Franz Ferdinand

The Bay Area shoegaze group offer up an early listen of their fifth studio album their first in eight years. With the recent reunions of such canonical figures as My Bloody Valentine, Slowdive, and Ride, shoegaze is unquestionably back. Consequently, so is Film School. With their first album since 2010’s Fission, the San Francisco noisemakers have returned with the perfect thing; Bright to Death is not only a loyal adherent to its genre’s tradition, but also exhibits some of the band’s sharpest work to date.

The Welsh psychedelic pop/rock legends Super Furry Animals return with 'Dark Days/Light Years', their ninth studio album. Where previous albums have seen the band experiment with extra instrumentation, this release is full of songs based on grooves rather than ensemble composition. The band's impish sense of humour remains, though, with track titles such as 'The Very Best Of Neil Diamond' and 'Moped Eyes' standing out. Also notable is Franz Ferdinand guitarist Nick McCarthy's guest appearance on the Kraftwerk-inspired 'Inaugural Trams', performing a German-language rap. In keeping with more recent albums, the band also share lead vocal duties between several members.

'Night Work' is the third album from US group Scissor Sisters. Returning to their NYC cabaret and club roots for inspiration, this effort sees the Jake Shears-fronted troupe collaborate with super producer Stuart Price (Madonna, Seal) and create a sleazy and sexy electronic disco record. Includes the single 'Fire With Fire'.