New Albums: From Spacey Pop to Gripping Indie Rock
Looking for a soundtrack to your week, beyond the Olympics coverage? Five new albums offer something for everyone, from shimmering synth-pop to raw, heartfelt indie rock.
Empire of the Sun - Ask That God
Empire of the Sun's first album in eight years, "Ask That God," is a familiar journey through their signature shiny, spacey pop. The duo, Nick Littlemore and Luke Steele, have honed their sound, delivering smooth, nostalgic pieces of pop that feel at home both on the dancefloor and in a cocktail bar. They've enlisted a cast of hit-makers, including Vargas & Lagola and Pontus Winnberg of Miike Snow, to ensure these tracks shimmer as brightly as possible.
While the album's core remains firmly within their established sonic territory, the latter half ventures into more esoteric territory. "Rhapsodize" blends elements of nature documentary sound with ambient synth exploration, while the warped ballad "Friends I Know" stands out as an attempt at heartfelt closure, albeit feeling slightly alien and undercooked.
"Ask That God" is a well-executed collection of synth-pop that will appeal to a wide audience. It's undeniably pretty, but lacks the edge to set a new pop agenda. While not every album needs to reinvent the wheel, leaning further into their eccentricities might have yielded more inspiring results.
For fans of: Miike Snow, Pet Shop Boys, Kylie Minogue
Elsy Wameyo - Saint Sinner
Kenyan Australian singer, rapper, and producer Elsy Wameyo's debut album, "Saint Sinner," is a compelling exploration of cultural displacement and its impact. The album soars, soothes, and savages, traversing a diverse sonic landscape that grapples with weighty themes of spirituality, resilience, and self-discovery.
The album thrives in duality, reflecting the tension between faith and sin, and fusing African musical traditions with contemporary rap and R&B. "Saint Sinner" reaches its zenith through Wameyo's collaboration with songwriters and musicians in the rural Naivasha region of Kenya.
Produced primarily by Wuod Omollo and Polycarp Otieno, known for his work with the Afropop band Sauti Sol, the album showcases lush, spacious arrangements and subtly intoxicating rhythms. Wameyo's talent shines brightly on "Saint Sinner," cementing her as an artist to watch. The album demonstrates her musical and cultural heritage, as well as her determination to break free from the confines of being "othered."
"Especially when you're a young black girl, no one is encouraging you to speak your mind," she reflects. "Saint Sinner" is a powerful testament to her perspective, infused with purpose and authenticity.
For fans of: Little Simz, Genesis Owusu, Sampa the Great
Los Campesinos! - All Hell
Despite the dominance of predictable chart toppers like Greatest Hits collections and long-running hits, a surprising entry appears at number 14 on the UK charts this week. Welsh indie rock band Los Campesinos! (LC!), self-funded, self-released, and self-managed, have achieved their highest-charting album ever with their seventh album, "All Hell."
Their first album in seven years, "All Hell" marks a triumphant return for the band, celebrating their hard-won independence. "They cannot buy what we have made together!" the band declared on Instagram. "Start a band with the people you love and fight against the things you hate."
The album's success is testament to LC!'s dedicated fanbase and their 18-year legacy. Their signature combination of anthemic indie rock and stark, personal lyricism remains as sharp as ever, tackling themes of drinking, regret, love, and the complexities of aging with raw honesty.
Lead vocalist Gareth David Paisey's unique voice, while not for everyone, delivers sharp and incisive commentary on modern society through a distinctly personal lens. "All Hell" delivers some of the most gripping, eloquent indie rock heard in years.
For fans of: Neutral Milk Hotel, The Beths, The Smith Street Band
Full Flower Moon Band - Megaflower
Full Flower Moon Band, led by the esteemed songwriter and producer Babyshakes Dillon, continue their ascent with their third album, "Megaflower." The Brisbane band face new expectations head-on, delivering a dark and intoxicating brand of guitar rock that has captivated audiences for years.
"Megaflower" showcases their strength: a shapeshifting take on rock 'n' roll with big riffs and even bigger vibes. From the positively evil "West Side" and "Alpha" to the Stones-y swagger of "Enemy" and the sweetness of "Baby" and "Kiss Him Goodbye," the album is a diverse sonic experience. Dillon even channels freak folk on the album highlight "Devil," while the band provides a powerful backing.
This breadth of musical moods blends seamlessly to create "Megaflower," their most accomplished album yet. Fans will be delighted to know that their live performances are just as captivating.
For fans of: PJ Harvey, Patti Smith, Veruca Salt
GUM and Ambrose Kenny-Smith - Ill Times
Jay Watson (Tame Impala/Pond) and Ambrose Kenny-Smith (King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard/The Murlocs) join forces for "Ill Times," a worthy addition to their collective musical universe. The album blends the best elements of Pond and The Murlocs, with added swagger and a few surprises.
"Dud," a touching ode to Kenny-Smith's father, Dingoes frontman Broderick Smith, is a poignant highlight. The towering title track combines psych-rock melodies, driving energy, and rumbling drums, while Kenny-Smith shines throughout. His harmonica takes centre stage on the bluesy "Resilience," and he delivers a captivating cosmic garage-rock rendition of The Impressions' "Fool for You."
"Emu Rock" playfully echoes Daddy Cool's 70s classic "Eagle Rock," before morphing into a stomping anthem driven by the mantra: "Keep it simple, don't overdo it." While Kenny-Smith leads the vocals, Watson joins him on the hopeful, horn-assisted "The Gloater," which closes the album with a final, mildly acid-house beat.
"Ill Times" might not break new ground, but it's essential listening for fans. It's the infectiously fun sound of two musical soulmates celebrating their shared passion and pushing each other to new heights.
For fans of: Pond, The Murlocs, King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard
