Not Another Music Blog.: June 2018

Tuesday 26 June 2018

Album Review: Chromeo - 'Head Over Heels'

In an era where Autotuned rap over trap beats is king, Canadian funk duo Chromeo’s fifth album injects a sorely needed aspect back into modern pop music: fun.

The album opens with the infectiously summery pop gem that is ‘Must’ve Been’ featuring American rapper D.R.A.M. It’s a perfect introduction to the tone of the entire album, with sugary sweet synths and a Nile Rogers style guitar hook. The bangers come thick and fast after this strong opening, quickly followed up by the slap bass infused ‘Don’t Sleep’ (featuring excellent appearances from French Montana and Stefflon Don) and the 80s-style slow burn of ‘One Track Mind’. One of the more quintessential moments of the album comes in the form of ‘Count Me Out’, which is just pure funk swagger that is absolutely sure to get some part of you moving to the beat.

Lyrically it’s a typical Chromeo affair, with the topics mostly being about the funk staples; having a good time and trying to get that sexy woman to notice you. Whilst many people could use the lyrical lack of depth as criticism, here at NAMB we realise that not every record has to feature deeply profound lyrical content. What’s great about this album (and all Chromeo albums actually) is that it approaches lyrics at face value and does not have hidden meanings buried under layers of metaphor, which makes for a more accessible and relatable experience for the listener.

The songwriting across this album has matured drastically from previous efforts, featuring a good amount of changes in pacing and rhythms. Where other albums fell flat in places due to strange structural decisions, Head Over Heels consistently delights with its balance of energetic pop songs (‘Just Friends’) and slower, groovier funk jams (‘Right Back Home to You’).

One of the highlights of the album is almost definitely first single ‘Juice’, which features bouncy synths set over layers of satisfying snaps that guide you into a relaxed yet instantly danceable chorus. Vocalist/guitarist Dave1 uses fabulously audacious analogies about juice (“you got the juice, that’s why I keep pressing you”) to explain his relationship with a woman too good for him in a most entertaining way, it’s pretty much guaranteed to make you smile. This is, of course, backed up by instrumentalist P-Thugg’s ever fantastic synth and talkbox work, consistently complementing each other in a back and forth exchange of slickly delivered guitar licks and exuberant examples of classic disco synthesis.

It’s a track that knows exactly what it needs to be, and doesn’t try to do anything more. This lack of filler is a sentiment that extends across the whole album, which features some of Chromeo’s best work to date, and it’s just so damn fun. We realise we already said that at the start of the review, but when was the last time you said that about an album?

8/10

Best track - Juice

Worst track - Slumming It

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Friday 22 June 2018

The Worst and Best of New Music Friday (22/06/2018)

It's been a while but your favourite guide to New Music Friday is back. So sit back, relax and read about the stuff you should most definitely avoid and the absolute bangers that will shape your weekend.

Worst

Kris Kross Amsterdam x The Boy Next Door - Whenever Feat. Conor Maynard

Remember Shakira's 'Whenever'? Well, now you get the chance to relive it with Conor Maynard. Honestly, this tune is so bad it's funny. We seriously thought tropical house was dead but no, it somehow lives on and the most annoying fella in music is holding it's dying flame. How Conor Maynard is still going is a mystery, his irritating vocal is enough to drive anyone to madness. Leave this one out.

Yxng Bane - Both Sides

Generic rap beat? Check. Mumbled autotune? Check. Inaudible lyrics? Check. It's time this type of music disappeared. It's awfully lazy, melodically sparse and horrendously drab and Yxng Bane sounds like he's falling asleep on this track. We know exactly how you feel, pal. A bit of energy from somewhere wouldn't go amiss here.

Panic! At The Disco - Dancing's Not A Crime

Dancing isn't a crime Brendon, you're right. Unfortunately, this song is. The high-pitched vocal is super cringing and the whole overblown production just doesn't sit well at all. Time to call it a day mate, the emo life has not looked after you all too well.

Jaden Smith - GHOST

Just watch this below, this guy is a plonker of the highest degree. This new one is such a shit tune too. Awful mumble rap rubbish. Get in the sea.

Honourable Mentions

Folly Rae - You Don't Love Me

Meghan Trainor - ALL THE WAYS

Best

Ben Khan - ruby

Dirty Hit's Ben Khan has been teasing his new album and 'ruby' is the latest single shared. A dense and beautifully produced slice of electronic pop perfection, Khan's vocal layers work brilliantly with the infectious instrumental loop. This is an album we're incredibly excited for.

Nile Rodgers & Chic - Till The World Falls Feat. Mura Masa, Cosha & Vic Mensa

The king of funk returns and he's bringing some pretty cool pals with him. Nile Rodgers has teamed up with Vic Mensa and Not Another Music Blog favourites Mura Masa to deliver this modern take on the genre he helped define.

Florence + The Machine - Big God

'Big God' is the second single from the new Florence album and her vocal is as incredible ever. The tune is bombastic, dark and incredibly intense. The production here is amazing, the haunting brass section is something to be cherished. Welcome back Florence, we missed you.

Death Grips - Disappointed

Not many words for this one to be honest. 'Disappointed' is the album closer on the hip-hop duo's new record 'Year of the Snitch'. It's noisy, absolutely bonkers and sometimes brilliantly terrifying. Listen to it, it'll melt your brain.

Honourable Mentions

Tony Molina - Wrong Town

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Thursday 21 June 2018

Track Review: Galapaghost - 'Bedtime'

Galapaghost is the brainchild of singer-songwriter Casey Chandler. Entirely self-produced, 'Bedtime' is the new single from the Texas-based musician. This new single is the second off Galapaghost's upcoming album 'Sootie'.

Taking a more electronic direction than previous efforts, Galapaghost composed 'Bedtime' using only the legendary Roland GAIA SH-01 synthesizer. The results are fantastic. It's safe to say there is a definite air of Tame Impala injected into this song with the drumbeats and vocal delivery being very reminiscent of the Australian band.

Channelling themes of childhood and youth, 'Bedtime' is a lush tune that screams of summer. There are brilliant hints of psychedelia like the reversed vocals and beat before the 80s style synths leads are introduced after the first chorus. Moments like this set Galapaghost apart from his contemporaries.

Even though there are some lovely moments of experimentation, the tune does feel quite singular and one dimensional in parts. The tune could really benefit from a time signature change or even a key change to add a little more variation to a song that promises so much.

'Bedtime' is a great single from a clearly very talented songwriter but a little bit more risk will go a hell of a long way.

'Bedtime' is out now on all good streaming services or you can listen below.

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Wednesday 20 June 2018

Track Review: Tempesst - 'A Little Bit of Trouble'

Towards the end of last year, we featured London-based psych-pop outfit Tempesst's fantastic debut EP. They are now back after earning widespread praise throughout the UK leading to support dates with Temper Trap and Albert Hammond Jr. 'A Little Bit of Trouble' is the first single off their forthcoming second EP titled 'Doomsday'.

The progress the band have made since their previous release is plain to hear. Sonically, 'A Little Bit of Trouble' is a lot denser and lush than other efforts, introducing string sections and fantastic reverberated percussion hits that hauntingly resonate through the track. Tempesst's signature high-pitched backing vocals return right from the start here before the infectious, Arctic Monkeys-style groove is introduced.

The chorus is incredibly catchy and the 60s and 70s influences shine through whilst still feeling incredibly current. The orchestral arrangement is also a touch of class. The brilliance of the overall sound is amplified tenfold by the fantastic guitar leads and amazing lead vocals. With the full EP tracked in just four days, the in-the-moment, organic process highlights the band's live, raw and untethered aesthetic, which rivals counterparts like Tame Impala, Unknown Mortal Orchestra and Caveman.

On their return, Tempesst have really come back with a bang. 'A Little Bit of Trouble' is easily their most accomplished work so far. With teasers like this, we can't wait to hear the rest of the band's future releases.

Listen to the amazing 'A Little Bit of Trouble' below.

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Track Review: FLING - 'Extra Special'

Bradford natives FLING has shared their latest unique offering 'Extra Special'. Known for their wildly eccentric live shows, the burgeoning quintet have already built up quite the following, with their playful personalities seeing them well-received on the festival circuit so far this summer.

A more reserved vibe than their previous efforts, 'Extra Special' is a lethargically paced and infectiously dreamy slice of summer psychedelic indie-pop. The dense percussive rhythm section combined with plucked, syncopated guitar parts give the song a groove that cuts through the rather dense instrumentation.

Credit: Danny Payne

Charles McSorley's lead vocal is relaxed and relatively dry in the verses but it's in the choruses where he really comes to life. The backing vocals and high pitched lead melodies come together to create a brilliantly rousing sound reminiscent of Childhood's new album. This track screams of summer and the chorus embodies that perfectly.

There are real moments of magic on this track, the lead guitar parts from Jack Winn after the first chorus are lovely and slick and the underlying synths add an air of reserved experimentations. For all the highs though, unfortunately, the track seems a little too short. Just as you feel you've fully invested, the tune is cut short. Another minute and this track would have been perfect.

FLING has delivered a fantastic (if criminally short) tune of irresistible melodies and funky guitar lines. 'Extra Special' should be the soundtrack to your summer and the perfect tune for lazy days in the park. We can't wait to hear their debut album 'Fling or Die' slated for release early next year.

'Extra Special' is available to stream now via Dance to the Radio or listen below.

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Tuesday 19 June 2018

Track Review: Critical Reaction - 'Easy'

Critical Reaction is an indie-rock band from the North of England, formed in 2015 by a group of four friends when they were only fifteen years old. Three years later they are still around making music. Following the 2017 EP ‘Take Some Time’, they have just released their new track titled ‘Easy’ this past May.

The song has very present guitar riffs, supported by strong drums and a melodic vocal tying it all together. It has all the different moments and dynamics that are to be expected from a track like this including faster verses and other slower moments that focus on the singing, making you pay attention to the lyrics. The vocals are a definite highlight here showing the brilliant use of technique whilst also sounding raw and passionate.

The song itself may not linger long in the memory but Critical Reaction definitely will because of their incredibly tight and cohesive sound. It’s always amazing to follow young bands because there is so much space for growth and evolution. They are clearly still discovering their true sound but the potential is plain to see and on ‘Easy’, the band have embraced a heavier, more direct sound than on their debut EP ‘Take Some Time’.

‘Easy’ is a fun track and is highly effective, serving a clear purpose whilst providing a good four-minute listen. Though sometimes lacking in complexity, it left us wanting to hear their next singles as soon as possible. A little diversity will go a long way, but that is sure to come from the incredibly talented young band.

'Easy' is out on all good streaming platforms now.

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Wednesday 13 June 2018

Track Review: The Americas - 'Come On Out'

Channelling gospel influenced rock 'n' roll and based in the West Midlands, The Americas are aiming to fill your playlists for the next few months. Starting on the 1st of June, the trio will release a new single on the first Friday of every month. Got that, yeah? These singles will then form part of a six-track EP titled 'Guitar Music is Dead' released on the 7th of September. It's time to get to know The Americas because they aren't going away anytime soon.

From the off, it's easy to pick out the band's influences. With guitars sounding like The Rolling Stones and vocals nodding towards Bob Dylan, The Americas clearly draw from the 70s era. Even though the band wear their influences truly on their sleeves, their sound is rather quite original. There is a definite swagger in the way The Americas sound and it comes across brilliantly on 'Come on Out'.

This song is fun, catchy and brilliantly melodic. The bright instrumentation throughout complements the lead vocal perfectly and the added pianos and guitar leads add new textures when needed in the choruses. The band's use of dynamics is a triumph considering the song never really lets up over its five-minute runtime. It's an infectious track that is bound to keep people grooving and shaking.

This track is a brilliant statement from a band with big ambitions. It's surprising to hear they are unsigned because 'Come on Out' is a highly accomplished effort. Imagine listening to this track whilst driving an open top classic car and it'll take you to places you can only dream of.

Listen to 'Come on Out' below.

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Not Another Music Blog's Top 25 Albums of 2018 (So Far)

We're halfway through 2018, and oh what a year it's been so far for music. The albums have been coming thick and fast and we're here to guide you through the best of the year so far. So grab a cuppa and dive into the only list you'll need this year (until our top 50 in winter). Check the Spotify playlist at the bottom of this article to listen to the best tracks.

25. Sons of Kemet - Your Queen Is a Reptile

Jazz quartet Sons of Kemet released their thought-provoking third album, 'Your Queen Is a Reptile'. The title refers to how the British monarchy doesn't represent black immigrants and the track titles refer to influential black women throughout history. Sonically dense and taking influence from all types of world music, the album is a vast musical adventure if ever there was one.

24. Beach House - 7

Dream-pop pioneers Beach House arrived with their aptly titled seventh studio album to much critical acclaim. They ditched longtime producer Chris Coady to create a more adventurous style whilst still writing one of their most accessible and enjoyable records to date.

23. Turnstile - Time & Space

Hardcore punk returned in a big way earlier this year with Baltimore's own Turnstile. Clocking in at just 25 minutes long, 'Time & Space' was Turnstile's first release through major label Roadrunner. It's brutal, sharp and wonderfully exciting. The energy of this record is palpable, making us return time and time again.

22. Ezra Furman - Transangelic Exodus

Ezra Furman's second release through Bella Union is an experimentally 'loose' take on the concept album. A cluster of stories centred around the narrative of inner conflict. A highly riotous album that sounds like no other. It will have you dancing, crying and rocking all at the same time.

21. Young Fathers - Cocoa Sugar

2014s Mercury Music Prize winners released their highly anticipated third album in March. Charting at number 28, it became their most successful release yet. Combining elements of gospel, electronics and rap, Cocoa Sugar is possibly the Scottish trio's most accomplished work yet.

20. Unknown Mortal Orchestra - Sex & Food

'Sex & Food' is UMO's fifth studio album and probably their funkiest. It's weird and wonderful and boasts some of the best riffs of the year. The nastiness of 'American Guilt' and the super funk of 'Hunnybee' make this record one of the most eclectic of the year.

19. Gengahr - Where Wildness Grows

With their second studio album, London boys Gengahr honed their sound to release one of the most melodically driven indie records of the year. Produced by Neil Comber, the band took great steps forward to make something unique and highly identifiable as their own.

18. Father John Misty - God's Favourite Customer

Produced by Foxygen's Jonathan Rado, 'God' Favourite Customer' took Father John Misty in a lighter direction compared to last years dense masterpiece 'Pure Comedy'. The record is more compact but still hilariously witty with FJM's grandiose instrumentals and poignant lyricism combining to create another fantastic album. Can this man do no wrong?

17. Jpegmafia - Veteran

Easily one of the most mind-bending hip-hop records so far this year, Jpegmafia's abrasive and aggressive style of music sets him apart from the rest of the hip-hop pack. The intense highly experimental production combined with a flow of brilliant precision ensures this is a record is truly one of a kind.

16. Kanye West - ye

What a bonkers year it's been for Mr West so far with Twitter rants, TMZ meltdowns, MAGA hats and inevitably some brilliant music. 'ye' is one of Kanye's most personal efforts lyrically whilst musically, the beats and production hark back to the Yeezy of old. It's chaotic, haphazard and controversial. It's also like Marmite, and we bloody love Marmite. So, there you go.

15. Soccer Mommy - Clean

Sophie Allison aka Soccer Mommy released this beautiful dose of bedroom pop in a year that has seen some amazing music released so far from some super cool women. Her debut album 'Clean' is raw, compact and wonderfully melodic. That pitch bend towards the end of 'Cool' is one of our favourite musical moments this year.

14. Nils Frahm - All Melody

Musician, composer and record producer extraordinaire Nils Frahm used melody as an incredible tool on his ninth studio album. The singular piano tracks like 'My Friend the Forest' are haunting whilst his use of electronics on the title track make for pulsing, dense and vast soundscapes of such a beautiful nature it's hard to not stop and gasp.

13. The Voidz - Virtue

On 'Virtue', Julian Casablancas' current band The Voidz pushed the boundaries of what a major album release could sound like. The experimentation and psychedelia are prominent whilst still allowing the album to breathe. There are some serious if not super fuzzy, summer bangers on this record and it's completely worth its one hour run time.

12. Porches - The House

One of the earliest releases of the year, Aaron Maine's Porches brought in a whole load of collaborators including (Sandy) Alex G, Dev Hynes, Bryndon Cook and even his own father Peter. The album is a delicate and reserved allowing the emotions to run free. 'Goodbye' is easily one of the best tunes we've heard all year. Loop that one for sure.

11. MGMT - Little Dark Age

Expectations were relatively low when it came to listening to MGMT's fourth album. Despite a brilliant promotional single, the band's recent track record with albums hadn't been that amazing. Step up 'Little Dark Age'. Filled to the brim with psychedelic tracks and some brilliant pop hooks, the duo saw a stellar return to form, with challenging and eccentric tunes.

10. Pusha T - DAYTONA

Entirely produced by his pal Kanye West, and the first album to be released from the much publicised 'Wyoming Sessions', Pusha T returned to blistering form with his newest album since 2015's 'King Push'. Another seven track wonder, DAYTONA sparked an intense beef with Drake, whilst also cementing the fact that Kanye is one of the best producers of this generation.

9. Parquet Courts - Wide Awake!

On their sixth studio album, Texan indie legends Parquet Courts brought the fun. 'Wide Awake!' is an album of 'woke' punk hits including the incredibly groovy title track and also the super raw first single 'Almost Had to Start a Fight/In and Out of Patience'. The production is scratchy and raw ultimately making this one of the most endearing albums on the list.

8. Arctic Monkeys - Tranquility Base Hotel & Casino

Earlier this year we gave the new Arctic Monkeys album a respectable 7. Since then, 'Tranquility Base Hotel & Casino' has grown and become one of our most played records of the year. A proper body of work with no real singles, the album is best enjoyed as a whole. It's this confidence and bravado that we have grown to love. Keep it coming, Mr Turner.

7. Haley Heynderickx - I Need to Start a Garden

Haley Heynderickx honed her craft and musical style by mixing a love of jazz radio with 60s and 70s folk influences. Even though her debut album is achingly short (it clocks in at thirty minutes with only eight tracks), Heynderickx has created a beautifully concise and charming body of work that is easily one of the best folk records to be released in 2018 so far.

6. Shame - Songs of Praise

Since the release of their debut album, Shame have been on a world tour for what seems like forever. 'Songs of Praise' is an exceptional debut from a young band with a glowing future. The album itself was recorded in a mere ten days and with a total run time of thirty-eight minutes, it is brilliantly concise and to the point. The mainstream music world may not want them but South London's Shame are the guitar band Britain needs.

5. Hookworms - Microshift

Yorkshire-based psychedelic five-piece Hookworms ditched the drones and noise rock of their previous efforts to release a brilliantly well-crafted album of danceable rock and indie hits. Lyrical themes of depression and anxiety run throughout Hookworm's most musically accessible album to date.

4. Car Seat Headrest - Twin Fantasy (Face to Face)

The eleventh studio album by Car Seat Headrest, 'Twin Fantasy (Face to Face)' is a complete re-recording and reworking of the band's sixth studio album 'Twin Fantasy' which was released in 2011. A sprawling album of wit and cynism, the updated version is crisper and more direct, despite its one hour and ten-minute runtime. Will Toledo is a hugely talented songwriter and having the confidence and audacity to completely rework one of his most beloved bodies of work is a true statement of intent.

3. Ben Howard - Noonday Dream

The latest addition to this list, Ben Howard's 'Noonday Dream' is easily the most beautiful. It's dense, highly emotive, dynamically adventurous and a big step away from his debut release. The opening three tracks and first three singles of the album are incredible alone with Howard exploring new musical techniques and honing his darker style previously explored on 2014's 'I Forget Where We Were'. His latest album is a welcome return to form and one that will live long in the memory.

2. Janelle Monáe - Dirty Computer

Packed full of incredible guests like Grimes, Brian Wilson and Stevie Wonder, Janelle Monáe's 'Dirty Computer' was an album that took us by complete surprise. One of the best pop albums we've heard in years, Monáe blends poetic lyricism with artful pop beats and catchy hooks. The album celebrates queerness, female power and self-worth in such a gloriously dance-able way that it's impossible to not want to revisit time and time again.

1. Iceage - Beyondless

Danish punk band Iceage take the top spot with their incredible fourth studio album 'Beyondless'. Their noisy, aggressive and brilliant style of driving punk has won them plaudits the world over. On this new release, Iceage embraced a more pop-influenced sound whilst still keeping their dark routes. Sky Ferreira's feature on 'Pain Killer' is a touch of genius giving the band a sense of wonderful melody and the added horn sections throughout add more dynamic and texture to each brilliantly raw and dark track. Iceage's grimy gothic tendencies coupled with hints of beautiful melodies and incredible lyrics ensure this record is our favourite of 2018 so far.

Check out our Spotify playlist below and listen to our highlights from each album on this list.

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