ANYWAY
Back to music, yeah, this has been a good month. In terms of albums it's a bit on the slow side, but September is quite the opposite so I'm not too fussed. There are however lots of great tracks floating about and some incredibly exciting new albums coming soon (hence the need for a new post). There is also some extremely exciting news which I will announce in due course...
Albums of the month
FKA Twigs - LP1
So as you may have gathered from my gleaming review, I am pretty much infatuated with this record, but don't take my word for it; the world of FKA Twigs is ready and waiting to be delved into. But what I can offer you is the following advice: If new to Twigs, give it time and you will reap the rewards. If you're already accustomed to her artistry, you'll agree it's a masterpiece and want to marry it. I've listened to this record relentlessly and can assure you that there are no weak spots, each track is special and will become your favourite at one time or another, that's the beauty of it.
Marcel Dettmann - fabric 77: Marcel Dettmann
Through a series releases and his world-renowned DJ sets, Marcel Dettmann has become one of the biggest DJ's in techno. His latest release fabric 77: Marcel Dettmann is a long one, it's nearly 3 hours yet never once feels tiresome or boring. This is techno at it's most skeletal and steely. There are moments of sparseness as well as mind-numbing density during the more club-ready tracks like 'Transit 0.2', while the menacing 'Inside Of Me' adds an element of darkness.
The Bug - Angels and Devils
With a track list featuring acts such as Copeland, Death Grips and Liz Harris (A.K.A Grouper); how could the fourth album from Kevin Martin as The Bug be anything less than excellent? The answer is it couldn't. The album features everything I could ever want from it; stellar guests, strong instrumentals and an expansive range of sounds. The only track I genuinely don't care for at all is the Death Grips track, that's simply because the lyrics suck. As this is a two part LP it's safe to say I prefer the lighter and more accessible first part, otherwise known as 'Angels'. But as a whole it is a really strong piece of work and Martin's best release to date.
The New Pornographers - Brill Bruisers
After two rather underwhelming records, The New Pornographers have come back fighting with Brill Bruisers. This record sees the band reclaim their ‘best indie rock/power-pop super group’ crown (from whom I am not quite sure). Whether it be the soaring harmonies on the explosive “Brill Bruisers”, the melancholic “Champions of Red Wine” or the driving groove of “Backstairs”, this record truly feels like the band have managed to find the fire which made their early releases so highly acclaimed. The album’s celebratory and joyful spirit is exemplified by the closing track and leaves the listener with an overwhelming sense of appreciation for the mundanities of life. It may not be their best record but it’ll certainly put a smile on your face, and thus rightfully earning the band’s power-pop tag.
Read the full review over on Earbuddy.
After months of hype from various publications; Brighton-based surf-doom outfit The Wytches finally released their debut album this month. As far as an album of this genre goes, Annabel Dream Reader is pretty expansive and features a range of moods and tempos. From the face-melting 'Digsaw', the psychedelic riffs of 'Wire Frame Mattress' to the moody slow-burning 'Robe For Juda', the band are pushing the boat out here and bringing a new meaning to 'surf-psych'.
Songs of the month (see playlist below)
Caribou - Our Love
If you journey back to June, you may remember Caribou's 'Can't Do Without You' topping my 'best songs of June' list, well he's done it again. 'Our Love' the second cut from his forthcoming record of the same name is yet another intoxicating IDM banger filled with off-kilter synths and drum machine sounds. As much as this is very much a summer track, I'm sure a song of this calibre can be appreciated all year long. If early reviews are any indication, the record is full of these euphoric epics so I suggest you brace yourselves...
SOPHIE - Hard
Oh Lord, where do I start with this? It's hard to really talk in-depth about a track like this because it is quite literally all over the place. Is it garage? is it pop? is it dub-step? I don't know. All I know is that the song is brilliant and I can't stop playing it.
Mr Twin Sister - Blush
Earlier this year Twin Sister announced that they had changed their name to 'Mr Twin Sister' and were no longer with Domino Records (why exactly I am still not sure). This got me worried, especially considering how much I loved their last album In Heaven. My anxiousness intensified once I heard their single 'Out Of The Dark', as good as it is it simply isn't the band I know and love. However, all of this doubt was irradiated by the incredible 'Blush', with its jazzy undertones and soothing chorus, my faith is now fully restored.
The Juan Maclean - A Simple Design
~A Moment to appreciate this song's length~. Ok, 'A Simple Design' is a sleek, catchy and funky piece of synth-pop, it seems that the addition of Nancy Whang as a full-time vocalist has done wonders for John Maclean's (former) solo project. Let's hope that their up and coming LP features more bangers of this magnitude.
Pharmakon - Body Betrays Itself
WARNING: This track is not for the fainthearted. So if you don't like screaming, loud electronic noises or angry women, I suggest you skip this track (hence why it's at the end of the playlist).
She's back.
Margaret Chardiet (better known as Pharmakon) has been very much embedded in my mind ever since her debut Abandon harpooned it's way into my ears last year. A mash-up between noise, power-electronics and avante-garde; Pharmakon's sound is certainly an acquired taste. But I happen to love it. And with a new record on the way in October, this new single proved her throat-shredding game is as strong as ever.
Run The Jewels - Blockbuster Night Part 1
What started off as a collaborative album between Killer Mike and El-P became one of the most successful rap projects of the last year. From the beats to the bars, everything was pretty much on-point and the fact it was free was the cherry on the cake. 'Blockbuster Night Part 1' picks up where the duo finished off, but the production shows that they've clearly upped their game.
My Brightest Diamond - Lover/Killer
Next month, Shara Worden will release her fourth album under the moniker My Brightest Diamond. The album in question is called This Is My Hand and it is excellent, this track in particular being one of my favourites. 'Lover/Killer' combines Worden's signature baroque elements with funky guitar licks and horns, the result is extremely unique, much like Worden's talent itself.
Lily & Madeleine - The Wolf Is Free
Teen sisterly duo Lily & Madeleine released their bewitching debut last year following the immense success of their earlier buzz tracks and covers. Now, less than one year on they are gearing up to release their sophomore album Fumes in October. 'The Wolf Is Free' is easily their best track to date, with subtle hints of chamber pop and barber shop harmonies, it is clear that the young duo are constantly honing their skills. Despite it's light aesthetic, 'The Wolf Is Free' packs a punch and suggests that their up and coming sophomore album is not to be missed.
Wardell - Dancing In The Freeway
Just because Summer is over does not mean that I can't still pretend; the poor weather will not stop me from listening to sun-soaked pop-rock at an obnoxiously loud volume. Wardell's 'Dancing On The Freeway' delivers this sentiment much better than I ever could. Bearing in mind I've been waiting around a year for them to follow-up their excellent Brother/Sister EP, this fills the void wonderfully.
Hookworms - The Impasse
I was initially going to end this with a light and melodic soul-pop track but this came along at the last minute and nabbed the last spot on my playlist (hypothetically, as it isn't on soundcloud). Leeds outfit Hookworms released their debut full-length Pearl Mystic last year to rave reviews and are now ready to release the follow-up in the form of The Hum. To tie us over until November, the band have dropped 'The Impasse', possibly their most accessible and focused release to date, yet maintains their ramshackle charm.
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