Latest releases reviewed

THE TEARS
Refugees Independiente
****

It's all water under the bridge for Brett Anderson and Bernard Butler, as the creative floodgates reopen for a Suede new sensation. Big, open-armed guitars and us-against-the-world lyrics make this a neat bookend to So Young.

ANTONY & THE JOHNSONS
Hope There's Someone Rough Trade
****

A trembling voice that echoes Edith Piaf, Jeff Buckley, Aaron Neville, Liz Frazer and Tilt-era Scott Walker - do you really want to hurt this baldly candid boy-diva? This is off Antony's acclaimed album, I Am a Bird Now; Karma Chameleon it sure ain't.

WILLY MASON
So Long Virgin
**

If he could only write some funny lyrics about roadrunners or ice cream men, the kid from Martha's Vineyard could be the next Jonathan Richman. This clatters along nicely like a runaway lawnmower, but all you're left with are grass stains on your pants.

SNOOP DOGG
Signs ft Charlie Wilson and Justin Timberlake Geffen
***

Haven't heard from young Trousersnake in ages - he's obviously been hanging in tha Dogg pound, along with The Neptunes, who produced this funky '80s-style disco rap. Signs are that Snoop and JT will definitely have you nekkid by the end of this song.

ATHLETE
Half Light Parlophone
***

From their mega-selling Tourist album, here's proof that the pop kids can't get enough of that Coldplay/Keane type stuff. A terrace anthem for sweet and tender hooligans.

LUCIE SILVAS
The Game Is Won Mercury
***

This Brit singer actually writes her own belters, and this one packs such a wallop, it could send her flying into the bigtime. Sounds like Christina Aguilera doing The Who's Love Reign O'er Me on the prow of the Titanic.

ROOSTER
You're So Right for Me Brightside
**

They may have the whiff of prefab rock about them, but these retro boys sound well up for taking on Oasis at their own game. There's not much to distinguish this from a Reef B-side, but the girlies will definitely roll with it.