On the whole, Tender Signs struggles to get beyond the level of an immersive period piece.

To say Michael Kiwanuka's debut is not the most modern-sounding album would be an elephant-sized understatement.

Initially it is exciting – the title track and 'Hips And Lips' pack a visceral punch – however, repeat plays reveal that 'The National Health' offers nothing particularly new.

The change becomes Pinback rather well, with newfound self-assurance adding warmth to their melodic nous: sweet and soulful.

Inconsistency's a little too much the watchword, but there are none more Something For Everyone.

More Dum Dum than Vivian, September Girls’ debut LP is a reverb-ridden sass-pot of a thing--all fluttering eyelashes and scratchy underbelly.

Although it doesn’t always hit the mark, Swim Deep’s debut proves more than capable of matching to the dizzying highs they write about.

The rapid and rabid ‘You’ve Got Me Wonderin’ Now’, replete with wonky recorder, matches the velocity of that record [Light Up Gold], as does the hurtling ‘Descend (The Way)’.

Far more stripped back than the Charlatans frontman's previous offerings, Oh No flits between affecting moments (the rather gorgeous 'Hours') and repetitive down-beaters ('A Case For Vinyl') that seem to go nowhere.

For a Tarot-themed rock album made by an immortal megalomaniac, it's actually OK. Especially the loud bits.

Provides far more ecstasy than agony.

Their narratives have been stronger before, but 'Noctourniquet' remains abject absurdity masquerading as sexy heroism.

The Jezabels are so nearly there on 'Prisoner'– they just to focus.

Sadly, Siberia is lacking any genuine spark.

All designs are firmly fixed on a glorious technicolour gem, but it's fair to say results are mixed.

An unholy marriage of the brutal and the brilliant, fuelling suspicion that their best is yet to come.

'Port Of Morrow' is a glorious and confident return, even if it lacks a little darkness at times.

A couple of piano-led downers bring us to a close; bruised and bleeding, but breathlessly exhilarated.

It’s a compelling story; through industry difficulties and growing pains, comes a lovesick, loveable and brilliant album.

Most of the tracks are about as blank and sterile as an airport terminal.

Wonky yet warm, it's an accomplished balancing act from an ever-growing band.

Sure, this is a great garage rock record--but it’s dreaming even bigger.

Fine, intelligent and, at times, thoroughly heart-warming--but you've got to work for it.

Delightfully creepy.

Join The Dots makes good on the band’s promise to deliver a new album every year, though you can’t help but feel certain songs were neglected in favour of more sophisticated production values.

Wonderfully, it’s somehow nostalgic and current at the same time.

The dreamy 'Clone' has a touch of the Cocteau Twins about it, while the title track's polished riffs are pure powerpop. Only occasional moments – the lame guitar lick on 'Breathing Under Water' being one – sound outdated, proving that when it's done well, a little nostalgia doesn't hurt.

While there are individual moments that are up there with the band’s best, Right Thoughts falls short of the return to form the opening tracks suggest.