SOUND JUDGEMENT

The latest album releases reviewed

HIGHER MICHAEL BUBLÉ HHHHI

Although his dulcet tones throw you back to the era of Frank Sinatra, this album also has a touch of modern pop, particularly in Barry White’s You’re The First, The Last, My Everything.

Of the 13 tracks on the album, just three are original songs. I’ll Never Not Love You is a love anthem tailormade for a Hollywood rom-com, while Higher feels as though it could accompany an Argentine Tango, and Mother is a slow and emotional piece. The album is also a star-studded ensemble, with country legend Willie Nelson’s grizzled voice on a duet of Crazy.

Bublé gives a fresh take on timeless classics – the recipe to his success. But the original songs are so good that you cannot help but crave more.

UNLEARNING WALT DISCO HHHHI

Dressed for an evening at the Blitz Club in 1981, the six-piece take musical inspiration from that time also, specialising in melodramatic New Romantic styles with a contemporary twist.

Weightless piles on the beats and synths and lead single Selfish Lover adds that 80s staple, slap bass. There are earworms like Selfish Lover and My Dear, and the idea that it is never too late to become what you might have been. This idea of unlimited possibilities is evident in Be An Actor, and applies equally to Walt Disco, who could go anywhere from this promising start.

TILT CONFIDENCE MAN HHHII

The Aussie indie electro-pop band returns with an album packed full of dance tracks with nods to house, disco and funk. Feels Like A Different Thing takes influence from the 90s with drum and bass sounds similar to Chase & Status, whereas What I Like appears inspired by the acid jazz of Jamiroquai, and Relieve The Pressure has elements of breakbeat and jungle akin to early Prodigy.

Tilt could earn serious airplay on radio and in clubs if their fame transcends past the land of Oz.