Top 25 Albums
Efterklang Piramida (Post Rock) 9.5/10
This subtle Danish album is masterly in its creation of a dark, eerie atmosphere. It was recorded at an abandoned mine on Svalbard above the arctic circle and includes ambient sounds. The subtlety and sparseness means that it takes time to appreciate, and quiet, reflective time to listen, but if you make the effort its desolate beauty will enter your consciousness. It sounds distinctive, but if you appreciate Sigur Ros, you should definitely listen to this.
Moulettes The Bear's Revenge (Folk) 9/10
A former member of Moulettes, Ted Dwane, is now with Mumford & Sons, but don’t let all the attention on their second album obscure this one. It’s eccentrically English, less crowd pleasing, and with a more vivid imagination. The footstomping Uca’s Dance is one of the standouts, but gentler songs such as Song Bird give a more melancholy air. It feels so inventive, with the gorgeous female vocal harmonies and a rich array of acoustic instrumentation, including violin, cello, banjo and bassoon. Not all of the tracks maintain the brilliance of the opening numbers, but the closing Blood and Thunder compensates for this. I’m told they’re amazing live; I can't wait to experience it myself.
How to Dress Well Total Loss (Electronic) 9/10
It's difficult to imagine a greater contrast with Mouettes, but Tom Krell's R&B influenced follow up to the brilliant Love Remains is inspired. It's dark and melancholy, the product of a period of depression following a relationship breakup and loss of his best friend and uncle. The disjointed electronics and falsetto soul voice create a chilling atmosphere. Yet it's not a bleak experience: instead humanity comes to the fore, which means it should appeal to fans of both The Weeknd and Bon Iver.
Audra Mae and the Almighty Sound (Folk Pop) 9/10
Oklahoma's Audra Mae has amazing charisma, and this upbeat album is full of retro fun. Her voice is amazingly powerful and she blends country, swing, blues, folk and pop. This isn't delicate, reserved folk: it's an extrovert foot tapping romp, full of catchy tunes such as Little Red Wagon.
First Aid Kit iTunes Session (Folk) 9/10
This delightful Swedish folk duo have created an essential compliment to The Lion's Roar for their fans. It includes a cover of Patti Smith's Dancing Barefoot, new single Wolf and a guest appearance at the end by Connor Oberst. Yet the production of songs from their two albums and EP is bolstered by strings, and feels more polished than previously, without loosing the direct simplicity of the songs. All 8 tracks bring a huge smile to my face.
The Chevin Borderland (Indie Rock) 8.5/10
Borderland manages to live up to the promise shown by the single Champion. The Yorkshire band are currently on tour in America and I predict they'll gain considerable popular success for this album. It's easy on the ear, upbeat melodic rock with an epic quality inspired by their home landscape. They didn't quite live up to their promise when I saw them live in May, but on the strength of this anthemic album, I'm seeing them again this month. I expect crowded stages for The Chevin on the festival circuit next summer.
Neil Halstead Palindrome Hunches (Folk) 8/10
This is the Brit's third solo album, and consists of stripped down folk, his voice recorded in a halo of reverberation alongside acoustic guitar. Violin and banjo also appear in what could be mistaken for middle of the road background music. Yet, if you listen closely, behind the understatement you will find deep emotion, and the production sounds amazingly present on headphones. Some will seek greater variety of mood, but I love that rich voice and gentle sensitivity.
Rival Sons Head Down (Garage Rock) 8/10
This garage rock album is an explosion of raw energy. The Californians take inspiration from classic rock of the 60s and 70s, bringing it to life with their enthusiasm. If The Black Keys appeals to you, this is definitely worth investigating, although it’s more bluesy. The extended Manifest Destiny songs show their more spiritual side, dealing with the plight of the North American First Nations. The album is brilliantly executed, and whilst it was recorded in a studio, it has the thrill and electricity of a live performance.
Kingsley Flood Colder Still EP (Americana) 8/10
I highly recommend Kingsley Flood's debut album Dust Windows, but this spirited EP shows their development in the past two years. It sounds richer, and despite being recorded in a studio Brooklyn has a rootsy, spontaneous feel. I love the varied moods and acoustic instrumentation across the 6 songs, and this is more than just a stopgap until their sophomore LP is released.
The album can currently be streamed on CRB's website.
The Magic Door comes only 3 months after the Black Crowes singer's first album, also one of my monthly choices, and has continuity in style with Big Moon Ritual. It shows a reverence to classic rock and southern blues: the feel is mellow. It's a must for Grateful Dead fans, yet should attract a new generation of listeners with Robinson's idiomatic vocals and gift for melody. The extended Vibration and Light Suite is my highlight, and leads me to conclude this album is even stronger than the first.
Hiss Golden Messenger Poor Moon (Americana) 8/10
Poor Moon will surely appeal to CRB listeners (see review above), and indeed Neil Young fans. This is, if anything, even more laid back, the songs gradually gaining momentum. Vocalist MC Taylor and instrumentalist Scott Hirsch are joined by a large backing band, fusing elements of country, funk, bluegrass and rock. The themes include folklore, religion and mythology, and it gradually offers up its secrets. This is a work indebted to the past, yet unafraid to take risks.
The Alialujah Choir Self Titled (Indie Folk) 8/10
This Portland group consists of band members from Weiland and M. Ward. As expected, there are beautiful vocal harmonies, and a spacious, relaxed feel which will appeal to lovers of Fleet Foxes. It manages to avoid feeling bland, but it's low key, and some may wish for greater variety of mood. I enjoy relaxing to its beauty though.
Calexico Algiers (Indie Rock) 7.5/10
I don't consider Algiers to be as strong as Calexico's last album Carried to Dust, yet the Arizona group still gives pleasure. It's less challenging than I'd like, yet beautifully produced with its strings and brass, with Latin and New Orleans jazz influences. The Splitter track previewed here is my favourite for its epic feel and instrumentation. Enjoyable, but not ground breaking.
Tom McRae From The Lowlands (Singer Songwriter) 7.5/10
The British singer songwriter's follow up to 2010's Alphabet of Hurricanes has a lovely, understated lyricism. This sixth album is stronger than his previous one, and relatively stripped down, with acoustic guitar and some string accompaniment. It's subtle, touching and benefits from its lack of embellishment.
Beth Orton Sugaring Season (Folk) 7.5/10
East Anglian Beth Orton is better known as an electronic artist, but following marriage and childbirth, she's produced a warm feeling folk album centred around acoustic guitar. It was recorded in Portland and has a stripped down feel, yet with much charm. Cat Power fans should certainly investigate this. The melodies are beautiful, the accompaniments sometimes jazz influenced, yet some will wish for a little more grit on this autumnal sounding creation.
Woods Bend Beyond (Folk) 7.5/10
This is the Brooklyn band's seventh album; characterised by 60's influenced psych-folk and Jeremy Earl's falsetto voice. It's less lo-fi than their previous efforts, benefiting from a tighter production. I particularly appreciate the homage to the Grateful Dead in Cascade, although I'm told their live jams are considerably more spontaneous and epic.
Sean Taylor Love Against Death (Blues Folk) 7.5/10
This is a political album, but unless you're a mad Tea Party supporter, don't let that put you off. It's intensely heartfelt and personal, a 'direct challenge to a reality dominated by greed, inequality, and injustice'. The key to the bluesy feel is Sean's softly spoken voice, which creates a touching intimacy. It was recorded in Austin, but the lyrics are full of references to recent British history.
Avett Brothers The Carpenter (Folk Rock) 7/10
There are plenty of banjos here, and some may object to the Avett's polishing of their bluegrass music to appeal to a mainstream pop audience. Yet for all the commercial appeal, there is raw emotion in A Father's First Spring, written after their bass player's two year old was diagnosed with brain cancer. Sometimes the lyricism comes too easily, but this is more heartfelt than Mumford & Son's Babel.
Lucy Rose Like I Used To (Indie Folk) 7/10
Lucy Rose's debut album has received mixed reviews, perhaps because some mistake its British reserve for blandness. I love the Bombay Bicycle Club singer's light touch, and whilst this doesn't break any boundaries, it's grown on me with repeated listening. I've seen her live twice recently, and this of course influences my perception of her recorded work. Laura Marling is more charismatic, but her fans should listen to this too.
Animal Parts Animal Parts (Indie Folk) 7/10
I have The Owl Mag to thank for discovering Joshua Cockerill's under the radar second album. Their review points to Neil Young, Bright Eyes and Wilco influences, and a love the country feel. The 21 year old Canadian benefits from backing instruments including cello, violin and flugelhorn, and shows real potential. One to watch.
The Invisible Rispah (Electronic) 7/10
Rispah is named after lead singer Dave Okumu's mother, and is deeply influenced by her death. It incorporates a recording of Kenyan spirituals sung at her funeral. As a 'love letter to grief' it is surprisingly restrained and minimalist at times, yet clearly cathartic and brooding. The Mercury Prize nominated group has (like Alt-J) been rather unhelpfully compared to Radiohead, but the creativity evident here can't be ignored.
Emily Portman Hatchling (Folk) 7/10
Hatchling is the British folk singer's second album where she intersperses traditional songs such as Silver Swan with her own compositions. Her voice is delicate, and the beauty enhanced by use of cello and viola backing, banjo and ukulele. The subject matter includes myth and fairy tales, but there's a feeling of almost classical restraint in the performance some will find surprising. Utterly charming.
The Wilderness of Manitoba Island of Echoes (Indie Folk) 7/10
I was initially disappointed with the Toronto group's second album, finding it inauthentic, leaving behind folk for blander pop. As someone who's travelled through the wilderness of Manitoba, I found it difficult to see the connection. Yet, I can now appreciate its low key beauty, and when you listen carefully, you can luxuriate in the instrumental textures. Manitoba is pretty flat and empty, but like this music, its appeal gradually creeps up on you.
Sea Wolf Old World Romance (Indie Rock) 7/10
One review described this as 'a fine collection of Coldplay B Sides'; it sounds closer to Band of Horses to me. It's an album some may find simply too pleasing, and easily lyrical, and it doesn't deviate from its mid tempo template. Yet, despite all this, I found it soothing and in its undemanding way, Alex Brown Church's autumnal beauty brings pleasure.
Mumford and Sons Babel (Indie Folk) 6/10
This was one of my most eagerly awaited albums of the year, since Mumford was the second indie band (after Edward Sharpe) I fell in love with. Their Coachella 2011 performance also ranks as one of my favourite live music experiences. Alas, despite record breaking sales, it's a let down, lacking in light and shade. It's beautifully produced, but all that banjo and overwhelming climaxes seem to be in vain. It's sad that there's been an absence of development since Sigh No More, and they've played overwhelming safe. Some will also choke on the evangelising lyrics such 'I set out to serve the Lord'; Marcus' parents run a less than tolerant fundamentalist Christian organisation. But even (rightly) judged on the music alone, this is seriously lacking in fresh inspiration. If you approach it without preconceptions, it can be enjoyed on its own terms, but I can't help but think of what could have been
Other Recommended Albums
- Alexander Wolfe Skeletons
- Angel Olsen Half Way Home
- Azure Ray As Above So Below
- Bear Mountain XO
- The Belle Game Ritual Tradition Habit
- Brother George Big Peney
- Chet Faker Thinking in Textures EP
- Daniel Herksedal & Marius Neset Neck of the Woods
- Dum Dum Girls End of Daze EP
- The Eastern Sea Plague
- Flying Lotus Until The Quiet Comes
- George Sarah Who Sleeps The Sleep of Peace
- Hundred Waters self-titled
- J. Thoven City Maze EP
- Jens Lekman I Know What Love Isn't
- Matthew Dear Beams
- Seahorse I'll Be New
- Taken by Trees Other Worlds
- Teen Daze The Inner Mansions
No comments:
Post a Comment