ALBUM RUN DOWN:4TH MAY - PART 2

Good morning, I hope you're having a good bank holiday weekend. Is it May Day? Happy May Day if it is! Anyway, here is part 2 of our album run down for the week, and what a week for albums it is. Last time we covered Gallows' punk monster of a comeback, The Horror's breath-taking reincarnation, Esser's summery fun debut and Conor Oberst and his Mystic Valley Band impressing us. Here's some more, including The Maccabees eagerly awaited 2nd album, which I rushed out and bought today especially! Haha, read on...

The Maccabees - Wall Of Arms
I waited for the release of this album, that's how much I was looking forward to hearing it! So this is a bit of a first impression review but anyway; it sounds fantastic. While 'Colour It In' was something of an indie pop masterpiece, their second offering is something more complex. Yes, there are horns, but they haven't made an 'Antidotes'. Instead they've made something warm and captivating. As always, Orlando Weeks' voice adds a heartfelt element to the music which is a welcome familiarity amongst new ground. Definitely a grower. 8.5

St. Vincent - Actor
This was one of those albums that I just tried by chance and really enjoyed. Annie Clark served time in The Polyphnic Spree, but you wouldn't really know it listening to this, her second album. Opener 'The Strangers' introduces her dark string-laden electronics perfectly, whilst sounding strangely like I've known it for years. The eerie vocals "paint the black hole blacker" fit her spooky, kooky persona well. The rest of the album is just as exciting with previous single 'Actor Out Of Work' and the geniusly titled 'Laughing With A Mouth Of Blood' being particular highlights. A good find. 7.5

Marmaduke Duke - Duke Pandemonium
JP Reid and Biffy Clyro mainman Simon Neil unveil the 2nd part of their Duke triology (part 3 scheduled for 2011 as 'Death Of The Duke) with 'Duke Pandemonium' - an odd prospect. Their music blends electronics with funk, heavy guitars and is backed by a drum machine. It's a pretty exciting listen with every track a fast paced thrill ride. But sometimes the funk side gets a little bit gross and on 'Je Suis Un Funky Homme' and the closer 'Skin The Mofo Alive' they start to actually make me feel a bit uncomfortable. But that's probabaly the aim, and the majority of the album is really pretty interesting. 7.5

Wintermute - Robot Works
Big Scary Monsters' lastest release 'Robot Works' is a satisfying listen - bearing 48 minutes of exhilirating math pop from Leeds. Witty song titles like 'Dead Or Not He Was Wearing Sunglasses' and 'Bad Company In A Sauna' front some seriously good music. Singer Daniel Howard brings the best vocals of ¡Forward, Russia! to mind whilst the music is fast paced intricate guitars backed by great basslines and driving drum beats. It all ends with the shrieked "I hear the crackle of a ciggarette!" as the album reaches its climax. This is one I'll enjoy growing on me. 8

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So that's it, you've read it all now, so go out and buy at least 2 of the 8 albums I've recommended over this 2 part feature. I dare you. Ok fine, if I had to choose just 2 I think it'd be 'Primary Colours' and 'Wall Of Arms'. But 'Grey Britain' is pretty devastating so don't miss that if you're into the heavier stuff xx see you around

MP3: The Maccabees - Young Lions (zshare)
[Buy it]