The popularity of the pop-punk cover, thanks to "Punk Goes Pop" compilations, and New Found Glory’s "From The Screen To Your Stereo" recordings, has shown that a good pop song can easily be translated into a version with heavier guitars and driving drum beats.  Bayside prove to be masters of this, with clever interpretations of some unlikely songs.  As this is Volume One, hopefully we can look forward to at least one more of these in the near future, as we await another full length Bayside original album.

Although it is sad to think that this is the last recorded material we may ever hear from Basement, it is certain that this record will leave a lasting impression. The band has always been honest with the way they have approached everything and always done things on their own terms, and this record is no different. The record is another solid addition to their already impressive catalogue, and one that should not be ignored.

Normally a longer review would be necessary, but there’s no need for more indulgent and excessive words – ‘Into the Future’ is thoroughly impressive. Regardless of lineup changes, religion and God knows what else has befallen Bad Brains since the beginning of their career; they've pulled through with both their musical productivity and integrity intact. Highly recommended.

The ‘This Fire’ EP seems like a more mature approach to song-writing from Birds Of Tokyo, like some sort of warning that fans should expect the next full length to be significantly different to the band’s past releases and should be eased into the change with the new songs. Regardless, this will certainly hold the attention of the people who may have been waning.

Between the Buried and Me are a band you’d always put your unconditional trust in because you know they’re always going to come through. ‘The Parallax II: Future Sequence’ is not perfect but it’s not far off either. Another exercise in diversity and progression right here.

Benjamin Gibbard is one of those rare artists who excels in every project he attempts, regardless of its genre. Here on 'Former Lives' however, he sounds more comfortable than ever, a little more open than usual, and above all, as brilliant as always.

Previously Ball Park Music would have really only been noticed by the indie lovers. However, with 'Museum,' they may appeal to a wider audience, mainly in part to the simple brilliance of the lead single, but also because this album is a solid example of their great song writing abilities.

The best thing about 'The Sound of the Life of the Mind' is that it never gets boring. By sticking to a simple instrumentation, the trio are able to explore every facet of their sound in great depth, and Folds' lyrics cover the emotional gamut. This new set of songs has the potential to become classic Ben Folds Five material with solid production to back it up.

As with all of Mould’s music over the years, even back in the Hüsker days, pop is the core of the sound, strong melodies and sneaky little catchy moments that will stay stuck in your brain. ‘Silver Age’ is no different, merely peppered with a sense of nostalgia and time earned experience which make this album a solid release from a legend.

Put simply, if you you want variation and a slight change of pace 'Yellow & Green' is a fantastic listen. If you want a fast-paced, downtrodden sludgy full-length then you might feel studio album three is slightly lacklustre. This is impressive musicianship, just not the type of sound you'd initially expect from Baroness.