Albums

TOM BAXTER: Feather and Stone

FRESH from supporting Jamie Cullum, singer-songwriter Tom Baxter now has his debut CD to further enhance his reputation. At first you worry that he's another angst-ridden Chris Martin sound-alike but then he gets into his swing with beautifully crafted songs with fine harmonies, strings and plenty about them. The voice is expressive and different enough to get him the recognition this album suggests he deserves. JA

THE OPEN: Silent Hours (Polydor)

THE hype surrounding this band could well be justified. Boasting a distinctly '80s feel, imagine early Teardrop Explodes mixed with a little Orange Juice and you're getting there. The Open write intelligent songs matched by some sweeping melodies.. JA

IT GIRL: Uno (Drowned in Sound)

GET the earplugs out, It Girl are determined to hit your aural cavities and hit them hard. These boys love heavy chords, crashing drums and even in their quieter moments you sense they can't wait to cut loose and let it rip. Sadly, I just couldn't come to terms with the vocals, a sort of '70s hippy warble crossed with Black Sabbath. If you love your heavy stuff it's probably one for you, but not for me. JA

JASON DOWNES: (Jive)

IS it unkind to describe this as a more R'n'B version of Mike Skinner's work as The Streets? After a couple of listens I don't think so, as we're presented with a series of stories of modern urban life set against a dance-ish backing track. Personally I would have liked to have heard Jason Downes giving his undoubted vocal talents a little more of a challenge and could have done with fewer of the clubbing elements. But it's certainly a different sound. JA