ALBUM OF THE MONTH

Secret Machines - 10 Silver Drops (678)
Their gig in Cardiff last month was epic and the album backs it up. From opener Alone, Jealous and Stoned through latest single Lightening Blue Eyes to end track 1000 Seconds the brothers and their tub thumping drummer make a mighty rock noise that is one of this years finest albums. 

BEST OF THE REST THIS MONTH

Calexico - Garden Ruin (City Slang)
This must be their 6th album in around 10 years and its a return to form after their disappointing collaboration with Iron & Wine last year. Much more poppy than their previous releases. Maybe this could be the one to break them into the mainstream? Early copies come with extra tracks and a making of DVD. Worth hunting down.... 

Broken Family Band - Balls (Track & Field)
Another excellent album this month, this time its Americana via Cambridge! The Broken Family Band have been around for years and played a storming set in Cardiff this month. Last years Welcome Home Loser was a tough album to follow but they have made it with some top twisted observations on life, love and leaving. My favorite is bittersweet girl/boy duet Alone in the Make Out Room with lines to rival A Fairytale of New York (I wish we could move to Australia, I’d be a success and you’d be a failure”!)and the rocky Diamonds in the Mine. Highly Recommended.