New releases last eight weeks: Indie/Alternative

Review: A great choice by Music On Vinyl - whom at this point have proven their mettle at sating the desires of almost any type of past music enjoyer - Chapterhouse's 'Whirlpool' is the debut studio album by the English shoegaze band, and thoroughly deserves this case of retrospection. In just nine tracks, the quartet of Andrew Sheriff, Stephen Patman, Simon Rowe and Ashley Bates established a hugely maximal sound, stylistically nailing the form by pairing its vacuuming vocal washes with more propulsive, hard-limited mixes and masters, informed by industrial and dance music most notably. Contemporaries of similarly tersely-named bands like Lush, Moose, Ride and Curve, Chapterhouse were indeed the most multi-syllabic, not to mention least restrained band out at the time; standouts 'Pearl', 'Autosleeper' and 'Falling Down' nailed the explosion of '90s indie ferment and the overflow of emotions that came with the decade.

Review: Cuckoo was their second full length from Curve - Toni Halliday on vocals and guitar with Dean Garcia - and saw its release in 1993. This album was heavier, focused and featured stronger, more aggressive rhythms that evolved from their first album. Heavily influenced by bombastic urban and electronic beats but favouring shoegaze effects on the guitars, making for a unique combination that made Cuckoo stand out from the rest, ultimately predating similar sounds from bands like Garbage. This album holds key tracks like the amazing 'Men Are From Mars, Women Are From Venus' as well as the singles 'Missing Link' and 'Super Blaster'. The effects of Curve are still being felt today by those who discover them and fans of the producer Flood should definitely be aware of this album if they are not already. This reissue comes on limited numbered 180- Gram pink & purple vinyl LP complete with an insert.

Review: King's debut album, Steps In Time, is an infectious energy bomb of new wave dance pop. Led by the standout single 'Love & Pride,' the album delivers a vibrant collection of tracks that are sure to delight fans of the genre. While 'Love & Pride' undoubtedly steals the spotlight with its irresistible hooks and infectious energy, the rest of the album holds its own as well. The songs are all well constructed and grow on you with repeat listens like longtime fans of the album have realized. After 40 years, they still hold plenty of entertaining moments for those who appreciate the new wave meets pop sound.