the sad song co.
Suadade
Reviewed by John Seales
Album released 22nd Jan
The Sad Song Co. is a nom de plume of Nigel Powell, ex-Frank Turner and the Sleeping Souls, and is his fifth solo album. Saudade means longing, or melancholy – a pretty suitable subject area for 2020.
The album opens with the title track, and initially the atmospheric piano intro is almost classical, but it is then joined by drums and bass, followed by other percussive elements and synthesiser. The whole track is a gentle and reflective instrumental, with the two repeated dominant notes remaining in your consciousness well after they have faded away.
“These Tears Won’t Cry Themselves” is a breakup song, but fairly upbeat, and here Nigel’s fondness for playing very successfully with rhythm and syncopated elements is clear. “Hold” brings in some acoustic guitar to the fore and has grungy elements.
It’s about at this point in the albu where it becomes apparent that this is not only someone who has great musicianship across several instruments, but also understands how to get the best out of his recording equipment and how to produce a whole sound. It is stunning to realise that this album is not the efforts of a whole team of folk, but just one multi-talented individual.
With “Hastings Out of Season” I realise I should have added lyricist to the list of Mr Powell’s talents. “Faded seaside glamour – the empty streets and battered seats” being metaphorical rather than specifically a dig at any particular town. A cracking track that fully reflects the album title without being depressing of itself.
“My Saccharine is memorable and also metaphorical, with some humour in the lyrics, and is followed by the electro fest of “Feeding” and then the notable contrast of “Lighthouse” - a poetic and poignant piece majoring on solo piano and solo voice, then breaking into some real volume.
Oh, how I miss live music! This would be stunning on stage.
The closing track concludes with a reprise of the dominant notes of “Saudade”, neatly closing the circle on this remarkable album.
One word? Accomplished.
If this is indicative of what we can expect from 2021 then it’s going to be a great year.
Here’s hoping...
Tracklist:
1) Saudade
2) These Tears Won’t Cry Themselves
3) Hold
4) Hastings Out Of Season
5) Makarska Sunset 25th May 2018
6) Away Intil Christmas Morning
7) Deserted By Every God
8) My Saccharine
9) Feeding
10) Lighthouse
11) Sina Qua Non
Links:
logic1000
You've Got The Whole Night To Go (EP) - Therapy Records
Reviewed by John McEvoy
EP released 22nd Jan
Australian born producer Samantha Poulter releases her new 4 track EP, ‘You’ve Got The Whole Night To Go’ on the 22nd Jan, and it would be fair to say that if this is the future of Dubstep, then Logic1000 is going to be a name to look out for in the future.
Opening track ‘I Won’t Forget’ is for want of a better phrase, and absolute banger with an old school 90’s, Noughties feel but sounds just as fresh in 2021. ‘Medium’ utilises the sub sonic bass to great effect and has a insistent hip hop B Boy feel to it that reminded me of Newcleus. No bad thing!
Likewise it’s hard to resist ‘Like My Way’ for its infectious groove which would get any crowd moving. EP closer ‘Her’ is a slightly different matter with its rhythmic drums intro leading into a techno/trance vibe and the rumbling bass underpinning it throughout, ensures that this track is the cherry on top of the cake.
When the world gets back to anything like normality, these tracks deserve to be played in front of audiences. Let’s hope that possibility isn’t too far away!
Tracklist:
- I Won’t Forget
- Medium
- Like My Way
- Her
Links:
the dead daisies
Holy Ground - Dead Daisies Records
Review by Levi Tubman
Album released 22nd Jan
This is the 5th album from the super group, and they are a super group.
For those who don’t know them, they have members who have been in INXS The Cult, Guns N’ Roses and Nine Inch Nails to name but a few! This album sees a new front man and bass player in the form of Glenn Hughes of Deep Purple fame in their late 70’s incarnation and who also briefly fronted Black Sabbath.
Opening the album is the title track ‘Holy Ground’ (shake the memory) full of energy and a heavy groovy, it manages to be catchy and melodic despite some getting low and heavy. These are musicians who have been there and done that, they have played for thousands and it shows! Guitars playing funky riffs throughout, swapping to screaming tapping solos underpinned with some simply stunning bass playing, and pounding drums with some scorching high notes that singers a quarter of Glenn’s age would kill to hit.
‘Like no other’ (Bassline) is a funky bass led track that has more in common with the Red Hot Chilli Peppers mixed with Faith No More than 70’s rock, and that voice! They say you shouldn’t talk about someone’s age, but Glenn Hughes is 69 years old and still has one of the best voices performing today, it’s a cliché, but this song is electric!
Tracks ‘Bustle and flow’ and ‘My fate’ have a 90’s Seattle grunge feel to them, a lot slower than most of the album with parts dropping into cleaner picked guitars and angsty vocals, and big slow snare led drumbeats, but they still put their own heavy slant on them, anchoring the albums groove.
Finishing off the album is the 7-minute epic ‘Far away’. A fading intro like the opening track it starts with lighter picked guitar and drums, with an almost delicate soulful vocal unlike anything else on the album. At times bass and vocals might stand out a little for the first half of the song, and then one of their trademark down tuned heavy guitar riffs brings you into the second half, twisting what came before, pouring raw energy into the beautiful melancholy it started with
I’ve mentioned their age a couple of times, but it should be pointed out that they have a combined age of almost 250 across the 4 members, their age is what adds to their raw talent for writing and performing, and they’ve spent their life doing this and now we get to enjoy its culmination.
It’s a hard rock groovy album, it’s a genre you don’t hear as much now, performed and written by musicians who started back in the 70’s, but yet it still manages to feel fresh and young.
I have to mention the production, its perfect! The sound throughout is full, never top or bottom heavy, its never muddy or overpowering and you can hear every single instrument and word throughout. Too many albums have the bass and vocals so low you can barely hear or understand them, the bass is used as much as the guitars and vocals for melody, the drums are crisp and thick with guitar solos cutting through to the top every time, it does the writing and playing justice.
Is January too early to choose album of the year??
Standout tracks :–
1. Holy ground (shake the memory) - it comes in hard, sums up the album perfectly and leaves you wanting more.
2. Like no other – My personal favourite, the heavy funky groove is outstanding, simple as that! 11.Far away - Its beautifully done, different to the rest of the album while still able to maintain the essence of the album.
Track List
1.Holy Ground
2.Like no other
3.Come alive
4.Bustle and flow
5.My fate
6.Chosen and justified
7.Saving grace
8.Unspoken
9.30 Days in the hole
10.Righteous days
11.Far away
Links:
crazy arm
Dark Hands, Thunderbolts - XTRA Mile Recordings
Reviewed by Stuart Clarkson
Album released 29th Jan
The Devon band return with their ‘difficult’ fourth album, a full 7 years since their last studio outing. The band almost called it a day, although this release suggests that there’s plenty of life in them yet.
An ambitious mix of styles is on display Rock, punk, Americana, a couple of cinematic instrumentals and a dollop of Ennio Morricone thrown in for good measure, and this melting pot of styles make for an intriguing and very worthwhile listen.
The teasing press release proclaimed that new single Brave Starts Here’ occupies the sweet spot between blue grass and punk rock. This in itself is an unusual mix, however the band easily pull it off, in a kind of Cotton Eyed Joe Strummer style if you will. A great single which is a real war cry, full of energy and catchy hooks.
Elsewhere, opener ‘Montenegro’ sets the scene as a driving rock tour de force. ‘Blessed and Cursed’ keeps up the momentum with cinematic overtones and a Morricone style trumpet , this is not your usual album. Some all-out heavy riffing welcomes ‘Golden Hind’ whilst ‘Trail of Meds’ gives us an energetic punk thrash.
‘Epicurean’ builds to an anthemic chorus and ‘Health Is You’ is a rousing closer which leaves the listener wanting more.
Everywhere on the album, excellent musicianship is displayed, but special mention must go to the drumming which is a real force throughout, and is a standout feature in all the band’s best moments.
Crazy Arm would be an explosive live proposition, catch them when they next tour, you won’t be disappointed.
TRACK-LISTING:
01 Montenegro
02 Blessed & Cursed
03 Brave Starts Here
04 Fear Up
05 interlude: Dearborn
06 The Golden Hind
07 Loose Lips
08 Mow The Sward
09 Trail Of Meds
10 interlude: Paradiso
11 Epicurean Firestorm
12 Howl Of The Heart
13 Demonised
14 Health Is In You!
Links:
cassia
Powerlines (EP) - BMG
Review by Stuart Clarkson
EP released 29th Jan
I’m on a beach bathed in golden sunlight,warm sand nestles between my toes and I’m sipping ice cold cocktails surrounded by happy smiling friends.
This is the Cassia effect and how their music makes you feel, and it cries out to be listened to whilst wearing flip flops. The perfect antidote to last year, Cassia’s music is a postcard from happy times where long summer nights are spent dancing on the beach.
The Cheshire trio have clocked up millions of listens on Spotify and toured extensively to critical acclaim. This latest release continues to cement their growing reputation as purveyors of fine quality funky indie which combines a laid back mix of catchy hooks, fluid guitar loops and a feel good vibe.
The four tracks on this EP all have a summery feel and will get your head nodding to their intoxicating carnival blend of indie with Caribbean flavours.
The infectious grooves are overlayed with a relaxed and the songs are guaranteed to make you smile.
We all deserve a bit of Cassia in our lives right now...
Track List:
Powerlines
Do Right
Drifting
Don't Make A Scene
Links:
Lumer
Disappearing Act (EP)
The Yorkshire based post-punk four-piece Lumer are set to release their debut EP ‘Disappearing Act’ on the 29th January 2021. Having already garnered much international press coverage this much anticipated EP is a stunning seven track collection that shows a the very best of a band with big things to come.
The opening track of the EP epitomises everything that Lumer are good at and opens the EP with intent. ‘She’s Innocent’ with its screeching wailing guitars and almost drawling vocals show Lumer at their best and opens the EP in style. With their debut outing Lumer have produced an EP that is relentless in pace and does not give a moments rest throughout.
Title track ‘Disappearing Act’ continues the relentless pace set by ‘She’s Innocent’ with its pounding drums and driving bassline this track explodes into life. Add the thrashing guitars on top of this and you have a magnificent punk track that is sure to get anyone going.
The energy Lumer have put into ‘Disappearing Act’ is evident throughout ‘First is Too Late’ is a storming punk track that builds from the moment it begins and crackles with energy from start to finish. ‘Sheets is another fantastic example of what this band is all about with its forceful bass and thrashing guitars it is another brilliant punk track that encapsulates everything good about Lumer.
The final track on the EP, ‘Another Day At The Zoo’ rounds off the EP in in style. Opening with a slow loping rock and roll rhythm this is another track that builds slowly ending in a cacophony of guitars and drums.
Lumer’s debut EP is one bursting with energy and has an assuredness that that is not often felt on a debut outing. For any punk fan out there, this is definitely one not to be missed.
Track List:
1. She’s Innocent
2. Disappearing Act
3. White Tsar
4. First is Too Late
5. By Her Teeth
6. Sheets
7. Another Day At The Zoo
Links:
celeste
Not Your Muse - Polydor Records
Reviewed by John McEvoy
Album released 29th Jan
26-year-old Celeste, or to give her full name Celeste Epiphany Waite has her debut album out on the 29th Jan, and even if you’ve never heard of her, I guarantee you will have heard her!
Think of the John Lewis Christmas Ad for 2020 or the Sky Football idents, and yep that’s Celeste!
Having already won the Brit Award for Rising Star, and nominated as the Sound of 2020, expectations are clearly high for her first album, and it would be fair to say she doesn’t disappoint.
Her vocal style has often been compared to Adele, and the first two opening tracks ‘ideal Woman’ and ‘Strange’ confirm that she does indeed have a similar style and is clearly able to switch between a smoky sultry ballad style and lung bursting vocal delivery easily.
What is particularly striking throughout this album is the clarity and purity of her vocals and ‘Tonight Tonight’ is a great example of this with its call and response Motown feel and funk driven drum heavy lead.
‘Some Body Stop This Flame’ contains the segment that Sky have been using throughout their football coverage this season and will be instantly recognisable to many people. The full track however is another thunderous delivery from Celeste in what is a genuine ear worm of a track.
Title track ‘Not Your Muse’ is an acoustic ballad of the highest quality and is the perfect example of her ability to switch between almost whispered to powerful vocals.
For one moment when I listened to ‘Love Is Back’ I thought I had accidentally switched to a Mark Ronson album with the brass section bringing a familiar funky feel to a genuine stand out track.
Album closer ‘Some Goodbyes Come With Hellos’ closes out the album in a similar style to the opener with guitar and piano all overlaid with her sumptuous vocals in a mellow ballad beautifully delivered. A fitting album closer if ever there was one.
Clearly Polydor have spared no expense in bringing the highest production values to this album, and it was clearly money well spent. Her vocals are often compared to Adele but personally this reviewer was put in mind of Amy Winehouse and her album ‘Frank’.
It’s an album that will without doubt be played to death for the rest of the year literally everywhere, and as an example of a soul/pop crossover album, you won’t find a better contender. This is without doubt an album that requires multiple listens, and to use that well work phrase, it gets better each time.
Sadly for reasons we all know, there are no gigs at the moment, but there’s one thing I can guarantee you. When Celeste does a UK tour, it will without doubt be a complete sell out.
It looks like the winner of ‘Sound of 2020’ could be THE sound of 21 with another early contender for album of the year.
Track list:
· Ideal Woman
· Strange
· Tonight Tonight
· Somebody Stop This Flame
· Tell Me Something I Don’t Know
· Not Your Muse
· A Kiss
· Beloved
· A Little Love
· Some Goodbyes With Hellos
Links:
Nick Corbin
Live in London - Big AC Records
Reviewed by John McEvoy
Album released 5th Feb on Bandcamp
Mixed and mastered by Stephen Springall
2020 was a good year for Nick Corbin, with the release of his excellent debut solo album ‘Sweet Escape’ which made Wall of Sounds top 10 albums of the year. As I said when I reviewed this album, “Sweet Sophisticated Soul” never sounded so good.
And whist we’re all currently being starved of live music at the moment of gigs for obvious reasons, it’s great to hear live music once more in the guise of ‘The Live Album. Recorded in London pre lockdown this captures Nick Corbin in top form and time the has a full backing band who clearly know what they’re doing.
This is one of those releases where frankly you would be hard pressed to tell the difference between the live and recorded versions.
Much of this release features tracks from his solo album, but there are also a couple of tracks from his time as the frontman and songwriter of the ‘New Street Adventure’
‘Can We Do It Again’ is just one on the many highlights of this album with its slow intro underpinned by funky drums and guitar. It’s not long however before these vocals begin to soar with passions ably supported by backing vocals. There’s also a blinding guitar break thrown in for good measure.
‘Long Long Gone’ is a perfect slice of soul/funk and with its chorus line it’s what can only be described as an earworm, which will take some shifting!
Harmonies are a real feature of ‘Too Much Time’ (dedicated to Boris Johnson) with its ska like feel. Proceedings slow down a little with ‘Sunshine In’ which is a nice soulful track which he sang to his wife on their wedding day in 2019!
Album closer ‘The Big AC’ is another track from the New Street Adventures ‘No Hard Feelings’ album and as he says, it’s all about “How Good Music Never Dies’. To say that this track immediately reminded me of The Style Council is perhaps the highest compliment I can pay it.
Weller and Talbot are alive and well and even Curtis Mayfield gets a mention!
If you like your music soulful with funk thrown in, all overlaid by great vocals, then this is an album that you need to hear.
The only downside is that you’ll wish you could actually be a gig. There’s nothing like live music, and this is a perfect example of why.
You can read our full review of ‘Sweet Escape’ here, and we caught up with Nick for a chat last year ahead of the release of his solo album, which you can read here.
Track list:
· Heart Trouble
· Why Should We Do Anything
· Sweetest Escape
· Can We Do It Again
· It’s Alright To Change Your Mind
· What’s So Good About Happiness
· Long Long Gone
· Too Much Time
· Sunshine In
- The Big AC
Links:
aaron lee tasjan
Tasjan! Tasjan! Tasjan! - New West Records
Reviewed by Liam McEvoy
Album released 5th Feb
Aaron Lee Tasjan will release his new self-titled fourth album ‘Tasjan! Tasjan! Tasjan!’ on the 5th February 2021. On his fourth outing, Tasjan has produced an album that has a spectacular sound and shows off a supremely accomplished artist at work.
Album opener ‘Sunday Women’ kicks of proceedings with a dreamy out of this world sound. The echoing vocals and whirring guitars give the track a beautifully spaced out feel that is at once vast in scope but compact in feel.
This juxtaposition of vast space and closeness is felt throughout the album with ‘Don’t Over Think It’ perhaps being the best example of this. The tight driving bass and drums on this track really anchor the listener in, but the echoing whirling guitar riffs that are interlaced with this, create the feeling that there is something just lurking out of sight giving that sense of vastness.
The track ‘Feminine Walk’ changes things up slightly on the album as although it has a similar country beat to other tracks on the album, the guitars change here starting out with the same sliding, dreamy guitars but then morphing into an almost psychedelic rock and roll track, that stood out for me as the best track on the album.
This is not to say however that other tracks are worth any less. ‘Computer Love’ is a bouncing Country/Pop song that focuses on the modern consumption of the internet and social media, and has appropriately poignant lyrics like “fake friends tweeting two cents just to mess with me”.
‘Dada Bois’ is an upbeat pop track that bounces along with a beat that hooks the listener into the track. ‘Not That Bad’ is a beautifully haunting folk/country ballad that has a dreamy feel that is a fantastic reflection of the tone of the overall album.
‘Got What I Wanted’ encapsulates the same other worldly feel that is prevalent through the album and with it being the final track on the album rounds off the album in style.
Aaron Lee Tasjan has produced, with his fourth album, a record that is out of this world in both feel and production making this a magnificent fourth album.
Set for release on the 5th February 2021 ‘Tasjan! Tasjan! Tasjan!’ is a supremely accomplished album and should be a ‘must listen’ for anyone.
Track List
1. Sunday Women
2. Computer of Love
3. Up All Night
4. Another Lonely Day
5. Don’t Overthink It
6. Cartoon Music
7. Feminine Walk
8. Dada Bois
9. Now You Know
10. Not That Bad
11. Got What I Wanted
Links:
Femi Kute & Made kuti
Legacy + - Partisan Records
Reviewed by John Seales
Album released 5th Feb
Legendary activist and Afrobeat originator, Fela Kuti, used his music to lament social injustices and political corruption in his native Nigeria. Fela’s legacy spans decades and genres, touching on jazz, pop, funk, hip-hop, rock, and beyond. Fela’s son Femi and his son Made, both carry his legacy as torchbearers for change.
This is a double album. The first album, “Stop The Hate” is by Femi Kuti; the second, “For(e)ward” by Made.
“Stop The Hate” opens with a strong African beat, with foundations of bass and drums, ably supported by horns. It’s impossible to stop your body moving to the vibe. The production is well handled, and the musicianship is tight. This continues throughout the album. It’s an enjoyable enough vibe that one doesn’t need different musical flavours to provide seasoning.
If you haven’t heard this type of music before, give it a try – there is a substantial difference between it and what passes for the norm in the UK. If nothing else, you’ll be expanding your musical horizons.
“For(e)ward” begins with “Free Your Mind”. Although the mix of instruments is similar, it has a much more funky feel and is a joyous opening. There is a funkier feel throughout Made’s album, though (like “Stop The Hate”) the Afrobeat vibe is present throughout. There is also more variety in the way vocals are presented, for example with harmonies being more prevalent.
“Higher You’ll Find” stood out for us as an intriguing track with much passing of lead instrument around the band; a clever and tightly controlled composition.
Music has been extensively used to convey political messages over the years.
Here at Wall Of Sound, we major on reviewing the music rather than the message. Whilst we have no argument against (or indeed the depth of knowledge of conditions required to make informed public comment about) the essentially equalitarian message being delivered, potential listeners should be aware that the message is dominant in the lyrics throughout the albums.
It is also delivered in an earnest, unambiguous manner, with no subtle metaphors needing to be deciphered. Whether the dominance of the political message is a problem - or is an opportunity to open ones mind - is for you, dear reader, to decide.
Whatever, this double album is a great opportunity for the average westernised music UK listener to experience something totally outside their normal sphere and long may we have such opportunities.
Track listing:
Stop The Hate
1) Pa Pa Pa
2) As We Struggle Everyday
3) Stop The Hate
4)Land Grab
5) No Bigmanism Spoil Government
6) You Can’t Fight Corruption With Corruption
7) Show Of Shame
8) Privatisation
9) Young Boy Young Girl
10) Set Your Minds And Souls Free
For(e)ward
1) Free Your Mind
2) Your Energy
3) Blood
4) Different Streets
5) Higher You’ll Find
6) Hymn
7) Young Lady
8) We Are Strong
Links:
death by unga bunga
Heavy Male Insecurities - Jansen Records
Reviewed by Simon Jolley
Album released 12th Feb
Founded in 2008, with a name deriving from an album by California garage rock revivalists the Mummies, Death by Unga Bunga announced their arrival in 2010 with the sun-tinged swagger and joy that was their first album release, Juvenile Jungle. California rock via Moss, Norway - their hometown - that made no apologies for having fun and kicking ass.
As Punknews.org put it: ‘Hard rock and garage rock smashing into each other, creating surprisingly sunny sounding riffage.’ So, grab your Ray Bans and get ready to rock.
Death by Unga Bunga’s new album, Heavy Male Insecurities, announces its arrival with two seconds of tantalising feedback, before launching into a fist pumping, joyous garage rock onslaught of ten tracks. It takes no prisoners and plants a permanent grin, leaving you in a better place than you started. It’s official, this album makes you happy, like a lot!
What’s on offer is a simple recipe, cooked to perfection. Guitars drive, drums push and punctuate with syncopated bravado. A band playing with balls and commitment to a good time. Energy and vitality course through every riff laden track. Every chorus a lesson in hook building that will leave you wishing to be front row and centre, pogoing with your mates as the beer rains down from those less fortunate at the back of the venue.
It’s difficult to single out any single track for individual praise, but, if pushed, ‘Not Like the Others’ screams single. Its anthemic opening is majestic. A foreshadowing of the killer chorus and heart lifting in execution. Floor toms drive the verse and build with additional back beat snare in an ascent to a chorus that will stay with you for days, a passionate declaration of hope and commitment. Soaring guitar work creates high note perfection, adding to the escapism that runs through the entire album. You may find yourself hitting repeat more than once…
Egocentric’s middle section sees pomp mode fully engaged as it sandwiches epic guitar motifs between driving choruses. Lasers fizz and hi hats whirl accompaniment as time seems to suspend before a final rabble-rousing chorus. A fine example of the stellar guitar work and musicianship on display throughout the album.
This is a tight band that craft great songs and can play the hell out of them.
In vocal execution, Trouble’s chorus echoes the sun-tinged wonders of Juvenile Jungle. It’s refreshing to hear a band evolve and still retain an element of their youthful sonic joy and wonder.
Every track of Heavy Male Insecurities is a ball of energy that introduces itself, kisses you full on the mouth, buys you pizza and a beer, and leaves you wanting more.
By the end of the night, you’ll want their number and at the very least a second date.
Tracklist
Modern Man
Egocentric
My Buddy And Me
Not Like The Others
All Pain No Gain
Like Your Style
Live Until I Die
Trouble
Faster Than Light
White Lies
Links:
django django
Glowing In The Dark - Because Music
Reviewed by Liam McEvoy
Album released 12th Feb
The extremely talented Django Django return with their fourth studio album ‘Glowing In The Dark’ on the 12th February 2020. With this album they have produced a stunning record that is a mind bending, synth laden experience that goes from strength to strength.
‘Spirals’ opens the album with a Close Encounters of the Third Kind sounding eight note refrain that is repeated at an ever-increasing speed until the guitars kick in and the track bursts into life, with front man vocals Vincent Neff’s distinctive vocal style taking centre stage. The track then morphs and bends into a storming synth pop track that kicks off the album with a real statement of intent and shows that this band mean business.
With an album that goes from strength to strength, there are clearly many stand out tracks. ‘Got Me Worried with its galloping guitars and relentless tambourine that is heard throughout the track and gives the song a slight country feel, that is accentuated by the occasional warbling synth and guitar licks that are woven through the track. ‘Free From Gravity’ starts off with a mellow drum beat, heavy synths are introduced around a minute into the track. Their introduction gives the feeling that the track is soaring to new hights, whilst the consistent drum beat keeps the track grounded.
With Django Django relying heavily on synths and electronic instruments throughout the album, it is no surprise that there are some fantastic electronica/dance track to be found on ‘Glowing In The Dark. ‘The Ark’ is a storming electronica track that is sure to get people’s heads nodding. Title track ‘Glowing In The Dark’ is another sensational electronica/dance track that has a powerful base line and sees this band at their absolute best.
With ‘Glowing In The Dark’ Django Django have once again produced a masterful album that is full of synth laden tracks for your listening pleasure.
Set for release on the 12th February 2021, you should absolutely pick up a copy of this album as this highlights the band at their magnificent best.
Tracklist:
Spirals
Right The Wrongs
Got Me Worries
Waking Up (feat Charlotte Gainsbourg)
Free From Gravity
Headrush
The Ark
Night Of The Buffalo
The World Will Turn
Kick The Devil Out
Glowing In The Dark
Hold Fast
Asking For More
Links:
aerial east
Try Harder - Partisan Records
Reviewed by John Seales
Album released 12th Feb
According to the blurb that accompanied our review copy of this album, “There is an under explored space between our conscious and unconscious minds, between what was and what will be. There is a wide expanse between where we are now physically and where we’ve been. And, of course, there is the muddy texture that lays between pleasure and pain.
On ‘Try Harder,’ Aerial East dives into what she has known—adolescence, heartbreak, coming into a new social consciousness, and managing a perpetual unanchored-ness—in order to find a most surprising place to rest inside: the unknowable.”
Well, I’m not sure about any of that – or indeed exactly what it means, but let’s give this American singer-songwriter a chance before writing off her work as some kind of attempt to appear in Private Eye’s Pseud’s Corner.
The first track, “Try Harder” sets a warm, soft and gentle vibe. Perfect placement of instrumentation means that although there is a spacious feel there is also a solid build; nothing is missing. And one of the things that does not appear throughout the album is a drum kit. Percussion there is, but not via the accepted norm of hi hat, cymbals, tomtom, bass, snare etc. But this is an appropriate omission; the feel of Aerial’s music does not need the driving constraint of drums.
Subsequent tracks continue with this enveloping spaciousness, and vocals are clear and elegant in their simplicity. “The Things We Build” has a touch of USA Western films (as opposed to Country and Western) and this is again a contented vibe, though the lyrics tell of less contentment: “I’m coming home to a place that I can’t find; The things we build don’t always feel like mine”.
Track number 5 has dreamy, floating multitracked vocal harmonies and is a pleasure to listen to. It’s title, however (see track listing, I don’t want to mention it here) is unfortunate to say the least. I suspect (and hope) that this is due to folk in the USA not realising how this could be read in the UK. Whatever, it is a sad mistake/misplaced attention seeker and I sincerely hope it does not become the talking point of the album, detracting from the sheer quality of music presented here.
All in all, the whole tone of the album is that of warm, comforting ethereal intimacy. It stands being heard, to the exclusion of all else, and it would also be excellent as background music for those seeking a calm vibe.
With the possible exception of “The Things We Build” it’s not sing-along but in the broad spectrum that is modern music, there is most definitely a place for musicians with such deftness of touch and maturity.
Well done Ms East, we salute you.
Track listing:
1) Try Harder
2) The Things We Build
3) Katharine
4) Doin Somethin
5) I Love Dick
6) San Angelo
7) Blue
8) Angry Man
9) Ryan
10) Jonas Said
11) Brennan
12) Be Leavin
Links:
John Paul Keith
The Rhythm Of The City - Wild Honey Records
Reviewed by Stuart Clarkson
Album released 19th Feb
John Paul Keith returns with his fifth solo album which is a perfectly formulated tribute to the music of Memphis.
He has successfully distilled the essence of the city’s musical output into the album’s 10 tracks with a fusion of blues,R&B and soul. The big three Memphis studios of Sun,Stax and Hi are all represented as John creates his own interpretation of the Memphis sound.
The artist hails from the city of Knoxville in Tennessee and now lives in Memphis and this closeness has created an affinity with the music that really comes across as the album unfolds.
Hardly surprising that a man whose name is made up of 75% of the best songwriting duos of the past 60 years has produced a record of such finely crafted authentic songs.
Fine guitar playing is accentuated by a new horn section on several songs but every offering gets the toe tapping or the head nodding.
The listener is transported to a little bar on Beale Street, drink in hand enjoying an evening of high-quality musical entertainment.
The title track sets the scene with a classic guitar echo sound to the fore.
Love Love Love wouldn’t be out of place on an Elvis album whereas If I Had Money is. a bluesy, guitar and horn driven delight.
A sitar welcomes The Sun’s Gonna Shine Again and it’s singalong chorus hints at good times around the corner. The guitar on Rhythm of the City sparingly compliments the horn sound perfectly and Keep On Keep On has a lovely rhythm complemented by some great brass sounds. Ain’t Done Loving You Yet features a jangly guitar that mimics the catchy chorus.
Overall an album that shines a light on the output of one of popular music’s formative cities and offers an affectionate re-working of it’s finest hours.
The artist has clearly paid his dues and that comes across in this fine album. Fans of the rockier output of the time should pay a listen to the track Lookin’ For A Thrill and the album from which it came from the artist’s time as John Paul Keith and the One Four Fives.
A great track which is currently on heavy rotation in the Clarkson household.
Tracklist:
How Can You Walk Away
Love Love Love
The Sun's Gonna Shine Again
The Rhythm Of The City
Keep On Keep On
I Don't Wanna Know
Aint Done Loving You Yet
If I Ever Get The Chance Again
If I Had Money
How Do I Say No
Links:
www.instagram.com/johnpaulkeith
www.facebook.com/johnpaulkeith
www.twitter.com/johnpaulkeith
bradford
Bright Hours - Foundation II Records
Reviewed by Simon Jolley
Album released 19th Feb
Formed in Blackburn in 1988, Bradford released their first album, Shouting Quietly, in 1990, acquired cult status and toured with Joe Strummer,The Sugarcubes, Primal Scream and James.
They burned brightly and brilliantly, but what burns brightly must sometime fade. Bradford exited the neon glow of the Madchester era when they split in 1991.
Bright Hours is Bradford’s first album in thirty years. It is an emotionally life affirming journey of twelve beautifully crafted songs that square up to the harsh realities of life and the inevitability of its conclusion. It puts its arm around your shoulder, acknowledges the human condition and gently whispers an assurance that you’re not alone.
Like Water opens Bright Hours with the gated snare and indie guitar swagger reminiscent of fellow northern indie stalwarts the Doves, before ordinary lives unfold in a tableau of cash converters, prescription chained couples and moments blinked and missed. Lives run their paths like water, into the ground. Stark images are rendered in beautiful harmonic storytelling.
Down Faced Doll is twisted and haunting in delivery. A sinister theme pivots verse and chorus telling its sad tale from the view point a Doll’s eyes. If Tom Waits had been northern and earned his spurs on the indie streets of Madchester, he may well have served up this bitterly dark and delicious concoction.
As Bright Hours unfolds, I am struck with the beauty of Ian H’s vocal delivery. At times jubilant, at others pained and emotional, he carries each line with a sincerity and gravelly honesty that is underpinned with a masterful use of his restrained vibrato.
My Wet Face delivers a downbeat message, with indie guitar swagger and upbeat nostalgia that is anthemic in its declaration of sentimental longing. This is a song for the age of lockdown, loss and new horizons. Sometimes we need to be reminded, it’s ok to cry.
Bright Hours mixing sits in the capable hands of Stephen Street (Blur, New Order, Kaiser Chiefs) who paints from a colourful musical pallet of sounds and styles. Ska bass and carnival melodica open Present Day Array and is transcendent in its delivery. The Rowing Boat Song brings the tempo down, sets mood and tone with banjos, flute, Hammond and percussion. It is simple and beautiful in its storytelling.
Throughout Bright Hours, moments of deep melancholy are delivered with the poetic assurance and the emotional honesty of an indie bard offering catharsis in the acknowledgement of what is true, real and shared. Feathers in the Fire conjures funeral pyres and life passing you by but is uplifting and supported by a triplet feel and strummed acoustic guitar. Gave a Time is lush in execution of first love remembered and is moving in its honesty.
‘I last stood here thirty year ago…’ Ian H fittingly sings on the bombastic penultimate track, Make a Fist. More indie swagger and an emotional intelligence offer hope and joy to an album of that is downbeat in tone but upbeat in sentiment.
A paired down and acoustic reprise of Like Water is the perfect cadence to finish on.
At a point in history when many of us will be starting to look forward and daring to hope of a return to a normalisation of what, perhaps, we had once taken for granted, Bradford have delivered an album filled with beautiful songs of grace, nostalgia and lustration.
Sometimes you wait thirty years, sometimes the wait is worth it.
Tracklist:
Like Water
Down Face Doll
The Weightiness of Pointliness
My Wet Face
Present Day Array
This Week has Made Me Weak
Bright Hours
The Rowing Boat Song
Feathers In The Fire
Gave A Time
I Make A Fist
Like Water (Reprise)
Links:
David Gray
Skellig - Laugh A Minute/AWAL records
Reviewed by John Seales
Album released - 19th Feb
Skellig is a group of islands off the west coast of County Kerry. David Gray is a well-established artist who is best known for 1999’s “Babylon”. This is his 12th album.
So how do these two fit together?
The title track, “Skellig”, is also the first track on the album. It is instrumentally populated with an acoustic guitar to the foreground, supported by a piano. Vocals are harmonies and the overall feel is of a timeless folksy feel, gentle and content.
“Dun Laoghaire” continues the vibe and so does “Accumulates”, a song that reflects upon how life can wear you down: “You might start out kicking and screaming; You’re going to end up sucking on the teats”. Given that, you may question whether the feel of the album is still that of contentment.
Well, I admit they are strange bedfellows, but the next track “Heart And Soul” gives us “If I die tonight, to ask for more would be obscene”, showing us that Mr Gray believes nothing to be missing from his life.
And I think that’s the point. At 52, David Gray has seen a lot of life and of the world, knows that there are things wrong with it and that he won’t be able to individually correct everything and has come to terms with that. He is content with life but not unaware that the world is not perfect.
Musically, the album continues with more stripped back, well placed compositions, adding some much-appreciated seasoning with different time signatures now and then. The lyrics continue with the yin and yang of contentment and disappointment “Threw my body in the hold with the garbage of my soul” on “Can’t Hurt More Than This” is followed by the closing track “All That We Asked For”
All in all, this is a warm and grown-up album. The outlook is thoughtful and mature, as is the music.
How do David Gray’s new album Skellig and the place Skellig fit together?
Spacious, rugged, quiet, uncomplicated, stripped bare and honest. Both of them are all these things.
Track listing:
1) Skellig
2) Dun Laoghaire
3) Accumulates
4) Heart And Soul
5)Laughing Gas
6) No False Gods
7) Water Swim
8) Spiral Arms
9) The White Owl
10) Dares My Heart Be Free
11) House With No Walls
12) Can’t Hurt More Than This
13) All That We Asked For
Links:
gabrielle
Do It Again - BMG Records
Reviewed by John Seales
Album released 5th March
Fresh from her outstanding performance as TV’s “The Masked Singer’s Harlequin, Gabrielle has recorded songs that she sang as Harlequin onto this, her new album.
Undoubtedly one of the most impressive voices in the contest, Gabrielle has recorded the songs in a studio, meaning that her voice is unencumbered with the acoustics of her costume. It also provides the opportunity on some of the tracks for Gabrielle to put together some multi tracked harmonies that would clearly not be possible in a purely live performance.
“Killing Me Softly with His Song” opens the album, immediately displaying Gabrielle’s distinctive luscious voice. Instrumentally, drum and bass perform in the foreground.
“Everything I Wanted” follows, and then “Falling”, one of my personal favourites, with a nicely understated piano underpinning the salted caramel savoury sweetness of the track.
“Stop Right Now” is the first single to be taken from this album. It is accomplished but does not scream out “single” as singles often do. That’s probably because all of the tracks on this album are worthy in their own right. This, along with “Can’t Hurry Love” is co-written by Gabrielle rather than being a cover. It says something that both of these tracks deserve their place on the album when accompanied by such well-established standards.
If I have one minor irk at this point, it’s that on too many of the tracks (mainly in the first half of the album), the instrumentals accompanying her voice are fairly basic. To take another great vocalist, Amy Winehouse’s instrumentalists performed some great stuff, and this added to rather than detracted from her voice. Gabrielle has nothing to fear from a more flavoursome accompaniment. I am being picky here, though, as the voice alone justifies the listen.
“Proud Mary” will have you up and dancing if you have any soul. The musicians are allowed to up their contribution here, and the cumulative effect is some real life throughout the music. This exertion is followed by “Bring It On Home To Me”, more of a smoochy number.
“Smile” is another of my personal favourites, commencing with a delicious warm acoustic guitar and developing instrumentally throughout. I could listen to this one over and over again.
After the gentle “I’ll Be There”, we find ourselves already at the album’s final track, “Fast Car” leaves us wanting more.
If you hadn’t heard of Gabrielle before her performance as Harlequin, here’s your chance to hear again that remarkable voice. If you were already a fan before the show, here’s another one to add to your collection.
Track Listing
1) Killing Me Softly With His Song
2) Everything I Wanted
3) Falling
4) Stop Right Now
5) Teardrops
6) Proud Mary
7) Bring it On Home To Me
8) Can’t Hurry Love
9) Smile
10) Diamonds
11) I’ll Be There
12) Fast Car
Links:
dma's
Live at Brixton - BMG
Reviewed by Liam McEvoy
Album released 5th March
Almost a year to the day since their sold-out headline set at the O2 Academy Brixton, DMA’S release their new live album, recorded during their headline set ‘Live At Brixton’. This album is the documentation of a storming live set that really is a very bitter-sweet listen.
DMA’S blast their way into this live set with raucous chants of “DMA’S” coming from the 5000 strong crowd. Opening with ‘Feels Like 37’ the track is played with an electric energy that is clearly felt by the crowd at the gig and translates to you when listening to the live album.
The energy throughout ‘Live At Brixton’ is palpable, and this is what makes this such a bitter-sweet album to listen to. With the UK coming up to one year without any live music ‘Live At Brixton reminds you of everything you miss about going to gigs. Whether it be the unbridled joy of hearing a band tear through some of their all-time classics which is what DMA’S do here with ‘Lay Down’ and ‘Step Up The Morphine’, or hearing a band play their new tracks for the first time which will have been the case for many in the 5000 strong crowd with ‘The Glow’ and ‘Hello Girlfriend’
Then there is that moment at a gig where everything else fades away and all that matters is being present as something bigger than any individual. That moment happens on ‘Live At Brixton’ with ‘Silver’. This is a track that sees the 5000 strong crowd become one voice singing out in unison.
It’s these moments that DMA’S through ‘Live At Brixton’ have done a phenomenal job of capturing, and if you close your eyes and listen hard enough for a moment, it almost feels as though you are there.
With the UK coming up to one year without any live music, Live At Brixton which is set for release on the 5thMarch 2021 is the next best thing, and makes you hope that we can all get back to see gigs as soon as possible.
Track List:
- Feels Like 37
- Dawning
- Too Soon
- Hello Girlfriend
- Silver
- Time & Money
- The Glow
- The End
- Step Up The Morphine
- Delete
- Life Is A Game of Changing
- In The Air
- Tape Deck Sick
- Play It Out
- Timeless
- Lay Down
- ‘Your Low’
Links:
the Ghost of Helags
We Came From The Stars - Warsaw Recordings
Reviewed by Liam McEvoy
Album released 5th March
The Swedish cinematic dream-pop duo The Ghosts of Helags are set to release their debut album ‘We Came From The Stars’ on the 5th March 2021. The duo of Teresa Wolschiski and John Alexander Ericson have produced a debut album that is ambitiously expansive, at once uplifting and melancholy and is a real joy to listen to.
Album opener ‘Chemistry’ start the album with a fantastic synth-pop track. With a solid drum beat and layered synths this track gives you a good idea of what to expect from this band.
‘We Came From The Stars’ is an album that in parts soars to great heights. ‘In The Dark, Honey’ is one such track. The delicate synths combined with Wolschiski’s distinctive layered vocals and the strings, enable this track to soar to incredible heights and has an immense feeling of grandeur.
The album arguably hits its height with title track ‘Anthem – We Came From The Stars’. This is a track that has a solid drum beat, but the synths here build throughout the track before becoming a discordant cacophony of sound that elevates the album to its hight point.
This is also an album that becomes very melancholy in parts. ‘Nothing Can Stop The Rain From Falling Down’ with the piano and echoing vocals on the opening of the track give a wonderfully sombre, contemplative tone. Closing track ‘Autobahn Lullaby’ again has the a similar feel and rounds the album off beautifully.
Set for release on the 5th March 2021 The Ghosts of Helags have produced an ambitious debut album in ‘We Came From The Stars’ that is very expansive in nature. It is an album that will take you to dizzying heights and is well worth checking out on release.
Track list:
1. Chemistry
2. Mary
3. In The Dark, Honey
4. Bye bye Tokyo
5. Night Summer Waiting
6. Anthem – We Came From The Stars
7. Unconditional Love
8. Under My Skin
9. Nothing Can Stop The Rain From Falling Down
10. Parallel
11. Wicked Wind
12. Autobahn Lullaby
Links:
johnny butler
Thirteen Dances - Hi 4 Head Records
Reviewed by Liam McEvoy
Album released 12th March
Grammy award winning NYC based saxophonist is set to release the follow up to his critically acclaimed 2017 album ‘Hyperviolet’, ‘Thirteen Dances’. Coming on the 12th March 2021 Butler has produced yet another stunning album that crackles and throbs with energy and motion.
Using only a saxophone and a few electronic devices it is incredible the sounds that Butler is able to produce. Album opener ‘Little Creek’ kicks things off with an almost sonic synthesizer sound that invokes a dream-like atmosphere, that sets the listener at ease from the very first moment. ‘Thirteen Dances’ is an album that is able to flow from track to track whilst still giving each piece on the album its own distinctive style.
‘Baroque’ with its layers of echoing sax has a wonderfully mystic feel whilst ‘You and I’ with its undeniable call and response style lives up to its name and feels like a conversation through the music.
‘Sunday Stars’ is another incredible track that is able to create a fantastic sense of movement. The Saxophone on this track warbles and flickers in and out growing louder and quieter, much like the like the light of a star that flickers and glows, and this range of dynamics is what gives the track such a wonderful sense of movement.
‘Magical Evergreen’ is the only track on the album that does not have feature the Saxophone as its main instrument. The introduction of a piano here along with the distortion on the track really gives this track in particular a magical feel.
With ‘Thirteen Dances’ Johnny Butler has produced another stunning album that is a delight to listen to. Set for release on the 12th March 2021 this is an album that you should definitely pick up on release.
Tracklist:
1. Little Creek
2. I Heart NY
3. Red Shirt White Dress
4. Noodle Face
5. Baroque
6. No Ice Cream
7. You and I
8. Sunday Stars
9. It’s Time To Go
10. Seventeen
11. Diversion
12. Magical Evergreen
13. Glinka
Links:
