Manchester is home to so many iconic bands (and spiritual home to countless more). This is one area where we feel we know a thing or two – we gave the Stone Roses their first big break back when they were first starting out.

Now we’re not one to strum our own guitar [all the time, anyway -Ed], but the new album from Mancunian musos The Statements follows in the vein of great music from Manchester: solid songwriting, well-balanced, professional playing and all in all a thoroughly enjoyable listen. Our ears pricked up when we first heard it – and we highly recommend you now go and check it out too.

The Statements’ debut album, Stand Divided, is available now digitally exclusively through Revolver.