thudson

More top notch storytelling from Lucy Dacus, and not a bad song in the bunch. "The most that I could give to you was nothing at all, the best that I could offer was to miss your calls" Dacus sings on the album opener Hot & Heavy while the instrumental builds in a teenage, Springsteenian fashion. This album deals exclusively in the past but still feels raw and fresh and that can be attributed to Lucy's songwriting. "I may let you see me on my knees, but you'll never see me ... read more

Well, this is the first time I haven't been absolutely thrilled by Courtney Barnett. A lot of these tracks drift into the next with nary a distinguishing trait amongst them. The writing is nice and easy, but lacks a lot of bite that her previous work has. "Well, time is money and money is no man's friend" Courtney lilts on the opener and album high-point, "Rae Street". The catchiest tune has to be track 4. "Before you Gotta Go." is Courtney at her most ... read more

This album is a real return to form for MARINA and it was one of my most anticipated releases of the year. The first 4 songs (also the first 4 singles) begin the album - they are sure to become staples in the MARINA catalogue but in such a quick succession left me breathless, like I need to pause the album and take a hit from the bong before we move on. The rest of the album isn't what I'd call a disappointment, in fact I think some of the material is quite strong - but the heavy front ... read more

"Boy from Michigan" is the 7 and a half minute atmospheric opener to the album that sets the tone for what's to come. "The American dream is not for weak, soft-hearted fools" Grant croons over sinister synths that tag team with great sax arrangement by Cate Le Bon.

Track 5 "Mike and Julie" hits me hard with its honest and heartbreaking storytelling that I can relate to all too much. The brave breaks of the 4th wall where Grant speaks directly to the subjects of ... read more