Reviews

Babyshambles - Shotter's Nation

Possibly the most controversial musician of our times, Pete Doherty sucks up all the media attention and delivers us Shotter's Nation. Stephen Street is behind the desk this time and reports have stated that there were several close calls for him leaving the project, though after several disagreements, Doherty convinced him to stay on.

Where debut "Down in Albion" had standout tracks this is a much more cohesive effort. Beginning with the incoherent but effective guitar work on "Carry Up The Morning" and the sharp and effective radio hit "Delivery". "Crumb Begging Baghead" is a solid rocker with some doorsesque organs taking it on home. "Deft Left Hand" showcasing Pete at his near best. Ballad and closer "Lost Art of Murder" features folk legend Bert Jansch, in producing possibly the best track on the album. Throughout, Doherty slurrs his vocals and the occasional guitar part, really adding to the murky aura of the record and his character. The song titles and lyrics appear to be apart of the dialect of his home. Not every song here is excellent but there are bits and pieces at every corner to keep the listener satisfied.

Love or hate Doherty, you can't take away his talent for writing good songs. This could be one of the best set of songs he ever releases. It rocks, it's occasionally melancholy and has that beatnik poetic edge to it. One of the better rock records of the year.


7/10


Sean B

Expatriate - In the Midst of This

The Sydney based indie rock outfit released their debut album to a fair amount of hype amongst the Australian music community. Since then the band have succumbed to mixed reviews and a somewhat average response from the fans. Front man Ben King is an efficient vocalist even if he's virtually still unknown. The interplay of the guitarists is an integral element to the band's sound. "Crazy", "Shooting Star" and "Get Out, Give In" display the band at their best. "Only Wanna Love Ya" is clear ambition for commercial success with it's many hooks. It's not that this is an entirely bad record, it's just rather dry, patchy and applies the same methods throughout, leaving the listener a little underwhelmed and bored. Not to worry though as there are hooks aplenty and there's only hope that this band will take their sound to a more interesting destination next time.

5/10

Idlewild - Make Another World

Another album in for the Scottish rock and rollers adding a brand new batch of tracks to their catalogue. There's no beating round the bush the band are accomplished at what they do, but they just don't seem to have what it takes to evoke world wide acclaim. I mean i'm sure they seek it but they just haven't seemed to have found any. Make Another World may not be their strongest statement but they sure do a great job of entertaining us, from disco rocker "No Emotion" the catchy "Everything (as it moves)" and showing the power of their songwriting talents in the title track. Wearing their influences on their sleeve with the R.E.Mesque "Once In Your Life" and "Ghost In the Arcade", it'll be a surprise if no Michael Stipe comparisons are made. The album keeps a consistent flow throughout, though the main problem is that most of the tracks are forgettable. In such a huge calendar of music every year Idlewild seem to get lost in the crowd.

5.5/10

Field Music - Tones of Town

Consisting of past members of the Futureheads and Maximo Park comes the second album from Field Music. The Brewis brothers bring us a collection of over 30 minutes worth of fine crafted pop sounds. Not as popular as the former mentioned bands but clearly have themselves a somewhat distinctive sound, slightly reminiscent of 2006's Guillemots. They employ are vast array of instruments and sometimes use them to full effect, but usually the execution could be better. Sometimes Tones of Town just doesn't go anywhere, leaving the excitement out the door on most occasions. It's a fair effort just a little lacklustre.

5/10

Athlete - Beyond the Neighbourhood

Continuing in the same fashion of their previous effort "Tourist". Athlete return with the next set of coldplayesque songs. Continuing with their balladry, Athlete seem to forget that there is an audience that has to listen to it, and why listen when there are better models out there? I was optimistic of this album, hoping they would employ a better direction from the likeable Tourist. Though what we have here is a lifeless affair with constant monotony. Appearing earlier on the record "Hurricane", is the most energetic track here but still quite uncaptivating. Athlete are in the shadow of thier contemporaries Coldplay, Travis and Embrace. Athlete seem to be always looking for that uplifting effect in every moment. Lacking in most areas that count, this is a pure disappointment.

3/10

Pagoda - Pagoda

Featuring in Gus Van Sant's "Last Days", up and coming actor Michael Pitt takes his performance art in a different direction with the release of his debut album, released on Thurston Moore's Ecstatic Peace! record label. Pitt travels back to the early 90's employing all the Seattle grunge rock ethics, not entirely a Nirvana rip off but if you're open to hear something similar this will be your fix. Instead of coming off like the 100s of terrible post-grunge bands of today, there is a rawness and certain amount of credibility within, and it occasionally works. "Lesson Learned" is a solid lead in track, the intro laden with strings bursting into patterns of palm muted guitars. The album continues in the same raw fashion, guitar riffs plucked from the past with the occasional string work which provides an interesting back drop. Pitt pulls it of as a competent front man, the album on the other hand is no way near perfect but it's worthy of your time.

5.5/10

Charlotte Hatherley - The Deep Blue

The former Ash guitarist steps into the limelight with her sophomore effort after leaving her band to pursue her solo career. No doubt there is a touch of originality and sensuality scattered all through the album, her soft sweet distinctive voice provides the blueprint for the music. There is definitely something very majestic about The Deep Blue, from the elegant beginnings of "Costeau" all the way towards the end even if it drops off a little. "Be Thankful", "Again", "Wounded Sky" and"Behave" all swirl with pop delicacy, here she crafts some of the finest songs of the year, quirky and charming. Keeping things interesting she employs her more devilish side with the more rock orientated "Very Young" and anthemic " I Want You to Know". It's clear she played an integral role in her old band, but now it's her time to shine. The Deep Blue is evidence Hatherley is on already her way to a bright career.

7/10

The Noisettes - What's the Time Mr Wolf?

Following in the paths of band's like the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, comes the debut album from the London rock band. The music involves the angsty feminine vocal delivery, sometimes seductive and the sharp and decisive rock riffs. These guys will probably stand in the shadow of the similar sounding artists but clearly have the upper hand in that the quality and catchiness of the songs are unmatchable in comparison to acts like the Gossip. Riff rocker "Don't Give Up", searing melodies of "Bridge to Canada" and bass driven "Scratch Your Name" give evidence of a young band at the heights of their ability. Straight to point the Noisettes get the job done, though where's the hype?

6/10

Sean B

Album Reviews - 26/10/07

Broken Social Scene Presents: Kevin Drew - Spirit If…

The first of a series to be recorded by members from the band, it’s only fitting that the co-founder and lead vocalist of the band, Kevin Drew, be the first to deliver his works and he has done so in fine fashion, with “Spirit If…”.

Although various members of the band gave the Canadian maestro a hand with the instrumentation, the music itself was written by Drew and has been for some years until he was persuaded to record it.

Musically, the album is a little bare in comparisons with BSS material, but as this is a different project many were expecting this. The lyrics rank among some of Drew’s best work to date, with the melodic force of ’Tbtf’, the elegance of ’Safety Bricks’ and the heart felt ’Gang Bang Suicide’ leading the race for the album’s finest moments. ’Back Out On The’ caps off a brilliant rock ditty, with J.Mascis from Dinosaur Jr cranking out one of his trademark riffs, as the track flows like any good single should.

A good concept by The Broken Social Scene and with Brendan Canning the next in-line, many will look forward to what he has to offer. For now, though, Kevin Drew has come up trumps and if the material he has produced with the BSS wasn’t convincing enough, the sounds of “Spirit If” certainly will be.

8/10

Interpol - Our Love To Admire

New York’s finest dressed quartet shook the second album monkey off their back, producing the solid “Antics” back in 2004. There’s always something though, isn’t there? Third time around, their success led them to signing for a major label. Can you hear alarm bells ringing?

Okay, so “Our Love To Admire” certainly doesn’t lack the sound to that of contemporaries Kings Of Leon’s latest effort, but it’s needless to say that Interpol’s third opus isn’t their best effort going around the traps.

It’s clear that Paul Banks and Co. have added little bits and pieces to their very simple formula of song writing (see album opener ’Pioneer to The Falls’), but with all simple formulas, there comes a time where insipidness rears its ugly head and during parts of this album, it’s certainly evident.

After multiple listens, lead single ‘The Heinrich Manoeuvre’ is a classy number, while ‘No I In Threesome‘ and ‘Pace Is The Trick’ are two tracks that could rank amongst the best work the band has done. Sadly though, Interpol have produced good songs and an average good album that seems jaded and lacklustre after a while.

6.5/10

Smashing Pumpkins - Zeitgeist

Okay, so it’s been a few months since this was released. Now that all of the Bill Corgan fan boys have calmed down and stopped proclaiming that this is an amazing album, let me bring something to people’s attention. Old band-broke up-reformed. You thinking what I’m thinking? You’re right. Money Making scheme! Make no mistake about it, folks.

All that aside and to the music. Corgan and his mate Jimmy Chamberlain seem to have gone through thick and thin together and the latter continues to walk in the shadow of his bandmate (just go to one of their live shows). Added is replacements for James Iha and Darcy Wretzky and end product is “Zeitgeist”.

There’s certainly a more polished feel to this album, but it’s a sound that lacks James Iha’s virtuoso and sadly that’s what lets this album down. It’s a progression from the Pumpkins’ previous works and although this is a moral victory to Corgan himself, nobody will really care in a couple of months.

While the lead single ‘Tarantula’ surprised many, it grows stale - like the rest of the album - after a while. The track with staying power is the rip-roaring beast that is ‘Bring The Light. No doubt, the finest track on this album and really the only ditty that weighs up to any of Corgan and Chamberlain’s back catalogue.

It’s not the worst album this year, but to make it was unnecessary. “Zeitgeist” was made for all the wrong reasons and while Corgan couldn’t let sleeping dogs lie, the result is this album and although he maybe satisfied with it at the moment, in 20 years he will come to regret the decision of returning to the studio as the Smashing Pumpkins in 2007.

6/10

Simon K

Album Reviews - 25/10/07

Low - Drums and Guns

Can this band do no wrong? It's starting to seem that way in a career now spanning over 10 years. "Drums & Guns" isn't as abrasive in sound as it's predecessor "The Great Destroyer", but it lies somewhere in the middle of this great collectives catalogue of finely tuned jams.

The mix on 'Drums..' is different to any other the Minnesota trio has created, which may anger some listeners, however Low have never been an act to rest on their laurels. Guitar bending and feedback slowly draw as undertones with opener 'Pretty People' and the raw surroundings of 'Breaker' are the best examples of this new leaf taken by the band. 'Violent Past' is Low in their prime, and it's only fitting that this is the closing track off the album.

Although multiple listens are needed to appreciate in full, Low have done it again. The undercurrents of virtuoso are evident during the neatly structured craft they design. The irony plays it's part as the themes hint towards darkness, yet a blissful journey none the less prevails.

7/10


The Horrors - Strange House

Never judge a book by it's cover. Yes, The Horrors fall into this category. Let's be honest. They look like art wankery, where a decent wash, feed and educating wouldn't go amiss. All that bullshit aside, their music is a bit of a different story.

Their debut album, "Strange House", is something fans of The Birthday Party and the like thought they'd never hear again. Guitars that are a complete mess and vocals that creep and crawl with haunting obscurity. Yup, this effort is a complete and utter shambles of creepy noise!

The drenching guitar screeches and kooky keyboards during 'Sheena Is a Parasite' see The Horrors in their finest hour, while 'A Train Roars' is something that modern day horror films would want howling in the background of a murder scene.

Taking off where The Eighties Matchbox B-Line Disaster started. At the moment, Britain has too much rubbish clogging up its airways and not enough dangerous mess that The Horrors employ. It won't be the best 30 minutes endured all year, but it won't be the worst.

6.5/10


Dinosaur Jr - Beyond

Perhaps the most anticipated "comeback" album of the year, Dinosaur Jr have created something that begs the question "did they ever go away". Cliché, I know.

However, if you want a good reform album, then you're going to have a tough job pinpointing one as good as "Beyond". All the D’ Jr traits manifest themselves during this adventure of straight up no-nonsense indie rock.

J Mascis puts his right foot forward in the lyrical stakes not to mention his awe-stricken guitar nous, while Lou Barlow plays the perfect support role knocking out the notes and evens some jaw-breaking chords, on bass. There's no need to look any further than the opening beast that is 'Almost Ready'. The whole album continues on in this abrasive fashion.

Solidarity. Something Dinosaur Jr have always managed to deliver. With Sonic Youth and Nirvana gaining a lot of the plaudits back in the '90s, it's time for Dinosaur Jr to finally be given some of the praise that was lost on them all those years ago. "Beyond" is the perfect reference point.

7.5/10


Pelican - City Of Echoes

Post metal pioneers Pelican return with their third full-length album, "City of Echoes" and although, unlike their two previous ventures, "...Echoes" takes a little longer to hit the spot.

The themes instilled into Pelican's music are still very much at the forefront of this post metal beast, while the guitar prowess shown by Trevor de Brauw & Laurent Lebec is some of the best works Pelican have made thus far into their career. Look no further than the melodic brilliance of 'Far From Fields', while the title track and 'Lost In The Headlights' also establish the brilliant build-ups and break-downs that this band has made a living from creating.

However, that said, the rhythm section during "..Echoes" and in particular the drumming, leaves a lot to be desired, as it's just not strong enough to carry the weight of the almighty guitar riffs that de Brauw and Lebec respectively posses.

Despite one side of the band failing to weigh in with their side of the bargain, Pelican's music is still enough to attract wanting listeners. The guitars are the loudest they've ever been, however the drumming just doesn’t weigh in with the likes of the band's previous two albums, especially "Australasia". If you have the time, there's still enough solid music on this album to keep listeners intrigued, though.

6.5/10

Simon K

Reviews

Rooney - Calling the World

Several years have passed since Rooney's first effort, which was quite a success due to it's connection with popular television show The O.C. After scrapping numerous amounts of material throughout the last few years they finally settled upon Calling the World. Where the first album was effortlessly breezy pop rock this time around they seem much more desperate to regain the same spark.

From a weak opening with the Weezeresque title track to the uninspiring lead single "When Did Your Heart Go Missing". Even if the album is a lapse in progression it's still a reasonably fun listen from time to time, with the blatant hooks and melodies that are occasionally executed. Sporting the very retro Beatles/Doors inspired artwork and usually wearing the Beach Boys influence on their sleeve Rooney head in the direction of a more 80's power pop groove, especially in "Are You Afraid" and "I Believe in Me" with the use of synthesizers and the cheesy knock off riffs you just know you've heard before.

It's upsetting that the band couldn't successfully follow up the likes of "I'm Shakin" and "Blueside" which are some of the best work they've produced. Not to come away empty handed in this inferior effort. Robert and the boys supply us with some pop gems in "I Should've Been After You", strings induced "Help Me Find My Way" and riff rockin' "Don't Come Around Again". Hopefully next time they don't leave it too long between sessions and return more focused.

5/10


Marilyn Manson - Eat Me, Drink Me

It has to be said, ever since Twiggy left or was fired, whatever, things in the Manson camp haven't been quite the same. The quality in songs have dwindled substantially and he seems to of lost his relevance in today's music scene. Has Marilyn Manson lost his mojo? It certainly appears so, though Mike Myers ended up getting his back, being the character he is or portrays I wonder if he'll ever return to form.

With John 5 gone pursuing a solo career, ex-German industrial outfit KMFDM member Tim Skold has taken over the reins as Manson's main collaborator having the main creative output of this record. Quite a departure from 2003's Golden Age of Grotesque pop industrial feel, returning to the more traditional rocking roots of his previous efforts only lacking that suckerpunch edge which made the predecessor's so effective. This is the first record in over three years, with many stories and reports citing his ongoing personal problems. With a new muse at his side in Hollywood actress Evan Rachel wood, strangley enough he picked himself up and began writing new material.

The album sticks to a certain substance/structure leading off with "If I Was Your Vampire" almost boring but entertaining enough if you're game enough to presevere. Gone mostly is the cheesy generic riffs of GAOG exchanged for solos and more effiecient guitar work. "Heart Shape Glasses" is the catchy single while slowburning "Just a Car Crash Away" and pop fused "Mutilation is the Most Sincere Form of Flattery" could be the best the album has to offer. This is a standard rock affair in which newcomers will be sure to relish, though less edgy and provocative than his 90's records, some say this is a return to form and the start of a new creative tenure.

Sadly Eat Me, Drink Me is mostly style over substance, lacking any real long lasting masterpieces. Now a shadow of his former self or persona, Manson seems to be drowning in his own post-relevance, with most of the core members of any of his strong periods either now gone or fired it's just not the same.


5.5/10


Sean B

Reviews

The View - Hats off to the Buskers

Hailing from Scotland, the View are yet another copycat rock and roll band stuck on repeat. Since being released the album has spawned a number of singles and in particular "Same Jeans", has scored them an adequate amount of attention with it's annoyingly infectious vibe. "Coming Down" is a decent beginning to the album, balls out rock and roll that doesnt miss a beat. "Wasted Little DJ's" is a standout track for its many hooks, displaying their strength in songwriting.

"Skag Trendy" is a delight with it's upbeat tempo and for that it gives bass player Kieren Webster a shot at the mic, giving the sometimes annoying frontman Kyle Falconer a rest. This isnt an album that oozes confidence, there isnt anything risky or particular exciting about it in anyway apart from their inconsistent catchy hooks. Changing it up occasioanlly with an acoustic track here or there.

The View are hardley original, it seems instead of trying to come up with an entirely interesting body of work they have relied on the sounds of bands from the now and before to craft their sound, forming a somewhat varied collage of britpop and beyond. Comparions will be made without doubt, but I shouldnt forget that the album is indeed worked around the title Buskers if that means anything. For anyone who likes the idea of that then this is definitely for your ears, just not mine.

4.5/10

Sean B

Reviews

Kaiser Chiefs - Yours Truly, Angry Mob

Garnering massive amounts of attention with 2005's Employment comes a very confident sophomore effort. From the get go the hooks are aplenty on "Ruby", showing they havent forgotten how to pen a catchy tune and aren't afraid to re-establish their trademark kitsch rock riffs. Like many of the Chiefs contemporaries, they have all tasted a certain amount of success and though they are a forerunner they are only topped in popularity by the likes Bloc Party and the Arctic Monkeys.

After a solid start to the album, especially with "Angry Mob" things tend to regress into mediocracy. Lacking the energy and flair of the first few tracks which have been released as singles which isnt a suprise. "Love's Not A Competition" keeps the casual flow rolling as it has that Kaiser signature spark even if there is no light around.

It's quite ironic in track "Everything is Average Nowadays" cough displaying a cocky frontman Ricky Wilson in his swagger, with the possibility of the title being used against him. The album soldiers on in it's bluster continuing to thrust out hooks to captivate the conservative listener, "I Can do it Without You" is a great example of that. The albums flow is spoiled on more than one occasion due to banal material which ruins the albums groove. It's true without the singles this album would probably fall apart at the core.

The album is indeed jubilating, though after a few listens tends to lose it's edge with the constant cheap hooks that sometimes can be mistaken for something great which in turn is easily just as simple and ordinary. There is clear ambition to become an arena rock band, it's just not as good as it could have been. Besides the few catchy singles Employment reigns as the more consistent outing.

5/10

Sean B