As I write this, their album ‘Sigh No More’ is number 7 in the iTunes chart, so they must be doing something right, right?

Let’s see…

Track #1: Sigh No More – Many people have said that Mumford are a lot like Fleet Foxes. This track reflects this notion beautifully, as the melodic chanting lyrics are not far away from the Foxes’ style at all. I’d say Mumford & Sons are just that little bit more exciting, as this song proves.

Track #2: The Cave – You might recognize this song when you hear it because it’s appeared on several British TV adverts. It’s definitely one of my favourite tracks on the album because of its simplicity and, in a weird way, it’s extremely catchy. The tune behind it is not one you’re going to want to forget in a hurry.

Track #3: Winter Winds – This track was actually released in the UK in 2009 but missed out on the top 40 by just 4 places. I never heard it back then, but since, I’ve heard it several times on BBC’s radio 1 and I’m sure I’ve heard it a couple of times on TV, which just goes to show the growing status of this band. A perfect song.

Track #4: Roll Away Your Stone – No, it’s nothing to do with Jesus and the Easter story. It’s actually a lot less depressing and far more jolly than that story. The chirpy, fast tempo guitar and banjo work perfectly here with an extremely vintage feel.

Track #5: White Blank Page – Another of my favourites, this song is both haunting and inspirational. The lyrics are just perfect: not a single one doesn’t make you reflect on a certain time in your life when you were asking these questions. (“Oh tell me now, where was my fault in loving you with my whole heart?”) Sounds depressing, but it’s really just a flawless song.

Track #6: I Gave You All – Yes, you did, Mumford & Sons. You gave us all with this album. This track is definitely one of the more depressing, and could probably pass as a Death Cab song in terms of its lyrics. Scratching of steel guitar strings is always something I like to hear, and this song ticks this most important box.

Track #7: Little Lion Man – Apparently, this was Mumford’s first single release. Not many people could have heard it, because it’s simply wonderful, but again failed to appear in the UK Top 40. The chorus here is really quite catchy and beautifully British. I approve.

Track #8: Timshel – And we’re back to the chant-y loveliness that is easily comparable with Fleet Foxes. The way in which they chorally sing in this track is so haunting and beautiful that it could fit into any good movie soundtrack with ease.

Track #9: Thistle & Weeds – Not sure this is one of the best tracks here, but it’s certainly not boring. I love the chorus, but it’s really quite depressing. I suppose it’d be great for anyone looking to listen to some mourn-y music. The piano is also particularly good.

Track #10: Awake My Soul – Being a Christian, I really enjoy this song because of the biblical connotations it has. Of course, I love the song because of how it sounds too, but the way in which this track is just so heavily religious without being too implicit is beautiful. You don’t have to be Christian to like it either; the chorus is again very strong.

Track #11: Dust Bowl Dance – Unlike the other songs, this one kicks off with a soft piano, which is a lovely contrast which runs through the entire track. Of course, the banjo is still in tact. I’d say it’s actually the signature instrument of this band that really makes them stand out from other current indie bands in the UK.

Track #12: After The Storm – A beautiful song to end the album. Not the best of the bunch, but it’s pretty to listen to anyway.

Overall Rating:

You can’t get any newer than this: out today is new folktronic popstrel Ellie Goulding’s debut studio album.

And here we are, reviewing it on the Wiggle. It was just last week that she was awarded the Critic’s Choice Award at the BRITs, proving that she is supposedly one of the best upcoming stars for 2010.

You may remember dear old Sopho reviewing her a while back, so I thought I’d let you know our opinion on her newest release ‘Lights’.

Track #1: Guns and Horses – The first track and it already showcases the unique vocal ability of Goulding. The drum beat in the background makes this track a good one to dance to as well.

Track #2: Starry Eyed – Currently number 4 in the UK single charts, (correct 1st May 2010) Starry Eyed is the perfect definition of ‘folktronica’. It has an earthy feel to its synthesized beats and is easily liable to get stuck in your head.

Track #3: This Love (Will Be Your Downfall) – The slowest of the first three tracks… to begin with. Then we’re faced with one of Ellie’s poppy drum beats in the background that are sure to become one of her trademarks.

Track #4: Under The Sheets – I’ve listened to this song on repeat (it was previously released on EP) and I never get tired of it. The lyrics really are catchy and as soon as you hear the song, you can’t help but sing along.

Track #5: The Writer – Radio 1 acclaimed this track upon their preview of the album and it is easy to see why. It’s less electro than the other songs and more acoustic. However, it is really beautiful and enables Ellie’s voice to stand out even more.

Track #6: Every Time You Go – One of the less catchy tracks, which is probably a good thing because imagine having a whole album stuck in your head! Still fun to listen to.

Track #7: Wish I Stayed – One of the hidden gems in this album. Featuring Frankmusik, Ellie gives us some inspirational lyrics accompanied by an entertaining song.

Track #8: Your Biggest Mistake – Starting acoustically with her guitar, Ellie begins this track stripped bare. As it progresses, it turns into a synthesized masterpiece. There is so much to listen out for by the end of it all.

Track #9: I’ll Hold My Breath – A very pop-orientated song here. Especially the chorus – it sounds almost as if Girls Aloud wrote it. But a more musically aware Girls Aloud, of course.

Track #10: Salt Skin – Unlike other songs on the album, Salt Skin starts off chaotically (in a good way) and goes up and down in terms of tempo throughout. This makes for a very interesting track indeed.

Track #11: Lights – The title track sounds quite a lot different to the other tracks in that Goulding shows off her long notes. But again, her signature drum beat is in tact as always.

In summary, this album is nothing short of a fine piece of art. It is a revelation for folk and electronica and is one of the only album’s I’ve been excited to review. Well worth it. Go to iTunes and download as soon as you can.

Overall Rating: (And a very well deserved 5 stars at that!)

No, that picture the right isn’t a form of strange, distorted pornography, it’s actually the album cover. Don’t know why they chose it though, you’ll have to ask them…

There are some pretty disturbing photos inside too, but they’re really artsy and they makes one of the better CD sleeves that I’ve seen.

This is actually the band’s 5th studio album, and their songs often appear on some great movie soundtracks, so let’s see if they sound as impressive as I’ve made them seem.

Track #1: Meds – Straight away one of my favourite tracks on the album. The frantic guitar kicks off the whole show, with the line “Baby, did you forget to take your meds?” getting stuck in your head like no tomorrow.

Track #2: Infra-red – This song was released as a single and with good reason. It was actually the 2nd Placebo song I ever heard (the first was track 7) and it was really the song that made me want to listen to the rest of the album.

Track #3: Drag – One of the more up beat tracks, but the lyrics totally contrast. What I love about Placebo is that their songs actually make you pause and think about their meaning, and this is definitely a perfect example.

Track #4: Space Monkey – This song is great for creating an eerie atmosphere. Some songs just call for you to dream up your own music video to it, and Space Monkey pushes my mind to conjure up some creative weirdness. Which is a good thing, by the way.

Track #5: Follow the Cops Back Home – Another song that makes you stop to think. I’m not sure that there’s actually a real meaning to the lyrics, which I think is good because it leaves the listener to make what they want of the song.

Track #6: Post Blue – A track with a pretty dark sound to it. Not one of the most memorable, but it’s still far from a filler song. Would probably work well on a movie soundtrack, once again.

Track #7: Because I Want You – I’m not sure if this is the most well-known song by Placebo; I know it was on the Cruel Intentions soundtrack and it was a hit. It’s not hard to see why. Catchy and upbeat sprinkled with a slight air of mystery. Great.

Track #8: Blind – Starts off with some uncharacteristic synth-y sounds. But I approve. Although I never remember the title of this song, once it starts, I can’t help but listen. Possibly one of my favourites.

Track #9: Pierrot the Clown – I think this is relatively popular among fans and I can fully understand why. Another one of those movie soundtrack songs, it starts off dreamy and builds up gradually. A beautiful song.

Track #10: Broken Promise – One of the highlights of this track is the twinkling piano at the start of it. Another highlight is the dramatic jump from the piano to the rocky electric guitar. Really a flawless tune.

Track #11: One of a Kind – Again, one of the lesser memorable songs. However, the chorus really is a strong one and the song is the type that you don’t get bored of half way through.

Track #12: In The Cold Light of Morning – It’s odd, because the songs at the end of the album often impress me. This penultimate track is one of my favourites. It’s dark, weird and makes me think of passing out. And that’s why I love it.

Track #13: Song To Say Goodbye – I said I always liked the songs at the end, and this is no exception. It has a beautiful piano, beautiful lyrics and is a beautiful end to a fascinating album.

Overall Rating:

To be honest, any punky band fronted by a strong, sexy woman is always good in my books. (Except for the likes of Blink-182, Bowling for Soup and Sum 41, of course.)

Pretty much everyone loves Paramore. But why? Let’s review their 3rd album to see…

Track #1: Careful – Not what I would have chosen as the opening track, but it’s bouncy enough for you to get your head-bopping on. Just a warm-up, I suppose…

Track #2: Ignorance – The first big single release off the album. It’s pretty catchy to be honest, and I’ve heard the odd blonde haired bimbo singing it. I guess they really are pretty diverse as a band when it comes to audience.

Track #3: Playing God – A little slower than the first two songs, but again with pretty catchy lyrics. The chorus is definitely the best part, lyrics-wise.

Track #4: Brick By Boring Brick – Another track to be released as a single, this song actually has a pretty great music video to accompany it. Sort of catchy and definitely makes you want to join in.

Track #5: Turn It Off – One of the more forgettable tracks, in my opinion. Just generally weaker, with weaker lyrics and a toned down beat.

Track #6: The Only Exception – I’m not a huge fan of this song, despite everyone else loving it. It’s pretty slow, with little more than an acoustic guitar to back up Haley Williams’ vocals. Not a fan.

Track #7: Feeling Sorry – And we’re back into the upbeat, rocky Paramore everyone loves. Not the strongest track, but it’s still pretty good to jump about to.

Track #8: Looking Up – My personal favourite. Awesomely catchy track with an amazing beat and strong lyrics. I think I like it most because it’s super happy. WIN!

Track #9: Where The Lines Overlap – Another track in which the chorus outshines. A really great song though, with a really positive story to it.

Track #10: Misguided Ghosts – Paramore drop in another slow track. I prefer this one to ‘The Only Exception’ however. The vocal and acoustic guitar sounds beautiful together here. Much better.

Track #11: All I Wanted – I’ve never actually listened to this song properly… Well, until I wrote this review. And it’s actually pretty good, on first listen!  Hayley’s voice sounds pretty amazing to be honest. Best thing about it.

Track #12: Decode (Twilight Soundtrack Version) – Most people will have heard this song because of the Twilight franchise. And most Paramore fans will probably have stemmed from the Twilight franchise. A really strong song with an amazing chorus and a music video to match. The band’s talents really shine, alongside, of course, Ms. Williams’ pipes.

On the whole, not a bad album. A couple of tracks are weaker than the others, but when the song is strong, it’s really strong. Claps for Paramore.

Overall Rating: