Singles

HAVEN: Let It Live (Radiate) -- Massive guitars, very much in the Oasis style, open the track while the finale is more in line with The Verve. Yet another big guitar band but in Gary Briggs they have a frontman with a voice to die for. (8/10) CL

ONE HUNDRED REASONS: Remmus (Columbia) -- It just goes to show that practice can make perfect -- or pretty close to it. Last year this band were worse than appalling opening for Scottish noise merchants Idlewild. Now at least the tunes can be distinguished from the noise and, even if the shouted vocals are bit ragged, the energy is endearing. (7/10) CL

BISCUIT BOY: Mitch (Universal) -- For better or worse, Paul Heaton has stepped outside the Beautiful South bubble and this is the first release from his new solo project. The title track might has well have carried the name of his band as the light bright tune and cynical lyrics are simply what we've come to expect. But the final track The Difference, co-written with Martin Slattery and Scott Shields, carries some surprises.(7/10) CL

U2: Beautiful Day (Elevation remixes) (Island) --Seven remixes of the two best tracks on their latest album make this double 12-inch vinyl a fine addition to any record collection. (9/10) CL

Albums

EMBRACE: IF You've Never Been (Hut) -- If you're a fan of Danny McNamara's ballads you'll love this but if you think they're at their best rocking things out then forget it. Listening to this is like driving a formula one car in first gear -- you'll get around but a few risks would make things more exciting. (5/10) CL