Matthew Bourne
Lydia Loveless Television Personalities
Isotach (Leaf/Southbound)
★★★★
As an unashamed fan of minimalism with a classical, electronic or ambient bent, I freely admit it’s not easy to sort the wheat from the chaff with any real discernment. This is home to me and I will listen to and then buy or download anything within this generic spectrum that touches me, even if it is just one or two tracks. I was unaware of Matthew Bourne’s debut album. The internet has changed the face of music in terms of being aware of artists who might never have signed a recording contract, but are producing music that deserves an audience. The problem is ferreting them out. I was alerted to Bourke by German pianist Nils Frahm, who has released half a dozen albums on my go-to label, Erased Tapes. Frahm commissioned Bourne to write a piano-based piece for Piano Day after hearing Bourne’s debut album moogmemory. What stuns is that without any electronic input Bourke – with piano and cello – creates a minimalist atmosphere that tugs at the heart and mind. I’m not sure what Isotach references but it is sumptuous in its simplicity. – Mike Alexander
Boy Crazy and Single(s) (Southbound)
★★★★
Where on earth has Lydia Loveless come from? Well, Ohio technically, but the feisty 27-year-old writes and plays with the polish of someone who’s been around for much longer. Boy Crazy and Single(s) is basically her 2013 Boy Crazy EP with extra tracks. Loveless’ three biggest influences are Hank Williams III, Britney Spears and Richard Hell, and it shows – much of the album is fiery, explicit and combative, all wrapped in an alt-country/punk rock blanket. Highlights include aching opener All I Know and perfect slice of country-pop Boy Crazy. The two covers also stand out, a rocking version of Prince’s i would die 4 u and the unexpectedly tender Elvis Costello classic Alison. The real question is why isn’t Loveless famous already? – Jack Barlow
Beautiful Despair (Southbound)
★ With enigmatic singer-songwriter Dan Treacy missing – presumed to still be recovering from a 2011 blood clot – this is the closest thing to new material from Television Personalities in years. Consisting of demos from a homerecording session circa 1990, this will no doubt slake the thirst of eager fans. However, general audiences may find this hard work. It’s not just that it’s underproduced – apart from the drum machine, it sounds reasonably good, especially given its age and origin. The problem is that it’s underdeveloped. There is a charm here, and with further development, it could have become far more than what it currently is – a series of demos whose main utility is as a historical document. – James Cardno