This week, Alastair fights off depression.

Toolshed - Toolshed EP (Twisted Nerve)

The ex-808 Stater unveils his latest guise, based on his Manchester club night of the same name. And it couldn’t be more eccentric. Driving rock guitars give way to Star Trek-style effects and clanky ethnic percussion. At points he could literally be bashing around in a toolshed. Fellow Homelife member, Seaming To, adds her multi-octave wail to ensure maximum oddity. It’s a strangely enjoyable brew but definitely an acquired taste.

Arab Strap - The Shy Retirer EP (Chemikal Underground)

More dour sensitivity from the Scottish art-rockers. The headline track, taken from April’s Monday At The Hug And Pint LP, gets a euro-house bassline to accompany the mournful strings. And Van Halen’s Why Can’t This Be Love? is turned into a last-orders lament.

Azure Ray – The Drinks We Drank Last Night (Saddle Creek)

Delicate folky ballads with distressed electronics from ex-Bright Eyes members, Orenda Fink and Maria Taylor. The name may suggest a beach bar but the music is far from happy hour.

Athlete – You Got The Style (Parlophone)

The terminally likeable Londoners release arguably the most hummable of their distinctly hummable tracks from Vehicles And Animals. Jovial, witty, but just a tad yucky.

The Rock Of Travolta – Everything’s Opened Up (Idle Records)

The Oxford post-rockers, best known for their gig supporting Radiohead’s homecoming, release their first record since acquiring a vocalist. And very good it is too. Watch out for their album, Uluru, released next month.

Har Mar Superstar – Brothers and Sisters (B-Unique Records)

Is this supposed to be funny? Sounds like a bad Jools Holland acid trip. Ironic? Moronic more like.

Alastair Lee 19 September 03

All singles released 22 September 03.