Review #40: Friendly Fires - Pala

I find it horrific when a band creates a tremendous debut, but then their follow up just does not match their previous LP in any way. It often seems like they have lost all creativity they had, and often leads to a break-up!
So, It's a bloody good job that 'Friendly Fires' have done the exact opposite to that, and have created an album that not only matches that of their first attempt, but in many ways it is even better!
For example, the bass line on 'True Love' just made me stop dancing around! It mesmerized me. Whereas I didn't feel like this from their first album. However, they are both similar in the sense, that I couldn't stop dancing to either album.
Just like 'Austra', 'Friendly Fires' have taken a genre that was getting a bit boring quite frankly, and added their own spice to it! Except this time, it's samba drums!
Let me share a secret with you, 'Friendly Fires' are here to stay!

Best Tracks: 'Live Those Days Tonight', 'Hawaiian Air', 'Hurting'
p.s. It says best tracks, but I could have easily also chosen 'Running Away', 'Pala', 'Show Me Lights', 'True Love', 'Pull Me Back To Earth', 'Chimes' or 'Helpless'! Not 'Blue Cassette' though. I didn't like 'Blue Cassette'.

8/10

Next Review: Psychedelic Horseshit - Laced

Review #39: Austra - Feel It Break

Absolutely magical. You really cannot fault these Canadia's first LP. 'Feel It Break' is the beautiful combination of electronic master-riffs and the outstanding operatic voice of Katie Stelmanis!
I sound like I'm advertising it! Maybe I should be, it really is that good.
'Lose It' is such a simple yet mindbogglingly amazing! I really believe that this really is the height of electronic music. It astounds me as to how artists in this day and age can still create such fresh and delightful music. They have managed to take a genre, where everything was starting to sound the same, and put their own completely new take on it. It's hard to do that, and get it right, but 'Austra' have done it with complete brilliance.
Another tremendous element of 'Austra' would be that whatever their lyrics say manage to fill you with happiness. It takes some doing to get this feeling running through people. So, I would have to say that 'Austra', are basically, amazing!

Best Tracks: 'Lose It', 'The Choke', 'The Villain'.

9/10

Next Review: Friendly Fires - Pala

Review #38: Mona - Mona

I was really impressed with 'Mona's singles, 'Listen To Your Love' and 'Teenager'. So, after hearing people really slate this album, I was prepared to enter the listening process with a completely open mind, looking for a saving grace for the Americans.
But there wasn't one! There really isn't. To tell the truth... It is utter rubbish, if I'm being polite.
It seems as if 'Mona' have gotten ahead of themselves, thinking they were about to embark on a world arena tour, and created some blaring rock music to go with it. The only problems being that they aren't going on an arena tour, and it's not very good anyway. But other than that, brilliant album 'Mona'!


Best Tracks: 'Listen To Your Love', 'Teenager',  'Trouble On The Way'.

4/10

Next Review: Austra - Feel It Break

Review #37: Manchester Orchestra - Simple Math

Okay. So let me get this right. An American rock band who sound like a parallel universe version of 'Snow Patrol', named after a collection of classically trained musicians from a Northern English city. I like it!
I must admit, I am partial to a bit of good quality music from an up and coming American band that isn't 100% manufactured or just power chords! (coughalltimelowcough).
'Manchester Orchestra' have this aura about them. Almost as if their music is exactly who they are as people. Philosophical beard wearers by the sound of it.
But on a more serious note they are very good musicians who have created a very very good record!


Best Tracks: 'Deer', 'Simple Math', 'Virgin'.

8/10

Next Review: Mona - Mona

Review #36: Okkervil River - I Am Very Far

I think it is wonderful that a band, such as 'Okkervil River' can produce six albums, and still have that element of magic and beauty flow from their music. 'I Am Very Far', despite the grammatical malfunction in the title, really holds its self and portrays the band as people who really care about their music and what they stand for. 'Lay Of The Last Survivor' is a perfect example of the purity that they have. It's simple, relaxing, and refreshing sound feels almost like a breeze brushing past your face.
They don't try to push boundaries, or set benchmarks. They just add a breath of fresh air to their already established sound.

Best Tracks: 'Lay Of The Last Survivour', 'We Need A Myth', 'Your Past Life As A Blast'.

7/10

Review #35: Twin Atlantic - Free

I was really impressed with the Scottish four-piece's first LP, but for me this follow up, just does not cut it.
Its not as vibrant as 'Vivarium'. It doesn't possess the energy and vigor that they managed to express originally. 'Free' doesn't seem like something I would tell people about. I would much rather direct them to 'Twin Atlantic's debut.
Despite of this, I believe that they will gain greater success from 'Free' as it seems more commercial than their previous attempt. It will perhaps lift up their popularity, and they will start filling bigger venues, and then arenas, and headlining festivals, and generally taking over the world... But back on Earth, this album is no more than average really.

Best Tracks: 'Free', 'Crash Land', 'Eight Days'

5/10

Review #34: Miles Kane - Colour Of The Trap

'Miles Kane', star of both 'The Rascals' and 'The Last Shadow Puppets', had pretty high standards to reach from his solo outing due to both previous records being rather good.
And I believe that he actually has reached great heights with his newest outing. The wonderful riffs he has created on tracks such as 'Inhaler' and 'Rearrange, really capture the essence of the new age of music coming out of Britain at the moment.
However, I believe that this is the best 'Miles Kane' will come out with. He has recently left 'The Rascals', and he is clearly the inferior member of 'The Last Shadow Puppets' to Alex Turner. I just don't think that he has it in him to create more than one decent album, as he comes across as someone who needs an extra push with his musical direction, as he will never push any boundaries alone.
Despite this, 'Colour Of The Trap' is a fitting album for what he needed to do.

Best Tracks: 'Inhaler', 'Come Closer', 'Counting Down The Days'

7/10

Review #33: Wild Beasts - Smother

Astounding.
It amazes me how 'Wild Beasts' have managed to produce three LPs where every song is a joy to listen to. 'Smother' also happens to be their best yet, building on their magical foundations from 'Limbo, Panto' and 'Two Dancers'
One of my favorite elements of the band is their use of both Hayden and Tom on vocals. I feel that this variation gives extra depth to the album, and also shows how diverse they can be, whilst still keeping a strong grasp on their core.
'Albatross' is a prime example of how mesmerizing 'Wild Beats' actually are. There really isn't another band out there, that captures beauty just like they do. From their glistening riffs to their graceful lyrics, you find the pure essence of what music truly is about.
I believe that this is only the start of 'Wild Beasts' and that they will continue to get bigger, however I cannot see them ever getting the full appreciation they deserve. Purely because they are just too good!

Best Tracks: To appreciate the album, you will have to get them all!

9/10