Author Archives


11
Aug 09

The xx – XX, Album Review [RETRACTED]

Follow-up review will be posted soon.
The xx – XX, Album Review [RETRACTED] album reviews reviews 2 The xx
XX

Young Turks
out August 17th (UK)

59/100
[Rating Scale]
Buy it at Insound!

[rating:59/100]
Upon first listen, the xx’s debut album – helpfully entitled XX – seems like a breath of fresh air. The London four-piece’s modest and unassuming sound comes as a welcome change from the narcissistic posturing of other artists, while their blend of understated, ethereal pop-rock lacks the brazen, ‘in-your-face’ attitude that almost seems to be par for the course with up-and-coming bands. However, it soon becomes obvious that the xx are rather a one-trick pony: although first single ‘Crystalised’ is beguiling, the album’s ten other tracks seem like nothing so much as alternative takes on it – and what’s more, inferior versions that are more or less indistinguishable from one another. What originally seemed atmospheric and moody comes across as something closer resembling apathy: ironically, XX would be vastly improved by some of that pizzazz and swagger that can be so wearisome in other musicians. Continue reading →


27
Jul 09

VV Brown – Travelling Like The Light, Album Review & Giveaway

VV Brown – Travelling Like The Light, Album Review & Giveaway album reviews reviews 2 VV Brown
Travelling Like The Light

Island
out July 13th

81/100
[Rating Scale]
Buy it at Insound!

[rating:73/100]
If I were feeling cynical, I might describe VV Brown’s debut, Travelling Like the Light, as being an example of what I’ll dub now ‘mum music’. You know what I’m talking about: songs that belong on the soundtrack to Katherine Heigl movies, and on compilation albums designed to make housework seem more fun; albums that make safe picks for Mother’s Day gifts because they’re upbeat, inoffensive, and recommended by Vogue. I don’t intend for this to come across as a criticism: indeed, this has proved to be a lucrative market for Amy Winehouse, Adele, Duffy et al, and I’ll bet my bottom dollar that it won’t be long before VV Brown is considered to be on a par with these easy-listening, contemporary heavyweights. Travelling Like the Light emulates the ‘doo-wop’ pop of the ‘50s and ‘60s, but instead of reheating an old classic, VV has successfully given the retro sound a sense of her own character that makes the album seem both fresh and relevant.

What sets VV (otherwise known as Vanessa Brown, a London-based performer and model – no, keep reading) apart from her peers is her voice, or rather, what she does with it. Just a few seconds into the first track, “Quick Fix”, she gives an unsightly, unladylike shriek: already, it’s clear that VV has no time for the reserve of the original doo-wop sound, and indeed, the album as a whole is energetic and uninhibited. Continue reading →


4
Jul 09

The Fiery Furnaces – I’m Going Away, Album Review & Giveaway

The Fiery Furnaces – I’m Going Away, Album Review & Giveaway album reviews reviews 2 The Fiery Furnaces
I’m Going Away

Thrill Jockey
out July 21st

[82]
[Rating Scale]
Buy it at Insound!

[rating:82/100]
I’m going to level with you here: I haven’t heard much by The Fiery Furnaces. To be precise, I’ve listened to their fifth album, Bitter Tea, once or twice, and that was enough. If you’re like me – someone who appreciates a solid tune that has some semblance of a melody and structure; someone who, without fail, skips “Revolution 9” in favour of the less grating sound of “Good Night” – Bitter Tea is a challenging listen. It doesn’t instantly become your new favourite record in the manner of Passion Pit’s debut album, nor does it grow on you slowly, like Two Suns does. In truth, Bitter Tea demands active dissection, as its repeated use of backmasking and its generally chaotic nature obscure all that is good about the album, such as Eleanor Friedberger’s genteel voice and the gorgeous “Police Sweater Blood Vow”. As that track’s title would suggest, it’s as if The Fiery Furnaces aspire to being weird for weird’s sake – and Bitter Tea is ostensibly one of their most pop-y releases. Consequently, I was relieved to discover that their latest album, I’m Going Away, is much easier on the ears. The tracks are concise and harmonious, the flow between them is logical, and there are no hidden backwards messages: something I always consider to be a plus.

This is a new direction for the brother and sister duo (for reals, this time; thanks for nothing, Jack and Meg), and their new style is one that evades description. The twelve songs of I’m Going Away touch upon moments of baroque pop, country, folk, blues, jazz and even honky-tonk piano, but somehow, they combine to make a cohesive whole. Continue reading →


20
Apr 09

Daniel Merriweather – Love & War Album Review

Daniel Merriweather   Love & War Album Review album reviews reviews 2
[rating:79/100]

While Daniel Merriweather may not be a household name right now, it’s only a matter of time. Since his collaboration with Mark Ronson on “Stop Me”, his musical career has progressed in leaps and bounds, taking him far from his native Australia, and is likely to take off in a big way any day now. Merriweather is the latest bright young thing to tag onto the retro revival spearheaded by Amy Winehouse et al, and his debut album, Love & War, is an estimable showcase of his refreshingly down-to-earth talent. Continue reading →


26
Mar 09

MSTRKRFT – Fist of God Album Review

MSTRKRFT – Fist of God Album Review album reviews reviews 2
[rating:55/100]

Make sure to catch MP3-freebie, “Click Click” featuring E-40. You’ll find the download within the review

Rest in peace, A, E, I, O and U. Text speak has entered the mainstream. There is no place for vowels in this fast-paced modern world – especially, it seems, in the world of electro house, if Canadian collective MSTRKRFT (“Master-kraft”) is anything to go by. Obviously, Jesse F. Keeler (Death From Above 1979) and producer Al-P (girlsareshort) are prepared to spare the superfluous when it comes to the moniker of their brainchild. It’s just too bad they didn’t take the same particular approach to their latest release, Fist of God, which somehow manages to be mediocre, despite boasting some impressive guest spots. Continue reading →