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
The Album Review 