- Alt-J An Awesome Wave
- Carrousel 27 Rue de Mi'chelle
- Exitmusic Passage
- Mesita The Coyote
- She Makes War Little Battles
Commended:
- Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros Here
- Julia Holter Ekstatis
- The Neighbourhood I'm Sorry EP
- The Parlotones Journey Through The Shadows
- Theresa Andersson Street Parade
35 Albums
Alt-J An Awesome Wave (Indie Pop) 9/10
This debut from the Leeds, UK quartet takes risks, and is
startlingly imaginative. Despite a willingness to experiment, it’s not dry and academic.
Joe Newman’s falsetto vocals twist and turn, whilst electronics add spice. There’s
extensive variety, from catchy pop tunes to folk harmonies, but the album hangs
together well, despite largely short tracks. As soon as I heard this I knew I had to explore them live: I’ll report back on their show in a
few days’ time. It's premature to compare them to Radiohead, as some have, but this album is set to make a significant impact in the indie world.
Angus Stone Broken Brights (Indie Folk) 7.5/10
Angus' debut solo album from Sydney, without his sister, has a warm, reassuring feel. It's unadventurous compared to Alt-J, yet I appreciate its intimacy. Alongside the title track, Bird On The Buffalo is a highlight; throughout it's easy going and unforced. With understated backing, it's an album to relax to.
Blue Foundation In My Mind I Am Free (Electronic) 8/10
Tobias is a Dane living in New York. He's created an atmospheric album with shoegaze influences, although tracks like Lost contain more grit. It's actually his fifth album, and takes you on a dreamy journey with beautiful harmonies and gorgeous effects. If you like guitar bands, this isn't for you, but if you enjoy M83 and aren't put off by the inclusion of an earlier song on a Twilight soundtrack, you will find it soothing.
Bright Moments Natives (Indie Pop) 7/10
Bright Moments is Kelly Pratt's solo project. He's worked as an instrumentalist for Arcade Fire and Coldplay, but this bears the signature of Beirut, for whom he plays trumpet and contributes vocals. It's good natured, as the title would suggest, being breezy, upbeat pop. He doesn't have Zach Condon's amazing vocal quality, but the acoustic instrumentation is engaging, with the addition of electronics in tracks like Travelling Light. As a debut album, it's impressive, but it lacks the focused genius of Beirut's Rip Tide.
Angus' debut solo album from Sydney, without his sister, has a warm, reassuring feel. It's unadventurous compared to Alt-J, yet I appreciate its intimacy. Alongside the title track, Bird On The Buffalo is a highlight; throughout it's easy going and unforced. With understated backing, it's an album to relax to.
Bison Quill (Indie Folk) 8/10
If you like The Decemberists and Fleet Foxes, you should definitely download this album, currently free from Noisetrade via this link. The instrumentation has classical influences, but Ben Hardesty's vocals are quirky and definitely not deployed with operatic refinement. He is passionate and heartfelt, and the seven piece band from Virginia make a rich sound, combining a rustic beauty with energy.
If you like The Decemberists and Fleet Foxes, you should definitely download this album, currently free from Noisetrade via this link. The instrumentation has classical influences, but Ben Hardesty's vocals are quirky and definitely not deployed with operatic refinement. He is passionate and heartfelt, and the seven piece band from Virginia make a rich sound, combining a rustic beauty with energy.
Tobias is a Dane living in New York. He's created an atmospheric album with shoegaze influences, although tracks like Lost contain more grit. It's actually his fifth album, and takes you on a dreamy journey with beautiful harmonies and gorgeous effects. If you like guitar bands, this isn't for you, but if you enjoy M83 and aren't put off by the inclusion of an earlier song on a Twilight soundtrack, you will find it soothing.
Bright Moments is Kelly Pratt's solo project. He's worked as an instrumentalist for Arcade Fire and Coldplay, but this bears the signature of Beirut, for whom he plays trumpet and contributes vocals. It's good natured, as the title would suggest, being breezy, upbeat pop. He doesn't have Zach Condon's amazing vocal quality, but the acoustic instrumentation is engaging, with the addition of electronics in tracks like Travelling Light. As a debut album, it's impressive, but it lacks the focused genius of Beirut's Rip Tide.
The Brothers Comatose Respect The Van (Bluegrass, Folk) 8/10
This roots music puts on smile on my face: it's immense fun. Alex and Ben Morrison are from San Francisco and are joined by a mandolin and a fiddle player; banjo also figures prominently. They blend contemporary indie folk with traditional bluegrass, giving it wider than specialist appeal. It sounds wonderfully spontaneous, and if Pie for Breakfast doesn't get your feet tapping, there's something amiss.
This roots music puts on smile on my face: it's immense fun. Alex and Ben Morrison are from San Francisco and are joined by a mandolin and a fiddle player; banjo also figures prominently. They blend contemporary indie folk with traditional bluegrass, giving it wider than specialist appeal. It sounds wonderfully spontaneous, and if Pie for Breakfast doesn't get your feet tapping, there's something amiss.
Carrousel 27 Rue de Mi'chelle (Dream Pop) 9/10
This gentle, delicate album from Tallahassee, Florida is available for free download from Bandcamp, but would be well worth anyone's money. It has a romantic, dreamy quality, being inspired by Joel Piedt's loss of his lover Michelle. This leads to a sense of regret, but not despair: it's more a beautiful celebration, with gorgeous layered orchestration. The emotional heart is Where do we go from here, but the sweep means this demands to be listened to from start from finish. The use of strings, including cello, just adds to its poignancy.
This gentle, delicate album from Tallahassee, Florida is available for free download from Bandcamp, but would be well worth anyone's money. It has a romantic, dreamy quality, being inspired by Joel Piedt's loss of his lover Michelle. This leads to a sense of regret, but not despair: it's more a beautiful celebration, with gorgeous layered orchestration. The emotional heart is Where do we go from here, but the sweep means this demands to be listened to from start from finish. The use of strings, including cello, just adds to its poignancy.
Chromatics Kill For Love (Synthpop) 6/10
Portland's Chromatics have produced music for late night driving; in fact several of their songs were used on the Drive soundtrack. Its 90 minute length accommodates the return home from even far flung gigs, and it's moody. The real question is whether it stands on its own or is condemned to the background. I'm not as moved by it as M83, but it's beautifully executed electronic music, wonderfully dark, but suffers from a lack of variety.
Portland's Chromatics have produced music for late night driving; in fact several of their songs were used on the Drive soundtrack. Its 90 minute length accommodates the return home from even far flung gigs, and it's moody. The real question is whether it stands on its own or is condemned to the background. I'm not as moved by it as M83, but it's beautifully executed electronic music, wonderfully dark, but suffers from a lack of variety.
Cold Specks I Predict a Graceful Expulsion (Soul, Folk) 7/10
The 24 year old Canadian Al Spx's debut album is gorgeously delicate. Her voice has a gospel blues style, and is utterly mesmerising, rich and expressive. The accompaniment is stripped back, largely guitar and piano, but cello puts in an occasional appearance. She’s based in London, UK, and the producer is PJ Harvey’s collaborator Rob Ellis. She assumed a pseudonym to hide her endeavours from disapproving parents. It certainly has charm and beauty, and whilst the southern folk and soul material can sound a little stark, it’s such a joy to listen to the singing.
The 24 year old Canadian Al Spx's debut album is gorgeously delicate. Her voice has a gospel blues style, and is utterly mesmerising, rich and expressive. The accompaniment is stripped back, largely guitar and piano, but cello puts in an occasional appearance. She’s based in London, UK, and the producer is PJ Harvey’s collaborator Rob Ellis. She assumed a pseudonym to hide her endeavours from disapproving parents. It certainly has charm and beauty, and whilst the southern folk and soul material can sound a little stark, it’s such a joy to listen to the singing.
Dana Buoy Summer Bodies (Indie Pop) 5/10
Summer Bodies is a breezy pop album from the Akron Family’s
percussionist; it’s largely electronic, created with the aid of an iPad. The
rhythms and bongo beats give it a tropical feel, and were influenced by a
visit to Thailand. I’d prefer a greater variety of mood, since the
sunniness is a little monotonous over the course of 45 minutes, but others will
find it uplifting.
Dot Hacker Inhibition (Experimental Rock) 7/10
Dot Hacker’s an LA rock band comprising band members who’ve worked with established groups such as Beck, PJ Harvey and Red Hot Chilli Peppers (Josh Klinghoffer). As a result, the sound is polished and rhythmically tight, but sometimes emotionally constrained. This means I end up admiring it rather than falling in love. The most distinctive element is Klinghoffer's high, dreamy voice. Worth exploring.
Dot Hacker’s an LA rock band comprising band members who’ve worked with established groups such as Beck, PJ Harvey and Red Hot Chilli Peppers (Josh Klinghoffer). As a result, the sound is polished and rhythmically tight, but sometimes emotionally constrained. This means I end up admiring it rather than falling in love. The most distinctive element is Klinghoffer's high, dreamy voice. Worth exploring.
Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros Here (Indie Folk) 8/10
Edward Sharpe has special significance for me: their first album converted me to non-classical music and proved to be a transformational experience. Here sounds more closely related to Alex Ebert's subsequent solo album though, sounding more personal without the need to gain mainstream attention. It's the first half of two instalments this year, this being the more intimate, and the second promising to be more euphoric. The stand outs are the opening Man on Fire and Mayla, along with Fiya Wata which we've already heard as Fire and Water on their iTunes Session EP. I'm sure the critical response will be mixed: some take delight in mocking the idealism of the collective, whilst others will find some songs twee. With gospel and country influences, it's not likely to win over sceptics, but I found it heartfelt, oozing feel good, hippy spirit.
Edward Sharpe has special significance for me: their first album converted me to non-classical music and proved to be a transformational experience. Here sounds more closely related to Alex Ebert's subsequent solo album though, sounding more personal without the need to gain mainstream attention. It's the first half of two instalments this year, this being the more intimate, and the second promising to be more euphoric. The stand outs are the opening Man on Fire and Mayla, along with Fiya Wata which we've already heard as Fire and Water on their iTunes Session EP. I'm sure the critical response will be mixed: some take delight in mocking the idealism of the collective, whilst others will find some songs twee. With gospel and country influences, it's not likely to win over sceptics, but I found it heartfelt, oozing feel good, hippy spirit.
Exitmusic Passage (Indie Pop) 9/10
I recently saw Exitmusic live, which has heightened my appreciation of this dark, brooding album. It's all about atmosphere, and Aleska Palladino's seductive vocals are set in a sea of reverb and noise. This isn't the album for a summer drive to the beach: it's more likely to make you cry with its feeling of loneliness. Yet it has a cinematic feel, and the soundscape the four piece creates can't help but draw you in with their layers and effects. Don't be distracted by Palladino's acting background: she's the daughter of an opera singer and a multi-instrumentalist with considerable musical skills to add to her stage presence.
Fort Atlantic self-titled (Indie Rock) 8.5/10
This is a rootsy southern rock album by Jon Black. Songs like There is Love sound like Dawes, yet the twist is the additional of electronics to tracks like I'm Wrong. It may be an amalgam of styles, but this blend works, and aided considerably by Black's lovely voice. The producer is Tom Schick who's worked with Wilco and Ryan Adams. The traditional folk and rock influences predominate, as seen by the harmonica at the start of the beautifully melodic New York Lights. Start with Let Your Heart Hold Fast as this has the most immediate appeal.
I recently saw Exitmusic live, which has heightened my appreciation of this dark, brooding album. It's all about atmosphere, and Aleska Palladino's seductive vocals are set in a sea of reverb and noise. This isn't the album for a summer drive to the beach: it's more likely to make you cry with its feeling of loneliness. Yet it has a cinematic feel, and the soundscape the four piece creates can't help but draw you in with their layers and effects. Don't be distracted by Palladino's acting background: she's the daughter of an opera singer and a multi-instrumentalist with considerable musical skills to add to her stage presence.
This is a rootsy southern rock album by Jon Black. Songs like There is Love sound like Dawes, yet the twist is the additional of electronics to tracks like I'm Wrong. It may be an amalgam of styles, but this blend works, and aided considerably by Black's lovely voice. The producer is Tom Schick who's worked with Wilco and Ryan Adams. The traditional folk and rock influences predominate, as seen by the harmonica at the start of the beautifully melodic New York Lights. Start with Let Your Heart Hold Fast as this has the most immediate appeal.
Guillemots Hello Land! (Indie Pop) 7/10
Guillemots travelled from London to a remote location in Norway to record the first of four albums planned for 2012. Your reaction to this album may depend on whether you find lead singer Fyfe Dangerfield's vocals to be affected; they are offset by the extensive electronics. Yet the nine minute Byebyeland has strong classical influences, with well judged build up to its climax, and shoegaze the predominant mood. Southern Winds sounds more like Bon Iver; it meanders experimentally. I admire this willingness to journey, but for all its beauty, the destination is unclear. Frustrating flawed, yet lovely.
Hip Hatchet Joy and Better Days (Indie Folk) 7/10
This is an understated indie folk album: Philippe Bronchtein sings with admirable directness, with simple guitar accompaniment. The instrumentation also includes banjo, keyboards and double bass, but is subtle throughout, the emphasis always being on the vocals. This results in an intimate and honest feel, with emotionally direct lyrics. You can stream the album before purchase on Bandcamp, and after a few listens, you may be touched by it as I am.
Guillemots travelled from London to a remote location in Norway to record the first of four albums planned for 2012. Your reaction to this album may depend on whether you find lead singer Fyfe Dangerfield's vocals to be affected; they are offset by the extensive electronics. Yet the nine minute Byebyeland has strong classical influences, with well judged build up to its climax, and shoegaze the predominant mood. Southern Winds sounds more like Bon Iver; it meanders experimentally. I admire this willingness to journey, but for all its beauty, the destination is unclear. Frustrating flawed, yet lovely.
This is an understated indie folk album: Philippe Bronchtein sings with admirable directness, with simple guitar accompaniment. The instrumentation also includes banjo, keyboards and double bass, but is subtle throughout, the emphasis always being on the vocals. This results in an intimate and honest feel, with emotionally direct lyrics. You can stream the album before purchase on Bandcamp, and after a few listens, you may be touched by it as I am.
Husky Forever So (Indie Folk) 6.5/10
Husky's notable for being the first Australian band signed to Sub Pop. The young band's album is uncomplicated and stripped back, with acoustic instrumentation and beautiful harmonies. It's likely to appeal to a similar audience to Angus Stone's album above, and Neil Young is cited as an influence. It's hard to dislike, but at this early stage in their development, it's difficult to find the music distinctive, for all its warmth. Definitely enjoyable, but not life changing.
Islands A Sleep and A Forgetting (Indie Pop) 7/10
Here's a breakup album with the obligatory desperate lyrics: 'I loved a girl and will never love again'. Following his Valentine's day split, lead singer Nick Thorburn moved from New York to Los Angeles in an attempt to put his life back together. Obviously it's gloomy, but it's also heartfelt, with a stripped back production. He digs deep, and many will find its intimate directness cathartic. I particularly appreciated the small scale Oh Maria, with the simplest accompaniment and slow tempos.
Jonquil Point of Go (Indie Pop) 7.5/10
Jonquil's Twitter profile says that they like like 60s pop, 70s funk and 80s disco, but there are some similarities in sound with their British contemporaries Metronomy. Point of Go is their third album, and marked the departure of three band members, leaving a quartet. There are some Vampire Weekend style rhythms, for example on It's My Part, but the overall effect is laid back. It doesn't plumb great emotional depths, but I can imagine their set suiting a lazy afternoon at a festival.
Husky's notable for being the first Australian band signed to Sub Pop. The young band's album is uncomplicated and stripped back, with acoustic instrumentation and beautiful harmonies. It's likely to appeal to a similar audience to Angus Stone's album above, and Neil Young is cited as an influence. It's hard to dislike, but at this early stage in their development, it's difficult to find the music distinctive, for all its warmth. Definitely enjoyable, but not life changing.
Here's a breakup album with the obligatory desperate lyrics: 'I loved a girl and will never love again'. Following his Valentine's day split, lead singer Nick Thorburn moved from New York to Los Angeles in an attempt to put his life back together. Obviously it's gloomy, but it's also heartfelt, with a stripped back production. He digs deep, and many will find its intimate directness cathartic. I particularly appreciated the small scale Oh Maria, with the simplest accompaniment and slow tempos.
Jonquil's Twitter profile says that they like like 60s pop, 70s funk and 80s disco, but there are some similarities in sound with their British contemporaries Metronomy. Point of Go is their third album, and marked the departure of three band members, leaving a quartet. There are some Vampire Weekend style rhythms, for example on It's My Part, but the overall effect is laid back. It doesn't plumb great emotional depths, but I can imagine their set suiting a lazy afternoon at a festival.
Julia Holter Ekstatis (Experimental Dream Pop) 8/10
This is a melancholy, dreamy album from California, a carefully constructed work of art. The lyrics are often literary, with quotations from Virginia Woolf and Frank O’Hara, combined with contemporary electronic sounds. Ekstatis means the state of being outside yourself in Greek philosophy, and minimalism creates an extraordinary atmosphere. This might give the impression that it’s hard work, an academic exercise, but if you relax and avoid trying to analyse it too closely, you will be drawn in. It is a long way from conventional, catchy pop music, but is so evocative and creative. An invitation to be open minded.
This is a melancholy, dreamy album from California, a carefully constructed work of art. The lyrics are often literary, with quotations from Virginia Woolf and Frank O’Hara, combined with contemporary electronic sounds. Ekstatis means the state of being outside yourself in Greek philosophy, and minimalism creates an extraordinary atmosphere. This might give the impression that it’s hard work, an academic exercise, but if you relax and avoid trying to analyse it too closely, you will be drawn in. It is a long way from conventional, catchy pop music, but is so evocative and creative. An invitation to be open minded.
Laura Marling Live from York Minster (Indie Folk) 8/10
This has been released as a supplement to the English folk singer's third album, A Creature I Don't Know, from which many of the generous 16 tracks are taken. Ghosts and Night Terror feature from Marling's début album, along with two songs from I Speak Because I Can, and a fantastic Jackson C. Frank cover. The recording's been edited to remove chatter from between the songs, but there are still gains in spontaneity from the live occasion. Her cathedral tour of the UK last autumn was met with critical acclaim, and sold out before I could secure a ticket; this is essential listening for Laura Marling fans.
Matthew Perryman Jones Land of the Living (Indie Rock) 7/10
Land of the Living is a Britpop influenced album from a Nashville based artist. His symphonic style has echoes of Coldplay: I prefer more emotional subtlety, but his tenor voice is powerful, and sense of melody astute. The production is far from stripped back, in fact it has something of the epic style of The Chevin. There's no reason why he should stay under the radar, as this music has an immediate and wide appeal.
This has been released as a supplement to the English folk singer's third album, A Creature I Don't Know, from which many of the generous 16 tracks are taken. Ghosts and Night Terror feature from Marling's début album, along with two songs from I Speak Because I Can, and a fantastic Jackson C. Frank cover. The recording's been edited to remove chatter from between the songs, but there are still gains in spontaneity from the live occasion. Her cathedral tour of the UK last autumn was met with critical acclaim, and sold out before I could secure a ticket; this is essential listening for Laura Marling fans.
Land of the Living is a Britpop influenced album from a Nashville based artist. His symphonic style has echoes of Coldplay: I prefer more emotional subtlety, but his tenor voice is powerful, and sense of melody astute. The production is far from stripped back, in fact it has something of the epic style of The Chevin. There's no reason why he should stay under the radar, as this music has an immediate and wide appeal.
Meiko The Bright Side (Indie Pop) 7/10
It seems churlish to complain about a lack of variety of mood in an album called ‘The Bright Side’. As you’d expect, it’s unreservedly breezy and easy on the ear. Meiko's light voice suits this pop sensibility perfectly, and the production is polished without being over arranged. I was already an admirer of Meiko; but perhaps it’s because I live in a country where sunshine is a rare event that my taste tends towards more weighty material.
Mesita The Coyote (Indie Rock) 8.5/10
Colorado's James Cooley clearly has a fertile imagination: this really does sound original, despite being indebted to artists as varied as Brian Eno, Bon Iver and Radiohead. It's complex, carefully constructed music which demands your undivided attention, the layers remarkably generated by the 24 year old Cooley alone. You can judge for yourself via the Bandcamp stream: I find it transporting and inspiring.
It seems churlish to complain about a lack of variety of mood in an album called ‘The Bright Side’. As you’d expect, it’s unreservedly breezy and easy on the ear. Meiko's light voice suits this pop sensibility perfectly, and the production is polished without being over arranged. I was already an admirer of Meiko; but perhaps it’s because I live in a country where sunshine is a rare event that my taste tends towards more weighty material.
Colorado's James Cooley clearly has a fertile imagination: this really does sound original, despite being indebted to artists as varied as Brian Eno, Bon Iver and Radiohead. It's complex, carefully constructed music which demands your undivided attention, the layers remarkably generated by the 24 year old Cooley alone. You can judge for yourself via the Bandcamp stream: I find it transporting and inspiring.
Message to Bears Folding Leaves (Indie Folk) 7.5/10
This album is from Oxford, not noted for its bear population,
but the sound world is dreamy and delicate. Jerome Alexander’s music is
introspective and beautiful, yet could be mistaken for a film soundtrack or ambient
background music. The strings and soothing piano combine with recordings of
bird song and subtle electronics to create a calming effect. It’s almost
impossible to dislike, but Sigur Ros’s post rock, exemplified by the masterly
Valtari, is more imaginative and memorable. I’m still looking forward to
listening to this during my upcoming escape to a bear filled wilderness,
as I appreciate its connection with nature.
The Parlotones Journey Through The Shadows (Indie Rock) 9/10
This rock from Johannesburg sounds epic: they've supported Coldplay in their native country, but their sound probably has more in common with The Killers. Some have identified a Brit Pop influence in The Parlotones' earlier work, but their fifth album looks across the Atlantic with its use of slide guitar. The effect is uplifting, with its melodies and song craft being voiced towards stadiums and festival main stages. There's nothing here to frighten mainstream audiences, so look elsewhere for avant garde experimentalism, but there's no disputing the enjoyment factor.
This rock from Johannesburg sounds epic: they've supported Coldplay in their native country, but their sound probably has more in common with The Killers. Some have identified a Brit Pop influence in The Parlotones' earlier work, but their fifth album looks across the Atlantic with its use of slide guitar. The effect is uplifting, with its melodies and song craft being voiced towards stadiums and festival main stages. There's nothing here to frighten mainstream audiences, so look elsewhere for avant garde experimentalism, but there's no disputing the enjoyment factor.
Races Year of the Witch (Indie Pop) 7.5/10
Year of the Witch is an accomplished debut from the Los Angeles sextet, feeling relaxed and more upbeat than you'd expect after been written in the aftermath of 23 year old Wade Ryff's relationship break down. The highlight for me is All For You, although the opener Lies is also strong. Ryff's vocals are nicely offset by female backing harmonies, and the use of organ stands out in the layered instrumentation. Overall, I appreciate the dreamy feel, and I'm eager to see which direction Races takes next.
Year of the Witch is an accomplished debut from the Los Angeles sextet, feeling relaxed and more upbeat than you'd expect after been written in the aftermath of 23 year old Wade Ryff's relationship break down. The highlight for me is All For You, although the opener Lies is also strong. Ryff's vocals are nicely offset by female backing harmonies, and the use of organ stands out in the layered instrumentation. Overall, I appreciate the dreamy feel, and I'm eager to see which direction Races takes next.
Ramona Falls Prophet (Indie Rock) 7/10
Brent Knopf left the band Menomena to concentrate on his side project
Ramona Falls. It’s noticeable for its intricate instrumental arrangements, which
are catchy and imaginative. I can hear similarities with Sufjan Stevens’ style,
particularly in the use of electronic loops. Brevony is particularly memorable,
but other songs feel too smooth, making me wish for an edgier rock sound. Proof makes
for a quieter, more lyrical contrast, yet the closing Helium is a less
convincing closer. If the album as a whole falls short of greatness, I’m
intrigued to hear how the project develops.
Regina Spektor What We Saw from the Cheap Seats (Indie Pop) 8/10
Moscow born but New York based Regina Spektor is classically trained, and her sixth album continues along an eccentric path. Some will find it difficult to live with her tendency to over dramatise vocally, but I found the quirkiness endearing. Piano often features prominently in the accompaniment, along with electronics, and on occasion her fake Italian accent is just too playful. I won't want to play this album every day, but it's certainly fun, and I find her unpredictability refreshing. Recommended, but listen before buying.
Sara Watkins Sun Midnight Sun (Bluegrass, Folk) 7/10
Scars on 45 self titled (Indie Rock) 8/10
I immediately took a liking to this British group's first full length, probably because of the catchy melody of the opening Warning Sign. Heart on Fire is even more emotionally appealing, and the alternation between Danny Bemrose and Aimee Driver's vocals adds charm. Scars on 45 aren't hard rockers: acoustic guitar is often prominent in the mix, the vocals harmonise, and piano is used. They don't push any boundaries, and some will find it too commercial, but it sounds unforced and effortless. It's all about the tunes.
Moscow born but New York based Regina Spektor is classically trained, and her sixth album continues along an eccentric path. Some will find it difficult to live with her tendency to over dramatise vocally, but I found the quirkiness endearing. Piano often features prominently in the accompaniment, along with electronics, and on occasion her fake Italian accent is just too playful. I won't want to play this album every day, but it's certainly fun, and I find her unpredictability refreshing. Recommended, but listen before buying.
Sara Watkins has toured as band member of The Decemberists,
and whilst this is roots based music, it has pop influences. She’s a fiddle
player as well as sultry vocalist, and is joined by an illustrious array of
guest musicians including Fiona Apple, Taylor Goldsmith, and Jackson Browne. Midnight
Sun is her second solo album (her career started in bluegrass trio Nickel
Creek) and she’s finding her own voice, with just two covers included this time.
She makes a gorgeous sound, but some will find that in trying to have a more
mainstream appeal, some of her compositions are too bland. Enjoyable, but it
doesn’t plumb the depths of Trampled by Turtles’ Stars and Satellites.
I immediately took a liking to this British group's first full length, probably because of the catchy melody of the opening Warning Sign. Heart on Fire is even more emotionally appealing, and the alternation between Danny Bemrose and Aimee Driver's vocals adds charm. Scars on 45 aren't hard rockers: acoustic guitar is often prominent in the mix, the vocals harmonise, and piano is used. They don't push any boundaries, and some will find it too commercial, but it sounds unforced and effortless. It's all about the tunes.
She Makes War Little Battles (Experimental) 9/10
Laura Kidd contributed backing vocals for Carina Round's recent, masterly album. She's a less mature artist, but this has a similarly dark atmosphere, and the production quality is impressive. You can name your price from Bandcamp, and receive a 30 minute 'making of' video as part of the download. This London based artist is a classically trained multi instrumentalist, making use of guitar and ukulele loops to create gloom pop. Instruments such as harp, saxophone and violin create contrast in moments of calm such as Butterflies. It's powerful musically and emotionally, and is a window on a wonderfully creative mind.
Laura Kidd contributed backing vocals for Carina Round's recent, masterly album. She's a less mature artist, but this has a similarly dark atmosphere, and the production quality is impressive. You can name your price from Bandcamp, and receive a 30 minute 'making of' video as part of the download. This London based artist is a classically trained multi instrumentalist, making use of guitar and ukulele loops to create gloom pop. Instruments such as harp, saxophone and violin create contrast in moments of calm such as Butterflies. It's powerful musically and emotionally, and is a window on a wonderfully creative mind.
Swedish born Andersson came to prominence on You Tube, but this album is conceived with a longer sweep. The music has jazz influences, as you'd expect from a New Orleans theme, and I love the use of brass. It also uses electronics extensively, and it's beautifully produced, with her voice sounding ethereal as it soars above the mix. Sultry, atmospheric and particularly enjoyable with headphones.
The Walkmen Heaven (Indie Rock) 6/10
This is the New York band's seventh album, and it has a mature sound, suggesting they have the confidence to be understated. It's a slow burner, and sometimes the tension sags and complacency sets in. For all the skill, it can feel too deliberate, yet I admire the subtlety and others have loved it more than I admire it.
This is the New York band's seventh album, and it has a mature sound, suggesting they have the confidence to be understated. It's a slow burner, and sometimes the tension sags and complacency sets in. For all the skill, it can feel too deliberate, yet I admire the subtlety and others have loved it more than I admire it.
5 EPs
Bonnie Prince Billy Hummingbird (Indie Folk) 7.5/10
Hummingbird was a Record Store Day 10" release, and is now available as a download. It has a wonderfully laid back, natural feeling of eavesdropping on a private concert. The tempos are slow, and the mood sad. It's dominated by the Leon Russell cover of its title and is all performed with amazing sensitivity. Very moving.
Lady Danville Operating (Indie Rock) 9/10
Operating is a short 3 track EP which leaves me exited to hear their upcoming full length. The Bay Area trio create an upbeat and melodic sound with fantastic vocal harmonies and an arena sound. They've juggled day jobs to support Ben Folds amongst others; thankfully they survived their tour van's crash depicted in the cover art. On this evidence they're destined to become a headline act.
Hummingbird was a Record Store Day 10" release, and is now available as a download. It has a wonderfully laid back, natural feeling of eavesdropping on a private concert. The tempos are slow, and the mood sad. It's dominated by the Leon Russell cover of its title and is all performed with amazing sensitivity. Very moving.
Operating is a short 3 track EP which leaves me exited to hear their upcoming full length. The Bay Area trio create an upbeat and melodic sound with fantastic vocal harmonies and an arena sound. They've juggled day jobs to support Ben Folds amongst others; thankfully they survived their tour van's crash depicted in the cover art. On this evidence they're destined to become a headline act.
Me Another Story High (Indie Pop) 7/10
The non-Google friendly Australian band has vocals inspired by Freddy Mercury, and have supported Panic! at The Disco. They can't be accused of subtlety: it's high camp, at times reminiscent of early Muse. The slower tempo Dutch Medicine in the middle of the EP is a welcome interlude: I think I'd find a full length album too much. If this is your thing though, you'll find it tremendous fun. Not suitable for listening to whilst sober!
The non-Google friendly Australian band has vocals inspired by Freddy Mercury, and have supported Panic! at The Disco. They can't be accused of subtlety: it's high camp, at times reminiscent of early Muse. The slower tempo Dutch Medicine in the middle of the EP is a welcome interlude: I think I'd find a full length album too much. If this is your thing though, you'll find it tremendous fun. Not suitable for listening to whilst sober!
The Neighbourhood I'm Sorry (Indie Rock) 9/10
This new LA group has made their first EP available for free download here, and it has instant, catchy appeal. The highlight is Sweater Weather, but the other four tracks are a skillful blend of styles, encompassing hip hop as well as rock. At times it reminds me of a less polished version of Lana Del Rey, without the female vocals and elaborate back story. I hope that their full length will live up to this promise.
The Wailin' Jennys iTunes Session (Folk) 8/10
Just like First Aid Kit and The Staves, the female vocal harmonies on this EP are enchanting. The three Winnipeg ladies are joined by a slide bass player to give a rootsy sound. There are bluegrass influences, and it's possible to close your eyes and think of the wide open Canadian prairies. The six tracks on this EP are a mixture of unrecorded and existing songs, and constitute an excellent introduction to the band. It's beautifully performed, and if like me you love folk music, this can hardly fail to warm your heart.
20 Next Best Recent Albums
This new LA group has made their first EP available for free download here, and it has instant, catchy appeal. The highlight is Sweater Weather, but the other four tracks are a skillful blend of styles, encompassing hip hop as well as rock. At times it reminds me of a less polished version of Lana Del Rey, without the female vocals and elaborate back story. I hope that their full length will live up to this promise.
Just like First Aid Kit and The Staves, the female vocal harmonies on this EP are enchanting. The three Winnipeg ladies are joined by a slide bass player to give a rootsy sound. There are bluegrass influences, and it's possible to close your eyes and think of the wide open Canadian prairies. The six tracks on this EP are a mixture of unrecorded and existing songs, and constitute an excellent introduction to the band. It's beautifully performed, and if like me you love folk music, this can hardly fail to warm your heart.
20 Next Best Recent Albums
- 2:54 self-titled
- Bahamas Barchords
- Brendan Benson What Kind of World
- I Used to be a Sparrow Luke
- James Low Western Front Whisky Farmer
- Japanoids Celebration Rock
- Julia Stone By the Horns
- Kate Miller-Heidke Nightflight
- Keep Shelley in Athens In Love with Dusk
- Lemonade Diver
- Lotus Plaza Spooky Action at a Distance
- Scout All These Relays
- Silversun Pickups Neck of the Woods
- Sara Bareilles Once Upon Another Time EP
- Sparkadia The Great Impression
- The Temper Trap self-titled
- Whistle Peak Half Asleep Upon Echo Falls
- Violens True
- Young Liars self-titled
- Zulu Winter Language
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