192 posts
New albums
If Anna Lotterud’s 2017 debut lacked distinction, that was partly down to the number of other Scandinavian women operating in similarly frosty fields. Lovers fetishised the 80s effectively, but lacked…
Review: Magne Furuholmen – White Xmas Lies
Given he’s helped write some of the biggest songs by Norway’s biggest band, you’d think A-ha’s Magne Furuholmen would be happy. That his third solo album is a Christmas collection…
Review: The Brand New Heavies – TBNH
SHOP NOW ON AMAZON FROM £9.99 It says a lot that The Brand New Heavies’ co-founder and guitarist Simon Bartholomew describes their 11th album’s cover as “a bit clubby, a…
Review: Bon Iver – i,i
SHOP NOW FOR YOUR COPY OF i,i It’s clear from the start of Justin Vernon’s fourth Bon Iver album it’s not going to be an easy listen. Even when, after…
Review: Chrissie Hynde – Valve Bone Woe
SHOP NOW FOR YOUR COPY OF VALVE BONE WOE The second Chrissie Hynde solo album has been a long time coming. It’s only five years since Stockholm, but Valve Bone Woe…
Review: Kim Wilde – Aliens Live
After nearly four decades, Kim Wilde releases her very first live album – Aliens Live. But is it worth the long wait…? SHOP NOW FOR YOUR COPY OF ALIENS LIVE “They…
Review: Kim Petras – Clarity
Having gender transitioned aged 12, Germany’s Kim Petras perhaps stands out enough already that genuinely distinctive songs aren’t necessary. Certainly Clarity could be by any number of contemporary chart acts,…
Review: Rhye – Spirit
Haunting but never creepy, producer Mike Milosh’s latest album, Spirit, was inspired by a gift from his girlfriend: a piano. It’s a stark affair, with Needed, co-written with Semisonic’s Dan…
Review: Cuco – Para Mi
Perfect for summer, Californian Omar Banos’ debut – Para Mi – displays airy charms reminiscent of the similarly youthful Yellow Days’ wonderful Is Everything OK In Your World last year.…
Review: Snoh Aalegra – Ugh, Those Feels Again
Who knows why it’s taken Sweden’s Snoh Aalegra so long to be noticed by the general public. She was first signed at the age of 14 in 2001, and though…