This week we review the latest albums from Kate Nash, Sia, Barb, Delta Spirit, and The Brotherhood.
3 stars (out of 5)
The second album from Brit songstress Kate Nash sees more of the arch, slice-of-life lyricism which infused her charming debut, Made of Bricks, and caused many to hail her as the "next Lily Allen".
This time around, a fuller sound - courtesy of ex-Suede axeman Bernard Butler (whose knob-twiddling helped launch Duffy into the stratosphere) - and broader array of influences are on show, from girl groups (Do-Wah-Doo) to riot grrrl (Mansion Song, I Just Love You More), which, while a touch disorienting given the hope-spun concerns of the lyrics, renders this sophomore effort oddly compelling.
Single download: Do-Wah-Doo
For those who like: Lily Allen, Amy Winehouse, The Streets
- John Hayden
3 stars (out of 5)
Australia-born, New York-based singer Sia Furler takes a giant leap away from her moody, downbeat work with Zero 7, turning in a breezy dance-oriented effort for her fifth solo album.
Clap Your Hands is a top track, mining a rich vein of Madonna/Kylie-inspired exuberance, and The Fight, You've Changed and Bring Night are similarly feisty numbers with bright production and an '80s-style synthetic sheen.
But while Be Good To Me and a diffident cover of Madonna's Oh Father break up the dance party somewhat, the pop-tastic flavour of this release will grate on those who tune in to the lyrics.
Single download: Clap Your Hands
For those who like: Madonna, Zero 7, Robyn
- Jeff Harford
3 stars (out of 5)
The product of a largely New Zealand "super-group" comprising Liam Finn and offsider Eliza-Jane Barnes, James Milne (of Lawrence Arabia), Connan Hosford (of Connan Mockasin) and former Mockasin drummer Seamus Ebbs, Barb could also be described as a party band given the obvious enjoyment that was had making this album.
Mixing energy, humour and psychedelic whimsy, the quintet revel in a loose, relaxed approach to recording.
Perhaps because of Finn's distinctive voice, there is a familiarity to the dozen songs which, despite all the electric and electronic noodling, manage to convey a strong sense of melody.
Single download: Not A Bird
For those who like: Betchadupa, The Postal Service
- Shane Gilchrist
3 stars (out of 5)
Long Beach, California, quartet Delta Spirit raised more than a few eyebrows with their debut Ode To Sunshine, on which they mixed folk, pop and a political edge.
Their follow-up again combines elements of West Coast surf groups (stacked vocal harmonies and chiming guitars) with rootsy Americana (finger-picked acoustic guitars and delicate percussion), presenting it all with a nice dose of restraint, from the slow-burn lamentation of Ransom Man and Vivian to the more upbeat St Francis.
Single download: Scarecrow
For those who like: AA Bondy, Turin Brakes
- Shane Gilchrist Jeff
4 stars (out of 5)
Blame Jack White. Since he unleashed his raw guitar/drums combo on an unsuspecting public, there has been an explosion of low-fi garage rockers.
With just three strings on one fuzzy electric and bam-bam-style drums, brothers Jake and Jamin Orrall have the temerity to build hulking slabs of stoner rock.
Like some raging paean to Hawkwind, the brothers fill out the aural landscape with a collection of psychedelic-infused tunes blending seamlessly into one other.
Garnering cult-like status through relentless touring and a quirky DIY aesthetic, Jeff The Brotherhood are simply great fun.
Single download: Mind Rider
For those who like: Kyuss, Hawkwind, The Ramones, Sonic Youth
- Mark Orton
