SOUND JUDGEMENT

The latest album releases reviewed

SHOOT ME YOUR ACE REEF ★★★★★

Keeping funk vibes that made them a firm favourite during the mid-90s, Reef have ramped up the bluesy rock and have a real AC/DC feel coming across and, having expanded the band, Gary Stringer, Jack Bessant, Jesse Wood and Luke Bullen are rocking harder than ever.

Stringer’s vocal fry crackles like it’s a morning after the hard rocking night before, coming strong straight out of the gates with Shoot Me Your Ace.

Best of Me is a funkier summer vibe that reminds you of why they quickly rose to fame.

This is a powerful summer rock album.

LP8 KELLY LEE OWENS

★★★II

Welsh electronic musician/producer

Kelly Lee Owens is back with a third album, dripping with the pulsating, hypnotic techno she’s become known for.

Still, Owens’ new record comes slightly out of left-field with a more ethereal techno slant brought by repetitive percussion, sedative melodies and wistful vocals, while keeping you grounded with grating distortion to set your teeth on edge.

Where Inner Song was more about the party, LP8 is for introspection.

Tracks Anadlu and Olga are meditative, Nana Piano is almost a lullaby but closing track Sonic 8 jolts you back with discordance and distortion, coming full circle from the abrasive opening track Release.

Despite its subdued tone, the record showcases the breadth of Owens’ talent and just how much more she has in the tank.

BLUE WATER ROAD KEHLANI

★★★★I Sultry R&B icon Kehlani has done it again with this steadily sensual record which opens with a stripped back and engaging opening track Little Story and then takes us through emotional movements and exciting collaborations.

Her meeting of minds in the form of Up at Night with Justin Bieber is refreshing and has an engaging hook, which of course, both artists have previous for, however the 2017esque bass feels a little tacky for such a great record.

One thing is for sure with this album – Kehlani is here, and is continuing to carve her place in the R&B hall of fame with slow and sexy songs and earworm melodies.