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.
Annakin...it is fair to say the name doesn’t ring many bells. Despite previously releasing two albums, the Swiss artist has yet to prove her success throughout the UK. Icarus Heart effectively dived into the top ten of Switzerland’s iTunes charts. However, one question lingers: can Annakin really be described as ‘glacial, majestic and somewhat glorious’ or does she merely sound similar to a failing Eurovision contestant?
The album features a cover version of the 1987 Pet Shop Boy’s hit, ‘It’s a Sin’. Surprisingly, this single has a catchy quality but this is solely due to the fact that the melody is recognisable. The forefront of the original tune is preserved whilst the marching drums, backing strings and influential brass create a classical/electronic sounding version of the original. These electronic sounds are maintained throughout ‘The Trooper’ in which the lyrics portray the story of a deserted soldier coupled with the genre of love. The recurring drum loops and the full blown bass line accentuate each chordal progression and give the song a feeling of elevation, perhaps suggesting the high Icelandic landscapes.
The unusual lyrics of ‘I am Playing Dead’ are the forefront the track ‘Playing Dead’. The use of synthesizer sounds, heavy drums, and delicate strings produce a musical effect that holds too much similarity with ‘The Trooper’. In the case of ‘White Noise’ the repetitive electronic bass and robot sounding voice becomes dry to the point of irritating by the end of the track; it begins to sound like a stuck record.
‘Part of Mine’ sounds heavier than previous tracks with its pumping bass line. The lyrics coincide with this effect by portraying images of ‘hell’ and ‘demon’. In this particular track the depth and range of her vocal harmonies are exposed to their full potential. ‘Tin God’ creates a more rock-like atmosphere as the track is driven by the guitar line which works in sync with the high pitched strings.
On initial listening the album provokes a much undecided reaction. It is hard to overlook the Eurovision, in aspects of her performance and compositions, and truly consider the quality of her voice. When referring to her vocal harmonies it is hard to fault her abilities. However, the tracks on the album remain hard to distinguish and all in all it can become incredibly monotonous.
★★
If you like this try: Celeste Lear, Quantifier and Sestatee.
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