Dark Dark Dark Who Needs Who (Indie Pop) 9/10
This is a beautifully melancholy album, introvert and gentle in its feel. I love the use of acoustic instrumentation including piano and accordion, and restrained drumming. The singing of Nona Marie Invie is beguiling, the mood influenced by her break-up with the group's co-founder last year. In a world where everyone seems to want to shout loudly, the restraint of this jazz and folk influenced group from Minneapolis could be easily overlooked.
Lau Race the Loser (Folk) 9/10
This Scottish folk trio's third album is captivating and surprisingly bold, reflecting the involvement of American producer Tucker Martine. The instrumentation consists largely of fiddle, accordion and guitar, but also electronics, most evident on Far From Portland. The combination of traditional Celtic jigs and reels with this new found experimentation and an ability to improvise is startlingly refreshing.
Lord Huron Lonesome Dreams (Indie Folk) 8.5/10
Pitchfork dismissed this album as 'sepia toned', and I admit that some will find it a little too sweet toned and polite. Yet, Fleet Foxes have proven that folksy Americana can capture the imagination, and I appreciate the beauty. It's LA based Ben Schneider's debut album, and I have been luxuriating in the beauty of those harmonies. It's an album to sit back and enjoy in its entirety as one track blends seamlessly into the next.
Gary Clark Jr. Blak and Blue (Blues Rock) 8/10
This is an eclectic album, with influences from rap, soul, funk and above all blues. It's direct and has bite: on first listen, it's clear this is bold and exciting. It's lavishly produced by Mike Elizondo of Fiona Apple fame, yet some may wish for something more stripped back. Others have remarked his voice is a little thin, although the guitar playing's ample compensation. It's a celebration of our melting pot culture, and I can imagine the buzz around the polo fields of Coachella if he plays there in April.
You can stream a track from Tweaker's album here.
Tweaker Call the Time Eternity (Industrial, Electronic) 8/10
Tweaker is a project from Chris Vrenna of Nine Inch Nails, and is weighty and melancholic. He left Marilyn Manson's touring band as drummer to work on his 3rd album a year ago, and the sinister results are totally involving. It has an dark, experimental feel, and you simply must listen closely to take in the subtleties. Just don't expect Trent Reznor's genius.
Bat For Lashes Haunted Man (Indie Pop) 8/10
I was on the fence about this album after the first few listens, feeling that it only really took flight after the sublime Laura. Yet, my appreciation has grown immensely the experience of seeing her memorable live show. Less ephemeral music does take time to appreciate, and now I realise the imagination behind its atmospheric, personal sounds. It hasn't quite displaced the richer sounding Two Sons in my affections yet, though.
Andrew Bird Hands of Glory (Country, Folk) 8/10
The follow-up to the still recent album Break Up Yourself is rootsy and more bluegrass influenced. He includes a couple of country covers, and ends with an extended, bold 9 minute Beyond the Valley. It's only 8 tracks long, and whilst I wish for more of his own material, his violin playing is exquisite. Essential listening for lovers of folk.
Bryan John Appleby Fire on the Vine (Singer Songwriter) 8/10
This Seattle based artist creates sounds of delicate, heartwarming beauty, poetically written and full of biblical imagery. I find it incredibly powerful emotionally, and the pacing is masterly in the melancholic, heartfelt The Lake. Listen to a song like the 7 minute Boys, which takes a surprisingly dissonant turn, and you'll realise this is not backward looking folk, but original modern art.
Goodnight Texas A Long Life of Living (Indie Folk) 8/10
This gorgeous Americana album is the fruit of Patrick Wolf and the Stone Foxes' Avi Vinocour. The roots instrumentation includes harmonica, mandolin, guitar and banjo, yet it's the song writing which is so memorable. It's wonderfully executed, and full of cherishable melodies: an absolute delight.
Other Lives Map The Gap EP (Indie Folk) 8/10
The four tracks here don't satisfy my impatience for another full length from Other Lives, yet their epic, orchestral folk remains beguiling. Despite an impressively layered version of Dust Bowl, the EP stands out for the Atoms for Peace remix of Tamer Animals, utterly transforming the original. It was recorded in Oxfordshire whilst they were touring and Dead Can shows electronic Radiohead influences.
Freelance Whales Diluvia (Indie Rock) 8/10
This second album from the New York five piece is dreamy in tone, and whilst you might expect it to be influenced by nature, there's actually a science fiction theme. The songs are longer than average, with complex textures and extensive use of synthesiser; the lyrics are blurred. It might not make an immediate impact, but its rich instrumentation draws you in, and it ultimately has an uplifting effect.
Gus Black Split the Moon (Singer Songwriter) 8/10
This is a live recording from the last day of Black's 2011 tour in Berlin, and the gain in atmosphere from the studio album The Day I Realised is palpable. He's accompanied by a band, but the minimalist sound is centred on Gus' acoustic guitar and voice, with a feeling of rapt concentration (the audience apparently restrained). This was clearly a remarkable performance, and we can share in some of that magic at home.
The Young Unknowns You Are a Young Unknown EP (Indie Rock) 8/10
I have The Owl Mag to thank for my discovery of this currently aptly titled Brooklyn group. Lead singer Meredith Meyer is joined by four male band members; there are some similarities in sound to Wye Oak. After streaming the upbeat, driving Target Practice I immediately bought the entire EP. I sincerely hope their name soon becomes ironic.
Gypsy and The Cat The Late Blue (Indie Pop) 7.5/10
I loved the Australian duo's debut, Gilgamesh; this one has less of an 80's sound, instead being more laid back. They were influenced by 60's psychedelic rock, and it has an almost dream pop feel. It was mixed by MGMT's Dave Fridman, yet Lionel Towers is a classically trained pianist (the other half of the band being drummer and guitarist Xavier Bacash).
Amelia Curran Spectators (Indie Folk) 7.5/10
The Canadian won a Juno Award for her 2009 album Hunter, Hunter, and this sixth album also contains powerful song writing. The production is no acoustic, minimalist concept: she's variously accompanied by horns, strings, electronics and drumming. I particularly like San Andreas Fault, where her heartbreak is compared to an earthquake; throughout her vocals are clear and haunting.
Inlet Sound The Romantics (Indie Folk) 7.5/10
The painting on the cover gives an accurate impression of what to expect: melodic, breezy folk pop. The Ontario group may be too polite for some, with insufficient variety of mood, but if you enjoy Said The Whale or The Decemberists, The Romantics will give pleasure, and soars grandly.
Rayland Baxter feathers and fishHooks (Alt Country) 7.5/10
The Nashville artist's capitalisation is playful here, and his debut album reflects his touring life with The Civil Wars. Pedal Steel is provided by his father (who played for Bob Dylan), and other accompaniment by his friends. Lovers of Americana will surely adore the mellow, honest feel.
Lindi Ortega Cigarettes and Truck Stops (Alt Country) 7.5/10
This sophomore album reflects the Canadian's move to Nashville, and is notable for Lindi's seductive soprano vocals. The music is blues and soul influenced, and whilst it doesn't break any new ground, she reinterprets past legends for a new generation. The production includes upright bass, mandolin and piano; tracks like The Day You Die will get your feet tapping.
Amy LaVere & Shannon McNally Chasing the Ghost Rehearsal Sessions (Alt Country) 7/10
Recorded in Memphis, this has a spontaneous feel as these two artists started to collaborate prior to a tour in California. LaVere plays the upright bass and McNally the guitar; both sing, their voices blending. I suspect this isn't intended to be a definite statement from the pair, but it's lots of fun.
A Fine Frenzy Pines (Singer Songwriter) 7/10
Alison Sudol has created an understated, gentle album, which despite the hour length doesn't overstay its welcome. Perhaps I enjoy it because one review mentioned a classical music influence. It's a concept album about a tree, and her own stage name comes from a Midsummer Night's Dream. It's no King of Limbs though: if you're looking for experimentalism, you'll be disappointed. It is however inspired by a love of nature, and concern for our planet, and if you enjoy the quiet subtlety, you will appreciate this.
Sophie Hunger The Danger of Light (Singer Songwriter) 7/10
Sophie Hunger grew up in Switzerland; her music is quirky and strongly jazz influenced. She's multi-lingual, and I can hear the influence of Kurt Weill alongside that of folk singers like Beth Orton and Laura Marling. The deluxe version of The Danger of Light is generous in length, but sometimes the stylistic and linguistic contrasts give it a disjointed feel. This eclecticism is also part of her appeal though and she understandably has a loyal following.
The Hillbender's label won't allow the Souncloud preview to be shared, so you'll need to visit this page to listen to it.
The HillBenders Can You Hear Me? (Bluegrass) 7/10
The Missouri based bluegrass group's second album deserves wider than specialist appeal, as they bring elements of rock and roll and jazz into this traditional genre. A song like Radio has a pop-like melody, and it's clear that their performance style is high energy. They include standards such as Train Whistle alongside their own material; the whole is most enjoyable.
John Fullbright From The Ground Up (Roots Rock) 6.5/10
The young Oklahoma's first release sounds surprisingly mature, infused with country and folk and an easy lyricism. Fullbright plays most of the instruments on the record, and writes cutting lyrics, be it a critique of capitalism on Fat Man or Christianity in Gawd Above. Crucially, his voice is characterful, and I suspect this is far from the last we'll be hearing from him: a talent to watch.
Benjamin Gibbard Former Lives (Indie Rock) 6/10
The solo debut from Death Cab for Cutie's frontman has received mixed reviews, yet it's laid back quality appeals to me. On Bigger Than Love he duets with the wonderful Aimee Mann, and Teardrop Windows is another highlight. An album which is easy to dismiss, since it's far from innovative, yet you can easily find yourself listening and almost subconsciously realising that you are enjoying it.
Tall Ships Everything Touching (Math Rock) 6/10
In this rock from Falmouth in the South of England, guitars take centre stage from the outset, alongside complex rhythms. Sometimes it can seem a little fussy and contrived, but others will enjoy the intricacy. Influences include Foals and Yeasayer, and the closing, extended Murmations shows an impressive command of structure. Definitely clever, if an album I admire more than love.
Also Recommended
- Amy Cook Summer Skin
- Bad Books II
- Black Prairie A Tear in the Eye is a Wound in the Heart
- Caroline Herring Camilla
- Dog is Dead All our Favourite Stories
- Gliss Hunting EP
- Godspeed You Black Emperor Allelujah Don't Bend Ascend
- Jeremy Messersmith Paper Moon EP
- Menomena Moms
- Neil Young & Crazy Horse Psychedelic Pill
- Rosie Flores Working Girl's Guitar
- Sarah Blasko I Awake
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