Thousands Of Reflections - Sawhooks And Chains/Call Me Ishmael

With a latter day line-up consisting of James Housley from the explosive Ocean Bottom Nightmare, Simon Curd from the respected Dragonflies Draw Flame, as well as Guy Elderfield on recording duties, TOR have pedigree – and an intriguing approach to alt-rock. Sawhooks And Chains recalls Tool and the Smashing Pumpkins, and it's a thought-provoking melody. Call Me Ishmael is equally fluent, with tinges of indie and metal that demonstrates exceptional flair. Keep an ear out for a full release in spring 2010.

★★★★★

Mable's Husbands - I Direct

Something of a well-kept secret this lot, for almost three years. This quintet bounce back and forth with contagious electronica and subtle indie rock, bound together with a shadowy undertone. Do It Right and Holly (Dream Sometime '08) are uncompromising and imaginative but for all its originality, Pest is annoying. Even for a four track EP it feels overlong, suffering with repetition. That said, they have delivered well on their debut and show potential.

★★★★★