On the record: Fyfe's solo trip to the moon (From Halesowen News)

On the record: Fyfe's solo trip to the moon

7:00am Saturday 23rd January 2010

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He's the front-man for Guillemots and now Fyfe Dangerfield starts 2010 with a solo album titled, Fly Yellow Moon. How will it compare to the band's material? Read on to find out. Elsewhere, Adam Green of Moldy Peaches fame heads out on his own with his release Minor Love and Brooklyn's Vampire Weekend return with a second album.

Fyfe Dangerfield - Fly Yellow Moon Ever since Guillemots were on everyone's Ones To Watch lists back in 2004, there's been something special about the band's charismatic eccentric of a frontman, Fyfe Dangerfield. As he's proved on their two albums, Through The Windowpane and Red, he knows his way around a song and has a glorious touch with a melody. Taking a step away from his band for a second, he's managed to record a solo album, and what a lovely effort it is too. Fans of the breezy nature to Guillemots' debut will find lots of enjoy here. Thankfully, Fly Yellow Moon abandons the R'n'B elements which threatened to spoil Red and goes for simple, emotive string and piano arrangements which let Dangerfield's wonderful songs, none finer than closer Don't Be Shy, do the talking.

Rating: 8/10 (Review by Andy Welch) Krystle Warren & The Faculty - Circles Krystle Warren's dulcet tones are impressive. As soon as you listen to Circles it's like setting foot inside a velvet coated room. A soulful voice which is suited as much to acoustic folk as it is jazz. She sits somewhere between Me'Shell NdegeOcello and Stevie Wonder. Krystle Warren somehow manages to switch between genres effortlessly. Highlights on the album include Three Women, Title Track, and Year End Issue - which she performed on Later with Jools Holland last year. Simple tunes, done well.

Rating: 7/10 (Review by Polly Weeks) Paperplain - Entering Pale Town It's hard not to be impressed by Paperplain's second release, considering it was recorded in its entirety in a bedroom by a girl still in her teens. This mini-album by 19-year-old Helen Page is a stripped-down, pleasant affair, combining gentle guitar plucking, simple melodies, and sweet harmonies. Page's soft vocals are delivered in a half-singing, half-talking style, which underlines every nuance of her voice. The first track, Pale Town, stands out for its building piano riff and varied melody. In contrast, 11:30 is almost hypnotic in its stark, repetitive nature. There are some more forgettable moments on the release, but it is still a promising offering from a clearly talented teenager.

Rating: 6/10 (Review by Diana Pilkington) Sam and Ruby - The Here And The Now It has to be said that singer-songwriters Sam Brooker and Ruby Amanfu's voices blend beautifully. Their sound is a smooth fusion of pop, folk and Americana and their acoustic based debut album is perfectly listenable, unless you are sensitive to cheese. The problem is the lyrics could have been written by James Blunt, for example on tune More they sing, 'You are beautiful, but I need a miracle'. On top of this, the lyrics are delivered in an overly earnest fashion making their ballads sweeter than syrup and slightly comedic. Upbeat pop tunes like the catchy Won't Let You Go and Chillin' are better. These easy-listening folk-soul songs are best suited as background music in busy cafes.

Rating: 4/10 (Review by Lisa Kjellsson) Lisbee Stainton - Girl On An Unmade Bed This is the debut release from 21-year-old, London based singer-songwriter, Lisbee Stainton. It's folk-pop which sometimes crosses into easy listening. She has a strong voice - which is highlighted on the opening number Red. The instrumentation on the album is understated and together with Stainton's vocals the songs sound like something to listen to when preparing breakfast at the weekend with a slight hangover - it doesn't require much attention and is delicate enough not to awaken a headache. It's no surprise Radio 2 are fans of Stainton but it's unlikely the album will be catchy enough to make a big impression on the record buying public.

Rating: 6.10 (Review by Polly Weeks) Adam Green - Minor Love The male half of The Moldy Peaches, whose music went mainstream after it was used on the Juno soundtrack, reveals a mature side to him on his sixth solo album. Two songs may include the word flatulent but there's less toilet humour and there's no cheap pops at celebrities as in his song Jessica Simpson. Instead he blends his anti-folk leanings with some heavier guitar sounds to foreground his lyrics which are as witty and economical as ever. Breaking Locks and Buddy Bradley are the stand out tracks.

Rating: 7/10 (Review by Lisa Williams) You Me At Six - Hold Me Down Looking to capitalise on the impressive lift-off achieved by their long-player of a year or so ago, the Surrey emo rockers You Me At Six release their sophomore effort into a fairly crowded hard rock marketplace in which Fightstar, Lost Prophets and The Blackout among heavier banks also intend to make big waves in 2010. This production is arguably more nuance and textured sonically than its predecessor, although dedicated fans may struggle to find anything to compete with that earlier fist-pumping anthem Save It For The Bedroom. They will probably have to settle on this record for Take Your Breath Away and Liquid Confidence, both of which find the group somewhere near their best.

Rating: 6/10 (Review by Patrick Gates) Esmee Denters - Outta Here She was spotted by Justin Timberlake when her R'n'B covers were uploaded to YouTube. Now, signed to the NSYNC* star's own label, Tennman Records, she releases her debut album with Trousersnake the executive producer on the singer's album. Timberlake has made a shrewd business move by signing the Dutch singer. While she doesn't offer anything particularly out of the ordinary, her vocals lend themselves perfectly to pop R'n'B numbers - the kind of which has been clogging up the charts over the past couple of years. Think of Amerie and Ciara crossed with Miley Cyrus. The tunes are radio and chart friendly and should see her thrust into the mainstream.

Rating: 7/10 (Review by Polly Weeks) Delphic - Acolyte In the early days of 2010 the buzz around Manchester four-piece Delphic has been almost unflinchingly positive. For those who had their fill of shimmering female vocalists last year and are not tempted by the new models - Ellie Goulding and Marina and the Diamonds - they may even be the only option. Fortunately enough, their pulsing brand of synth-rock is the perfect sound to shake off the winter blues. With subtle beats and thronging bass underpinning some surprisingly poppy melodies, it is hard not to call New Order to mind, but this is not an entirely backward looking exercise and tracks like Doubt of This Momentary stand proudly alongside Bloc Party or the Klaxons' finest moments.

Rating: 8/10 (Review by Rory Dollard) Vampire Weekend - Contra Their 2008 self-titled debut album was a big hit with the critics and now the Brooklyn quartet return with another self-assured release. The album picks up where the last left off - albeit in a slightly more relaxed manner. The opening tune Horchata is a well constructed indie-pop tune - no change there then. However it also has tinges of something that little bit more alternative. Like Sufjan Stevens mixed in with, erm, Vampire Weekend. White Sky with slight moments of shouting is more like the Vampire Weekend of yesteryear. Holiday, Run and Cousins provide the bopping style tunes which you'd expect from the band. It's a good album but lacks that raw energy of the group's debut.

Rating: 7/10 (Review by Polly Weeks) Singles by Polly Weeks :: So Solid - Since You Went Away Yes this really is the same 'crew' who released 21 seconds. Only now it seems that there's just three of them. Capitalising on the popularity of grime, this release should prove popular to both fans of UK garage and pop.

:: Biffy Clyro - Many Of Horror The Scottish rockers release this sultry, cinematic number. It's not quite up to the usual Biffy standards but good nevertheless.

:: Alexandra Burke - Broken Heels Forget ballads sung with an American accent, This X Factor winner has chosen to release an attitude heavy pop number. It's a good song which will be a club hit.

On the road :: They're one of the biggest dance acts out there and Pendulum have now announced they'll be heading out on a UK tour in May kicking things off at the Belfast, Ulster Hall on May 17. For full details visit www.pendulum.com.

:: Jamie T's postponed October tour has been rescheduled and kicks off next week. Throughout January and February he'll be travelling the length and breadth of the UK starting at Nottingham's Rock City on Tuesday 19 January. For full details visit www.jamie-t.com.

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