Listen to the Track: It may sound obvious but listen to the whole track. An intro with a killer riff doesn’t always amount to a brilliant song, nor does a slow build discount a raging end. Imagine if Radiohead’s Paranoid Android was reviewed from the first 20 seconds.

Respond honestly: You’re not helping anyone by hurling compliments all over the place, save your praise for that special song. On the other hand remember that the musician has put themselves on the line, not some manager or rep. Your review will be read and if you’re slagging off people’s music no one will take you seriously or like you.

Be Constructive: SMS style reviews are an Unearthed sin: “OMgsz Gr8 Trck!” More importantly being a site for unsigned artists there is a good chance uploaded tracks are demos and will be re-recorded. That said your awesome review might help mould a song. Simple suggestions like: “Let’s hear that chorus one more time” or “Cut the synths” can turn a good track to a great track.

Consider the Genre: If you’re a die hard Roots fan handing out stingy reviews to Hip Hop artists either learn about the genre or keep your nose out of it. Like most things in life you probably don’t like it because you don’t understand it.

Get Some Style!: If you can’t wow with class try the ‘Tits and Teeth’ method. Super-User ‘Trouserboy’ has a great method of placing songs in different jacket pockets: ‘Killer track! I will put this in my top pocket.’ Variety is a good thing.

Keep Showing the Love: By reviewing a few tracks each week and keeping these tips in mind you could find yourself snagging the coveted title of Super-User! If you do, or even if you don’t, keep showing that love for unsigned artists. One of the greatest benefits is boasting to all your alternative friends about the unsigned acts you know. Sure they may have heard The Foals and These New Puritans but you know Cathy Petocz and Fergus Brown!

Happy Reviewing, Murdoch