The Big 'One Line Review' Review

In the time since I've taken a break from blogging to focus on the final months of my degree (yes, after 15 years, I am finally free of the clutches of formal education!), a lot of new music has been released. So to semi-compensate for my lack of reviews I've selected some of the releases that have caught my eye most, and challenged myself to write a sentence about them...

Albums

Cherry Bomb by Tyler The Creator
Matured in sound (most probably due to production from Pharrell Williams), Tyler has released the record of his career, one which merges his trademark twisted dark lyrics with soulful beats.

Kindred by Passion Pit
Dance, party, smile, get moving and stay happy with another solid Passion Pit record.

The Magic Whip by Blur
A disappointment. Blur lose their boyish charm for most of The Magic Whip's 51 minutes with Lonesome Street being as good as it gets.

Hairball by Nai Harvest
Sickly sweet fuzzy noises coated in catchy upbeat frantic fun.

Wilder Mind by Mumford and Sons
Sigh No More was great, Babel was good, but Wilder Mind is just average. Failing to score a hatrick, Mumford and Sons have lost the spark that made them special in attempt to evolve but they've just missed the mark with this one.

Vultures by God Damn
51 unadulterated filthy minutes of gnarly shredding and grizzly vocals that will make your ears bleed and your eyes water.

Ark by We Are The Ocean
Cool artwork aside, this is what is known as a bloody good staple record, one which can be listened to and loved time and time again.

The Story So Far by The Story So Far
It's Parker Cannon and co. how you expect them to be. Pop-punk and emotions and pizza and hometowns. A nice album but nothing really that different from the previous two albums.

Brainwork by Trash Boat
Trash Boat are the latest hopefuls riding the pop-punk revival wave and with hooks as catchy as those on latest EP,  Brainwork,  it looks like they stand a good chance of reaching new heights in the coming year.

English Graffiti by The Vaccines
Full of old school feel but still with a magical indie touch, The Vaccines have continued on an upward projection with this latest offering.

Singles

Automatic by Don Broco
Cocktail-sipping, barbeque-grilling, summer vibes kinda deal. More of a pop effort but nonetheless a classic Don Broco track with smooth as liquid gold vocals from Rob Damiani, the king of suave.

No Home by LTNT
LTNT exude rock n roll and No Home is proof of that. It feels massive and its a reminder that this band are ready to make big waves.

Can't Kick Up The Roots by Neck Deep
A very clearly A Day To Remember-influenced pop punk single that get's lost among the rest. Fingers crossed the new album will be a more stand-out effort for Wrexham's finest.

We All Float Down Here by Four Year Strong
A classic Four Year Strong anthem. Fast, furious, with breakdowns to brag about and lyrics which deserve to be shouted from the lungs of anyone who cares.

Live Like An Animal by Slaves
Groove-embellished funky punk that will get you excited about the imminent new Slaves LP. The video features Barry from Eastenders too which automatically makes this a winner.

Gigs

While She Sleeps X Cancer Bats, Kentish Town Forum, 30th April 2015
Absolutely incredible. There was also a lot of pyro and a lot of sweat.

This Wild Life,  Clwb Ifor Bach, 11th May 2015
A gaggle of teen-moshers not appreciating a beautiful set of emotional delights from two acoustic sweethearts from over-seas.

"This music is our therapy. A song for those who never give up." 🔥🌌🌈 WSS were a dream last night. In-fucking-credible 😍 #kentishtownforum

A photo posted by Alice (@kell_soopreez) on May 1, 2015 at 2:31am PDT