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Review: Formed in the post-punk era of Manchester in 1978, The Durutti Column, led by guitarist Vini Reilly, has remained an enigmatic and influential force in the history of post-punk. Their 1989 release, aptly titled Vini Reilly, is a testament to Reilly's eclecticism and sonic experimentation. The album spans a vast musical landscape, encompassing elements of post-punk, rock, acoustic, avant-garde, jazz, classical, folk, pop, and electronica.The album's 35th anniversary reissue box set includes many great additions that allows listeners to appreciate the enduring impact of his artistry, as he continues to inspire and challenge music enthusiasts worldwide. Includes new essay by Durutti Column/Factory Records expert James Nice, liner notes by band member Bruce Mitchell, liner notes from Anthony Wilson, interview extracts with Vini Reilly and restored images and outtake images.

Review: Pearl Jam's 12th album, Dark Matter, sees the veteran rockers returning to their roots with a renewed sense of vigor. Departing from the reflective tone of their previous release, Gigaton, the band opted for a more spontaneous approach to songwriting, gathering in a room to craft material that feels refreshingly loose and live. The album as a whole delivers some convincing arguments for a classic Pearl Jam collection. Tracks like "'Scared Of Fear,' 'Wreckage,' and 'Setting Sun' showcase the band's trademark grandeur, with muscular guitar leads, powerful drumming, and Eddie Vedder's unmistakable vocals leading the charge. Many long time fans will appreciate this album as a fiery rebirth after a series of more stilted releases. Ultimately, Dark Matter is a audio guidepost to Pearl Jam's enduring identity and their ability to deliver authentic rock music that resonates with both diehard fans and casual listeners alike.

Review: This massive anthology box set compiles all five volumes of the Stereolab Switched On series: 94 non-album tracks and sought after deep cuts by the group. Beginning with the original Switched On compilation LP from 1992, the series that ensued - though entirely comprised of deep cuts - still makes for a comprehensive jaunt through the Anglo-French auteurs' oeuvre, which never once lets up on quality. Every track here could've appeared on a full-length, so it's a testament to the band's work ethic that they simply had this much material to follow up with. Warp's comprehensive new 8xCD includes experimental highlights such as the original weirdo-chanson 'Plastic Mile', an Autechre remix of 'Refractions In The Plastic Pulse' and the stripped back 'XXXOOO', among many other gemstones.