Reviews

Depressing study in madness, memory and murder from David Cronenberg, with Ralph Fiennes, recently released from a mental institution, setting up home in a halfway hostel in London's East End close to where he grew up, and the scene of a massive childhood trauma. Despite some typically creepy Cronenberg moments and universally impressive performances, the plot's predictable, and the relentless bleakness wears after a while.

Travis-lite trad-rockers' debut LP

The Czech Republic's biggest little band return with their first UK release in eight years

Legendary T.S.O.P. strings arranger finally releases debut solo album after 39 years in the business

Superior, previously uncollected singles and B-sides from melancholy ex-Field Mice

BEATIN' THE HEAT

Career round-ups for two of the brightest lights of '80s Britfunk

Casually packaged highlights compilation

Downbeat, Neil Labute-esque tale of male inadequacy

John Malkovich slums it as the evil mastermind plotting to turn Britain into a giant prison camp, while Rowan Atkinson, as the titular rubbish spy, presses all the wrong buttons. Puerile, deeply unfunny and, as an advert for our country, downright treasonable. A crime, if memory serves, still punishable by death.