Track Review: The Black Keys - Fever

The Black Keys have released a new song, 'Fever', which will feature on their upcoming 2014 album Turn Blue.

If you haven't listened to the Black Keys, they've been around for a while. Their stuff has varied a little bit, but generally think nice, raw, blues-rock, and you've probably got the idea. With a similar set up to the White Stripes (one singer/guitarist, one drummer), the Black Keys blew up in 2010 with their sixth album, Brothers.

So, what's their new song like? Well, it's pretty different. The Black Keys seem to have jumped on the synth n' funky bandwagon, with a lot of their previous raw sound seeming to have been slowly worn down, into smooth modern vibes.

Is this really such a bad thing though? Everything changes, including a band's sound. The thing is, it is a good change? The Black Keys are now on their eighth album, and I think a bit of a change in sound is welcome. That being said, I still don't think Fever is up to scratch with some of their previous stuff.

Overall: 6/10

All in all, it's nice to hear them trying stuff that's a bit new, regardless of whether it has the same crunch to it as 'Your Touch' or 'Tighten Up'. Worth a listen if you like your blues-rock slightly more on the psychedelic side.

Album Review: Tokyo Police Club - Forcefield

Tokyo Police Club released their fourth album, Forcefield, this Monday. It's nice to here something that's a bit more guitar driven for a change.

What should I expect?
Expect big, bright things. Tokyo Police Club are like the bright parts of Arctic Monkeys, OK Go, and Weezer smelted into one. They have managed tweaked their sound over the years, while retaining a nice dollop of indie.

How does it sound?
Forcefield has some really strong melodies, and some beautiful riffs. The album is very crisp, and filled with a lot of life, never stopping for rest.

Although the album is quite short at 34 minutes long, it doesn't really have any filler songs. The album flows from one song into the next, especially the 9 minute epic opener, 'Argentina'.

The album has a great sense of urgency, and instantly takes you back to the mid 2000s indie scene. It's a great bit of throwback, while still sounding modern and crisp.

Best songs:
- 'Miserable' and 'Argentina'

'Miserable' is definitely the best song on the album; it's punchy, and sums up what Forcefield is all about. The lyrics on 'Argentina' are great however, and the build-up at the end of Part I is truly special.

Worst songs:
- 'Toy Guns' and 'Beaches'

These two songs are not that bad, however they do seem to lose a little bit of the momentum that TPC bring at the beginning of the album.

Overall: 7/10

Forcefield is a great album, however I can't give it anything higher than a 7 because it really doesn't bring anything new to the table; it's a lovely bit of nostalgia, a lovely few nuances, but it isn't that ground breaking. 

Saying that, it is executed very well, and if I was going on pure quality and enjoyability, I'd easily give it an 8.

Track Review: Jungle - Busy Earnin'

Recommended to me by my friend Cam are the truly special Jungle.

Jungle are growing into something big. The mysterious duo have been producing great track after great track, and Busy Earnin' is no exception.

They seem to have the perfect sound, balancing between 70s vocals, and warm new wave vibes. Possibly best described as electro-soul, Jungle have managed to get an incredibly strong following with almost no information about who they are.

Are they going to be the next big thing?
Maybe, maybe not. All I know is that I'm incredibly excited for their debut album, which will probably come out in 2014. If everyone is excited as I am, then they probably will get big.

Not that it matters. If they keep producing tunes on the down low, that's fine by me. I hope they spend time making their album, and don't just rush it because of the hot anticipation.

What's so great about Busy Earnin'?
What makes Busy Earnin' special is the crispy melodies, and just the sheer warmth. Both catchy and musically great, Jungle really have found something good.

Overall: 8/10

Definitely worth a listen if you love your 70s soul with a dash of modern smooth electro.

Album Review: Metronomy - Love Letters

Love Letters is the fourth album from English electronic act Metronomy. Is it any good? Does it hold it's own against their previous efforts? Almost definitely.

What should I expect?
If you haven't listened to Metronomy before, Love Letters is a hard album to describe. It's pretty dreamy and has this lovely late 1960s vibe throughout. If you like LCD Soundsystem, Hot Chip and Kraftwerk, you'll probably like Metronomy, but even if you're more of a Mamas and Papas/Monkees kinda person, you'll still find some stuff to get stuck into.

How does it sound?
The album sounds amazing, quite frankly. The mix of '60s songwriting with '80s synths just mixes perfectly. The melodies are spot on, and the album grows on me more and more with every listen.

Love Letters definitely showcases Metronomy's songwriting talent more than previous albums. The songs on the album could easily be performed by others, and I can see a whole slew of covers and Live Lounge sessions cropping up in the future.

Metronomy have managed to modernise the classic love song format, and it really is great.

Best songs:
- 'Love Letters' and 'Never Wanted'

The title song really sums up the album pretty well, both in sound and lyrics. It's also a pretty damn good song. 'Never Wanted' flaunts Metronomy's downtempo side, and feels like their equivalent of an acoustic track. Truly something special.

The instrumental interlude 'Boy Racers' was my favourite song on the album, but I do have a soft spot for interludes. That being said, it is a great tune!

Worst songs:
- 'The Most Immaculate Haircut' and 'The Upsetter'

I was hard pressed to find bad songs on this album, but these two are probably the weakest. There's nothing wrong with them per se, however I liked these two the least, personally.

Overall: 7/10

Metronomy have consistently made great albums, while keeping their sound fresh, which is something to be proud of. Love Letters is no exception to the trend, however I do like some songs on the album more than others.

I don't think the album is quite in the territory of an 8, as I think The English Riviera is slightly better. That being said, Love Letters is a beautiful inward journey, that while lacking the punch of their previous album, really does draw you in.

Vibes

British producer SBTRKT released his Transitions EP yesterday. It's available from his website (http://transitions.sbtrkt.com/) to either stream, download, or buy on vinyl.

Check it out! It's pretty good, and only £3 for all 6 songs on MP3 (it'll set you back £6 for lossless digital, and £21 for vinyl.)

Also I just stumbled across this gem of remix by Emperor, and thought it was worth posting. Enjoy!

Album Review: Pharrell Williams - G I R L

Pharrell Williams released his second album (G I R L) last Monday, through his i Am Other label on Columbia Records.

His song 'Happy' from the album was originally featured in Despicable Me 2, winning a Grammy for Best Original Song. How good is that?

What should I expect?
G I R L is a smooth, modern album. It's pretty soulful, and has a lot of warmth. If you liked Frank Ocean's 2011 album Channel Orange, you'll probably like this.

How does it sound?
The album has a really full sound. Pharrell sounds a little auto-tuned in places, but I think it adds to the soft electro vibe on the album nicely.

The album comes across as more of an extension of 'Get Lucky' (Daft Punk) than 'Happy', which is pretty refreshing.

Best songs:
- 'Gust of Wind' and 'Marilyn Monroe'

'Gust of Wind' is definitely my favourite. Daft Punk's vocals are great on the track, and it's just pretty nice to listen to. Although I love 'Happy', purely because it wasn't made for the album, I'd say that 'Marilyn Monroe' is a close second. There's definitely some interesting stuff though, with 'Lost Queen' being one of the highlights.

Worst songs:
- 'Hunter' and 'Come Get It Bae'

'Hunter' is the weakest song on the album for me. I personally find the vocals a little bit odd, but it's still an alright song. 'Come Get It Bae' isn't so much of a bad song, but just that it sounds a little bit derivative; it sounds pretty similar to "Blurred Lines' (Robin Thicke).

Overall: 6/10

Overall, it's a good album. The mixing is nice on the ears, and the album does have some very very good songs, however the album isn't filled to the brim with instant classics; some of the songs do pale in comparison.

The album doesn't really pass the skip test. On a listen through I do get tempted to skip songs and go to the ones I like. As such, I'm going to give it a decent 6. I feel a bit mean, but I don't think it's quite a 7-er.