The Panics - Cruel Guards

Hailing from Perth, this Australian band are slowly beginning to gain nationwide recognition. Richard Kingsmill the music director over at Triple J, adores these guys or that's what I'm led to believe, as he supplies them with much air time and has had their previous albums in his favourite album of the year lists. It's not surprising as these guys really do know how to write a song.

After gaining attention with their sophomore effort "Sleeps Like a Curse" they release their third and possibly most strongest, commercially digestible effort. Where Sleeps, was all over the place and interesting Cruel Guards pretty much follows the same structure all the way through, that's not such a bad thing as some of these tracks are brilliant when not fading into one another. Straight out of a Spaghetti Western, comes the rampant "Get Us Home" the opening statement and easily one of the better tracks here. "Creaks" will have you slightly mystified with the elegant intro with the guitar and piano interplay backed by effective hand clapping, with Jae Laffers voice forever holding the attention of the listener. It hardly ever changes key but there's something about the way he sings that's captivating.

First single pulled from the album is the idiosyncratic "Don't Fight It" which seems a little out of place here, but it doesn't seem to matter as this song is winning them countless amounts of fans even as i write this, rightly so as it's not a bad track, even though i don't think it stands up to some of the other tracks here. I think people are coming accustom to brass instruments now through pop music, which is good to see. "Feeling is Gone" seems like a throwback to an 80's track, well the riff anyway.

The title track is quite evocative, from the strumming of the acoustic guitar to Laffer's distinctive voice, to the chanting of "Cruel Guards" over and over until it finally builds and builds into the chorus etc, "there is a bright bright heat" Easily one of best tracks here. "Live Without" begins in similar fashion to "Creaks" which is a good thing as both are superb tracks. "I Confess" continues the hand clapping as they continue their impressive streak of songwriting. It's not until the end of the album when it all comes together on "Sundowner" one of the most powerful closers I've heard this year and in quite some time. I remember when i saw this track live, it towered above anything else they played that night, purely astonishing.

Sometimes the thought of listening to Cruel Guards irks me, only because they follow such a similar path the whole way through with some songs seemingly blurred as the confusion comes into play. Apart from that occasional feeling there's no doubt how impressive this album is, it shows a band in full confidence with every song holding the up most in quality. I feel they have stepped away from some of the sounds they crafted on their previous effort which is slightly disappointing, but it does seem that they had a vision for this album and it's starting to pay off. Expect them to take out this years Triple J award and possibly the AMP.

7.5/10

Patrick Wolf - The Magic Position

2007 is the year when multi-instrumentalist Patrick Wolf began his rise to prominence. With two already well received albums in the bag, the Magic Position gave him a welcome push into the alternative music world. Ever hear the story of him firing a member on stage? Aware of his ego or lack of one? Know of his his ability to play whatever instrument you throw at him or had a glimpse of his astounding creativity? In other words what's not to be intrigued about this guy?

Before you even know it, Wolf knocks you to your knee's with the opening track "Overture" one of the best songs you'll hear this year. Battering bass drums, followed in with strings followed by percussion, it's an overwhelming experience, if you've yet to try it I suggest you hop aboard immediately. Trying to forget the near masterpiece of the opener, he throws the upbeat title track our way, the intro reminds me of a theme from a cartoon or some kind of children's show tune, followed in with a string section likened to that of an E.L.O track. "Accident and Emergency" was the first single to be taken from the album, and it's not surprising, it's an engaging track, bringing along all the usual Wolf traits we've come to know. You just wish the EMERGENCY!!! intro kept on a little longer.

The beautiful piano laden piece "Magpie" features Marianne Faithfull, who gives the song a somewhat ominous feel with her dry and almost croaky voice. Both their voices complements the other not to mention the soaring strings occasionally appearing in the background. Challenging the beauty of "Magpie" comes "Augustine" which rightfully takes the mantle, slowly building to that chorus, "sweet augustine". Only midway through and Wolf is already showing his strong presence as an artist. The album seems to be cut up into sections with "The Bluebell", "X" and "The Secret Garden" supplying the shifts in which may give the songs in between more emphasis.

Even when not every song shines as bright as others, this is still such a terrific creation of sprawling beauty and eclectic vision. Those songs which don't seem as great as the others still contain glimpses of brilliance. If Patrick Wolf was ever going to win over a new legion of fans it was always going to be this album to do it. As strange to think, so young into his career he has already given us some of the tracks he'll forever be remembered for.

7.5/10

Reviews

Ash - Twilight of the Innocents

Apparently this will be the last album Ash will ever make via the cd format. Passing it up to the power of the World Wide Web. Time will only tell how that ends up. A few years on, with the depature of guitarist, Charlotte Hatherley, Ash fire back with Twilight of the Innocents. Opening things with the rock-a-long "I Started a Fire", they get themselves off to a rather distinctive start.

Midway through their 6th effort, thoughts begin to wander on the state of the bands songwriting, lacking the fire power of 2004's Meltdown and the ease and pure catchiness of their 90's records. At times the record comes across as tired and uninspired with only a few tracks conjuring up the glory days. Tim Wheeler sounds the same though possibly even whinier then ever before. The lyrics and song structures are kept simple. First single "Polaris" captures the Coldplayesque feel laden with piano and over dramatic orchestrations. "Palace of Excess" and "Shadows" are possibly the catchiest tracks on offer. Ash fans shan't be too terribly disappointed as it pretty much offers up the usual Ash rock recipes with only taking a more lush production with the addition of strings and various instrumentation.

With the missing element of Hatherley, thoughts ponder on whether her omission to the creation of this album has anything to do with it's more then not uninspiring result. The album only whisks some flair on the odd occasion not enough to captivate it's audience, like they once did. But for the die hard Ash fans, there is enough hooks and catchy choruses to get you through. Though i suppose it's tough for a band like Ash that have been around for quite sometime to keep it fresh and still have a place in today's music scene, so in that aspect I think they do enough here to stay relevent.


6.5/10

Belles Will Ring - Mood Patterns

This 5 piece Australian outfit hail from the Blue Mountains in Sydney. This is their debut album and it seems they have slipped through the attention of the majority of the music listening nation. I'm unsure how much air time the independent radio stations like Triple J have awarded them, but I do hope they have gained a fair amount.

This is one of the better records I've heard this year, channeling the sounds of the jangly 60's, this album begins with fire on opener "The Coldest Heart" the Byrds inspired guitar playing and interwoven melodies, it's all very impressive. Though not entirely a throwback to another generation, there's still many modern traits mish mashed into the equation just not as prevalent as the older influences. I must add that the 60's revival or the so called neo-psychedelic revival, is one of my many favourite genres of music.

For those that know of the existence of Belles will Ring "Park Benches" seems to be a bit of a fan favourite with a striking chorus and rousing guitar playing. As the album unfolds, it's hard to deny the gentle and majestic quality and the ease in which they demonstrate their fine songwriting. On the occasion some tracks outweigh the brilliance of others but that's fairly normal for a band at thee opening stages of their career. "Older Younger" is them at their most profound, followed with their most rocking "And Jesus Said Unto Me" both filled full of guitar and synth interplay. "It's Only Goodbye" portrays a certain beauty, featuring melodies in full swirling motion. "Strange Girl" rounds up Mood Patterns in the best way possible, it'll have you falling in love immediately.

I don't know what it is, but records like this always evoke something in me, there's not a genre i prefer and when a band like this turns in such a terrific effort, it's just thrilling. As much as we all like keeping the music we love at bay, I hope this band achieve some success in the near future as they deserve it. Australian Album of the Year.

8/10

Les Savy Fav - Let's Stay Friends

I first heard of this band a few years back, with the release Inches. Since then I've pretty much been in anticipation of some fresh material. Whenever you're out or at a party, there's always someone stating that there's not enough good rock and roll circulating at the moment, my first thought is that they haven't heard Les Savy Fav.

Rightfully so Let's Stay Friends is possibly one of the better rock releases this year, the album is full of jaunty guitar riffs backed with a jubilant never tiring bass section, even dance rock tags are applied to these guys. "Patty Lee" and "The Equestrian" get the show rolling, putting their upbeat material on show. Seth Jabour must be one of the most underrated guitar slingers going around today. Showing flair and style at every turn, for his more laid back and intriguing playing "Brace Yourself" to his flat out heavy riffing "What Would Wolves Do?", there's never a lack of creativity. Vocalist and main man Tim Harrington's outlandish vocal style adds to the slightly oddball blend of rock.

The second half of the album continues in the same vein of rawkish songs. In "Raging in the Plague Age" and "Slugs in the Shrubs" the punkish nature continues in stellar form. There seems to be a primitive occurence to the music in some way, even the album cover appears that way. They settle things down somewhat with the piano laden ballad "Comes & Goes" and the somewhat pop structured "Kiss Kiss Is Getting Old". The album finishing on a good note with the guitar rocking and brass (that's even done in style) filled closer "The Lowest Bitter".

Les Savy Fav have no doubt supplied one of the best records you'll hear this year, there's is not an unimpressive song here. Every song immediately takes off in one way or another and completely captivates the listener, being the impressive vocals of Harrington or the guitar work of Jarbour, even the interplay of bass and drums, it's all happening. At just under 40 minutes duration you'll have this one on repeat for sometime.

8/10

Reviews

Air - Pocket Symphony

Air are one of many artists whose debut album turned out to be their career defining effort. It's sad to think they'll never top that or ever come close as it's a masterpiece of the genre. After having said that though, Air remain a group I'm never afraid to keep coming back to. Release after release they have still maintained a certain quality to their material even if falling down in comparison to the great Moon Safari. Now 5 albums in it's time to see what Pocket Symphony brings to the table.

Rarely do Air albums seem to run to far off the suggested track they have come to be known as taking. Pocket Symphony is no exception, following in similar footsteps of their previous works. Maybe this is what irks some fans, but I'm always content hearing new material even if it's not too much of a departure. They always offer such tangible and luscious tracks, so soothing, even cathartic depending on the listener. "Spacemaker" sets the familiar tone, whilst the piano heavy "Once Upon a Time" begins the trip into Pocket Symphony. Britpop icon Jarvis Cocker joins the French duo for "One Hell of a Party" a title that may have you slightly confused. "Napalm Love" is a lively Air track which remains catchy from start to finish. "Photograph" is as mystifying as it is intriguing with synthesizers and pianos dueling continuously. "Mer Du Japon" begins with a taste of a bass and piano combination until leading us into a storming swirl of brilliance as the intro climaxes into verse. The rest of the album continuing in a similar fashion.

Many critics and fans may pan this release for sticking to the same template, forgetting that Air are the masters of their field, whatever you want to call it. The album gives a sense of feeling that I can never find in other artists. I know that whenever I visit Air, whichever release it is I can always find that sense of feeling. Pocket Symphony may not be their most impressive record to date but it sure fills a certain void. It's a pleasant and elegant trip, a trip Air never fail to take you on.

7/10

Reviews

Rilo Kiley - Under the Blacklight

Like several bands to release albums this year, I'd heard their names or a track or two a few years back. Now that music have become even more accessible, since then I've finally gotten to hear some material. Like Rilo Kiley and others who have been around for awhile I haven't had the chance to check out their previous work.

So walking past Rage one night i heard the catchiest single ever, I hung around for long enough to see who it was. The song turned out to be "The Moneymaker" the first single from the album. The record hadn't been released yet so I was hanging out for it. After I finally got my hands on it and after hearing many mixed opinions I got stuck into it, after a few listens I had it pegged as one of the best albums of the year, I've probably changed my mind since then, but Under the Blacklight will be one of the smoothest, coolest, catchiest, cheesiest things you'll hear this year.

Guilty pleasure it may be but from the beginning stages, come the sounds of delight in opener "Silver Lining" and the follow up of "Close Call", building up to the fantastic title track and the albums greatest achievement "Dreamworld". When the album soars it soars, such a pleasure to listen to, though we can't forget the average material facing us also. Jenny Lewis sometimes has the notion to write the most absurd lyrics, sometimes they work and sometimes they just leave you sitting there thinking, WHAT? This is perfectly demonstrated in "Smoke Detector". "Breakin Up" and "Dejalo" pure catchy pop tunes, but are just as fun.

Even with the uneven quality of the material and it's heavily cliched demeanour the album rarely fails to dazzle. I've heard several comments on it's failure to stand up to their past work, with taking a more commercial route. Though it makes complete sense as being their debut album on a major label. This still remains a great work of pop. Listening to Jenny Lewis sing is almost as good as looking at her.

7/10