Goat Live Ballroom Ritual (Pysch Rock) 9.5/10
This album captures June 2013's Camden's Electric Ballroom performance by the eccentric Swedish collective. Goat's live appearances have an almost mythic reputation, fuelled by their use of masks and the alleged curse placed upon their Lapland village for adherence to witchcraft and idolatry. Goat's music is certainly eclectic, and some will consider it unfathomably crazy. However, I'm entranced by the amazing cosmic vitality, and I'm happy to get lost in the frenzy.
Blood Orange Cupid Deluxe (R&B) 9/10
Some reviews have commented on the inspiration 27 year old British producer Dev Hynes has taken from the gay scene. This album is indeed tender, but has wide appeal, and should be investigated by admirers of The Weeknd's PR&B. Guest appearances include his girlfriend Samantha Urbani from Friends, as well as a member of Chairlift and a pair of rappers. It's sophisticated music, strongest in its first four songs, with a melancholy feel, and it's his sense of vulnerability which gives this album unexpected depth.
The Civil Wars Bare Bones EP (Country Folk) 8.5/10
This duo has been on hiatus for over a year now, and this iTunes EP presents alternative, stripped down versions of six songs from their Self Titled (and possibly final) album. They sound even raw and poignant here, notably on the final track I Had Me A Girl. A must for fans who, like me, are saddened by the impossibility of seeing them live.
Bombadil Metrics of Affection (Folk Pop) 8/10
This quirky album from Durham, North Carolina combines some of The Beatles' playfulness with Americana folk instrumentation including banjos, piano and cello. It has a direct emotional impact. Released in the summer, the 13 songs tell vivid stories and the vocals are impeccable. This is unexpected and strangely addictive; well worth investigation.
Elephant Revival These Changing Skies (Indie Folk) 8/10
Recorded at Bear Creek Studios, this folk music from Colorado has much beauty. The sound is graced with celtic sounding violin and mandolin; its influences from contemporary folk are many. It may not be revolutionary, but its harmonies are gorgeous, the rhythms alive, and there's a real sense of connection to nature.
Brian Wright Rattle Their Chains (Americana) 7.5/10
The Texan's fourth album is a world away from the contemporary urban feel of Cupid Deluxe: it's a traditional fusion of country, rock and folk. It's beautifully produced, with a timeless feel: Brian's a talented song writer. It differs from his last record House On Fire in featuring a full band backing; it feels more upbeat and polished, but perhaps less emotionally harrowing.
The Strumbellas We Still Move on Dance Floors (Indie Folk) 7.5/10
This fun album from Ontario should appeal to lovers of The Lumineers and Of Monsters and Men. The country and pop influences are a derivative, and there's little new or ground breaking here. There is however a Canadian melodic warmth. This is a feel good album whose choruses will get your feet tapping, and harmonies will bring a smile to your face.
Migrant Kids self-titled (Post Rock) 7.5/10
This debut from Austin is a concept album about the break up of a relationship; they're devotees of the director David Lynch. Musically notable for its breathy vocals and rich harmonies, it features two purely instrumental pieces. It has a breath of ambition, sometimes feeling sprawlingly abstract despite a length of a little over half an hour. Even if the risks don't always pay off, it has a real emotional power and intensity.
Josienne Clarke & Ben Walker Fire & Fortune (Folk) 7.5/10
This English folk album has deep roots in traditional music, but also includes original compositions. Both performers are classically trained, and Josienne's voice is wonderfully pure, yet this may also appeal to lovers of jazz. On first listen, it may feel almost too sparse, but its melancholy subtlety gradually reveals itself.
Boom Forest self-titled (Techno-Evangelistic Folk) 7/10
John Paul Rooney, like Foreign Fields, is from Baraboo Wisconscin, and attempts to recreate the atmosphere of an enchanted forest. The credits on the Bandcamp page for this pay what you like album suggest that whilst the sound might be lo-fi, it is far from minimalist. He marries electronics with an array of acoustic instruments such as mandolin and banjo. His pure voice, reflecting his upbringing singing in a boys choir, is for me the stand out feature of this fascinating, experimental production.
Milosh Jetlag (Electronic) 7/10
Rhye's Woman was one of my albums of 2013; this is useful supplement for its admirers, featuring the soulful voice of Michael Milosh. It's an intimate listen, the electronic, ambient soundscapes and minor key melodies giving a dreamlike sensation. Ultimately, it's less memorable and more downbeat than Woman, but that remarkable counter tenor is mesmerising.
Mikal Cronin MCII (Indie Rock) 6/10
Best know as garage rocker Ty Segall's partner, Cronin's solo album appeared on several end of year lists. Whilst it's not one of my records of the year, I do admire its fuzzy guitar, punch and hooks. It's likely to appeal particularly to fans of Nirvana, who were Cronin's first musical love. I personally find greater affinity with the 60's than the 90's, confirmed by my recent interest in The Beatles, but others may love it.
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