Houses For Little Horses by the Model Folk

You have to embrace the world of Model Folk or you will find yourself in an alien landscape. But if you take the challenge, thrown down right from the opening track, Forty Days A Liar, you begin a journey through surreal architectural soundscapes.

This, the band’s second album, is a carefully crafted piece of folk theatre; a whimsical jog through a mix of bouncy Balkan tunes, sexy sax jazz, marching bands all embedded in solid folk rock.

The track Sick Sick World has the soft, subtle Jonah and the Whale feel, while One More Daiquiri has that honest tub-thumping, footstomping beat.

Bulgar Romanische is played with unashamed panache and spirit, daring you not to dance.

Badger takes up the vocal gauntlet on many of the narrative songs. My own favourite on the album is Leona Dare, for me it is the hit single on the record although Ederlezi has a powerful film score vibe with stunning choral finish.

In each generation there is a wacky band of brothers. Way back in the mists of time there were the strange goings on of the Bonzo Dog Doodah Band, then came the weird and wonderful Terry Gilliam and the Monty Python boys and today we have The Model Folk.

The band all have technical wizardry in their own musical field but together they raise the bar of pure entertainment in a live show. So did the album capture that magic mayhem? No doubt! 8/10

Out now and available from https://modfolk.bandcamp.com/album/houses-for-little-horses

- Flicky Harrison

CARDI B - INVASION OF PRIVACY

All hail Cardi B, who finally dropped her debut album after a wait that seemed painful to many fans.

Invasion Of Privacy, the 25-year-old rapper’s first full LP following her smash-hit debut single Bodak Yellow last year, was well and truly worth the wait. It’s a glittering example of female empowerment, sex appeal and pure attitude combined with the artistry of old-school hip hop.

Kicking off with a rage and passion-filled opener Get Up 10, Cardi B - real name Belcalis Almanzar - sets the tone with its powerful message to her haters. It’s a musical middle finger, and rightly so.

From there, the album drips in classic 1990s and early noughties hip-hop vibes, filled with melodic harmonies, samples and addictive beats. She shows her softer side in Be Careful, but even this honest, raw offering comes with a side of Grade A sass.

The record is brimming with top-notch collaborations, with Chance The Rapper, SZA and Migos among those taking part. Standout tracks include the peppy Best Life, Bickenhead and I Like It but the reality is, it’s all pretty fabulous. 9/10 Lucy Mapstone

THE DAMNED - EVIL SPIRITS

It’s been just over 40 years since The Damned released their first album Damned Damned Damned in 1977. Fast forward to 2018 and they are releasing Evil Spirits with the spirit of gothic punk going strong after so long, the only difference being Dave Vanian’s matured vocals.

The lead single, Standing On The Edge Of Tomorrow, opens the album with an explosion and carries on throughout the album, as if there is hardly 40 years difference between 1977 and 2018.

For fans of The Damned there will be no disappointment over their new material or change within their music style. 8/10 Aimee Kobierzycka

THIRTY SECONDS TO MARS - AMERICA

America is their first album in five years but Thirty Seconds To Mars have delivered - and then some. The release has been an event in itself with multiple album covers, each one different and emblazoned with words from songs that reference their theme on the album.

Fans will be familiar with already released singles like Walk On Water and Dangerous Night, and the other 12 tracks won’t disappoint.

Both collaborations on the album - One Track Mind featuring A$AP Rocky and Love Is Madness which features Halsey - are both hypnotic and an exploration of new sounds that suit the band.

Big ballads like Great Wide Open stay true to their talent for hitting the mark with it comes to delivering a big, impactful tune. Other tracks like Hail To The Victor, Remedy and Live Like A Dream also deliver.

8/10 Deidre Reid