Back catalogue: Rock (All)

Review: DIIV formed back in 2011 and made big impressions within the blog world and then the real world after debut single 'Sometime' picked up plenty of attention. It was follow up with two further singles as well as a cover of a Kurt Cobain tune 'Bambi Slaughter' and to mark the 10 year anniversary all of their debut album all of these 7"s re pulled together on vinyl and serve as a great reminder of where the band has come from. They scream DIY and are very indicated of the Brooklyn scene out of which they were born with songs that muse on love in all its many different ways.

Review: Mac Demarco has a certain cachet as a happy-go-lucky slacker, with campfire atmosphere to spare and chorus pedals set to stun, somewhat in the manner of a millennial Cat Stevens. The songs on 'This Old Dog' go way beyond - focusing on his relationships with family and friends, they're in equal parts mature, affecting and memorable in their melodic sleight-of-hand. Certainly the lazy charm and laid-back goofiness are present and correct here, but 'This Old Dog' displays a genuine reflective depth and emotional resonance.

Review: Mac Demarco has a certain cachet as a happy-go-lucky slacker, with campfire atmosphere to spare and chorus pedals set to stun, somewhat in the manner of a millennial Cat Stevens. The songs on 'This Old Dog' go way beyond - focusing on his relationships with family and friends, they're in equal parts mature, affecting and memorable in their melodic sleight-of-hand. Certainly the lazy charm and laid-back goofiness are present and correct here, but 'This Old Dog' displays a genuine reflective depth and emotional resonance.

Review: Back when Mac Demarco was first breaking through in the wake of his third album Salad Days, he slipped out this instrumental album which he framed as a 'BBQ Soundtrack'. It's gone on to become a fan favourite, and for good reason as Demarco's distinctive stripped down sound gets to stretch out in laconic, leisurely style. If there was always a yacht rock streak to his music, it's out in full force here as tracks like 'Don Juan' prove in true smooth-as-silk style. Barbecue or not, you'll feel the sun on your back with this one.

Review: These have been troubled times for the Brooklyn four-piece Diiv, who've not only lost their drummer to drug addiction but have seen vocalist Zachary Cole Smith battling both rehab and police attention in the run-up to this album. Lucky for everyone, however, they've channelled the tribulations into a bittersweet and rich selection of shoegaze-tinged indie-rock ditties that display both an understated sleight-of-hand and a cinematic sweep. Redolent of giants like The Cure and Smashing Pumpkins yet possessed of their own radiant charm, Diiv remain as irresistible as their name is unpronounceable.

Review: Brand new 10th Anniversary reissue of DIIV's modern classic Oshin, which captured the sound of the early-10s Brooklyn indie scene like no other. This limited edition version contains the original Oshin demos recorded by frontman / alter-ego Z. Cole Smith, as well as two live performances recorded at the Brooklyn DIY venue Shea Stadium.

Review: Drahla, a Leeds-based post-punk band, returns with their sophomore album, 'Angeltape', four years after their debut. This highly expected release showcases the band's signature blend of raw energy and experimental flair. Highlights include 'Default Parody', a track that immediately establishes Drahla's unique sound. The song's jagged guitars and funky bass grooves evoke the spirit of Gang of Four and Psychedelic Furs. The vocals, delivered by Luciel Brown, are a raw and emotive force, capturing the album's themes of alienation and despair. 'Second Rhythm' showcases the band's versatility with its hypnotic vocal approach and gritty guitar work. The heavy bass provides a solid foundation, driving the song forward with a relentless intensity. Throughout the album, Drahla's lineup of Riggs, Ainsley, Barr, Brown, and Duffin showcases their exceptional musicianship. The interplay between the guitarists, bass, drums, and saxophone results in a rich and dynamic soundscape that captivates the listener. With this release, Drahla has cemented their status as one of the most exciting and innovative bands in the post-punk scene.