The Coral -- The Invisible Invasion

Just three years after bursting onto the scene with their eponymously-titled debut album, the industrious seven-piece Scousers are back with their fifth album.

After the nightmare of last year's limited edition Nightfreak and the Sons of Becker, it is back to the studio for The Coral. And the results are much better.

The Invisible Invasion might be their most complete album but not the best. Oddly enough it lacks the raw edge they had before.

Gone is their youthful exuberance, instead this is a more mellow sound that does not quite fit their image.

The album kicks in with So Long Ago, resonating in their psychedelic 60s magic. And first single, In The Morning is up their with The Coral's finest. But between that and final song Late Afternoon, it is too much like a lazy day.

Paul Cook

The Caesars -- Paper Tigers

The Swedish quartet's fourth album may be used to sell iPods but it might not feature on many.

Formed ten years ago, The Caesars, have only now shot to fame and the band are not scared to tell you how.

A sticker on their latest release tantalisingly reminds you that Jerk It Out, featuring on its third album, is the sound of the iPod Shuffle advert.

Another track, I'm Gonna Kick You Out, has been the backdrop to the Peugeot 407 adverts and lots of toy cars. The Caesars too are a little like a toy band. Without another inclusion of Jerk It Out, the album would be sadly lacking. It isn't a bad album, but not one to challenge rock's hierarchy.

Paul Cook