The vaguely angular riffs and indie disco clipped hi-hats of yesteryear have largely been replaced with a greater mastery of dynamics. ‘Fire Like This’ is a subtly different beast.
Author Alex Cocks
So So Modern – Crude Futures
Herein lies the perennial question surrounding the majority of overhyped, strategically positioned modern music; can an exciting live proposition bridge the gap and deliver on their promise and make a first album that doesn’t quell the hype and incite the naysayers?
Andrew Vincent – Rotten Pear
Rotten Pear proves to be Vincent’s most satisfying and complete release to date, mining a deep seam of emotion and experience which deserves a wider audience for his work.
Vivian Girls – Everything Goes Wrong
By their second album Vivian Girls have carved a sonic niche for themselves which may be limiting and the frames of reference borrowed but it is one that remains evergreen.
HEALTH – Get Color
HEALTH have stepped up to another level on Get Color and have released an exciting, cerebral triumph of an album. It really is THAT good.
Dial M For Murder – Fiction M For Murder
Comparisons between Dial M For Murder and other bands of this ilk are valid, but unfair and injudicious and also fails to appreciate that Fiction Of Her Dreams is an album of ten excellently realised dark indie goodies.
Simian Mobile Disco – Temporary Pleasure
As an album ‘Temporary Pleasure’ provides just that; a glossy, unadulterated, voluminous façade covers the work, but it fails to engage beyond this on either an emotional or structural level.
Terry De Castro – A Casa Verde
Covers albums are rarely essential but Casa de Verde does standalone as a charming take on myth and an appreciation of the songwriting tradition.
Alela Diane – To Be Still EP
The quality of Alela Diane’s work allows her to also transcend any attempt at positioning or typecasting, especially on this showcase EP of her latest work says Alex Cocks.
Akron/Family – Set ‘Em Wild, Set ‘Em Free
The challenge has always been there for Akron/Family to harness their improvisational tendencies and sense of community and togetherness on record, and with their latest they have succeeded to an extent. Alex Cocks reviews.
Isis – Wavering Radiant
The fifth album from Californian progressive metal band Isis finds them expanding on ground laid by previous releases. The bar is set high for the offset, but do they dissapoint? Alex Cocks decides.
