FEBRUARY 14'

FEBRUARY

A bit behind the 8 ball again, but here it goes for Feb….

Monthly Spotify Playlist -  Melodious Haze - February 14'

Cheers

LF

Albums

Artist: The Jezabels
Album: The Brink
Year: 2014
Similar Artists: Alpine, Band Of Horses, The Killers
My Rating: 8/10

I first met with The Jezabels in 2009 as they were playing support to Canadian sisters Teagan and Sara at Melbourne’s Palace Theatre – and for the five years since, the journey has been a total joy. Three brilliant EP’s, one LP and now this, the second full length titled The Brink.

The Jezabels are a unique lot, playing as a four piece with no bass player, they have an incredible knack to build songs out of nothing. Whether it is Hayley Mary’s haunting vocals, Heather chiming through the keys or the two boys Nik and Sam bringing the beat on drums and guitar respectively; they seem to develop a sound quite dissimilar to anything else you are ever likely to hear.  It is bold, yet delicate, has moments of pop and rock and will make you want to dance or sit and relax both at the same time.

The record kicks off with ‘The Brink’ and I must admit, is a poor choice of opening track. In an era where intro’s are ever so popular this song completely breaks the mould, jumping straight into things; it is by no means a poor song, just an interesting way to kick off the album. Things get going a little but with ‘Time to Dance’ – a track that will form part of group of similarly strong and enjoyable tracks. Most of which contain a textbook crescendo from Hayley Mary whereby her uplifting vocals immediately grab your attention. ‘Look of Love’ is slightly more upbeat and again very strong, before ‘Beat to Beat’ fronts up and turns into one of the better songs on the LP (after an awfully odd start). ‘Angels of Fire’ drives through a new synth beat that is foreign to The Jezebels and manages to create an out of the box song in amongst a record that has many similar sounds. This is far from a criticism, merely an observation.

The album really sinks its boot in with tracks 6-8; just when things could drift off into a sense of nothing and another album goes by with early potential, yet no killer blow, The Brink delivers. ‘No Country’ is a timely start, before ‘The End’ and ‘Got Velvet’ really go bang. ‘The End’ is catchy with robust guitar, whilst ‘Got Velvet’ is classic Jezabels – periods of sing along, a powerful build and an easy mix of instrumental moments.

I’m slowly learning about how an album sounds when I review it, and how it then sounds down the track. My early thoughts are that this album is one that gives early and may struggle to continue giving, however I hope that this pleasant auditory journey really does continues…

Artist: Broken Bells
Album: After The Disco
Year: 2014

Similar Artists: The Shins, Arcade Fire, Electric Guest
My Rating: 6.5/10

Broken Bells is a collaboration between The Shins frontman James Mercer, and well know producer Brian Burton – After The Disco is the second LP from the duo. Hotly tipped as one of the albums to watch for this year, the record has slowly grown since my first listen almost two months ago now.

The album has a noticeable Bee Gees feel with Mercer acquiring a falsetto vocal outlay throughout many tracks, equally matched by the use of brass on a number of occasions. ‘Perfect World’, After The Disco’ and ‘Holding On For Life’ kick things off in such fashion and the trend positively continues from here.

‘Control’ mixes orchestral instruments with undertones of electronic before a strong horns section to finish things off, whilst ‘No Matter What You’re Told’ hardly alters the formula with again, a very strong output. This would therefore have to be the best track on the LP.

The album finishes on a slight down as things taper off relatively quiet – yet something tells me that closing track ‘The Remains Of Rock And Roll’ will, once all falls into place, make an enjoyable finish to what is a very worthy album for the most parts….

Artist: The Jungle Giants
Album: Learn To Exist
Year: 2013
Similar Artists: San Sisco, Last Dinosaurs, Hungry Kids Of Hungary

My Rating: 7/10

Well after an incredible journey of close to 6 months, Learn To Exist finally fell into place. Don’t ask why I persisted for so long, just take my word that I am very glad I did!

The Jungle Giants play a style of in your face, lively pop music that is best suited for happy people, and equally happy moods. Their live show is fun and has a no frills approach – again, if you’re a solemn person, this stuff isn’t for you.

Learn To Exist, the first full length from The Jungle Giants has about 5 cracking tracks, and some very good tracks that make up the rest of the album. Best tracks include ‘Come And Be Alone With Me,’ ‘Got Nothing To Loose,’ ‘Skin To Bone,’ ‘She’s A Riot’ and ‘Domesticated Man’ – all of which are build around super poppy guitar riffs and sing along choruses.

Now in the middle of the album, there is an almighty lull – ‘Devil In The Detail’ has to be one of the worst songs you will ever hear; what the hell were The Jungle Giants thinking when they including this track?? My recommendation, skip it or delete it, and then the album can carry on – but don’t tell me I didn’t warn you!

Play this record, when the sun is out and you have a cold drink in your hand. Then say to your mates – “Life is good!!!”

Artist: Arcade Fire
Album: Reflektor
Year: 2013
Similar Artists: Who cares – everyone knows Arcade Fire
My Rating: 5/10

It troubles me to write a review where I put down artists – that’s not what this blog is about. But at the same time, can I fill you in on one of the most disappointing things to come out of last year….this record.

Again, without putting down Arcade Fire too much, Reflektor bears absolutely no reflection against what this incredibly talented bunch of musicians are capable of. Fresh off a grammy award winning album, and with another two superb records under their sleave, they release this… some self indulgent rubbish – for the most parts.

Yes that’s right, for the most parts! I want to focus simply on a few positive songs: ‘Here Comes The Night Time’ starts off ridiculously, but has such good keys throughout, and a catchy beat; ‘Joan Of Arc’ somehow manages to turn into a worthwhile song; ‘Afterlife’ is mellow and the closest thing to Arcade Fire of old and yes ‘Reflektor’ with all its electronic beats and David Bowie moments (spare me!) is actually a reasonable song too.

That’s about as far as I’ll go without adding a recommendation that you go and listen to ‘Keep The Car Running’ or ‘Intervention’ – then you will be able to hear me out when I talk about Arcade Fire of old….