SOUND JUDGEMENT

THE LATEST ALBUM RELEASES RATED AND REVIEWED

IGOR TYLER, THE CREATOR ★★★ ★★ TYLER Gregory Okonma wants fans to really listen this time. And at 28, with five albums now under his belt, he’s certainly entitled to do so.

Previously, the Odd Future co-founder has mostly stayed close to the pop-rap template, albeit reaching for sinister beats and provocative lyrics.

But Igor is different. It’s an impressionistic, colourful album.

Okonma’s voice doesn’t even appear on opening track Igor’s Theme. In fact, on much of the record he takes a back seat, orchestrating affairs as a cast of high-profile collaborators (Kanye West, Solange, Lil Uzi Vert and Pharrell) take to the stage.

AND NOW FOR THE WHATCHAMACALLIT PSYCHEDELIC PORN CRUMPETS ★★★ ★★

THE singular name conjures something more anarchic than the time-honoured, guitar-driven sound of this album.

With riffs, solos and vocals reminiscent of rock revivalists such as fellow Australians Wolfmother and Jet, the 10-track record pulses with a refreshing traditionalism: this album is proudly retro at a time when charts are dominated by pop rather than power chords.

In tracks like Hymn For A Droid, there is a frenetic and impressive musicianship by the true stars of this album, the lead guitarist, and the unrelenting pugilist of a drummer.

RUN AROUND THE SUN SACRED PAWS ★★★ ★★

GLASGOW indiepop duo Rachel Aggs and Eilidh Rodgers follow up their debut with another collection of anthems perfect for the festival season.

The African-inflected beats and intricate guitar lines recall Vampire Weekend and Talking Heads, while unexpected bursts of brass bring an idiosyncratic touch.

Musically, the album is nothing but bright and sunny, Aggs’ breezy vocals floating sweetly over the propulsive guitar noodling, but the angsty lyrical themes of Life’s Too Short, Shame on Me and What’s So Wrong do hint at dark clouds on the horizon.