Albums Out This Week: W/C 2nd March 2009

It seems that graphical artists the world over took the week off when it came time for this week's releases. Have you ever seen a sorrier bunch of 'will this do' cover art?

While something could be said for the brave minimalism of U2's No Line on the Horizon, it's just lacks any kind of arresting qualities, elsewhere we have 'put the band members on the front', 'try a pretty font with lots of colours' and 'some weird shapes should do it'.

Representing the sole instance of artwork excellence is Of Machines, they clearly didn't take the advice of the post-hardcore handbook and opt for some swirly-looking dark cartoonish trappings, nope here we have impressive all the way.

Howling Bells: Radio Wars

We have seen Howling Bells achieve a substantial amount since their debut, touring with the likes of Placebo, Snow Patrol and The Killers. The news that Dan Grech-Marguerat would be helping on Radio Wars comes to no surprise considering his previous work with Radiohead, Paul McCartney and Air. Breaking news..... Howling bells announce worldwide tour with Freddy Murcury, Jimi Hednrix and Sinatra himself...(are we liable for those ridiculous statements?) 

U2: No Line On The Horizon

It's been almost five years since we've heard from Bono and his crew of minions when they released 'How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb'. Following thirty years of churning out stadium rock tunes the irish folks have yet to tire; they wrote over fifty songs while recording 'No Line on the Horizon' but with the help of Brian Eno and Daniel Lanois they've refined the album to eleven songs your dad will love. 

Bell X1: Blue Lights On The Runway

Their last album 'Flock' propelled Bell X1 from home shores in Ireland on to the continental scene. If you didn't catch their American and European tour in '08, then they will be back in March to showcase their 4th album. 'Blue Lights on the Runway' is the first to be released on their self-owned label BellyUp Records.

Justin Townes Earle: Midnight At The Movies

The sophomore album from Nashville's Justin Earle was recorded in the House of David Studios in Tennessee; which has also seen the likes of Elvis Presley and Bon Jovi. Justin will be touring around Tennessee  between February and April. 

Red Light Company: Fine Fascination

Gathering hype, praise and airtime since their inception back in '07 when bassist Shawn Day moved from America to pursue the band with four other members. There seems little reason why these boys shouldn't be sailing to the top of the charts. Indie-smarts, mainstream appeal. Coming to you on Radio 1 every day, soon.. 

Fiction Family: S/T

The Fiction Family duo consists of Switchfoot front-man Jon Foreman and former Nickel Creek guitarist Sean Watkins. The chaps say that Fiction Family 'Is a beautiful byproduct of a music industry in crisis' 

Shinedown: Sound of Madness

Shinedown have been broadcasting their false-rock nonsense since 2001, along the way they have accumulated a fan-base the size of a small country and enough platinum records to fund one too. 'Sound of Madness' was released to the American market way back in June '08, the U.K release will be a slightly different version to the album. 

Kora: Kora! Kora! Kora! Cabaret Voltaire Versions

Its very rare to see any successful bands spawn from New Zealand and those that do are normally quite peculiar such as Flight of the Concords. Kora add to this strange roster by mixing reggae rock and dub to produce an intriguing and original sound. 

Alif Tree : Clockwork

Alif Tree is a French DJ from Marseilles with one successful album under his belt, he blends down-tempo electronica with a vast arrangement of other genres. This imaginative young fellow is holding a remix competition for the single 'Aurevoir' from 'Clockwork' which is a surprise considering the song is only one minute long! 

De Rosa: Prevention

De Rosa's label Chemikal Underground have been going since the 90's when 'The Delagos' founded the label, they have broke many bands since then including Mogwai, Bis and Arab Strap. All of these bands originated in Scotland and De Rosa is no different. To keep the standard of patriotism that Chemikal Undergroud impose, De Rosa's second album features Barry Burns from Mogwai and the artwork is a portrait drawn by Scottish writer Alasdair Grey. 

Of Machines : As Is Everything Was Held in Place

In a year-long period which has bought us Escape the Fate, A Day to Remember, Attack! Attack! and every other crap band Victory have signed, Of Machines are a brief gasp of slightly less-rancid air. Post-hardcore sounds with a post-rock guitarist and an electronica trainee on the part-time payroll..

Discharge: Disensitise:Deny-Remove-Destroy

Although the lineup has changed a lot since their first records back in the late 70's, Discharge are still punk icons. Many believe that if these four British lads had not formed to produce five influential albums then metal and punk would never of crossed borders with the ease it does today.