SOUND JUDGEMENT

THE LATEST ALBUM RELEASES RATED AND REVIEWED

FUTURE NOSTALGIA DUA LIPA HHHHH

ON her self-titled debut, Dua Lipa captured the zeitgeist like no other – borrowing millennial text-speak (IDGAF) and sending simple messages of female empowerment (New Rules).

Future Nostalgia offers a more challenging prospect for fans and casual listeners alike. It’s a deep dive into the chintzy glamour of the 80s, channelled through the lens of today’s slick production.

The highs are high (Don’t Stop Now remains one of 2019’s finest jams) but the lows are frustratingly so.

Lipa is at her best when she drops the guise of nonchalant pop star and lets her personality shine.

A BILLION HEARTBEATS

HHHHH IT SEEMS fitting that the Mystery Jets go forward with the release of A Billion Heartbeats, a release delayed from September 2019 as Blaine Harrison underwent emergency surgery that postponed the accompanying tour.

Inspired by current global issues,from the rise of the alt-right to the women’s protests, it’s a gutsy and punchy offering with delicious riffs and thoughtprovoking lyrics.

The heartfelt thank you to the NHS in the form of Hospital Radio, written by Blaine, is so remarkable and relevant, and there are hints of sadness on a personal level as it marks founding member William Rees’ final album after announcing his departure in February.

WOMB CANADIAN

PURITY RING HHHHH CANADIAN electronic pop duo Purity Ring return with their third album, and first in five years.

They are known for combining pop and contemporary R&B sounds, adding Autotune to pink lightning and subtle beats on some tracks. Written in lower case, song titles are at times reminiscent of Cocteau Twins, as in rubyinsides and stardew, while lyrics can be dark. They’re a hit single away from moving from cult popularity to the mainstream, but these tracks may lack the killer hooks to ensure radio domination.