April finally gave us a few things to feel good about
Like these 10 new albums
The weather’s getting warmer, society is beginning to reopen, and the European Super League was an embarrassing folly that fell apart as quickly as it had arrived – April finally gave us a few things to feel good about. God knows how long that’ll last, and how much we’ll regret allowing ourselves a little hope when everything goes to shit again, but you take your victories where you can these days.
Happily, the excellent music just keeps coming. Here’s the best stuff we’ve heard this month – enjoy digging in, and if you can, do cough up for a record or two to help keep these artists in business through these still-lean times for the music industry.
Artist: Iglooghost
Title: Lei Line Eon
Label: Gloo
What is it? Another genre-melting odyssey from leftfield producer Iglooghost; its blend of delicate pianos, faux-naif vocals and kinetic electronica ensure he remains a singular talent.
L&Q says: “Its expansive quality and quiet spirituality show him as not just a great storyteller, but a new kind of myth maker.”
Read Skye Butchard’s full review.
Artist: Alfa Mist
Title: Bring Backs
Label: Anti
What is it? An inclusive, multifaceted jazz record as influenced by Alfa Mist’s family and background as his musical favourites.
L&Q says: “Its complementary textures strike a balance between serenity and frenzy, enhancing the pace at which the arrangement develops and subsequently envelops the audience”
Read Zara Hedderman’s full review.
Artist: Du Blonde
Title: Homecoming
Label: Daemon T.V./Singing Light Music
What is it? A rollicking work of rock songcraft from Beth Jeans Houghton that’ll make you feel like a teenager again.
L&Q says: “Homecoming made me feel excited about listening to new music again, as opposed to burying my head in the reliable security blanket of old, beloved records from my past.”
Read Isabel Crabtree’s full review.
Artist: Fred Again..
Title: Actual Life (April 14 – December 17 2020)
Label: Again..
What is it? A deceptively emotional, affecting piece of work from the hotshot pop producer.
L&Q says: “Little in Fred’s work producing for Ed Sheeran would have predicted such emotional depth… It is, in the most literal sense, art imitating life.”
Read Max Pilley’s full review.
Artist: Maxwell Sterling
Title: Turn of Phrase
Label: AD 93
What is it? Intricate, baroque electronic soundscapes from the maverick composer and double bassist.
L&Q says: “Like an ancient manuscript, its finer details may reveal themselves.”
Read Dafydd Jenkins’ full review.
Artist: Girl In Red
Title: If I Could Make It Go Quiet
Label: AWAL
What is it? A perfectly-crafted record of angsty, funny, existentialist pop-rock that marks out Girl In Red (aka Marie Ulven) out as a potential voice of her generation.
L&Q says: “The first step towards a great future for a songwriter unafraid to make pop-rock music in a post-human era“
Read Guia Cortassa’s full review.
