LA FORME ****
Birds In An Aviary (Libertino)
Newport’s La Forme have returned with their most accessible slice of sophisticated pop thus far. Complete with Dave Gahan-style baritone, they have immersed themselves into the darker side of electro hinted at by their previous single Falling Leaves Pattern and the song captures the intensity of their rare live shows. BG
MANU DELAGO ***
Mesmer Mesmerising (Tru Thoughts)
The familiar percussive melodies from Delago once again captivate on this third single from celebrated album Metromonk. However, guest vocalist Isa Kurz contributes a rather sickly top line and despite having a very pleasant voice, it feels a bit affected. Not the best on the LP but still a good listen. CPI
PANDA FIGHT ***
Neo Via EP (Brathu)
Panda Fight’s PR promises us something NEW; if their definition of new is releasing 32-bit video game music then this is most definitely cutting-edge. It kicks off with the Grimes vs hair metal title track and carries on in this vein until the totally out of place Dawel Yw Y Dydd ends proceedings. BG
THINK PRETTY ****
Think Pretty EP (self-released)
Underrated, in this observer’s view, when the time comes to consider currently-active south Wales rock bands, guitar/drums duo Think Pretty take their sweet time between releases – this second EP arrives three years after the first – but their stripped-down clatter, kinda like Hole if they played garage punk, again sounds on point. NG
THE TINMEN **
Stereotypes (All Systems Go)
Local Valleys lads have been resurrected and would make a fine Jam tribute band because they have all the mod cons, technically. Cracking guitar/drums throughout, nice keyboards on Disgraceful Behaviour too, but The Tinmen need to step up from simplistic lyrics. Nothing we haven’t heard before, but if you like power pop… RLR