Sound judgement
THE LATEST ALBUM RELEASES RATED AND REVIEWED
A BATH FULL OF ECSTASY
HOT CHIP
★★★★★
FESTIVAL season is upon us, and stage favourites Hot Chip are back with their melancholy yet joyous pop synth.
There is plenty of influence here from the 70s and 80s, hints of Depeche Mode, Prince and even a run reminiscent of Tiffany’s I Think We’re Alone Now in the form of Spell (a jerky, rhythmic and foot tapping piece of magnificence).
Overall this album creates a deep-breath sigh of relaxation, and delivers involuntary shoulder dancing and head bobbing, as you lose yourself to the tempo, and the heady euphoric Hungry Child is ready and waiting for your presence on the dance floor.
LATE NIGHT FEELINGS
MARK RONSON
★★★★★
MARK Ronson shrugs off the upbeat in Late Night Feelings.
Aptly called a collection of “sad bangers” by the musician himself, the new album sidesteps late night euphoria to tell the story of early morning melancholy instead. An all-female cast of vocalists – from megastars Miley Cyrus and Alicia Keys to queer icon King Princess – sing lyrics tinged with heartbreak, born out of Ronson’s recent divorce.
Gospel-inspired Knock Knock Knock showcases Ronson’s ability to tap into different genres.
Why Hide sees Diana Gordon wallow in heartache for the sensual, R&B number, while Spinning is stripped back for an ethereal finish to the 13-track album.
Late Night Feelings gives you the combination of strong female vocals and a blend of funk and soul to create a powerful album.
FALSE ALARM
TWO DOOR CINEMA CLUB
★★★★★
THE Northern Irish indie trio’s fourth album leans further into the electronic stylings of its 2016 predecessor Gameshow, landing squarely in The 1975’s wheelhouse.
Singles Talk and Satellite, respectively early and late in the piece, are two of the stronger offerings, while the rangy centrepiece Nice To See You reveals every trick up the band’s sleeve.
The album’s theme is focused on technological anxieties, and latest single Dirty Air cranks up the unease to its highest level, resembling The The with a rockier edge.
The album may not blow away the uninitiated, but it is sure to please existing fans and has earned the band some prime spots in the summer’s festival rotation.