New releases last eight weeks: Indie/Alternative

Review: Second time around for eccentric Sheffield trio The All Seeing I's sole full-length excursion, 1999's Pickled Eggs & Sherbert, which here lands on vinyl for the first time.The album, a celebration of Steel City creativity featuring cameos from Cocker, Tony Christie, Babybird and the Human League's Phil Oakey, is best remembered for hit singles 'The Beat Goes On', 'Walk Like a Panther' - lyrics reportedly penned by Jarvis Cocker - and 'The First Man in Space', but there are plenty more highlights amongst the unique blends of fractured dancehall rhythms, redlined electronica, oddball easy listening references, experimental d&b rhythms and genuine leftfield pop nous. For proof, check out blissful acapella number 'No Return' (where Lisa Millett plays a starring role), the breathless, bass-heavy house of 'Sweet Music', the weighty madness of 'I Walk' and the exotica-goes-big beat flex of 'Happy Birthday Nicola'.

Review: The second album from the Toronto-based Crystal Castles dives headfirst into a more polished pop direction while keeping the razor-sharp edge that made their eponymous debut unforgettable. It sees the duo tightening their sound, swapping the erratic juxtapositions of their first record for a more cohesive and dynamic approach. Tracks like 'Celestica', 'Suffocation' and 'Empathy' blend shimmering synths with biting distortion, striking a balance between beauty and bite. There's no shortage of potential singles here. The rave-tinged 'Baptism'. the hazy allure of 'Not in Love' and the frenetic energy of 'Vietnam' shows their knack for crafting tracks that feel equally at home on dancefloors and in headphones. While the shift toward a poppier sound might seem like a concession, the duo's grit remains intact, with moments like the chaotic 'Doe Deer' and the eerie closer 'I Am Made of Chalk' adding depth and darkness. Ethan Kath's production is layered and inventive, building a world of haunting synths and lo-fi beats, while Alice Glass' vocals morph between distorted whispers and guttural screams. Her versatility shines, avoiding the bratty screamer stereotype and instead presenting a nuanced and unsettling performance. The record's ambition is clear, as Crystal Castles evolve from their 8-bit beginnings into something more expansive and mature. A landmark album from a band who at the time, created a buzz like no other.