Girlpool
Powerplant
[Anti-]
The beauty of Girlpool’s output up to this point was born of their uncanny ability to channel strength through vulnerability. Formerly a two piece made up of dual vocalists, one on guitar the other bass, their work routinely toyed with and ultimately transcended these limitations. Their latest sees the pair adopting a full band setup complete with ‘gasp’ a drummer! This widening in scope, though far from an abject failure, can’t help but act as something of a diluent. This pursuit of the ‘Big’ has, for the first time, left their shortcoming writ as large as their strengths. – Danny Wilson
Beach Fossils Somersault [Bayonet Records / Secretly Records]
In the intervening four years since Clash The Truth, New York based trio, Beach Fossils have honed their synonymous lo-fi sound on third album, Somersault.
The most prevalent difference to be noted with the new material is an immediate maturity and sophistication in their musical style.
Beach Fossils in 2017 are even more concise in their instrumentals, focusing more so on fleshing out the overall production which is evident in the refinement and clarity of Dustin Payseur’s vocal throughout.
This is not a remarkable record, but it graciously fills the void of their former absence.
– Zara Hedderman
Daniel Romano
Modern Pressure
[New West Records]
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0DoiXoeW_40
Producing six albums of exceptional lyrical and musical compositions in seven years is no small feat. Canadian musician, graphic designer and sometimes leather-worker Daniel Romano, however, is prolific in the art of captivating listeners instantly with his witty lines and nuanced approach to Country music. On his latest record, Modern Pressure Romano proffers thirty-eight minutes of meticulously arranged tracks in which the instrumental inclusions throughout are confident, abounding with a coherent purpose and presence. Songs like Roya and Ugly Human Heart Pt. 1 will welcomely persist in your ear. – Zara Hedderman
Mountain Goats
Goths
[Merge]
Just like Beat The Champ – their 2015 record exploring the world of professional wrestling – Goths has a thematic framework in which John Darnielle can spin the fiction of his characters from the periphery. Darnielle has such an excellent eye for detail, that you can fill out the backstories of his protagonists from just one nuance supplied in a lyric. Musically, the album also leans electric pianos and John Douglas’ elegant woodwind arrangements at the expense of guitars but without sounding alienating – instead it’s almost more accessible. – Ian Lamont
Perfume Genius
No Shape
[Matador]
On No Shape Perfume Genius retains the musical swagger that inhabited the phenomenal single Queen which presaged Too Bright in 2014 and that blossoming from plain and forlorn-sounding piano balladry into more elaborate and nimble arrangements has served Mike Hadreas so well. Amongst the highlights is a duet with Natalie Mering of Weyes Blood, whose excellent Front Row Seat To Earth makes a good reference point for No Shape – devilishly crafted and emotionally potent. – Ian Lamont
Fleet Foxes
Crack-Up
[Nonesuch]
In the six years since, the world should have turned and left Fleet Foxes behind, but being so purposefully out of time has worked to their benefit here. Dipping into Crack-Up is like wandering back into the forest you left all those season ago. Robin Pecknold’s soaring tenor and close stacked group harmonies remain in spades, but it’s a darker and somewhat downcast record by comparison with the still wondrous Helplessness Blues. – Ian Lamont
Paramore
After Laughter
[Fueled by Ramen]
Paramore return after a four year hiatus with a colourful new image and electro-pop sound on After Laughter. Their 2013 self-titled release saw the band incorporate various genres from gospel to prog rock. After another lineup shuffle, seeing the return of original drummer Zac Farro, the band have gone through a musical metamorphosis. Paramore’s new sound may be bright and preppy however, there is still undertones of despondency in the lyrics, evident on singles Hard Times and Told You So. – Sinead Furlong
Maria Kelly
The Things I Should
[Veta Records]
Irish songwriter Maria Kelly sets herself apart with latest release The Things I Should. The EP is four tracks of pure Indie Folk bliss. Kelly’s beautiful vocal sits atop ethereal soundscapes, enveloping the listener from beginning to end. Similarities can be drawn throughout with acts like Emma Ruth Rundle and Daughter. From Torn Into Two which eases the listener in with soft vocals and subtle strings, to finale Pretend that builds to a dramatic crescendo, this EP encapsulates the listener. – Sinead Furlong
