The Airborne Toxic Event (MajorDomo)

When released in the US last year, this LP received a piddling 1.6 out of 100 from Pitchfork, a critical smackdown if ever there was one.

Still, given the critic was making a Big Point about bands crafting a sound to fit a demographic, this was probably a little harsh.

Taken purely on face value, the Los Angeles quintet’s brand of wear-your-influences-on-your-sleeve guitar pop is no better or worse than a lot of the indie schmindie around at the moment.

Not awful but not great either. ALISON GRINTER