It’s a good week – artists releasing promising debuts, sophomores, and adding to an already impressive discography. It’s Release Day! Let’s get into it!
La Roux | Trouble in Paradise
English blogs are fawning over the second release from La Roux. And although North American reviews have thus far been largely mixed, the biggest (and arguably best) English synth-pop duo since the Eurythmics has followed up their slow rising 2008 release with this much anticipated record.
It should be noted that Elly Jackson, lead singer of the group, is now the sole member. It can’t be denied that the sound has changed since her collaborator Ben Langmaid left citing creative differences, but it seems like the sound and the idea of what this band is has become refined with a new central focus.
In a world where the “album” as it was once known is now seen as the property of art and chamber rockers looking to make a statement, the idea that pop groups releasing an album that can hold it’s own is refreshing.
Alvvays | Self Titled
This Toronto-based buzz band is quickly showing critics and skeptics alike that they are certainly for real. Soaked in surf-rock and heartbreak reminiscent of the doo-wop era.
Adding their name to an already crowded list of great indie-pop bands with retro influences, Alvvays seems to set themselves apart with their honest sense of darkness and melancholy. Although this hides behind the timbre of the tunes, the seriousness of the content makes the listener almost feel bad for liking the tune. For instance, ‘Next of Kin’ may be the happiest song about a drowning since Young’s ‘Down By The River’.
King Creosote | From Scotland With Love
Really, this is a soundtrack. Inspired by the film of the same name which features no dialogue or interviews, the album captures the what one would picture as archived pictures and images of those vacationing in Scotland.
This whole thing is soaked in English-nostalgia and there may even be a few songs in here that have the power of a Jens Lekman or Arctic Monkeys tune.
