School Of Seven Bells – Ghostory
On this evidence, School Of Seven Bells create an excellent softish electro sound, which approaches beautiful at times. Ghostory is very easy to listen to with strong but soft vocals, and the sound just works well without being poppy or particularly catchy. At times the sound is really like a combination of Ladyhawke and Goldfrapp, and at other times a lot like Bat For Lashes. The album has a very strong start, and in Lafaye the group have created a real highlight which must be one of the best songs of the year so far. There are a couple of slower tracks mid album in Reappear and Show Me Love, but it kicks on again from there and finishes off with a slow builder in When You Sing. Definitely a band to look out for on the live circuit.
Sounds like: Ladyhawke, Goldfrapp, Bat For Lashes
Top tracks: The Night, Lafaye, Low Times, White Wind
8/10
Sleigh Bells – Reign Of Terror
I think I am totally missing the appeal of Sleigh Bells. The music seems to consist of mixing heavy guitar blast noise, drums and chanted lyrics, yet the guitar and background noise pretty much overpower everything else. I thought this may have been a grower and that the sound would improve after a few listens, but it doesn’t really. At times this is just noise, and although there are a couple of decent sounding tracks in here and a few slower songs thrown in, it is fairly difficult to get through. Tough to recommend.
Top tracks: Crush, Comeback Kid
3.5/10
The Ting Tings - Sounds From Nowheresville
It would have been easy for The Ting Tings to take a very poppy route following the success of their debut album, but that seems to be what they have purposely avoided on Sounds From Nowheresville. It is clear from the first track ‘Silence’ that they have developed a darker sound. Don't get me wrong, this is still poppy but of a darker, two tone variety rather than cheesy, and there is nothing on here that would have the mass appeal of a song like ‘Thats Not My Name’. There are a few tracks which have an almost Sugarhill gang sound, notably Hang It Up. The tracks are consistently good, yet the album ends slowly with the 3 overall softest songs; Day To Day, Help and In Your Life. An interesting direction, and ultimately a solid offering.
Sounds like: a darker, two tone version of the Ting Tings, blondie ish
Top tracks: Silence, Hit Me Down Sonny, Give It Back, One By One
7/10
Shearwater - Animal Joy
This is good dark folky rock, Shearwater really have a decent sound. There are a number of tracks on here which are real builders, and If you like Mumford and Sons and also appreciate The National, you will like this.
Sounds like: A darker Mumford And Sons, without the fiddling… a little of The National
Top Tracks: Animal Life, You As You Were, Immaculate, Star Of The Age
6.5/10
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