Sometimes I sit and think, and sometimes I just sit
Courtney Barnett
Having put out her first two releases as a double
EP, the nicely titled The Double, Australian Courtney Barnett is back with some refreshingly bright rock on her latest album. From the opening chords on the tune Pedestrian at best, you won’t be able to get this record out of your head. You’ll also find hidden treasures like Nobody really cares if you don´t go to the party. A record that undoubtedly transmits a special energy.
Xake!
Makala Jazz Funk Band
Five-piece band Makala Jazz Funk has really come up with some hot stuff on this album. It’s compiled of songs that capture a real live feeling of funk, jazz
and soul. Mixing melodic instrumentals and others featuring singer Oihan Lopategi, fully-rounded songs
like Passion fruit and Shine make up the record. The
final track Jon Braun is really special.
Untethered moon
Built To Spill
Built To Spill are an intense band. I first came across these guys a few years back. I’ve always thought that they were a cosmic band; this lot were playing indie and noise before those labels were invented. Their latest release in a twenty-something year career. They are still as young as ever and they make the listener feel the same. That’s especially thanks to songs like Living zoo.
Ratchet
Shamir
Shamir is set to unseat Azealia Banks as the latest
leading star of electronica. The singer with the teen attitude dabbles in house, pop and dance. He’s moved on from the R&B melodies on his earlier stuff like I know it’s a good thing and now it’s dancefloor hits like: On the regular and Call it off.
Dark bird is home
The Tallest Man On Earth
Kristian Matsoon is back with an album full of raw
personal folk. While remaining loyal to his roots, the Dylan influence on this Swedish singer is still clearly present. You will find songs that move from the pacey Darkness of the dream to the slow Singers or the spiritual Little nowhere towns on this excellent record.
Love songs for robots
Patrick Watson
Patrick Watson’s falsetto has characterised this band’s songs from their very beginning. This time round, on their fifth record, the band have moved their sonic landscapes towards more hypnotic atmospherics and, well, it’s their strongest offering yet. There is more than one string to their bow; you’ll hear what I mean on Love songs for robots and Good afternoon Mr Wolf.