Alt-J on course to beat Aphex Twin to this week's No.1 album

Alt-J are currently sitting atop the UK midweek album charts, looking set to beat the returning Aphex Twin to the No.1 spot. 

The Official Charts Company reports that he Mercury Prize winners are currently 9,000 copies ahead of Aphex Twin's Syro with This Is All Yours, 

"I’m literally squirming," singer and keyboardist Gus Unger-Hamilton told Official Charts Company. "Even if we do end up at No.1, maybe I’ll still be a bit sceptical!"

This is the band's highest UK chart entry to date, after their debut This Is All Yours peaked at No.13. Do they have what it takes to beat the anticipation that surrounds the brilliant Syro - Aphex Twin's first album in 13 years?

Meanwhile, Leonard Cohen is at No.3 with Popular Problems, Barbara Streisand (yes, really) is at No.4 with Partners and Sam Smith refuses to leave the top five with In The Lonely Hour. Joe Bonamassa and Professor Green have also crashed into the top 10 while Lady Gaga and Tony Bennett are at No.11. 

Alt-J's full UK tour dates are below. For tickets and more information, visit here. 

18 September - Glasgow, Academy
19 September - Manchester, Apollo
20 September - Manchester, Apollo
22 September - Wolverhampton, Civic Hall
23 September - Brighton, Centre
24 September - London, Alexandra Palace
24 January - London, The O2 Arena