Andy Bell – Non-Stop (Mute) **

Non-Stop is the second solo album by Andy Bell, lead singer of synthpop band Erasure. The album is a mixed affair, offering ten mildly enjoyable tracks that are neither memorable nor distinct. Co-produced and co-written with Pascal Gabriel, Non-Stop showcases none of the much-celebrated individuality showcased in Gabriel’s recent collaborations with Ladyhawke and Little Boots. Far from the club and disco scene the album targets, this is background music completely lacking the power and style so prevalent in Bell’s work with Erasure.

Charlotte McCallum, 19, student, Bradford

Shy Child – Liquid Love (Camera Phone) *** So, this is what Scissor Sisters are up to now. Oh, hang on, I’ve stupidly mistaken Shy Child for a slightly-less fun version of Scissor Sisters, and it’s such a shame as this Eighties-influenced dynamic duo have the potential to be so much better if they would only let loose a little. Even a track titled The Beatles wasn’t enough to save me from major disappointment (and no, the track sounded nothing like The Beatles). The title track features a Fleetwood Mac sample which also failed to amuse me.

Russ Petcher, 35, bassist, Low Moor

Scottish National Jazz Orchestra – Torah (Spartacus) * Torah is powerful, expressive orchestral jazz, led by Scottish saxophonist Tommy Smith, who wrote this compilation that supposedly encapsulates the first five books of the Bible. The music is loud, raucous, almost tuneless and, to my ears, a real turn-off. Occasionally there is light and gentle relief, but it soon returns to what I can only describe as 15 “musicians” appearing to try and be louder and less melodic than their colleagues. Certainly not a release I would recommend in any shape or form – it was a relief when it finished.

Stephen Tate, 66, retired, Odsal