Tobacco - Hairy Candy 8.6/10

Tobacco is the psychedelic electronic solo project of Tom Fec from the Pittsburgh-based group Black Moth Super Rainbow. This track is taken from his album Fucked Up Friends which was released by Anticon Records in 2008. Heavily treated vocals echo across a bed of revving synths and robotic beats, and somehow the result feels warm and organic rather than cold and mechanical. The lyrics are almost impenetrable in the mix and consist of just two repeated phrases, "Eat(?) the sun" and "too young", but it's the wistful emotion in the chopped vocal melody which adds depth to the song's headlong rush into what sounds like a trans-dimensional vortex. This is a late-night chillout track to listen to through headphones after watching sci-fi movies.

Ty Segall - The Drag 8.3/10

Ty Segall is a lo-fi garage rock performer based in San Francisco, California. This track is taken from his self-titled album which was released by Castle Face Records in 2008. The track takes a 1960's surfer vibe and then smothers it in heavy distortion and layers of feedback. Segall's from-the-bottom-of-a-well vocals coax listeners to get up and hit the dance floor to do 'The Drag'; you could almost dance to it but you would probably hurt yourself trying. The song has undeniable drive and energy, suggesting Segall is enjoying performing it in the studio as much as he does during his stellar live performances. For those who love heavy guitar distortion (I count myself as a member) this comes highly recommended, and is best played loud once the party is really getting underway.

Miniature Tigers - Tell it to the Volcano 8.6/10

Miniature Tigers is an indie pop group based in New York City, USA. This track is taken from their debut album which is also called Tell it to the Volcano, released by Modern Art Records in 2008. Flute and organ sounds open the track before it adds acoustic guitars and Rick Schaier's signature drumming. Charlie Brand's shy, mournful voice carries the track as he describes a tale of love gone wrong in lyrics heavily laced with irony and sly humour. The band have gone on to embrace synth-pop and electro-pop on later albums, but the predominantly guitar-driven sound of Tell it to the Volcano remains their most complete album and the best example of Brand's talent for writing wry, absurdist revenge-fantasy lyrics.