James Arden checks out the garage rockers latest album.
The Christian rock band from Brighton bring religion to the masses.
Recipe for modern R'n'B album: liberal helpings of guest rappers and an overdose of sexual euphemisms.
With his debut album due out in May, the critics have been predicting a popularity landslide in favour of Dan Black. Judging by this single, it would seem the former Servant front-man has been paying particular attention to recent polls; think Mika without the extravagant fashion and the irritating optimism. ‘Alone’ is down-to-earth indie-pop, Black’s wistful crooning overlaying funky bass and synth-beats. He’s hardly music’s Obama, but he’ll do for now.
Rich Powell
In a radical move reminiscent of the famous Thatcher break-dance, Katy Perry has abandoned scandal for (comparative) evangelism. The dull ballad describes an uncharacteristically pure Perry, tragically separated from the one she loves. Presumably this act, poles-apart from sexual experimentation, is intended to woo the less liberal-minded of the demographic. However, it fails to answer the question: what in Winston’s name is Katy Perry? It won’t be long until her hideous attempts to be all things to all men (and girls) see her crushed by a landslide of indifference.
Tom Longstaff
Pride, nationalism, optimism, hope: so this song’s opening (‘Land of Hope and Glory’) may suggest. Really, though, this veteran candidate is about as far as is humanly possible from bright-eyed optimism. “There's no song here to speak of, just an endlessly repeated chord sequence and a couple of well-chosen melodic fragments,” says the BBC’s Fraser McAlpine, but this inverse campaign strategy – a total lack of hype (or musical interest!) – is strangely hypnotic. McAlpine damns this musical policy: “it emerges from a fug, with Noel singing like a wet choirboy, then churns for a bit while he sings like himself again, and then it just wafts off into the ether,” but it isn’t that precisely the point? Relentless, inevitable, ‘churning’ despair.
Anna Goldbeck-Wood
No stranger to public opposition, Pete Doherty’s latest comeback is the first single from his debut solo album. ‘Last of the English Roses’ sees Doherty lazily recount tales of the playground in his usual drawl, against off-beat guitar stabs. There’s nothing revolutionary here, and Pete’s unlikely to convert any first-time or marginal listeners into firm supporters of his work. Nonetheless it’s an inoffensive track, which should keep his seat in the industry safe a little longer.
Pete Burgess
This upbeat, electronic duo has a latest addition to their campaign: 'Happy Up Here'. With a memorable and happy (clever song title, it even starts with laughter) melody and strong beats, Röyksopp are a candidate for the whole family: they kiss babies, hug pensioners, the lot. Subtle, understated lyrics dart in for whistle-stop appearances but the mandate is all on having fun and electronic enjoyment. It’s got my vote!
Jonathan Wilkes
Check into the Singles Club next week for the likes of Keane, Animal Collective & Goldie Lookin’ Chain.
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