[rating=4]
Released December 1, 2011
This solo spoken word record, consisting of harsh industrial noise mixed with Williams’ poetry, isn’t a release for the faint of heart.

“In terms of subject matter and the actual words he uses on the tape, it’s what we’ve come to expect from Mike IX: visions of an apocalyptic wasteland, devoid of beauty and living as we know it, where merely surviving another day is beating the odds.”

221 min • Universal Catalogue • November 25, 2013
This box set release of 5 Enigma albums is a reminder of how innovative they were, but is it a good box set? Remastered? New features?

“Who is this box set for I wonder? Fans will already have the albums – albums that actually have booklets replete with with gorgeous artwork, lyrics and liner notes which are sadly lacking here.”

[rating=4]
Released January 21, 2014
Against Me!’s Transgender Dysphoria Blues is an accomplised punk record that explores issues of trans* identity, personal struggle, and ultimately liberty.

“Grace and the boys may have just made history, becoming the first mainstream rock ‘n’ roll band to cut an album full of unrestrained trans* pride. “

[rating=3]
Released February 23, 2014
‘Can’t Rely On You’ is Paloma Faith playing it deliciously funky in also her most explicitly pop moment to date.

” ‘Can’t Rely On You’ manages to bode well for an album which promises to see Paloma come face to face with her hi-energy inclinations, with her inner dance floor obsessions being bought to the fore. “

[rating=5]
66:35 min • Parkwood / Columbia • December 13, 2013
The surprise release from Beyoncé is probably the first time in her career that she can truly be seen as an artist. Not commercial but a soul opus.

“Beyoncé raps and purrs, and whilst her voice is in solid shape, there’s little of the vocal gymnastics we’ve come to expect from her. This album is not about booty shaking, getting to number one and showing off her vocal range. This album is about the music and the artistry.”

[rating=4]
Released October 29, 2013
From the archives of notorious performance art group COUM Transmissions, Home Aged and the 18 Month Hope features interviews, poetry, and sound experiments.

“This album shows the peak and eventual end of one of the most transgressive art groups of the 20th century. The mix of sonic experiments, poetry, and interviews offers a rare public glimpse into the world of these weird artists.”

[rating=3]
Released November 05, 2013
Angel Haze started out as an exciting prospect, and so why does her first official album release sound like a step backwards?

“It’s maybe important to point out that the deluxe version of this album contains 4 of the most compelling, sonically challenging and vibrant tracks contained under the Dirty Gold banner.”

[rating=3]
Released November 05, 2013
The Black Flag legends look at late middle age and try to recapture the fast and violent glory days of their youth. Do they succeed or do they fail?

“Black Flag built their reputation on raw, angry hardcore. Every record sounded like it would end in a riot and a police raid. .”

[rating=4]
Released November 29, 2013
With a co-writing credit on every track, Britney Jean is not a return to Britney the Pop Princess, but the dawn of Britney the woman.

“Britney Jean feels to me like the first album Britney has had any control over since her highly publicised breakdown and heavy sedation.”

[rating=4]
Released October 29, 2013
Night Time, My Time is a surprisingly taut guitar, drums and synths album. It has an impressive, genuine indie rock-pop authenticity.

“What Fererrai has done with Night Time, My Time has made a record where it isn’t necessary to rely on visual props to fully relate to and enjoy the music. In that way it seems quite old fashioned and there is little doubt whilst listening to it that she loves these songs as well as the process of making them come to life.”