Regina Spektor Far, Album, Warner Bros, June 22 *** Russian born New Yorker Regina Spektor's latest release has been tweaked by four super-producers whose alumni includes Dr Dre, REM, Paul McCartney and The Strokes. Funny then, that Far sounds so much like her previous albums and very, very Regina Spektor. She's honed in on the poppier sound of her breakthrough album Begin To Hope, but doesn't compromise the whispery, piano that's become her trademark. First single Laughing With is a stripped back ballad that delves into her religious ponderings, while Eet shows off her rockier, sassier side. With every release the cloak of kooky mystery she used to use as a shield drops a little more and this is her most personal yet accessible record to date – Tori Amos will be getting twitchy.
Gossip Music For Men, Album, Columbia, June 22 **** With their Skins endorsed breakthrough Standing In The Way Of Control, many expected huge things of Gossip. But, ignoring the magazine shoots and appearances in certain magazines' 'cool lists'. the post-riot grrrl band just carried on doing their own thing – the thing they'd been doing for years before and will probably carry on doing for years to come. Unsurprisingly their new album is more of the same. Beth Ditto's confrontational roar is the centre piece, with punky electro and thudding drums building a wall around her. Stand out tracks are closer Standing In The Way of Control-esque disco-punk Spare Me The Mold and single Heavy Cross. It's loud, proud and very satisfying. A brilliant follow up.
Gallows London Is The Reason, Single, Warner Bros, June 22 *** Gallows are angry young men. Shouty, angry young men. And they love to let it all out with a fist punching sing along. The most anthemic track from their latest album Grey Britain, London Is The Reason is also its first single. With the release of that album, and singer Frank Carter's elevation to rock god, Gallows have become the friendly face of British punk. But they're no Green Day wannabes. This is stuff that will upset your granny and make the hip hop spouting hoodie next to you on the bus move. It's not for everyone, but the disaffected yoof should love it.