ALBUM REVIEWS

Various 'Soundbombing 2' (Rawkus)

The underground New York hip-hop label goes one better than the original compilation by bringing a set of exclusive tracks from both its own signings and guests who include Eminem. The stand-out track comes from homegrown Company Flow (see Five Worth Seeing, page 34). This is the soundtrack to a sweaty, humid summer. HHHH

Pavement 'Terror Twilight' (Domino)

After entering the singles chart at number 27, it appears that Pavement's time has deservedly come, but this album is more foggy than others. Solidity and consistency replace the quirky and bizarre, but fans shouldn't worry as Pavement are still out there in a little world that is all their own. HHH

Gay Dad 'Leisurenoise' (London)

It's pretty hard to put an exciting Nineties slant on classic rock anthems and ballads but, apart from a few lapses of lyrical conviction and a couple of so-so tracks, Gay Dad have come up with a summery slice of rock that very nearly lives up to all the hype. HHH

Super Furry Animals 'Guerrilla' (Creation)

Trippy rock should never be a straightforward experience but the Super Furry Animals' third album is less consistent than, say, the Flaming Lips. "Northern Lites" and a few other tracks are undeniably brilliant but there's a lot of noodling going on elsewhere. HHH

Sugar Ray '14:59' (Lava/Atlantic)

When they go pop - such as on "Every Morning" - Sugar Ray offer charm with a bite. There are other catchy tunes on here, but whereas The Offspring can successfully forge ska on to punk metal, 14:59 generally has less luck with blending in its light hip-hop sounds. HH

SINGLE OF THE WEEK

Johnson 'Try' (Higher Ground)

This gorgeous yet dark folk-tinged soul number from the stylish English duet should put them well on the road to achieving much wider acclaim. Taking the lead vocals, Noah Johnson shows that his is a strong voice, superior to both Seal and McAlmont. Great stuff. HHHH