Lush’s first full album proper was a remarkable effort, building on the success of the EPs contained in the Gala compilation to create a slew of engaging rock numbers deftly maintaining a balance between full crunch, a bit of shoegaze swirl (certainly accentuated by producer Robin Guthrie) and the both pointed and dreamy lyrical approach by bandleaders Miki Berenyi and Emma Anderson. “Nothing Natural” and “For Love” made for striking singles, but the deeper cuts were often just as stellar, from the self-explanatory kick of “Superblast!” to the engaging and emotional album closer “Monochrome.”

– Ned Raggett