Libertines

Breaking through aged 15 with a song, “Brazil”, that rails against corruption in international football, Declan McKenna revealed himself as a unique, thoughtful lyricist with a knack for scruffy guitar pop galvanised by classic hooks. His debut album confirms that reputation, investigating police brutality and media bias on the baroque indie rock of “Isombard” and highlighting irresponsible reporting of LGBT issues on “Paracetamol”’s charmingly wonky electro-pop. Best of all is “The Kids Don’t Wanna Come Home”, which throbs with all the confusion and optimism of youth.

Achtung Bono is the tenth album by UK indie rock band Half Man Half Biscuit, released in 2005. In 2010, a Facebook campaign was mounted with the aim of saving BBC 6 Music from threatened closure, and as a sign of protest to get "Joy Division Oven Gloves" from Achtung Bono to No. 6 in the UK Singles Chart on 12 April 2010. In the event, it entered the Singles Chart that week at No. 56 and the Independent Singles Chart at No. 3. Whether or not the campaign was influential, BBC 6 Music was saved.

The Hightown Pirates’ formed by Simon Mason release their debut album Dry and High this month. The conception began through Mason’s friendship with Mick Head (Pale Fountains and Shack) in Liverpool and also a tour with the Libertines last year. This lead to Pete Doherty producing the artwork for the album. Indeed, one track is written about him Just for Today. Various musicians got on board and contributed to the “collective”.