SOUND JUDGEMENT

The latest album releases reviewed

WHERE THE LIGHT GOES Matchbox Twenty ★★★★✩

Matchbox Twenty have triumphantly returned with their first album in 11 years. Where The Light Goes sees the Florida quartet tap into their late 90s pop-rock roots, but also fearlessly tread new ground.

Aside from the guitar-centric rock numbers, there is room for subtle piano ballads. But it is the up-tempo pop numbers that prove the highlights.

Selling Faith closes the album on a delicate, reflective note with Thomas looking for guidance and pleading “If you’re selling faith, I’m buying right now”.

Despite not expecting to make music together again, Matchbox Twenty have successfully proved they have plenty left to offer.

TIME Simply Red

★★★✩✩ With a beast of a back catalogue Simply Red have already made their mark on the music industry, but this hasn’t stopped frontman Mick Hucknall from continuing to write and perform.

In new album Time, Hucknall examines his identity, which he says is the “essence” of the album.

Reminiscent of their earlier work, when Simply Red wrote funky dancefloor fillers and slow ballads, Time sounds like it’s come straight from the 80s.

Overall, it offers a sentimental and smooth listening experience for any fan of old school pop.

MY SOFT MACHINE Arlo Parks

★★★★✩

The aptly titled My Soft Machine, from Mercury Prize winner Arlo Parks, transports listeners into a soundscape of dreamy bedroom pop. Drawing listeners in with lyrics about mental health and love, My Soft Machine will resonate well with young people navigating typical comingof-age treacheries.

Blades and Pegasus are two stand-out songs, with Pegasus featuring Phoebe Bridgers, whose delicate vocals beautifully match those of Parks.