Virtually unknown in the UK, Centro-Matic are one of the hottest US bands (No 2 in Rolling Stone's 2003 Hotlist). This new album may well provide the group with its breakthrough in the UK, headed by songs which have an immediate appeal such as Picking Up Too Fast, a straight-ahead rock song that combines Neil Young-era Crazy Horse texture and a rolling rhythm, with an elegant plaintive lead that buries straight into the soul. If people like to see the dirt on their organic food, Centro-Matic make organic music with all of the feel left in. There are no tricks - this music is as timeless as it is new. Where the Kings of Leon recycle Creedence Clearwater Revival, this album cycles simple American songwriting power, great tunes and elegant melody, and doesn't let up for 50 minutes.

ACE rating 9/10

Cool enough to be embraced by young women everywhere, but edgy enough for the men, Pete Yorn's first album Musicforthemorningafter shot him right onto the world's album charts. It didn't hurt that he has friends and fans such as Bruce Springsteen and David Bowie. Day I Forgot, the follow-up, is a more varied album, which in this case doesn't mean direction-less. Songs such as Crystal Village and Come Back Home are instantly memorable straight rock with a balladeer leaning. However, the rest of the album is a grower. It may take 5 listens, but it repays that time well, songs such as Committed acquiring a real resonance over time. Coming off a successful UK tour, Pete Yorn will be very big by the time he hits album 3. No doubt at all.

ACE rating 9/10

Cool enough to be embraced by young women everywhere, but edgy enough for the men, Pete Yorn's first album Musicforthemorningafter shot him right onto the world's album charts. It didn't hurt that he has friends and fans such as Bruce Springsteen and David Bowie. Day I Forgot, the follow-up, is a more varied album, which in this case doesn't mean direction-less. Songs such as Crystal Village and Come Back Home are instantly memorable straight rock with a balladeer leaning. However, the rest of the album is a grower. It may take 5 listens, but it repays that time well, songs such as Committed acquiring a real resonance over time. Coming off a successful UK tour, Pete Yorn will be very big by the time he hits album 3. No doubt at all.

ACE rating 8/10