Reviews
Klaxons – Surfing The Void
While Surfing The Void is not quite as fantastic as the album’s cover art, new Klaxons material does bode well for the future.
Kele – The Boxer
Guitars are pretty much out and the synth and drum machine are most definitely in for Kele on his first solo venture The Boxer.
1Best Coast – Crazy For You
Bethany Cosentino’s fairly puerile lyrics squander a world’s worth of potential on her radiant, well composed debut as Best Coast.
Ra Ra Riot – The Orchard
Syracuse sextet Ra Ra Riot offers up a sophomore album that is filled with more promise than immediate success on The Orchard.
Professor Green – Alive Till I’m Dead
The debut record from London rapper Professor Green aims for the top of the charts with some great, catchy moments on display.
The Books – The Way Out
Much maligned it may be, The Books’ fifth full-length is a tremendous excursion through the value of self-help tapes.
Mystery Jets – Serotonin
Serotonin is an album full of instant reward but lacks that certain charm and kookiness which set Mystery Jets apart in the past.
Big Boi – Sir Luscious Left Foot
The OutKast emcee’s proper debut is finally released and lives up to the hype with a few guests and bona fide classics in tow.
1Steve Mason – Boys Outside
Ex-Beta Band singer Steve Mason is misguided as he tries to make a slick pop album only to realize his mistake halfway through.
1RPA & The United Nations Of Sound – United Nations…
Richard Ashcroft’s new venture is outrageously grandiose in both message and music, making for a thoroughly poor release.
Arcade Fire – The Suburbs
On their much hyped third album, Montreal rock titans Arcade Fire offer their ambitious take on suburbia to inconsistent results.
Wavves – King Of The Beach
Rather than coming into his own by buffing his songs, Nathan Williams appears to have lost himself on his third full-length album.
Menomena – Mines
The Portland trio’s fourth album is a worthy follow-up to Friend and Foe, an impressive series of cathartic and funky rock tunes.
Emeralds – Does It Look Like I’m Here?
Instead of simply polishing their craft, Emeralds do so while also branching out on their latest effort Does It Look Like I’m Here?
Miles Bonny – Incense and Wine
As its title suggests, Incense and Wine is at ease with the lack of clutter and lounges in a place free of distractions.
Phil Selway