Californian acid rockers Sleepy Sun follow up last year’s Embrace with another serving of massive, sun-blasted riffs.
James Dalrymple
The Very Best of David Holmes – The Dogs Are Parading
This rather premature Very Best Of is a compelling and cinematic assemblage of the Northern Irish producer’s work to date, says James Dalrymple.
To Rococo Rot – Speculation
Speculation, the Berlin trio’s sixth full-length LP, is their warmest, most human album yet. Recorded in a secluded rural area of southern Germany ”like a band playing a live show”, the bucolic surroundings and more freeform dynamic are pleasingly evident.
Beak> – Beak>
Geoff Barrow’s new band Beak> further explores the gloomy Krautrock, post punk and psychedelia that characterised Portishead’s ‘Third’. The result is a bleak homage to its influences, says James Dalrymple
Homelife – Exotic Interlude
Homelife’s aptly-titled ‘Exotic Interlude’ is folkier and more stripped-down than their previous albums, but the characteristic shuffling jazziness and dreaminess pervade, says James Dalrymple.
Yo La Tengo – Popular Songs
On their 12th album ‘Popular Songs’ Yo La Tengo get the balance beautifully right between their experimental and indie dream pop. James Dalrymple reviews.
Wild Beasts – Two Dancers
Wild Beasts sophomore effort is a big improvement on their debut, and one of the year’s best albums by a British band, says James Dalrymple.
White Denim – Fits
White Demin are the latest thrilling export of Austin, Texas. James Dalrymple salutes ‘The Live Music Capital of the World’.
Dirty Projectors – Bitte Orca
Dave Longstreth’s extraordinary art pop project continues to confound and compel with an album embracing styles as diverse as chamber folk, African blues and R&B. James Dalrymple reviews.
worriedaboutsatan – Arrivals
worriedaboutsatan’s brilliant debut album – post-rock tinged electronica with cathedral-sized atmospherics and a mood of isolation and menace – is one of the best new IDM albums in years, says James Dalrymple
Magik Markers – Balf Quarry
Magik Markers intriguingly titled new album veers between scuzzy dirges, trashy punk and bleak mood pieces. James Dalrymple reviews.
Super Furry Animals – Dark Days/Light Years
More an admirer than a fan of the Super Furries – James Dalrymple’s prior favourite SFA album was Phantom Power. However, Dark Days/Light Years is a genuine revelation.