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The Lemon Sherbets’ debut record wears its influences on its sleeve, from opening track Between Two Smiles, which has the swagger of early 2000s Libertines, to Orange Trees’ Simon and Garfunkel harmonies. The record is a love letter to those that came before, but with enough song-writing skill to stand out from the crowd. The Magical Mr E recalls The Beatles’ more whimsical moments and Bonbon Napoleon adds brass and synths to The Lemon Sherbets’ sound. A warm and sunny record and a promising debut.

Rich Higton

J Littles x Zoutr

Vex (EP)

Nottingham artist J Littles has come a long way since his early releases in 2008. He's matured from the days when he concentrated on grime and has developed his own unique style of grown-up hip hop. In collaboration with Nottingham producer Zoutr from Elementz, he has unleashed the Vex EP, and this must surely be essential listening for 2023. It has a powerfully produced sound that provides the perfect backdrop to the lyrics that explore the harsh realities of today's life, recession and struggles. This is not easy listening; this is a heavy piece of work on a heavy subject. Ignore it at your peril. Bassey

Sleaford Mods

UK Grim (Album)

A couple of years ago, Sleaford Mods frontman Jason Williamson told us lot he was “finding it hard to get angry” after the absolute mood killer that was lockdown. Yet with UK Grim, the Mods’ latest record, that anger seems to have returned in full force. A cutting, poignant attack on the frankly sad state of our country at the moment, Williamson and Andrew Fearn take aim at everyone from the Tory Government to disingenuous aspiring artists and, as always, do so in their trademark abrasive style. It’s the no-holds-barred rallying call this nation needs right now.

Ken Adams

Rules of Engagement

The Mirror Cracked (EP)

This EP was an abrupt shock to my system, as you never know what to expect from local bands who are just starting out. But every now and then you’ll get a band like Rules of Engagement. On what is only their debut EP, they have managed to create something worthwhile. They sound honed and whole; they sound like a finished product. Like most things, of course, the EP isn’t perfect - I may have left the track Division off the tracklist, personally - but they have made something worth giving your time to. I’m pretty sure I had tears in my eyes at one point or another.

Harry Mangham

Benjamin

A Rebel’s Story (EP)

Benjamin Zięć & the Rarebreeds are back with their new EP, A Rebel's Story, which pays homage to Nottingham’s long and rich history. Featuring five glorious tracks, the band tells the story of everyone’s favourite bow and arrow outlaw, takes us down to The Old Angel for a good old pint of Nottingham ale, and has us take a wistful trip around Collingwood Park. Infectiously cheerful and with incredible vocals and melodies, you cannot possibly listen to this album without the instant need to head down to the local pub and dance the night away with a pint of ale in your hand. Give the EP a listen, these lads are fantastic!

Iulia Matei