There have been a number of good albums released this summer. Arctic Monkeys' Suck It And See and Bon Iver's self titled second album come to mind as two of the best. However a number of other bands have managed to continue the trend...
Last week Bombay Bicycle Club released their third studio album, A Different Kind of Fix. The album sees a return to the rockier style of their first album, but also includes elements of folk and ska/reggae. BBC have also teamed up with folk singer Lucy Rose, who provides the back-up vocals on their latest album. All in all, the London band appear to have expanded musically through the inclusion of a Rose's soft backing harmonies, and even some new instruments (the jumpy piano on 'Shuffle', Cuban percussion). But the band have kept the best bits - soft intricate guitar melodies, the almost funk-like bass and drums, and Jack Steadman's unique vocal style. There are some excellent tracks on the album such as 'Shuffle', 'Lights Out, Words Gone' and 'How Can You Swallow so Much Sleep' - but I do resent the last one being used on the soundtrack of the Twilight Saga's Eclipse. The rest of the tracks are decent too and a few more listens to the album will probably convince me of that. 8/10.
Admittedly I haven't listened to much of The Horrors. And as their album, Skying, came out more than a month ago, this review will be the old news. But their new album has impressed me, and I know in the UK received critical acclaim soon after release. Skying fuses punk rock with psychedelic 'space' or 'dream' pop. The result is enjoyable, if a little out-there. But that's not too surprising given the band openly admitted the album was inspired by 'taking loads of pills'. The lyrics are certainly abstract enough to suggest it. That shouldn't take anything away from this album though, because in it The Horrors have successfully created a sound that merges punk's directness with melodic, spacey surrealism - a sound that fittingly creates the sensation of the title of the album itself. Worth a listen if you're into any of that kind of genre.. or even just indie. You can find full streaming of the album at this link. I recommend tracks 'Changing the Rain', 'I Can See Through You' and 'Still Life'. 8/10.
My last review is The Horrible Crowes debut album Elise. The band are the experimental side project of The Gaslight Anthem's Brian Fallon and crewmember/guitarist Ian Perkins. Elise trades the 'big' Springsteen-esque choruses of Fallon's previous works for a more soulful feel, meaning that essentially the 'experimentation' on this album is a toning down. Fallon manages to reduce his distinct rough, shouty vocals to a softer tone surprisingly well. To be honest, after hearing The Gaslight Anthem's 2010 album, I realized it wasn't my kind of thing. And although I like the change to a softer, soulful sound, I wouldn't say it's one of the best albums of the year. But it may grow on me. For anyone interested in hearing Elise, it's being streamed until September 6th here. 7/10.
Last week Bombay Bicycle Club released their third studio album, A Different Kind of Fix. The album sees a return to the rockier style of their first album, but also includes elements of folk and ska/reggae. BBC have also teamed up with folk singer Lucy Rose, who provides the back-up vocals on their latest album. All in all, the London band appear to have expanded musically through the inclusion of a Rose's soft backing harmonies, and even some new instruments (the jumpy piano on 'Shuffle', Cuban percussion). But the band have kept the best bits - soft intricate guitar melodies, the almost funk-like bass and drums, and Jack Steadman's unique vocal style. There are some excellent tracks on the album such as 'Shuffle', 'Lights Out, Words Gone' and 'How Can You Swallow so Much Sleep' - but I do resent the last one being used on the soundtrack of the Twilight Saga's Eclipse. The rest of the tracks are decent too and a few more listens to the album will probably convince me of that. 8/10.
Bombay Bicycle Club - 'Shuffle'
Admittedly I haven't listened to much of The Horrors. And as their album, Skying, came out more than a month ago, this review will be the old news. But their new album has impressed me, and I know in the UK received critical acclaim soon after release. Skying fuses punk rock with psychedelic 'space' or 'dream' pop. The result is enjoyable, if a little out-there. But that's not too surprising given the band openly admitted the album was inspired by 'taking loads of pills'. The lyrics are certainly abstract enough to suggest it. That shouldn't take anything away from this album though, because in it The Horrors have successfully created a sound that merges punk's directness with melodic, spacey surrealism - a sound that fittingly creates the sensation of the title of the album itself. Worth a listen if you're into any of that kind of genre.. or even just indie. You can find full streaming of the album at this link. I recommend tracks 'Changing the Rain', 'I Can See Through You' and 'Still Life'. 8/10.
The Horrors' Skying. Psychedelic eh?
My last review is The Horrible Crowes debut album Elise. The band are the experimental side project of The Gaslight Anthem's Brian Fallon and crewmember/guitarist Ian Perkins. Elise trades the 'big' Springsteen-esque choruses of Fallon's previous works for a more soulful feel, meaning that essentially the 'experimentation' on this album is a toning down. Fallon manages to reduce his distinct rough, shouty vocals to a softer tone surprisingly well. To be honest, after hearing The Gaslight Anthem's 2010 album, I realized it wasn't my kind of thing. And although I like the change to a softer, soulful sound, I wouldn't say it's one of the best albums of the year. But it may grow on me. For anyone interested in hearing Elise, it's being streamed until September 6th here. 7/10.
