alt-J - “The Dream”
The British indie rock band released their 4th album. In 2012, we were first introduced to the colourful and eccentric sound of alt-J. The combination of art rock, electronica and even some soul influences made the group a one-of-a-kind act. The albums that followed up their 2012’s stellar debut still contained interesting songwriting, but especially "RELAXER" (2017) lacked the focus and cohesiveness of "An Awesome Wave" (2012). With 5 years having passed, the band returns with "The Dream". The record starts off pretty solid. That mix of quirkiness, swagger and luscious melodies, has become a signature sound for alt-J and makes for some enjoyable songs. "U&ME" grooves while "Happier When You’re Gone" is soothing to the ears. However, things start to get all over the place and drawn-out as soon as "The Actor" comes to a close. The pumping electro beats on "Chicago" and opera vocals on "Philadelphia" feel a bit random or even awkward. Meanwhile, watered-down tracks like "Walk a Mile" and "Losing My Mind" fail to grab the full attention. After 5 years, you might expect that the band could come up with some fresh and thought-out ideas, but unfortunately, "The Dream" is a mediocre album.
Best track: “U&ME
Rating: 6
Released: February 11, 2022
Infectious Music
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Zeal & Ardor - “Zeal & Ardor”
The Swiss/American metal act releases its third official studio album. Combining the soulful slave chants of black spiritual music with the ominous and satanic themes of black metal, musician Manuel Gagneux basically created a new genre. It reached its full potential on 2018’s "Stranger Fruit". Then "Wake of a Nation" EP (2020) hinted at a new direction with its electronic elements and political songwriting. However, "Zeal & Ardor" doesn’t go above and beyond. It feels more like a thematic sequel to "Stranger Fruit". The soul-inspired rhymes, harsh screams and thundering metal riffs are still present. And this is not necessarily a bad thing, because it remains such an intriguing combination. Though the instrumentation leans more towards progressive metal than black metal this time around. It results in some pretty badass and complex breakdowns, like the ones on "Erase" and "I Caught You". The more accessible tracks contain some industrial characteristics like drum pads and gritty synths, which keeps things fresh. However, the song structures on these tracks (like "Golden Liar" and "Bow") feel a bit uneventful. Towards the end of the record, Gagneux manages to surprise us again with "Hold Your Head Low" and "J-M-B", 2 tracks that feel outside Zeal & Ardor’s comfort zone. "Zeal & Ardor" may not top its predecessor from 2018, but Gagneux’s songwriting and producing talents still shine through on this apocalyptic record.
Best track: “Erase”
Rating: 8
Released: February 11, 2022
MVKA
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Black Country, New Road - “Ants From Up There”
The British band releases their second album. Last year, Black Country, New Road brought us their highly anticipated debut record. An interesting and artsy blend of abstract post-punk, building post-rock and some exotic Klezmer music. With "Ants From Up There", the band’s sound has become more cohesive and distinctive. The post-rock influences are still there, but the band also incorporates elements of baroque music and jazz, which leaves a bigger spotlight for the violin, saxophone and piano. It results in a colorful, theatrical and emotional sound. Compared to the band’s debut, most songs contain a more structured verse-chorus approach, leaving room for more accessible moments. Still, all songs take captivating and adventurous turns, keeping it far from generic. And of course, there are singer Isaac Wood’s one of a kind vocals and lyrics. His poetic wordplay takes you into his troubled mind, plagued by anxiety, heartbreak and melancholia. With beautifully crafted metaphors like the retired Concorde airplane resembling a failed one-sided relationship. It’s all brought in his low and shaky vocal delivery. Unfortunately, it has taken its toll on Wood’s involvement with the band, as he left the Black Country, New Road to get better. However, with well-crafted arrangements, luscious instrumentation and honest songwriting, "Ants From Up There" sees Wood leaving on an artic high.
Best track: “The Place Where He Inserted the Blade”
Rating: 9
Released: February 4, 2022
Ninja Tune
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