There have been a lot of interesting album releases in November - however, these four really stood out to the NSR team.
Twentytwo In Blue by Sunflower Bean
Sunflower Bean played an intimate set at Manchester Academy this November which reminded us how incredible their second album is, released earlier this year. The highlight of the gig had to be “Come for me” (off their newest EP) where frontman Julia preceded to create her own mosh pit, much to the delight of the crowd. Twenty two in blue is a collection of lush dream-rock, twangy and jangly guitar songs as well as a few punchier and political tracks such as “crisis fest”. “Memoria” is a real gem which reveals a different side of their influences from the shoegaze scene of the 90s such as the Sundays. Another spectacular thing about Sunflower Bean is their use of retro telephones as microphones, definitely something to check out!
(Tilda)
The 1975- ‘A Brief Inquiry Into Online Relationships’
This year, The 1975 have certainly become a mainstay in the conversation for best contemporary band by becoming icons for modern pop. Their latest album, ‘A Brief Inquiry Into Relationships’, was released last month two years since their last and has been called one of the albums of the year by all but a few major music reviewers, maintaining The 1975’s legacy. Like most great albums, this album is a personal statement and is more or less musically broad. Songs which stand out are ‘It’s Not Living (If It’s Not With You)’ and ‘I Always Wanna Die (Sometimes)’ and the broadness of the album is shown by comparing these pop songs to the more calming and inventive ‘The Man Who Married A Robot/ Love Theme’. Personally, this not my favourite genre of music, but this is an album to listen to.
(Louis)
Anderson .Paak- ‘Oxnard’
Anderson .Paak made his breakthrough when he worked with Dr DRE on his album ‘Compton’ in 2015 for the film ‘Straight Outta Compton’. He has been compared to Kendrick Lemar, but in truth there are not that many similarities apart from their tone of voice. ‘Oxnard’ mixes neo-soul and west coast hip-hop for a very enjoyable album, an album that surprised me and personally is one of the best albums from November. Although it is not highly consistent, the album brings a great enjoyment. The album features Pusha T, Snoop Dogg and Dr Dre. ‘Tints’, with Kendrick Lemar, ‘The Chase’ with Kadhja Bonet and ‘Who R U?’ are stand out songs.
(Louis)
Thought Gang – Thought Gang
Thought Gang is the name of the musical project orchestrated by legendary filmmaker David Lynch and his long-time collaborator Angelo Badalamenti. The two first worked together for the soundtrack of Lynch’s 1986 cult classic Blue Velvet, initiating a partnership lasting over 30 years. This album collects pieces from the last few decades, from the spawning of the Thought Gang project around the time of the Twin Peaks film Fire Walk With Me (notice the inclusion of two pieces from that film’s soundtrack: ‘A Real Indication’ and ‘The Black Dog Runs At Night’). Using the broad platform of jazz as a springboard, Lynch and Badalamenti explore territories such as spoken word and soundscapes, creating a dark and unsettling world.
The opening track ‘Stalin Revisited’ is in two halves; a whirring hi-hat surrounded by swirling, rising noise gives way to a slow, see-sawing bowed bass. ‘Logic and Common Sense’ is a more traditional bebop groove, with a fizzing spoken part by Badalamenti. All the pieces on this album are different, some wild and frenetic, others ambient and subtle. One thing, however, they all have in common: they all drip with cool. Take the lilting swagger of ‘One Dog Bark’ (which, true to its name, features just one bark amid the walking bass and syncopated drums), or the effortless madness of ‘A Real Indication’. Degraded, twisted descriptions the interiors of Lynch’s uniquely and exquisitely deranged mind act as sentinels through the album, guiding you through the various sonic territories.
With the last two tracks clocking in at 16 and 9 minutes respectively, this album is not for impatient listeners. However, for Lynch fans, or someone who just wants to experience some cathartic madness, Thought Gang provides a perfect dose of subtle insanity and beautifully constructed sonic landscapes.
(Rufus)