could be emotionally devastating.

Whilst Ash's signature energetic punk-pop pastiches are very much in evidence in the shape of "I Started A Fire," "You Can't Have It All" and "Princess Six," it's fair to say that they have managed to explore acres of new territory.

For an enjoyable 'kickaround' of an album this is a cheeky little blighter that will continue to tickle ears, raise a smile and brighten any listen for a while yet.

There's just enough promise here to show that there is indeed talent beyond all the hype.

The Pines ably achieves what it sets out to do, but somehow you're left pining for that little bit more.

Their calmest album to date.

Like its predecessor, the Kaisers' second album is patchy, but does have moments of brilliance.

He hasn't quite developed the dexterity to match his grand designs yet, but there is enough on show here to suggest he soon will.

It's not a bad record, but by The Zutons' own extremely high standards, it's a disappointment.

Concise and defined, the 10 tracks here distill Marina’s thoughts on modern day society and all its horrors into a short, sharp shock. ... If there’s anything the album lacks though it’s some of the knowing playfulness of her previous work.

In this day and age, though, people would be better off cherry picking the best tracks for download.

While he’s sounding as bold and varied as ever, White’s songwriting feels a little less focused, with tracks like the seven minute opener and single Genuine Hesitation and Take Your Time (And That Orange To Squeeze) tipping over into self-indulgent dirges.

The album may not carry the sort of dance-fused electro-pop magnificence they’ve made before, but moving away from the more ‘expected’ type of pop song you think of when Erasure crops up in conversation seems to have worked wonders.

It’s certainly a confident step-up from Garageband Superstar and if more of Hibberd’s musical personality is allowed to shine through next time around, she could produce an even better album.

Ultimately, although the softer, folkier moments merit attention, the album does linger in parts and really could do with a shot in the arm to lift its energy levels.

Social Distortion still hit as hard as they ever did - barring the obvious newfound musical influences. Anyone not yet convinced by Social Distortion probably won't find new evidence for greatness here, but for longtime fans, the six-year wait is more than worth it.

There is nothing particularly ground breaking or original about Solar Bears, and their music can feel a little samey at times. Despite these shortcomings, Advancement is still a thoroughly enjoyable, lushly textured record that rarely fails to absorb.

The formula is executed well, while the production and songwriting keep the Australian four-piece ahead of any imitators. ... Yes, new music is good to have and good to experience, but when the tunes become interchangeable that notion starts to feel hollow.

The only trouble is that the good tracks are matched by the nondescript filler.

All things considered, Unseen feels like a missed opportunity for The Handsome Family. It’s by no means a bad album and one established fans will undoubtedly enjoy, but essentially the band are on auto-pilot when it would have been great to hear them go up a gear.

Although the songs on – never really rise above a mild trot, there’s still some musical variety.

Whilst Obscurities has its moments, it mostly only offers tiny hints of Merritt's real genius.

Cowley has crafted a coherent, carefully planned suite of music here with a strong conceptual framework and a remarkably consistent sound.