Italian film soundtrack composer Daniele Luppi and New York slacker-rock gods Parquet Courts make for an odd meeting on paper, but ‘MILANO’ is consistently compelling and enjoyable.
The tentative rehabilitation of Weezer continues afoot with ‘Pacific Daydream’, a likeable but lightweight collection of guitar-pop.
Her second album and first for prestigious indie Matador, ‘Turn Out The Lights’ is another impressive showcase for Julien Baker and her considerable songwriting talent.
Karin Dreijer’s second Fever Ray album ‘Plunge’ is a lot more expansive and pop-orientated than its 2009 predecessor, but retains all the elements that made The Knife so compelling.
Jessie Ware’s third album ‘Glasshouse’ is her most overtly mainstream effort yet, but still retains her sense of personality and identity.
Margo Price’s status as country music’s next major star is secure with an honest and forthright second album, ‘All American Made’.
‘In Memory Of’ certainly doesn’t want for memorable tunes, but Catholic Action haven’t quite delivered the brilliant debut that many had hoped. It’s a very good start, though!
Archy Marshall’s second King Krule album ‘The OOZ’ is an ambitious sprawl of jazz, hip-hop, scratchy acoustic balladry and beat poetry.
On ‘Lotta Sea Lice’, Courtney Barnett and Kurt Vile aren’t trying to impress you; instead they’re just inviting you to sit on the floor and listen to them play.
‘MASSEDUCTION’ can be read both as St. Vincent being seduced into significant Pop culture relevancy and, conversely, her taking the entire medium of celebrity and Pop and making it work for her. Choosing to interpret it as the latter makes for one of the best and consistent listens of the year.
