Seemingly falling from nowhere in terms of this second album release due to a non-existent promotional campaign, Pariso return after a year’s absence with ‘Consanguinity’. With Lewis Johns (Gnarwolves, Goodtime Boys, Hexis) on production duties, the songs lining the four walls of this sophomore album lightly purport to family relations and the ties that exist, which is perhaps wise considering use of the Norwegian phrasebook when drumming up a title for ‘Trolljegeren’. It is the manner in which ‘Consanguinity’ really grabs at the senses from the off with its raw intensity but also competing layers of guitar with ‘The Separation’ setting itself up as a perfect example before ‘Maniai’ muscles its way past with its shuffling yet dense rhythm. If there is to be a standout track here, however, then ‘Tower of Genus’ conjures up some magic midway through its brief duration with a surprising turn of events in the vocal department that suggests there is a lot more to come from Pariso.

With a voice that belies his tender years and not too dissimilar from Jeff Buckley, ‘Long Way Down’ is the debut album from Tom Odell. Having won the critics’ choice prize at this year’s Brits, the award was more than justified considering the quality of the songwriting. There are, however, moments where the songs on display would benefit from a little variation and a little less of the Buckley-isms but considering we’re on the first stepping stone to possible future greatness such quibbles are merely small gripes. The gathering momentum of ‘Grow Old With Me’ sets things up nicely only to be hastily pushed aside by the barroom piano stomp that is ‘Hold Me’ bringing to mind Paul McCartney and Mike Scott of ‘Waterboys fame. There is some niggling tension running through ‘Another Love’ as Odell lets out an expletive that thankfully ushers away any notion of always the victim only to be brought back down to earth with the beautiful yet barely audible ‘Sense’. Despite the sadness, Tom Odell’s world is not about to crumble just yet as there is definite mileage in this singer-songwriter.

How time flies! It certainly does when one considers the great departure in sound from the indie-pop of ‘Breathing Tornados’ and latest album from Ben Lee ‘Ayahuasca: Welcome To The Work’, but it only seems like yesterday – fourteen years, in fact – that ‘Nothing Much Happens’ had such a ring of truth about it. Described as Ben Lee’s most ‘ambitious work to date’ and as a ‘sonic document’ of various experiences with the medicinal plant Ayahuasca, the ten tracks presented here sees the Antiopdean edge closer to John Lennon in spirit due to the desire for experimentation and exploration of untapped levels of consciousness. Nowhere is this more evident than the entering through the portal of ‘Welcome To The House of Mystical Death’ and greeted by a shamanic Tricky before opening up into the light of ‘Meditation On Being Born’. There is beauty to be found here with Appleonia and Ben Lee providing dual vocals to, ‘In The Silence’ stretching out an arm to Lee’s past work, whereas the delicate and skeletal nature of songs ‘The Shadow of The Mind’ and more developed ‘The Will To Grow’ continue the experimental journey. It is satisfying to know that artists such as Ben Lee remain willing to push the creative envelope further by taking risks which to others may seem like commercial suicide. ‘Ayahuasca: Welcome To The Work’ was one risk worth pursuing as it is a fascinating addition to a lengthy catalogue of work.

It was only a matter of time before the ghost of grunge or, more to the point, post-grunge decided to rear its head with the unimaginative yet fitting appellation assigned to Boston three-piece Sneeze. To be totally honest, ‘I’m Going To Kill Myself’ is not a complete step back in time, however, as there are moments to enthuse over here. Right from the off, the meaty and brooding ‘Intro’ really sets out the band’s stall with a vocal straining against the gritty guitars whereas ‘Quit Shitting’ shifts tempo with relative ease, offering a little more in the creative department despite its all abrasive sound. The garage punk of ‘Vaticant’ is a short, sharp, shock before paving the way for the familiar grunge territory of ‘Canker’, ‘Park Her Head’ and ‘Red Bullgirls’; the latter of which would make Buffalo Tom proud. Whether the world is ready for a band such as Sneeze at this precise time is a matter of opinion, but for now, at least, ‘I’m Going To Kill Myself’ is a decent reminder of an otherwise all too familiar genre.

Miles Kane’s debut ‘Colour of The Trap’ bypassed FLW which was to our detriment. Latest album, ‘Don’t Forget Who You Are’ thankfully readdresses this unfortunate oversight as second chances do not always reveal themselves. Resembling a younger Paul Weller, and possessing the same ability to write numerous hook-laden songs, Miles Kane revels in a 60s sound that is given a modern day indie sheen perfectly highlighted by the delightful handclaps and rousing chorus of ‘Better Than That’. Title track, ‘Don’t Forget Who You Are’ manages to skew in elements of fellow scousers The Coral before riding a gloriously uplifting wave of a chorus the sort The Verve used to conjure up with relative ease. ‘Out of Control’ even recalls Richard Ashcroft, and is a clear indicator of perhaps where he should be, while ‘You’re Gonna Get It’ is a relentless ball of energy and nicely complimented by the more Stones-esque darkly induced rock of ‘Give Up’. ‘Don’t Forget Who You Are’ is not breaking any new boundaries but is definitely welcome when others are failing to live up to former glories.

Formerly of The Jack Herren Band, Ralph Myerz has set his course on a solo mission in terms of latest album ‘Supersonic Pulse’. Despite this being a Ralph Myerz album, the number of willing volunteers lending their services gives the impression of a band at work as everyone from Snoop Dogg, George Clinton, Da Youngfellaz to Diana Ross and The Supremes weigh in with invaluable experience. Despite the high level of collaborations, the consistency and flow of ‘Supersonic Pulse’ remains unaffected but can be attributed to its four year gestation period allowing room for experimentation and no doubt numerous retakes. Highlights include ‘Do The Damn Thang’ with Snoop Dogg, ‘Something New’ featuring Diana Ross and The Supremes peeling back the years with some beautiful vocals and the central narrative of the entire album ‘A Dream U Can Feel’ seeing Myerz in reflective mood and brought to life by Da Youngfellaz and K-Quick. However, the abrasive surface and gruff tones of David Banner’s ‘So Romantic’ and dark tinges of ‘Take A Look At The World’, with its appropriate sounding sense of detachment, bring home the prizes overall when it comes to ‘Supersonic Pulse’.