Possibly their best album since XTRMNTR, this is a statement that a band who’ve been on the go for 30 years can still produce something new. No one’s going to say it’s the best thing Primal Scream have ever done, but it’s not half bad. By Kevin Scott

Glasgow folk-pop band The Deadline Shakes have delivered a bright debut that showcases a multitude of influences across a largely upbeat collection of songs, all shaped by sharp lyrics and gorgeous sound. By Kevin Scott

Jazz supremo Bill Wells teams up with a host of familiar indie faces to reimagine some of the best-known nursery rhymes, showing their dark lyrics in a new light with simple, elegant arrangements. By Kev Scott

German composer Nils Frahm has trawled his vast collection of music for these 23 dazzling and hypnotic tracks that fuse many genres into one of the most spellbinding releases in the long-running Late Night Tales series. By Kevin Scott

Toronto quartet The Autumn Stones return with a second album stuffed full of 80’s influenced indie that is sharper, sincere and soulful. By Kevin Scott

With a second EP to follow their debut album, Machines in Heaven are showing no signs of slowing down, with their crafted electro getting better and better. – By Kevin Scott

French experimental dance outfit release an album of evocative pieces that should be heard by as many ears as possible. By Kev Scott

After a severe battle with anxiety, Paul Marshall has returned with his third Lone Wolf album, creating an understated wonder that is confessional, engaging, heartbreaking… and brilliant. By Kev Scott

Lo-fi folktronica that is heartfelt and engaging, but which fails to leave a lasting impression. By Kevin Scott

With their fourth album, Glasgow’s Errors have tuned into the 80s and turned up their synths, resulting in a rounder, more approachable sound, but one that moves the band closer to mainstream synthppop. BY Kevin Scott

Returning with a second album, jazz pianist Bill Wells provides the perfect vehicle for Aidan Moffat’s savage yet soulful tales of sex and the city. – By Kevin Scott

An erratic and entertaining album from New York’s Black Sugar Transmission that puts punk at the heart of glam-pop. By Kevin Scott

Another glimpse in the wonderful world of Dan Deacon sees the electro-melodic boffin return to self-production with the resultant album peppered with glimpses of wonder. By Kevin Scott

On their fifth studio album, Cold War Kids are quick to the punch, with huge bluesy rock numbers, but the high standards don’t last, as the album fades into unforgettable filler. – By Kevin Scott

It may be hugely derivative, but that shouldn’t distract from the talent on show throughout this debut from Leeds alt-rocking shoegazers Menace Beach. By Kevin Scott

Released as a companion piece to last year’s Strange Friend, Fears Trending may not reach the heights of that outstanding album but it has a darker, more playful personality of its own. By Kevin Scott

Glasgow-based Jan Burnett returns with his third album under The Grand Gestures moniker, with another dose of dark electronica featuring guest vocalists. By Kevin Scott

The album has been in the making since 2007 and came about after Shrigley created artwork for Middleton’s A Brighter Beat solo album. It may be something of a struggle to get through it all in a single sitting, but there are enough individually strong tracks to make it worth a listen – it’s unlike anything you’ve ever heard before. By Kevin Scott

Following up debut album bordersbreakdown with equally impressive EP, Machines in Heaven are one of the best electronic acts to break through this year. – By Kevin Scott

Russian shoegazer Roman Kalitkin teams up with Ummagma for his debut release as Sounds Sputnik, an album with two core songs at its heart. By Kevin Scott

With their third album, Kiev’s Endless Melancholy have created a neoclassical ambiance that while not pushing any boundaries feels effortlessly comfortable and is a joy to listen to. By Kevin Scott