The best albums of February 2019
Tag: finlay shakespeare
01 Feb releases – Reviewed and rated
Here’s my view on what were the best albums released last Friday 1st February. There’s a fair few links to my fuller (though still not too long) reviews here too. There’s also a Spotify sample playlist so you can make you own mind up about the artists.
The Specials – Encore
The kings of Ska return to put the world to rights – and don’t we just need it.
Rating: 7.5/10 – Read full review
Boy Harsher – Careful
Strong on ominous, brooding 80’s electro pop. If you liked the music in Stranger Things, you’re on to a winner with this.
Rating: 7/10 – Read full review
Finlay Shakespeare – Domestic Economy
A fine slab of acid-infused electro pop that shows great promise for a debut album.
Rating: 7/10 – Read full review
Cherry Glazerr – Stuffed & Ready
A competent and mature third effort from the LA post-punk trio.
Rating: 7/10 – Read full review
White Lies – Five
An enjoyable if unremarkable 80’s-influenced indie, post-punk opus with pop sensibilities. Reminiscent of so much but unable to build upon it influences.
Rating: 6/10 – Read full review
Unloved – Heartbreak
Invoking the spirits of Motown and dreamy 60’s french pop while injecting a touch of modernity. Some really nice moments interspersed across this album.
Rating: 6/10
Spielbergs – This Is Not The End
Indie punk with a touch of early R.E.M around the sides. Pleasant enough, but not pulling up any roots.
Rating: 5.5/10
Girlpool – What Chaos Is Imaginary
A punk band exploring new indie direction – unfortunately not entirely successfully.
Rating: 5/10
Beirut – Gallipoli
Indie-folk with added brass. Strong overtones of The Smiths in both vocal and musical style. Doesn’t fare well by comparison.
Rating: 5/10
Ian Brown – Ripples
A plodding effort from King Monkey that aspires to classic Roses, but falls far, far short.
Rating: 4.5/10 – Read full review
Within Temptation – Resist
Over-the-top goth metal with symphonic overtones. No doubt would do well as an ‘alternative’ Dutch entry on Eurovision. A worthy successor to Lordi.
Rating: 4/10
Album review: Finlay Shakespeare – Domestic Economy
Bristol resident Finlay Shakespeare has with his debut album Domestic Economy, produced a fine, meaty slab of electro-pop that draws heavily on 90’s acid house and techno influences. There are some choice cuts here, but it does feel like there is some excess fat that could be trimmed off the sides.
The album as a whole feels like a collection of dance remixes of 90’s indie tunes, and as such has its high points and fillers.
There are some fantastic pieces on here, such as the utterly yummy Dublin that leans heavily on a house beat while layering acid-like effects on top – all carried along by a delightful bass line. Opener Luleå offers us a Blue Monday-style beat and a nice squelchy bass – beefing up Finlay’s rather thin vocal style.
Similarly, Benedict Canyon is pushed relentlessly along by choppy synths, electro horns and that classic 808 drum line. Monadnock brings more of a brooding menace alongside the acid hooks.
The album is far from perfect though. At points it starts to feel a little samey and the softer, slower tracks such as Perris and Pittville rely too much on Finaly’s vocals, which is probably the weakest element on the album.
This is a promising debut for Finlay and offers much promise. Not yet the finished article but I’m looking forward to seeing where he goes from here.
Release date: 01 February 2019
Rating: 7/10
Standout track: Dublin
For fans of:
- New Order
- Orbital
- Depeche Mode
New Music Friday 01 February – What to listen to
Another glut of new releases to work through. Of today’s debuts we see the likes of Ian Brown, The Specials and White Lies offering up some fresh material. I’ll review the best through the coming week and rate them all as I go along.
Ian Brown – Ripples
The Specials – Encore
White Lies – Five
Cherry Glazerr – Suffed & Ready
Finlay Shakespeare – Domestic Economy
Beirut – Gallipoli
Girlpool – What Chaos Is Imaginary
Boy Harsher – Careful
Within Temptation – Resist
Unloved – Heartbreak
Spielbergs – This Is Not The End
The Album Review 