SOUND JUDGEMENT
The latest album releases reviewed
TORPEDO FEEDER HHHII
In one sense, Torpedo is a departure for
Grant Nicholas and
Taka Hirose, who are nearing their 30th anniversary as Feeder. The duo look towards the melodic impulses of The Verve and The La’s for inspiration on their 11th album, to bring a bit of positivity to a post-pandemic world – which is not to say the album contains only lullabies.
This hard-rocking outfit deliver big riffs on the likes of When It All Breaks Down and Decompress but despite this renewed focus, the band rely on the same Noughties guitar exploits that defined early hits such as Just A Day and Buck Rogers. One for the hardened fans.
WHO CARES? REX ORANGE COUNTY HHHHI
Surrey 23-year-old
James Alexander
O’Connor came to prominence aged just 16 with his Soundcloud released debut album Bcos U Will Never B Free, and has made a name for himself releasing post-genre bangers, sung sweetly in a mid-Atlantic accent.
Who Cares? is motivational pop for the Soundcloud generation and his most commercial offering yet, elevated by an orchestral backing.
O’Connor’s cheery sound reflects a desire to get out of a post-Covid slump. On Keep It Up, he almost whispers to himself “I’ve really had enough” before telling himself “No, keep it up and go on”. While Amazing, about being saved by a beautiful woman, has a similar motivational feel with catchy lyrics and a cheerful tune.
RAISED HAILEY WHITTERS HHHII
Nashville songwriter
Hailey Whitters’ third album refines her radio-friendly take on classic country music.
The 17 carefully-paced tracks are a celebration of her Ohio roots, reflecting her formative years and the influence of trailblazing female outfit The Chicks, as well as John Mellencamp, the king of heartland rock.
She says her stories should hit home no matter your upbringing: “We’ve all lived in a similar way – the only thing that’s different is the scenery.” The song Middle Of America with alternative country rockers American Aquarium is a poppy singalong that nicely bridges the gap.
And when she sings, “I like my drinks a little too strong / I like my men a little bit wrong” on Everything She Ain’t, Whitters does so with a knowing smile.