SLOW CLUB Complete Surrender

Although hailed as Britain’s answer to the White Stripes following their formation in 2006, Sheffield-duo Slow Club’s first two albums showcased a more obvious penchant for twee indie-folk than garage-rock. Their third album, Complete Surrender, sees the band swerve expectations again by shifting their focus to 1960s-pop, a bold but natural progression built around the stunning voice of lead singer Rebecca Taylor. Soaring and soulful on The Queen’s Nose, yet delicate and fractured on Dependable People, Taylor’s vocal versatility allows the band to explore a new Motown-inspired sound alongside more traditional stripped-back numbers without appearing contrived or forced.

8.5/10 – Alistair Mills

JUDAS PRIEST Redeemer of Souls

The Metal Gods from the Midlands come pounding out of the studio in true style on their 17th studio release, with their new guitarist Richie Faulkner slotting comfortably into the line-up. Rob Halford’s incomparable voice is in fine form as he screams, cajoles and growls his way through a heavy collection of songs the band have produced in their long and successful career. Although this is classic British heavy metal, it isn’t stuck in any time warp, sounding as fresh as anything else that’s appeared recently.

8/10 – Steve Grantham

THE RAMONA FLOWERS

Dismantle and Rebuild This album has rightly been compared to an early Radiohead release. There’s a lot of electro on the indie/rock debut, but if one song could encapsulate the whole theme of the album it would be the 1980s-sounding World Won’t Wait, with its game station-esque backdrop and distorted electro. If you’ve been waiting for something different from mainstream music, you’ve just found your new favourite band. 8/10 – Nicole Gallagher