What's on the Evening Times' playlist this week? Here are Stef Lach's latest music reviews...

Album: Young Knives - Sick Octave (Gadzook) *****

The Playlist is a little late to the party in this case ... but what a party it is.

You might know Young Knives as a quirky three-piece with a knack for producing indie pop hits full of silly lyrics and catchy choruses.

And there's nothing wrong with that. Indeed, the likes of early hits The Decision and She's Attracted To were exactly what made us fall in love with them in the first place.

It was on the wonderful Turn Tail that the English group - Henry Dartnall, Thomas 'The House of Lords' Dartnall and Oliver Askew - gave a hint of their less playful side.

It's that more serious edge which is at the forefront on new album Sick Octave.

Having left their major label deal, the band opted to put out their fourth full-length album in that most modern of way - with the help of their fans and a Kickstarter fundraising appeal.

So, as we were saying, we've arrived late to the party.

This album was released at the start of the month, but it only came to our attention very recently - and we're awfully glad it did.

Sick Octave is a more grown up affair than the band have delivered previously.

But rather than being a dramatic departure, it still sounds like Young Knives.

Henry and House of Lords have unmistakable singing voices and they haven't curbed that in the least.

There is a more electronic feel to the songs however, and, particularly on Preset Columns Default Comets, an experimental side to the new material.

But they can still write a catchy tune.

All Tied Up is our favourite, with its "la la la la" chorus, tinged with dark lyrics and followed by an ominous sounding post-chorus section.

We Could Be Blood is also brilliant. Beginning with whistles and a lonely bass line, it allows room for a sweet vocal melody to take centre stage before building to a quite perfect, sing-a-long chorus.

On Something Awful, the band cut between a charmingly lazy riff and an almost disco bass and drum section to create what is another standout track.

Bella Bella and Marble Maze both impress too, before Bed Warmer and Maureen bring the album to a majestic close, the latter particularly effective with its manic electro intro before morphing into the sweetest pop song we've heard in yonks.

Quite simply, a triumph in every sense. Sick Octave is not our album of the week, as we're a couple of weeks too late. Instead, it's our album of the month.

Get it bought.

Single: Texas - Dry Your Eyes (PIAS) ****

The world is a better place with Sharleen Spiteri's voice in it.

Dry Your Eyes is the latest single to be pulled from Texas' acclaimed album The Conversation and it's surely set to be a fan favourite for years to come.

Coming in at under three minutes long, it's short and sweet and drenched in gorgeous string textures. And of course, that voice ... wow.

Written with the man everyone wants on their records, Richard Hawley, Dry Your Eyes is as close to perfect as pop music can get.

For a taster of what The Conversation has to offer, check out this superb single.

Album: Jake Bugg - Shangri La (Virgin EMI) ****

There's no denying Jake Bugg is the new voice of the British indie masses.

He stormed onto the scene with his debut album and has moved to keep the momentum going with a rapidly-released follow-up, Shangri La.

That unmistakable voice is given the perfect platform to shine on this album, and shine it certainly does.

Slumville Sunrise is the standout here, featuring Bugg almost rapping his way through a verse that explodes into a superb, catchy chorus.

What Doesn't Kill You is another cracker, with Bugg chanting joyously along to an up-tempo riff that will have next year's festival crowds bouncing in unison.

As its title might hint at, he tones it down on A Song About Love.

And while his unusual voice may grate with some listeners, it actually holds up pretty well in more tender moments like this, as well as on the rockier numbers.

Kingpin is the standout as far as we're concerned, with its bouncy feel and country edge.

If you haven't yet caught the Bugg, now's the time.

If you like the sound of Young Knives, Texas and Jake Bugg, check out Stef Lach's Spotify playlist for this week - a selection of tracks from similar artists to those featured in this week's reviews.

Like Young Knives? Check out...

Half In Love With Elizabeth - Mystery Jets

Binary Love - The Rakes

Like Texas? Check out...

Don't Marry Her - The Beautiful South

Nothing Ever Happens - Del Amitri

Like Jake Bugg? Check out...

Dreaming Of You - The Coral

Grace - The View