Recent Articles in CD Reviews
Placebo - “Battle for the Sun”
Somewhere in the ether above the melodrama and theatrics that permeate the mood of Placebo’s sixth album, Battle for the Sun, the strangest, and most rewarding thing, happens — it becomes quite clear that although legendarily troubled frontman Brian Molko is still “dancing with the devil in the details”…
Kasabian - “West Ryder Pauper Lunatic Asylum”
Kasabian are used to being number one and their third release, West Ryder Pauper Lunatic Asylum, isn’t changing a thing. Less harsh than their past efforts (sans the electro dibble dabbles and pub-rock anthems)…
Jarvis Cocker - ‘Further Complications’
Jarvis Cocker has amped up for his second release with a collection of lusty songs that rock for the sake of rocking. Check out the power chords that lead up to Cocker’s whispered “Angela, Angela” on the opening track and his breathless delivery on “Caucasian Blues”, in which the rapier-witted frontman spits out “I’ve heard [...]
Conor Oberst and the Mystic Valley Band - “Outer South”
Conor Oberst has done it again. Outer South is comparable to a musical version of The Catcher in the Rye. Oberst explores a coming of age through brotherly love…
Tiny Animals - “Sweet Sweetness”
This debut from Tiny Animals, a trio that hails from New York City, is mixed by musical wunderkind Claudius Mittendorfer, who’s worked with bands including Interpol, Brand New, Franz Ferdinand, the Foo Fighters and Muse.
Damian Lazarus - ‘Smoke the Monster Out’
I am in New York’s Chinatown, in a hell I like to visit when the morning brings nothing but a headache and my aching body wants to escape in dance. On these days, I feel like being seared with a bass to recreate the night that could have been but almost never is, and see [...]
Fischerspooner - “Entertainment”
Channeling my club-kid within is getting harder and harder as the genre of dance becomes so complex, I constantly wonder where the New Orders and Morricone’s of the world have gone. But on Fischerspooner’s third release, Entertainment, memories of decent club music that is actually danceable doesn’t disappoint.
MSTRKRFT - “Fist of God”
Toronto’s MSTRKRFT (JFK and Al-P) are back following 2006’s monstrous The Looks, with their punch-in-the-face sophomore release. With such a mega title, Fist of God is just what any electrohead would want in a second effort, but heavier.
Great Northern - “Remind Me Where The Light Is”
With a string of media buzz surrounding Great Northern (Solon Bixler and Rachel Stolte), their second release is proof of a more mature, experienced duo that have toured with the likes of Ladytron and Fiery Furnaces, and a new album produced by a team who’s worked with Beck and B.R.M.C.
Doves - “Kingdom of Rust”
When Doves record an album, they go to town (or to the countryside in this case), and with Kingdom of Rust, they’ve created another epic gem for the masses. Their fourth release, after a four-year hiatus, is a perfect addition to their already abundant back catalogue.
