Kasabian - Velociraptor! (2011)

7/10  

Kasabian can't go wrong with more electronic-tinged madness

Among Kasabian’s claims earlier this year were that this album “will change your life” and be “the greatest ever”. Clearly, they’re not short on confidence, and their bravado happily transcends into their music.

Fleet Foxes - Helplessness Blues (2011)

Fleet Foxes return with a work of almost unparalleled beauty

9/10 

After the success of their self-titled debut album, Seattle’s Fleet Foxes are back with more of their baroque, old-worldly magic. Once again, the level of craft in the record is astonishing; I’m not even going to try to name all of the instruments they use, or pretend that I immediately got the references to Yeats, but it’s fair to say that the arrangement and lyricism in parts of this album touch upon mastery.

Friendly Fires - Pala (2011)

Too much of Friendly Fires' second effort fails to inspire

6/10  

Pulling out of the shadow of nu-rave, the Friendly Fires come back with the lush-sounding, dancey Pala. But while the band have definitely got a clear vision of what they’re doing, it comes across as a bit predictable and unimaginative.

Various Artists - Inès (2011)

Engaging electronic compilation from up-and-coming trio

Nicolas Jaar is one of the most fascinating talents in electronic music right now. He gives us a short compilation of the works of himself and friends Soul Keita and Nikita Quasim (collectively known as Clown N Sun Collective) in the shape of Inès, a collection of deep, abstract tracks with a smattering of South American flavour, an organic feel to the music and a minimalism so profound that the craft of the producers takes centre stage.

Fenech-Soler - Fenech-Soler (2010)

One word to describe Fenech-Soler’s self-titled? Forgettable.

The four piece electropop group from Northamptonshire generated a fair bit of hype with their early release, “The Cult Of Romance”. After being signed, an album and accompanying singles would soon follow. Can it be so hard to make something chorus-based with a few bouncy synths?

Ozric Tentacles - Erpland (1990)

Genre-bending gem from psychedelic masters

To anyone that hasn’t had the pleasure of listening to Ozric Tentacles, the best word to describe their music is experimental. Meeting at Stonehenge Festival in 1983, and changing lineups several times (with founding member Ed Wynne the only constant) they perform psychedelic-tinged progressive rock in a variety of styles. Erpland sees them throw up some lively tracks littered with tempo changes, ambient songs to chill out to and curious use of electronica alonside exotic, Eastern sounds.

Wild Beasts - Smother (2011)

A deeper, less flamboyant work still showcases the creativity you've come to love from the Wild Beasts

Hailing from Cumbria, Wild Beasts have built a reputation as one of the most exciting bands to come through in the last few years. Their first two studio albums were oozing in quirkiness and personality, with two lead singers whose voices contrasted beautifully and poetic, sexually charged lyrics.

Lupe Fiasco - Lasers (2011)

Lupe’s latest offering sees him become his own worst nightmare

Lupe Fiasco has made a name for himself as the alternative voice of modern hip hop. In a genre inherently afflicted with inflated bravado, here was a geeky skater kid from Chicago writing the sort of socially and politically conscious rap which is being pushed further underground. But despite having two successful and acclaimed albums under his belt, Atlantic Records seemed to have felt that they could give a boost to their artist’s sales and radio play.

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Marc Houle - Drift (2010)

Few producers can claim to have a sound as recognisable as that of Minus' Marc Houle. And while his listeners will immediately recognise his fourth LP as his work, there’s been a real change from the 8-bit playfulness of his previous recordings.