Indie

The Panics: Cruel Guards (Publica)

Hailing from Perth, Australia, The Panics’ sun-kissed guitars, easy melodies and widescreen string arrangements make them an absolute joy.

Intelligent, heart-bruised lyricism of Jae Laffers mines the emotional terrority of such greats as Bob Dylan and Morrisey.

There are echoes of other supremely credible British bands, including Echo And The Bunnymen and Ride on this melodic, atmospheric and occasionally epic release.

rating : 3/5

Jazz

Karen Lane: Beautiful Love (Smash Digital)

Though Lane hails from the same area as The Panics, her sound could not be more different. The classy soul singer is equally at home performing acoustic, bossa nova, swing or standards.

Her great knack is in bringing new life to tired old standards. Songs that are past their sell by are given new life under her command.

If you’re looking for comparisons, think of the smokey and sensual Astrid Gilberto. Lane is a class act.

rating: 3/5

Alt-Country

Jason Lytle: Yours Truly, The Commuter (Anti)

The disbanding of indie-folk stalwarts Grandaddy in 2006 was a cause for unremitting sorrow. Thankfully, singer/songwriter Jason Lytle has re-emerged in solo guise for this debut.

The key elements of Grandaddy – fuzzy guitars, delicate keyboards and observational lyrics dealing in the hassles of modern life – all feature in this dreamy and dramatic release.

Solo careers can be precarious affairs, but Lytle has surpassed expectations with this outstanding release.

rating: 4/5