A LOOK at the latest single and album releases.

Singles:

HELL IS FOR HEROES: You Drove Me To It (Wishakismo)

THIS new band were born after splinter members of Symposium, joined their like minded mates, creating a thrash metal group to be proud of.

Better vocally than their predecessors and retaining their stage bouncing antics.

If the sheer raw energy of screaming guitars and shouty vocals are more important to you than the content, then look out for these boys. CL

THE HIVES: Hate To Say I Told You So (Poptones)

THEY come from Sweden armed with sharp suits and even sharper tunes.

With punk, hardcore, garage and new wave all keys to their wicked brew, they've to be heard to be believed. CL

ED HARCOURT: Apple Of My Eye (Heavenly)

A NOMINATION for last years Mercury music prize, Ed's first release of the new year is a re-worked version from the said album.

Still sounding like an understudy to Badly Drawn Boy who's desperately trying to punch his way out of the mould, at least the other new tracks offer some insight into the depths to his abilities.

From the strung out country hoe down to a blistering blues rock out, it's clear Ed's more talent than first meets the eye. CL

Albums:

VARIOUS: A Quiet Riot (PIAS)

FOR the last year or so, the thinking man's music scene has been the steady flow of intelligent, acoustic indie bands, writing songs where the words were as important as the music.

Here we have over two hours of classic tunesmanship that captures the very essence of that 'Quiet is the new Loud' movement.

What makes this compilation worthwhile is the inclusion of so many lesser known names.

This a wonderfully humble soundtrack to a perfect lazy Sunday morning. CL