BRYAN ADAMS – SO HAPPY IT HURTS
FOR his 15th album, the Canadian rock singer has produced a feel-good, light album that is very clearly a record written in lockdown.
The lyrics promote positivity, with statements like "I believe there is gonna be a better day" and "You lift me up, strong women".
The album is even more impressive when you learn that Adams played every single instrument himself, including the drums which he learnt especially for this.
The song Kick Ass sticks out as it is two minutes longer than the rest and begins with a rather melodramatic God-like monologue discussing the beginning of rock music, which the listener can assume is thanks to Adams as he shouts "let there be guitar".
Perhaps not the best album of the year, but it will leave you feeling cheery and with a tune or two stuck in your head.
3/5
Gemma Bradley
GUIDED BY VOICES – CRYSTAL NUNS CATHEDRAL
ANOTHER year, another record from Guided By Voices, Ohio's most prolific indie-rock band. Long-time fans will have detected a subtle change to the tried-and-tested GBV formula over the last two years (and five albums).
Crystal Nuns Cathedral, their 35th offering, continues in that vein. Climbing a Ramp fuses triumphant guitars with string section, while Never Mind the List is a slice of Americana.
Whatever slight change of direction for one of the most influential bands of their genre, Robert Pollard's unmistakable vocals remain.
The record has a maturity about it, though some may feel there is no one track which demands a place in the GBV hall of fame.
Disciples will lap this up, but for those yet to be converted to the cult, better can be found by sticking a pin almost anywhere in an extensive back catalogue spanning four decades.
Worry not, though, another GBV record will likely be along any minute.
3/5
Ryan Hooper
BANDICOOT – BLACK AFTER DARK
BANDICOOT are here to return the glam to rock, complete with sleazy sax, honky tonk piano, plenty of urgent guitar and tunes that stay with you after the first listen.
So join Rhys Underdown, Tom Emlyn, Billy Stillman and Keiran Doe as they party like it's 1973, with irresistible single Fuzzy adding hints of early Supergrass.
Opener Siren and O Nefoedd! accelerate to the brink of collapse, while the ballads Early In The Morning and Shadow Of A Former Time are made for waving lighters in the air.
Singing in Welsh as well as English, many of the songs are odes to Swansea's rain-soaked streets, with tracks like Black After Dark and Dark Too Long suggesting the sun seldom shines.
After several years building a fierce live reputation, this debut album arrives at the right time for Bandicoot to take their music to the next level.
4/5
Matthew George
THE DISTRICTS – GREAT AMERICAN PAINTING
PENNSYLVANIA'S indie-rock favourites The Districts have always been a blistering live act, and their fifth album is their most accomplished yet.
That's evident from the start, with the epic opener Revival Psalm. This widescreen approach perhaps comes from singer and guitarist Rob Grote writing most of the tracks in a remote cabin over two months at the height of the pandemic.
The lyrics are full of references to black magic, the devil, heaven, fever dreams and blood – but redemption is also a strong theme, and the album radiates hope for a better future.
The Districts have strong tunes – No Blood is made for singing along to, White Devil, already a live favourite, rattles along with high energy and Outlaw Love has a 1980s feel.
Do It Over and especially Long End have some of the yearning qualities of prime Neil Young, Grote singing in a higher register.
Great American Painting is an album to play on repeat.
4/5
Matthew George
