Recommended music: 'Grey Tickles, Black Pressure' by John Grant

OK, so this is a bit of a strange one. After a week of listening to this record I like it, and I love bits of it, but I couldn't say I loved the whole thing, at least not yet, not like I want to. Maybe that will come in time, but for now it kind of feels like there's half a brilliant album tucked away inside this whole one.

That's not to say that it doesn't piss all over most of the dross that's been released this year. John's lyrics are at their most barbed and cutting throughout - here's a selection of my favourites:

"You and Hitler oughta get together, you oughta learn to knit and wear matching sweaters"
"There are children who have cancer, so all bets are off, cause I can't compete with that"
"Global warming is ruining my fair complexion, augmenting all my imperfections"

Musically it's all over the place, which is sometimes good and sometimes less so. From the glam-rock stomp of 'You and Him', through dark electro like 'Black Blizzard' and 'Snug Slacks', into the 80s disco of 'Disappointing' and onto the lush sounds of 'Geraldine', there are plenty of ideas on display here. But part of me wishes he'd just crack on and make a full on electro-assault on our senses, maybe under an alias, for one album and them come back with a piano / acoustic epic for the next.

High points for me are the verse and clarinet on 'Down Here' and the Wichita Lineman-esque ending to 'Geraldine'. And having seen most of the album performed live at Rough Trade last week I'd say some of the songs have more power and hang together better live than they do on record.

Grant is still one of the most original voices making music today, and it's great that he's given such artistic freedom by Bella Union. I just feel that his ship might benefit from the occasional steer every once in a while.

New music: 'Within Arms Reach' by Tastelike Cake

A nice slice of piano-led ambient instrumental music from the Icelandic musician William Georges. It's definitely got that Scandinavian vibe going on, all chilled moods and atmospheres. Listen or download the track for free below.

Live - in pictures: John Grant at Shepherds Bush Empire, London 15/5/13

John Grant, London 15/5/13

Just thought I'd put up a few of the pictures from the excellent John Grant gig a couple of weeks ago.

John casts a sly look at the audience

John was on fine form, the new songs sound much more powerful live, and the new band (mostly from Iceland) really do justice to the songs.

John Grant & band, 15/5/13

Highlights for me were 'Glacier' and 'Queen of Denmark', but there wasn't a duff moment all night.

Glacier - a stunning performance

A quick mention for the main support act too - 20 year old Ásgeir Trausti, also from Iceland, was excellent and I'm looking forward to the English-language version of his album (with lyrics translated with John Grant's help!) later in the year.

Ásgeir Trausti on stage with his band

New music: 'Tanlines' by Yunioshi

Sublime electro-pop from Yunioshi, the first single to be released from their eponymous début due later this year. Sleek and shiny, it reminds me a bit of FM Belfast, perhaps not surprising given that the track was produced in Reykjavik, and the band have played the Iceland airwaves festival for the past few years.

Yunioshi will be celebrating the release of the single with a gig supporting Wave Machines at Village Underground - see the flyer below for details.