Depeche Mode – Spirit
Over 30 years and 14 albums together, Depeche Mode are still
going strong with their brooding dark synths, themes, and message. Their new
album, Spirit, takes all of the musical elements they have been working on
since 2005’s Playing the Angel and gives it a political twist. Exposing the
themes of Brexit, the Trump campaign, and the instability of the EU, Depeche
Mode tells their fanbase how to rise up should they need a lesson. When not
singing about the social issues of the world, the band of course look inward
with introspective tunes about their lives and well-being. While it is not too adventurous in sonic
cannon it makes up for itself in the motifs they are playing on.
FINAL GRADE: A
Spoon – Hot Thoughts
In what could be one of their best albums, Spoon return with
their ninth album and exceed all expectations. Hot Thoughts is one of their
most musically provoking and catchy albums. The Austin band has seemed to shed
a skin where they do not hold back.
FINAL GRAE: A
Conor Oberst – Salutations
The electric version of last year’s quiet Ruminations is the
same record but totally different. The passion, feeling and lyrics are all
equal to last year’s album but the music is Oberst showing off that his is much
more than an acoustic folk hero.
FINAL GRADE: B+
Sleaford Mods – English Tapas
The diabolical duo come out swinging on their latest and
like Slaves did last year with Take Control, Sleaford Mods pick up the anger
and intensity with English Tapas.
FINAL GRADE: B+
Raekwon – The Wild
Part super hero storyline, part typical Raekwon record. The
Chef returns with his latest solo venture that hears him sharpening his
storytelling skills like his Wu-Tang brothers Ghostface Killah and Inspectah
Deck have done and bringing a fury only he can.
FINAL GRADE: B
Wire – Silver / Lead
The post-punk legends return with their 16th
studio album and while many would expect it to be a typical Wire record, they
change their pace. The band outwit their critics and longtime fans to bring a
modern twist to their sound and style but keep the blueprint of what they have
done in the forefront.
FINAL GRADE: B+
British Sea Power – Let the Dancers Inherit the Party
In one of their most complete records and best in over a
decade, British Sea Power proves they can still write catchy tunes. The band
have been in a free fall musical state since 2008 trying to stay with the times
but with their latest, they seem to not attempt to keep up with the pack but
stick to the music that made them a popular naughties band.
FINAL GRADE: B
Grandaddy – Last Place
In their first album in 11 years, Grandaddy return with
nothing too crazy but a nice reintroduction to fans and audiences who may have
forgotten about them along the way.
FINAL GRADE: B
The Shins – Heart Worms
The Shines made a new record that sounds like a Shins
record. It is not bad, just another Shins record.
FINAL GRADE: B-
Circa Waves – Different Creatures
The second album from the English rockers picks up where
they acclaimed debut left off and gives fans a few more tunes to add to the
arsenal.
FINAL GRADE: B-
Laura Marling – Sempre Femina
What could be one of the most ultimate girl power records of
the year comes from Laura Marling. The British singer-songwriter’s sixth record
is her most political, socially aware and evocative to date.
FINAL GRADE: B-
The Jesus and Mary Chain – Damage and Joy
For their first record in 19 years, the Scottish indie
heroes return with a record of basic beats, their infamous rhythms, and lyrics
about modern pop culture. It sort of sounds like a Jesus and Mary Chain but
doesn’t feel like one. After 19 years, one would expect more from the icons.
FINAL GRADE: B-
Alexis Taylor - Listen With(out)
Piano
The new album from the Hot Chip
frontman is a reworking of last year’s somber and quiet, Piano. Now, the record
has a little more flair and can be played with Piano or separately. It is as if
he is adding stereo to his mono record.
FINAL GRADE: B-
Brian Jonestown Massacre – Don’t Get Lost
The 14th album from the noise-pop vets is a
continuation of the sound that has made them indie darlings for over 20 years.
FINAL GRADE: B-
Craig Finn – We All Want the Same Things
The Hold Steady frontman goes solo for the third time and
brings with him his master storytelling. The record, unlike his previous, is
much more quiet and somber but still leaves the listener in awe of his lyrics.
FINAL GRADE: B-
Goldfrapp – Silver Eye
The electronic songstress returns with her latest offering
of dance ready hits that strike the heart as well as the feet.
FINAL GRADE: B-
Dave Hause – Bury Me in Philly
The punk singer-songwriter returns with his third solo
record and delivers an album chock full of personal stories, tragedy, triumph
and the never-say-die spirit that has made him an East Coast icon for decades.
FINAL GRADE: B-
