Category: album reviews
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Cory Wong: Wong’s Cafe review – nothing new from a band in disguise
Cory Wong’s latest project is ostensibly Vulfpeck’s sixth album, and it’s perhaps telling that the band have avoided official recognition for their efforts – Wong’s Cafe feels rushed and uninspired from start to finish, and is home to some of the most unremarkable songs in the band’s history.
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Silk Sonic: An Evening with Silk Sonic review – a modern blast from the past
When megastars Anderson .Paak and Bruno Mars first collaborated under the name Silk Sonic for their gorgeous retro single Leave the Door Open earlier this year they blew minds and topped charts the world over. Could the album that followed ever hope match the stellar quality of the lead single? Alex Walden seems to think…
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Parcels: Day/Night review – a risky, rewarding retro pop quest
Parcels’ unfailingly ambitious and original double album may often be just as irresistibly funky as their debut, but it’s also a huge step forward for the band with its daring genre experimentation and philosophical lyricism. It’s a shame that with such grand aims, there were bound to be a few misfires amongst the extensive tracklist.
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PinkPantheress: to hell with it review – a strong start and a promising future
20-year-old student PinkPantheress shot to instant stardom into 2021 after her short and sweet garage tracks found a keen audience on social media. But does her debut mixtape live up to the hype? Alex Walden seems to think so.
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Sam Fender: Seventeen Going Under review – arena-worthy classics to feed the soul
Whilst Fender’s expansive, often breathtaking sophomore record may not be flawless, it has more than its fair share of genius songwriting and lyricism thanks to a potent concoction of sepia nostalgia and brave sociopolitical lessons for the here and now.
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Jade Bird: Different Kinds of Light review – a sparkling delight
English singer-songwriter Jade Bird’s sophomore album builds on the best parts of the debut with new maturity, sincerity and most importantly some cracking singles. The result is an album I felt an instant personal connection to.
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Tyler, the Creator: Call Me If You Get Lost review – Sir Baudelaire’s finest
Tyler, the Creator’s 2019 album IGOR wowed fans worldwide this its ambitious storytelling, chart-dominating singles and unparalleled originality. Could the Grammy-winning California rapper produce another masterpiece in his 2021 follow-up? Alex Walden isn’t convinced.
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Bellowhead: Reassembled review – folk legends run the hits one last time
A final reunion concert back in December was the stuff of every Bellowhead fan’s dreams. Six months later the performance has been immortalised in a widely-released live album that often finds the 11-strong folk band at their exuberant best.
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Olivia Rodrigo: SOUR review – a teen pop triumph
Ambitious, thrilling and often inspired, Olivia Rodrigo’s debut is a pinnacle of Gen Z pop, bursting with all the energy and raw emotion that comes with being young today.
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dodie: Build a Problem review – much more than a YouTube sensation
Build a Problem is a coming of age for dodie with its cinematic ambition and intricate strings compositions, although much of the album lacks a sense of purpose.
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Royal Blood: Typhoons review – an innovating dance-rock revolution
Royal Blood have successfully carved out their own niche in this dynamic disco-infused collection of rock bangers which sound destined to soundtrack many post-lockdown workouts and dance parties the world over.
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Middle Kids: Today We’re the Greatest review – a change of pace to mixed results
Today We’re the Greatest has more than its fair share of highlights and a strong set of lyrics, it’s just a shame Hannah Joy’s songwriting falls a little flat when put to the test with more intimate ballads.
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Beach Bunny: Blame Game EP review – an exhilarating comeback
Beach Bunny returned with another set of concise, hook-laden songs filled with compelling melodies. This time around, a new feminist edge results in some urgent commentary on the state of the patriarchy in today’s America.
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Vulfpeck: The Joy of Music, The Job of Real Estate review – a disappointing Jekyll and Hyde
I’m tempted to say that it’s been a long two years since Vulfpeck’s last album, Hill Climber, but the truth is it really hasn’t. 2019 and 2020 have seen the Michigan funk legends take something of a hiatus, with a host of new albums from individuals.
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Snarky Puppy: Sylva review – a mind-blowing gem
Forget Oliver Tree, I’ve got another confession: I’ve never really liked classical music. I’m someone who needs a hook, a bass line, a groove and whilst classical music can have its moments, for me it’s always been too meandering and too inaccessible without a singer to guide me through. After all, what’s the point of…
Undertone 