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CMAT – Crazymad, for Me
CMAT from Dublin combines the styles of Jenny Lewis and Self Esteem, creating a blend of ritzy country tunes that capture life’s most embarrassing moments. Her music is like a beehive hairstyle, meant to distract from the sorrow in her eyes. In her new album, CMAT reflects on the cost of her toxic relationships, self-sacrifice, and avoidance of harsh realities in a humorous way rather than wallowing in self-pity. In “Such a Miranda,” she sings about being reduced to a mere caretaker for her partner’s needs. Despite the losses she has experienced, CMAT maintains a strong and valuable perspective. This was written by Laura Snapes.
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Romy – Mid Air
Although the lyrics do not change much, with themes of love and pain, the electronic instrumentals by Fred Again and Stuart Price are skillfully crafted but lack originality. However, Romy Madley Croft’s powerful and distinct singing voice elevates Mid Air from being mediocre. As the vocalist for The xx, she brings an emotional depth to each track, whether it be her tender comfort on “Strong,” her apprehensive tone on “She’s on My Mind,” or her vulnerable vibrato on “Twice” as she realizes the intensity of her emotions. Overall, Croft’s vocals add character and authority to the album.
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Jaimie Branch’s album “Fly or Die” is a powerful and evocative portrayal of the experiences of war.
-39’s passing in August was a great loss for the American jazz community. She was known for her bold trumpet playing and original compositions, which showcased her impressive technical skill and uplifting melodies. This posthumous record is a powerful testament to her talent, featuring a diverse range of genres including country, hip-hop, free improvisation, Latin funk, and soulful ballads. Throughout the album, Branch’s dynamic statements and beautiful trumpet tone tie everything together.
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Gina Birch is known for her loud bass playing.
Walking around London this winter has been a treat, with Gina Birch’s face prominently featured on posters for the Tate’s Women in Revolt! exhibition. The image is taken from a Super 8 video that Birch created in 1977, the same year she formed the punk band Raincoats with Ana da Silva. Despite being 46 years old, Birch’s debut album has remained just as powerful and relevant, capturing the same rebellious spirit and playful energy as her earlier works. The song “I Am Rage” showcases her ability to turn sweet girl-group melodies into something more intense, with Birch using a haunting child-like voice. In the title track, her bass playing exudes strength and exposes hidden secrets. And even as she reflects on the wisdom that comes with age in “And Then It Happened,” her casual delivery still packs a punch, leaving a lasting impact on the listener.
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Hannah Diamond – Perfect Picture
Diamond, dressed in pink attire and with a feminine voice, challenges anyone who may underestimate her or see her pop music as insincere. She is refreshingly genuine as she sings about her desire for attention and love, and she contemplates the divide between fame and everyday life, and the contrast between digital fabrication and tangible reality, with a deep emotional connection. Her vulnerability and authentic nature, in contrast to the forced relatability of mainstream celebrities, may be why she has not gained widespread recognition. However, these songs (produced with David Gamson of Scritti Politti) are true works of pop art that rival those of any A-list artist.
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Slowdive – Everything Is Alive
After the loss of Rachel Goswell’s mother and Simon Scott’s father, Slowdive’s second album of their comeback has a clearer sound. The dense shoegaze style has been lifted, revealing a newfound clarity and dispelling any youthful notions of permanence. “Everything Is Alive” is stripped down and introspective, enhanced by cool electronic touches while still remaining grand in its scale. Interestingly, the album’s contemplation of life’s cycles of endings and rebirth has drawn in a new audience on TikTok, showcasing its cross-generational appeal and the band’s hard-earned perspective.
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to
I have discovered a solution in Indiana, Mandy.
Last year, Gilla Band’s Most Normal deconstructed rock in a Cronenberg-style manner. However, Manchester’s Mandy, Indiana takes a different approach by stripping away the genre scaffolding and focusing on pure, intense textures. Their first album features harsh techno beats, funereal fanfares that fade away, and eerie sounds of squalls and swarms. The overall effect is delightfully unsettling, especially due to their unrelenting use of rhythm and the haunting vocals of lead singer Valentine Caulfield, who sings in French and adds to the percussive nature of the music. While many artists have created their own worlds during these uncertain times, Mandy, Indiana, along with Lankum, have embraced the darkness and echoes of the abyss. LS
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Yo La Tengo – This Stupid World
“This Stupid World” is a testament to the 40 years of collaboration between Georgia Hubley and Ira Kaplan, and 30 years with bassist James McNew. The album is a result of intentional and unstructured jam sessions in their private space, isolated from the outside world but guided by their unique chemistry. The humor of the album is evident in the unsettled yet groovy track “Tonight’s Episode,” while “Until It Happens” maintains a sense of curiosity and simplicity. The distortion of tracks like “This Stupid World” and “Brain Capers” is balanced by the sweet country sound of “Aselestine,” featuring a pedal steel guitar. The band’s ability to find balance is showcased in “Sinatra Drive Breakdown,” where a cool motorik pulse brings a sense of calm to the otherwise noisy track. While not prescriptive, “This Stupid World” highlights the importance of community and understanding in the face of the foolishness beyond our own walls. LS
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Jim Legxacy – Homeless N*gga Pop Music
The producer, singer, and rapper from Lewisham not only collaborated on the popular UK rap song of the year, “Sprinter” by Dave and Central Cee, but also released a heartfelt solo album. Each short song on the album showcases Legxacy’s unique style, with sincere R&B vocals reflecting on uncertain relationships and accompanied by cleanly strummed acoustic guitar. The use of samples from drill, grime, and other older Black music adds depth to the tracks, almost like they are passing by from a car window. While some beats are upbeat and fast-paced, such as in “Old Place” which features Jersey club music, the overall mood remains poignant as Legxacy reminisces on past parties and loves.
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Fever Ray – Radical Romantics
Karin Dreijer has been honing her unique sound for over 20 years, first with her brother Olof in their duo The Knife. Her music, which blends cold and tropical elements, is filled with bird calls, wolf howls, and unexpected bursts of noise, all pulsing with dancehall and techno rhythms. Dreijer is also known for her poetic lyrics and distinct delivery, such as in the line “Will you join me in hocus-pocus? / On the other side of intense focus?” (Meanwhile, Olof’s recent release “Rosa Rugosa” captures a similar atmosphere, but with a summery vibe.) BBT
Source: theguardian.com
