I can't decide yet whether Charli's attempts this era are simply pretentious or instead pure genius, but I can say for certain the singles are growing on me, even 'Rock Music'. 'SS26' really shows off Charli's voice in a way I haven't heard fully explored thus far in her career (at least not from my experience with her work) and it is really refreshing to hear. The anti-climax of the track's ending is really beautiful, the synths are upbeat but still ... read more
Jessie Ware's third album, Superbloom, marks the third entry into her vivacious and flirtatious disco trilogy, and whilst perhaps not an instant killer like What's Your Pleasure? (WYP), is a triumph once burgeoned in the garden of one's mind. This is my second time writing a review of this record, having initially rating it in the low 70s - a respectable yet undeniably lesser score than its predecessors. But, as I said, Superbloom is a grower. Through appreciating over time its ... read more
'The BPM' is the ultimate pastiche of dance music genres, blending the best of many worlds. Parks draws you in with the enchanting electronic textures and strings on 'DEAD', which go on to define the album. It finally clicked for me yesterday that the reason why this album just works so beautifully is down to how it builds: from the relatively low-stakes, lighter tone of the first 5 tracks, straight into the speed and power of 'THE NATURE OF POWER', which only ... read more
An absolute masterpiece of modern pop music, drawing from so many different musical roots with such care and confidence. Listening to THIS ALBUM MAY CONTAIN HOPE is like listening to a film; the record is a journey, having an impressive 1 hour 13 minute runtime but never having a dull moment. The closer, basically acting as credits, could be seen as monotonous or tedious, but I think it is an incredibly well deserved retrospective of the tireless work that has gone into this record. From having ... read more
This did not land on a first listen; yet, after re-listening and watching the music video- god did it. The album is going to be monumental, mark my words. After three incredibly strong singles, I am so excited to see what the rest of the record holds.
Heard this first during her Brits performance; her vocals are especially incredible here, I have gotten goosebumps every time I have listened. The album is shaping out to be something special thus far.
This is a light and blissful follow up to EUSEXUA. Cheap Hotel is my standout track, with an incredible music video to work beside it (as per usual for twigs).
Mayhem is slightly improved by the addition of three great tracks- with the anthemic Kill For Love being a real standout amongst some of the best songs from the original track list.
The overall more cohesive and immersive EUSEXUA version, which benefits from the removal of Childlike Things and Wanderlust especially as well as the addition of all of its new tracks. Although Childlike Things is definitely a guilty pleasure of mine, it really makes no sense on the original track list and breaks the immersion of this otherwise transcendent album; I am glad it was omitted.
I was sad to see Girl Feels Good and Perfect Stranger go though, some of my favourites from the ... read more
A record full of maximalist, queer joy but also tender moments when needed. The slower tracks on the whole are the weakest part of this album for me, rendered dull at times in the face of the infectiously energetic highs of 'HOT TO GO' or 'Super Graphic Ultra Modern Girl'. However, Chappell does hit a sweet spot on 'Casual' which is so catchy whilst also being painfully heart-wrenching.
Can not wait for a second Chappell record, even if it takes a while.
My first mixtape, and god does the shorter format work. This project just flows; at times when listening I completely didn't realise that we had moved on to the next track, but in the best way possible. I think this has finally broken my tiktok prejudice because PinkPantheress truly deserves the virality.
'Everybody Scream' feels more like an experience than an album, another enchanting success for Florence. The highlight for me has to be 'One of the Greats' in its powerful build up and poignant commentary on the music industry. I feel like there is a lot more to pick apart on this track specifically than what I have already taken from it, so I would be interested to see what I think further down the line.
Can I just say too, Florence was a genius when it came to the timing ... read more
Although its hard to ignore the uncomfortable controversies surrounding sombr and his shows in particular at the moment, 'I Barely Know Her' is an inoffensive, decent album from him- albeit forgettable at times. This ultra-layered, overproduced vocal style is definitely something to get used to, but it allows for some real high points, such as 'back to friends' or '12 to 12'. However, this does not always work out, as the opener 'crushing' just does not ... read more
A cohesive, confident record which shows its quality throughout. The psychedelic synths mixed with Parker's soothing vocals really sell the album for me, allowing for an easy, satisfying listening experience which absolutely justifies the critical acclaim this has gotten. I was only taken out of this trance briefly after the stellar 'The Less I Know the Better' with 'Past Self' and its moderately jarring second male narrative voice; admittedly, it feels out of place.
A slower start for Sleep Token, as they find their signature sound. It is refreshing, but doesn't call me back for further listens nearly as much as a project like TMBTE does. Although, this calmer, less produced sound you can hear here in moments like the intro to 'Thread the Needle' would have been welcome in the more intimate tracks of Eden like 'DYWTYLM', which does come across as more cringeworthy than tender as I assume it was intended.
Came into this with an open mind, not having been the most drawn to Demi's work in the past, but I don't know, something just feels off with this. Respect to her and as much as I acknowledge that Charli XCX did not invent this genre by any means, her impact is obvious and this album comes across as a watered down BRAT, with nowhere near the same charm. 'Kiss' is where the BRAT parallels get the most blatantly obvious, it is 'Guess' coded through and through, but ... read more
From an apprehensive first listen to one of my all time favourites, 'Imaginal Disk' is an album to be remembered. Something about the almost childlike sound did not resonate with me at first, especially in the opener 'She Looked Like Me', which for my second or so run throughs I skipped altogether. Yet, after looking into the concept of the record and sitting with it for a while, it really hit for me- especially the incredible 'Death & Romance' which ... read more
From the heart-wrenching 'Nashville' to the powerfully fun 'I Wanna Be a Cowboy, Baby!', this album was an incredible debut for CMAT. So glad I was introduced to her music.
I enjoyed this, but I am not inclined to re-listen. I can acknowledge its merit, but I just think this style of rock isn't for me. 'Polythene Pam' and 'Here Comes the Sun' were my highlights.
Came into this after watching her Mercury Prize performance, having heard well about this album in the past, and really enjoyed it. The title track is easily its highlight, I adore the techno production and the unexpected euphoric ending is just otherworldly. None of the other tracks reach quite the same high but 'Room of Fools' and 'Girl Feels Good' come pretty close. The North West feature caught me completely off-guard, I didn't even realise it was her or that she ... read more