With an eponymously titled debut album in the offing consisting of fourteen tracks of authentic rockabilly – thirteen of which are self-penned – new recruits to the Rhythm Bomb roster, Carolina & her Rhythm Rockets seem set to follow in the footsteps of label mates Marc & the Wild Ones as ones to watch in 2013. Being only of tender age yet sounding as if they have been producing these rockin’ tunes for a lot longer, such is their aptitude for songwriting, Carolina & her Rhythm Rockets debut is an accomplished affair yet nicely balanced with a slightly rough around the edges approach that is guided by the rather aptly titled ‘Walk With Me’ that literally leads the listener into the heart of this work with its occasional vocal hiccups, handclaps and dexterous guitar. It is that VOCAL, however, that really defines this four-piece band from Germany due to its immense power that clearly states its intent during ‘Be Mine’ and crystal clear demands of ‘Treat Me Right’ (‘well if you want me don’t be bad’). There is simply not much room to come up for air as Carolina & her Rhythm Rockets maintain the rockin’ momentum in a blistering array of rawness ‘Can’t Stop Boppin’, ‘Looking Up’, ‘Waiting’ that will leave you gaping in awe. If this is the sound of the rising underground of rockabilly talent, then FLW will struggle to contain its excitement as Carolina & her Rhythm Rockets have already reached the stars.

Predominantly a covers affair with a mammoth eighteen tracks to consume, The Bird Doggin’ Daddies ‘We Got The Bug!’ does not outstay its welcome. This is largely due to the frenetic pace of the chosen covers, revealing en veldig god smak, but also the deft musicianship that binds these driving rhythms together. There is a certain freshness about the manner in which this four-piece attack versions of ‘Daddy-O-Rock’ and ‘We’re Gonna Rock It’ nearly claiming both numbers as their own because that’s exactly the impression given throughout due to confidence riding high yet not without an abundance of respect given to the originals.

It is this very same self-assurance, however, that needs to be leaned on further when it comes to the band’s own compositions because when The Bird Doggin’ Daddies rely on their own compositions they more than stand up to the covers being offered here. Look no further than the guitar pickin’, rockin’ belter that is ‘Better Be Gone’ and even more compelling low-slung ride of ‘Crossbone Jim (Mystery lane)’ suggesting a band with a lot more in their locker than is currently being revealed. As it stands, ‘We Got The Bug!’ is stunning in its execution and a teaser until the next instalment where it is hoped The Bird Doggin’ Daddies state their authority further with an album full of original compositions.

First appearances might be deceiving as this is no straightforward country album as there is a real fusion of sounds throughout ‘Texas Boogie’, which is Mike Penny and his Moonshiners’ latest album. From the opening ‘Hardtop Race’ with its western swing influence spliced with occasional piano boogie to the more traditional swinging jive of ‘Jumping From Six To Six’ suggesting that Mike and his fellow musicians have a broad palette to not only work from but clearly express to (hopefully) a wider audience. This genuine array of talents, however, is what makes this second offering so compelling because despite the wider influences the band manage to rein them in under one cohesive umbrella. Whether it’s the more boppin’ ‘Flaming Mamie’ or the hillbilly tinge of ‘No Muss, No Fuss, No Bother’ before leaping to the more straightforward country influence of ‘Ship Of Broken Dreams’, ‘Texas Boogie’ certainly delivers on more than one level and keeping in line with western swing music.

Opening in a bloodcurdling assault of vocals underscored with a sonic groove, Bloody Mammals is that sort of post-hardcore band that doesn’t make you want to reach for the off button because they actually incorporate various elements into their music that suggests scope for longevity. The ghost of Fugazi certainly makes its presence felt especially with the excellent ‘Tie Down Team’ and the gear shifting ‘Long Song’ that gradually creeps towards its conclusion in a mesh of drums and guitars. With the EP’s lyrics purporting to a cursed neighbourhood relayed through a number of different perspectives, it is not only the wild and aggressive yet melodic strands running through these songs that captivate but the imaginative yarns that lift Bloody Mammals above the pack.

In their short history to date, forming as early as 2012, Swedish post-hardcore unit, Disembarked has created an extremely impressive EP full of gut churning emotions which come as a result of the soul-destroying revelations at the core of this work. With the literal definition of abscond meaning ‘to depart in a sudden and secret manner’ it is small wonder that Pontus Figge Carlsson sounds like a man teetering on the verge of losing the power of speech such is the frantic and despairing nature of his pleas literally straining at the leash before being driven back to the very point he started from during ‘Abscond’. This is raw honesty of the highest order as ‘Bewildered’ seems to squeeze out its literal meaning in utterly compelling fashion. Guitars ring out loud in abundance, yet offer sweet melodic support on several occasions bringing to mind Explosions in the Sky and This Will Destroy You. If future releases continue in similar fashion, then Disembarked is one to look out for as on present form the band is definitely an intriguing prospect.

‘All the drama queens are gone’ suggests a touch of self-mockery during the broody ‘Welcome To My World’, nicely restrained in its execution, but all the usual hallmarks of Depeche Mode remain throughout this, their 13^th studio album and nothing wrong with that either. In fact, Martin Gore has referred to latest album ‘Delta Machine’ as a fusion of the band’s masterpiece ‘Violator’ with the not too far behind in the classic stakes ‘Songs Of Faith And Devotion’. Such a revelation is accurate as ‘Angel’ is reminiscent of lead vocalist Dave Gahan in preacher mode circa ‘Songs Of…’ whereas the electronic subtlety of ‘Secret To the End’ could easily contest for a place on ‘Violator’. However, it is the understated tone of ‘Delta Machine’ which really sets it apart from the aforementioned DM releases and this is much welcomed. The skeletal electronica of ‘My Little Universe’ and tinge of swampy rock during ‘Slow’ offer a freshening of the DM palette and further reasoning as to why this band is still relevant. Martin Gore adopts vocal duties on ‘Child Inside’ before Dave Gahan resumes normal duties with the pulsating ‘Soft Touch/Raw Nerve’ and stretched vocals of ‘Should Be Higher’. ‘Delta Machine’ may require a tad more patience compared to previous offerings, but persist and you will be rewarded because this is truly exceptional on all levels. Welcome back.