The latest reviews of my two-album-a-week new years resolution!
The Maccabees – Given to the Wild: excellent album, much darker than the brilliantly catchy lead single Pelican, which itself takes on a darker feel in the context of the songs. One that will be listened to again!
Florence + the machine – Ceremonials: warble warble, getting a bit interesting BIG NOTE, warbles, bit more of an interesting bit, going on a bit isn’t it? Oh we’re only half way through (repeat). Perhaps slightly over estimated the appetite for such a high number of tracks.
Howling bells – Radio wars: after stumbling on Golden Web on shuffle, I was looking forward to this, and it almost delivers eventually. Despite a pretty slow start, it does pick up towards the end. I reckon if I give it a couple more listens I’ll enjoy it more.
Mi mye – the time and the loneliness: as unassuming as he is talented, Jaime Mi Mye has crafted another wonderfully musical, witty, gorgeous album that you just want to give a big old hug to. There seems to be a pretty good rule of thumb at the moment – Scotsman in Yorkshire releases album = that’s an album you really should get.
SBTRKT – SBTRKT – corking album, great blend of chilled out beats with some silky voices, without drifting into the cheese. Achingly cool nephew of the artful dodger.
Foster the People – Torches – Loved it. That “pumped up kicks” tune is bloody everywhere, being played to death, however the rest of album sounds like they’re putting in just enough effort to take it from standard drumsguitarsbasskeyboards into something a bit cleverer, without Trying Too Hard. Nice songmanship too. Perhaps I just expected them to be a bit dull, so they seem better because of it? Regardless, I’ll be giving this one a relisten for certain.
Thanks to everyone who’s been a part of it.
