On the evidence of The Monitor, Titus Andronicus might be the most exciting indie-rock band around.
Author Andrew Taylor
Gil Scott-Heron – I’m New Here
Andrew Taylor reviews the new album from Gil Scott-Heron, it’s been a while, but it’s been worth the wait…
RJD2 – The Colossus
So, who is this album for then, other than RJD2 himself? Andrew Taylor investigates…
Cold Cave – Love Comes Close
Like a club-friendly flipside to Fever Ray. As nights get longer and winter draws in, it’s worth tracking down; Cold Cave are a lot warmer and more alluring than the name suggests.
Wye Oak – The Knot
Wye Oak’s second album fails to hit the mark for Andrew Taylor – lacking a definitive focus and sound when compared to their contemporaries…
Serengeti and Polyphonic – Terradactyl
Given that 2009 has been a pretty barren year for hip-hop (again), you could do a lot worse than give the latest effort from Serengeti and Polyphonic a spin, says Andrew Taylor.
The Roots – Meltdown Festival, London, 13/06/09
The Roots headlined the Meltdown festival with one of the most pulsating, tight, overblown, electric and flabby hip-hop shows Andrew Taylor has ever seen.
A Hawk And A Hacksaw – Délivrance
Délivrance is no Gogol Bordello Balkan pastiche, nor does it deserve to get lumped into the category of ‘world music’. Rather, it’s a remarkable fusion, the sound of a band living and breathing a musical culture far removed from their own.
John Vanderslice – Romanian Names
For a long time, Vanderslice has been one of the most consistent-and underrated-indie artists around; any of his previous albums are well worth seeking out. It’s a shame then that on ‘Romanian Names’ there isn’t really anything to fall in love with.
Peaches – I Feel Cream
2009 is supposed to be the year everybody starts noticing electroclash again. At 40, Peaches has undoubtedly grown up, and while she hasn’t lost her edge, her fourth album finds her a good deal smoother.
Alasdair Roberts – Spoils
Roberts’ cerebral wordplay may be enough to put some people off this album, but for those who stick with, there’s plenty to enjoy in his twisted folk outlook.
