The Megaphonic Thrift – Decay Decoy (Club AC30 Records) **

Following the release of their Thousand Years Of Deconstruction EP last year, the debut album by Norwegian rock band The Megaphonic Thrift will no doubt please their devoted fan base. The album starts on a high note, with the rather bizarre – yet strangely enjoyable – The Undertow. But this sense of anticipation is short-lived. As the album progresses through track after track, the potential for nine edgy, vibrant songs is clearly a case of unmet expectations, as the album tails off into monotonous mediocrity. As it is, Decay Decoy is an ordinary effort that should have offered so much more.

Charlotte McCallum, 19, student, Bradford

Syd Matters – Brotherocean (Because Music) ***

Syd Matters are a five-piece band from Paris who are beginning to achieve bigger things in their native country, France, having won awards as best new act at various stages in the past year. Despite the French tag, the music and lyrics are all very accessible to the English ear. This is folk music with a bit of a pop twist sung in English. It could not honestly be described as depressing music, but then again, I wouldn’t call it cheery either. It just about keeps your interest throughout the family/sea-themed songs but leaves you wondering if things could get a little bit better on their next album.

Nigel Goodman, 53, teacher, Heaton

Various – The Classical Album 2011 (Decca) ***

This album is a fantastic mix of different tracks by various artists, such as Lesley Garrett with You’ll Never Walk Alone to Rhydian O Fortuna. Artists range from Luciano Pavarotti and Bryn Terfel to Charlotte Church and William Orbit. At first you think ‘not another classical album’, but over two cds it definitely has something for everyone, young or old, even if you’re not a classical fan.

Dave Ayres, 33, engineer, Idle