SOUND JUDGEMENT

The latest album releases reviewed

WE’RE ALL ALONE IN THIS TOGETHER DAVE HHHHH

We’re All Alone In This Together proves Dave has an illustrious career ahead.

This album looks at the Brit Award-winning rapper’s upbringing and environment and is filled with smooth storytelling of substance.

The 23-year-old shares wisdom that makes it hard to believe he is so young.

We’re All Alone In This Together positions Dave as a voice of a new generation as he continues to establish his thought-provoking and unique sound.

WELCOME 2 AMERICA PRINCE HHIII

For Prince’s fans, the contents of his legendary Paisley Park vault are the most tantalising prospect in music.

The problem is, you can count on one hand the number of truly great albums that were shelved by the artist and then posthumously released – and this isn’t one of them.

As ever, The Purple One has moments that would cause anyone to pay attention - the title track is as a gripping funk state-of-the-nation tirade invoking racial injustice, social media and reality TV culture.

But, before long, any promise fades in favour of filler. Buried treasures are sometimes better left buried.

ANIMAL LUMP HHHII

Picking up where their eponymous debut left off, Animal sees Mercury Prize nominee Laura Marling and Mike Lindsay of acid-folkies Tunng return to their wonky side project with fresh eyes and ears.

The methodology is the same: Margate-based Lindsay creates dense electronic soundscapes before Marling improvises over them, stream of consciousness-style.

Their 2018 debut was enjoyable, but Animal has greater breadth. The title track bubbles with quiet anger, while Paradise sees Lindsay working with fluctuating time signatures and melodies.

Lindsay’s devilish sense of humour shines through, while Marling sounds more relaxed and more willing to indulge than ever.