Moshi Moshi Vinyl & CDs

Review: A self-declared "proper second album", the songs that comprise The Rhythm Method's latest full-length Peachy are born of candour, and from the emotional rollercoaster that is touring. After a psychotic episode related to the job in 2018, frontman Rowan Martin made the defiant decision to carry on touring and recording despite the experience, seeing things through. Peachy is the result of this dedication, with new songs like 'I Love My Television' and 'Have A Go Heroes' blending Mike Skinner-esque and slacker rock songwriting, making for affecting Britpop edibles. Influences on the new sound will surprise confirmed fans; ranging from The Band and Kris Kristofferson to The Waterboys and Deacon Blue - it is a marked departure from their beginnings. Traditional Irish and Scottish music also play a huge part on this record: Aoife Power lending a Cranberries-esque Celtic warmth to a collection of poignant, thoughtful and at times moving songs that will dramatically switch perceptions of this duo.

Review: 'Sonic honesty' - characterised by a nakedness of voice and dryness in production - is central to folk rock music. It's a sound that was more or less nailed by The Wave Pictures upon their formation in 2005, and now inevitably in 2022, come their latest LP. 'When The Purple Emperor Spreads His Wings' is a long and sprawling album of folk-garage drama, testament to the Leicester outfit's propensity for frank lyrics, space-country themes (case in point: 'This Heart Of Mine'), and roadrunner-style carefreeness.