ALBUM REVIEWS
Feeder – Black/Red
The latest offering from Feeder, Black/Red ,is the band’s first double album and a follow-up to their stellar 2022 release Torpedo. Musically, the record is unmistakably classic Feeder with catchy riffs being mixed with layered atmospheric soundscapes throughout. Early highlights include the uplifting ELF, while the attention-grabbing Playing With Fire allows bassist Taka Hirose to shine. No Feeder album is complete without anthemic tracks, and they are provided in the form of Unconditional and Hey You, the latter of which is already destined to be a live performance favourite. Although, after 30 years together, Feeder have very much found their signature sound, there is still a willingness to experiment, and this is well demonstrated by Soldier Of Love which successfully provides a feel of Celtic folk rock.
The Libertines – All Quiet On The Eastern Esplenade Review by Tom Newton
Four band albums into their career as The Libertines, time apart has evolved the band. Peter Doherty and Carl Barat have brought what they have learned and listened to over the wilderness years and brought the signature Libs sound with a renewed ear. It’s hard not to hear elements of Barat’s Dirty Pretty Things in second track Mustang. The slower paced tone and backing vocals are a welcome addition to proceedings. Merry Old England is classic Doherty solo material, seeping into the older, sober and elder statesman style that he has become. Shiver is by far the most ‘Libertines’ they reach as a unified band. The classic two-handed vocals of Doherty and Barat are present, and recalls the superb Heart Of The Matter from Anthems For Doomed Youth.
Dana Gavanski – Late Slap Review by Matthew George
Dana Gavanski has reached new heights on her third album, a collection of beguiling folk-pop that highlights her singular vision. The Canadian now lives in London, and the single Let Them Row refers to “constantly seesawing between cynicism and euphoria in a terribly expensive and competitive city”. The track shows off her knack for catchy off-kilter melodies that stay with you, and lyrics that embrace feelings of discomfort. Opening track How To Feel Uncomfortable warns “stand too close, face in your phone, tired of your zombie glow”. And the Talking Heads-influenced Ears Were Growing is a dream of escape while sitting on the same old sofa. Conversely, Song For Rachel is a poignant reflection on the death of a childhood friend.
Benson Boone - Fireworks & Rollerblades Review by Mason Oldridge
The American TikTok star who was discovered and signed by Imagine Dragons’ Dan Reynolds releases his debut album after the immense success of Beautiful Things. Boone carries his strong voice throughout the record with impressive vocals, balancing guitar, drums and piano. The standout is, of course, lead single Beautiful Things. The first verse builds up slowly to the outburst of energy on the chorus as Boone begs God to not take the beautiful things in his life. Be Someone is a fun opener leading on from the intro and follow-up single Slow It Down utilises playful keys on this piano-led track whereas Forever And A Day is a beautiful ballad that grows to a magical ending. Boone’s debut is a glorious start to a promising career.