Most album's are too long and need trimming but PSB go against the rules again. The final single Sputnik features a new track Korolev which if it had appeared on the Race for Space would have rounded the album out to 10 tracks (5 each for the USA and USSR)


A driving guitar combined with the usual excellent sampled words makes it a missing gem from one of the albums of the year

Another album from a female singer moonlighting from her day job.....


This time Brittany Howard takes time away from the Alabama Shakes to bring is the self title Thunderbitch album


It's an excuse for her to indulge in some raucous garage rock, shout fuck  and show a bit of Ramones style attitude. (half the songs are under 2 and a half minutes).  Titles such as Wild Child and I Wanna Rock n Roll suggest this isn't going to win prizes for grammar or originality


A great improvement on the last Alabama Shakes album and sounds like the those taking part are enjoying themselves but it's hardly an essential purchase.

A mini review for a mini album.....


The self titled album from Sexwitch is really Natasha Khan on leave from the day job from Bat For Lashes whilst she explores the world.


There are 6 covers from around the globe and this is real world music rather than the bland Peter Gabriel version


The opening Ha Howa Ha Howa is an atmospheric joy..... Images abound of the vocalist whirling round an open fire in the Saharan night summoning Djinn from the darkness. A propulsive, rhythmic beat, north African sounding drones and some evocative chanting make this a highlight of the musical year


Other tracks add Arabian flavours or tribal drumming before it all ends on a woozy psychedelic take of a Skip Spence track


A really special morsel from a very interesting singer