Back catalogue: All genres

Review: American alternative rockers and, if you're anything like us, teenage favourites the Smashing Pumpkins, dropped their second album Siamese Dream in July of 1993. Frontman and vocalists Billy Corgan produced it with Butch Vig and the sessions were reportedly marked by difficulties and tensions but that didn't stop the record from debuting at number ten on the Billboard chart and going on to be certified quadruple Platinum. For the way it brings alt-rock, metal, shoegaze, indie and psychedelic influences to commercial rock it is often regarded as a gold standard of its era with high production values and ornate arrangements at odds with many of its peers.

Review: Of all the grunge era survivors, The Smashing Pumpkins are surely one of the most grandiose. Staying true to that premise, Billy Corgan revels in a majority original line-up being back together to create a whopping triple-sized concept album which picks up the thread from Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness and Machina/The Machines of God. Atum is billed as a rock opera served in three acts, veering from heavier sounds bordering on metal to the catchier, poppier sound heard on lead single 'Beguiled' and into more esoteric territory. This four-vinyl edition gathers together the entire magnum opus in one lavish box set - a must-have for devotees of the veteran US rockers.

Review: The Smashing Pumpkins' transformation from melodic alt-rock deities to synth-driven electronic boppers is complete. Well, almost. The titular single certainly fits that easy narrative, laser beam chords and string refrains bursting from behind a track that bounces with a light disco punk energy. In truth, of course, there has always been far more to Bill Corgan et al than the alternative rock tag often implies, and even right back to their formative years the crew were toying with expectations.

2018's Rick Rubin-produced Shine And Oh So Bright... album may have emphasised their rock roots, but now we're given their creative juices in full flow on their poppiest outing yet, partly inspired by the roster of seminal Chicago label Wax Trax!, the US home to Underworld and The KLF among others. Needless to say, though, the Pumpkins make it sound like they've lived here all along; testament to their unwavering dedication to trying new ideas and knack at pulling them off.

Review: Soft Cell's Non Stop Erotic Cabaret & Other Stories: Live is a different and thrilling way to experience the band's iconic debut album. Recorded during their farewell concert at London's 02 in 2018, the album - with superb neon artwork - captures the essence of their groundbreaking synth-pop sound with electrifying live performances. Marc Almond's haunting vocals and Dave Ball's innovative synth melodies shine throughout the setlist, including classics like 'Tainted Love' and 'Say Hello, Wave Goodbye.' With raw energy and nostalgic fervour, Soft Cell delivers a mesmerising experience that pays homage to their legendary career while showcasing their enduring influence on the electronic music landscape.