Lil BUB – Science & Magic: A Soundtrack to the Universe

Controversially, Science & Magic isn't performed by the internet's favourite cat Lil BUB. It’s a concept album, conceived and created by 'Bubbysitter' Matt Tobey (aka Matty Pop Chart, also of Bloomington indie-punk wonders Good Luck) to raise money for special needs pets, and according to Andrew WK’s sleeve notes, “listening to these songs is the sonic equivalent to holding Lil BUB in your own arms.” The road to hell, as we're all aware, is paved with good intentions, but this record just about gets away with ‘em. 

Perhaps appropriately given his muse, Tobey demonstrates a short attention span with regards to genre, running the gamut from string-laden, Go! Team drama to 8-bit videogame nerdcore; a post-everything popgasm. The sun-flecked, dewdrop synths of A Friend steal the show, alongside GOOD JOB’s nonchalant wonder – ok, there’s little here that’ll get your fingernails dirty, but it should all leave you feline pretty good. [Will Fitzpatrick]