Another incredible album by Barry Can't Swim, ironically feels like you're drowning in so much sound, creativity and emotion. The second half of the record especially is woven together with serious care. Full of energy and euphoria whilst also sharing the story of life. The LP also has audio callbacks to his first album that makes his entire work much more unified and thoughtful.
"Tourist History" feels anything but history, as other songs from the same period sound dated, there's a freshness to the offerings here that are not nostalgic but cheerfully optimistic.
You can hear Magdalena Bay setting the foundations with "Mercurial World" that are further expanded on in "Imaginal Disk." Really experimental, groovy without ever being overbearing. Excellent.
Solid start and finish with a quite forgettable middle section, "Stand By Me" is an absolutely wonderful song. I think this album might be playing it too safe but there's nothing insulting here, it's rather decent!
Messy at times, yes, but it oozes in cool. The catchy instrumentals paired with Antony Szmierek's vocal delivery create a smooth journey through this interesting record. It feels like a sound we'll hear more nearing the end of the decade.
The singles absolutely carry this album with the songs getting progressively weaker as you get further in. Still, "Hallucinating Love" is very groovy which helps significantly. Best songs being "Blackoak," "Otherside" and "Dance On The World."
Undeniably incredible vocals with thoughtful lyrics. Sadly Sam Fender's third album suffers the same fate as his previous two releases. It all sounds the same, with no attempt of pushing any boundaries on his sound to the point where it's borderline monotonous. The few brass sections on the record almost feel like welcome relief from the guitars. Rein Me In is a clear personal favourite on this LP.
Overall, not a patch on "In Colour" but still some fantastic tracks that really pull the project together. "Baddy On The Floor" my personal favourite.
There was so much intrigue about Jamie xx's debut album, "In Waves" doesn't lack in creativity but falls flat/short on too many occasions.
Jungle drop off the searing pace set by their first two records. The much wider variety of vocals is pleasant but that creates a slower tempo overall. It's still got some unforgettable tunes, just not as concentrated as previous efforts.
A weaker entry from the UK's hottest band. Funnily enough, "Volcano" is the LP that will be remembered for finally giving Jungle the worldwide recognition they truly deserve so at least we have that to be thankful for. "Candle Flame" the strongest cut with "You Ain't No Celebrity" being so incredibly underwhelming, what a waste of a Roots Manuva feature.
Epic story telling in this harsh, unpolished, debut LP. A brutally fantastic listening journey with desolate feel. Well worth every single moment of your time.
White Lies boldest album, the band nail the outer space aesthetic without making the LP overly conceptual. "Getting Even" is a stunning high point, one of the most underrated indie rock songs of the 2010s.
Haunting, mesmeric and refines everything great from the self-titled debut album. Gorgeous.
While I can respect the creativity, some of the aspects of this record feel noisy and somewhat unwanted. I struggled through "715 - CR∑∑KS" for instance. At the other end of the spectrum, the three tracks that follow work and flow superbly. I feel like Bon Iver is at the peak of his powers with the more peaceful, serene soundscapes he can evidently build. "8 (circle)" a personal favourite off this LP.
A mixed bag for me but when everything on this album aligns, ... read more
I mean, what are we even doing here? Brief flashes of brilliance drowned out by a whole lotta nothing.
These guys can't be the same people that brought us some of the greatest rock albums this century.
I get that this is a conceptual album however, it's difficult to get to the place they're creating sonically. I respect the efforts but some of these songs are more uninhabitable than a hotel on the moon.
Good job I can't leave a review on Trivago to be honest.
Arctic Monkeys striding confidently with a new sound that brings worldwide acclaim.
Not the same kind of brilliance we were treated to in "Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not" or "Favourite Worst Nightmare" but it's still great to see the Sheffielders get the limelight they deserve.