John and Jehn: Down Our Streets (Naive)

THIS is apparently about the invasive CCTV cameras that can be found on practically every street in London, but is written with such a light and bouncy tune that you could be forgiven for thinking it was about something far jollier. The other songs on this five-track EP take an entirely different tack, while retaining a retro feel to them, something that ensures the listener is always kept engaged.

Linkin Park: Waiting for the End (Warner Bros)

FROM the concept album A Thousand Suns, which deals with the jolly topic of of nuclear warfare, this is a mix of a number of different genres, moulded together to produce a song that will be a surefire hit in the live arena. A slow-burner, the song builds to a climax, but, just as you are getting into it, comes to a very abrupt climax. I wish had gone on a for a little longer but it probably works well in the context of the album.

Dreamend: My Old Brittle Bones (memphis industries)

ANOTHER song that masquerades as a pleasant little ditty, but has deeply dark undertones. The lyrics are repetitively seductive and the whole thing is wrapped up in a tune so simple it ensures that by the second or third play you're singing them back karaoke style whether you want to or not.