Pet Shop Boys – Hotspot
A lush, characteristic return for the classic synth-pop duo. After last year's EP about the breakdown of democracy, Neil Tennant has gone more arm's length to current events, but there are subtle references to issues such as climate change, such as bushfires on Burning The Heather. Dreamland is the trans-generational duet between Tennant and Olly Alexander of Years & Years, and Wedding In Berlin yearns for greater freedom. Monkey Business meanwhile gets back to catchy party pop. Out on x2/Kobalt.
Pet Shop Boys - Monkey Business
Sarah Mary Chadwick – Please Daddy
Melbourne singer-songwriter's release is an exquisite sort of pain. Torn, visceral emotions make up a very powerful album indeed from the title track to When Will Death Come. There is the blackest of black humour lurking here, but you get the feeling, through these beautifully orchestrated songs, with woodwind, piano and more, and held together by Chadwick's soaring voice, that tragedy is very much in her experience. Out on Sinderlyn.
Sarah Mary Chadwick – When Will Death Come
Okay Kaya - Watch This Liquid Pour Itself
Second album by electronica pop New York singer Kaya Wilkins, whose lyrics, while you'd expect them to be perfect English seeing as she's from Norway originally, are pretty odd: "my parasite and I are blushing: a cold one and a sentient dumpling". Now that's a strange relationship. But let's embrace the eccentricity and there's something of the meanderingly interesting Julia Holter about her too. Baby Little Tween wonders "What if the pills I take will stop me getting wet?" Indeed. Insert Generic Name, Psych Ward, Popcorn Heart, and the poppy Mother Nature's Bitch might give a flavour of her wonderful oddness. Out on Jagjaguwar.
Okay Kaya – Baby Little Tween
Jim Noir – AM Jazz
Fifth album from the songwriter from Davyhulme, Manchester, real name Alan Roberts but whose moniker is inspired by the actual name of comedian and artist Vic Reeves (Jim Moir) this new work has echoes of a slowed down psychedelic Beatles crossed with low-key Beta Band, but is essentially a lounge-style ambient electronica, full of interesting elements and evoking that late-night feel of post-club comedown. It burbles, hums and tells enigmatic tales, with gentle, almost country acoustic on the opener, Upside Down, a jazzier, more Steely Dan feel on Hexagons, to a retro sense of some 70s TV theme on Wonders Amber. Soft, gentle and intriguing. Sink into it gently at night, and you'll be hooked. Out on Dook Recordings.
Jim Noir – Good Mood
Nicolas Godin – Concrete and Glass
Second album from one half of French electronica style-setters Air, His previous album was inspired by Bach, while this one is fuelled by the work of architects. Brutalism or baroque? Well, as the title suggests, there is a flat minimalism, to the music itself, an indulgent blandness, such as Time on My Hands, featuring Kirin J Callinan, or The Foundation, with guest singer Cola Boyy. But just as the building designer's art can be hit and miss, there can also be stark beauty here too, such as We Forgot Love with the lovely voice of Kadhja Bonet, or The Border which has echoes of Moon Safari about it. Out on Because Music.
Nicolas Godin – The Border
Twin Atlantic – Power
This Scottish power-rock pop band are clearly aiming for big stadium ambition, with Sam McTrusty and co bringing in a driving electronica sound that hints at a little bit of Depeche Mode crossed with Killers and Biffy Clyro, and on opener Oh! Euphoria! there's even a dash of Duran Duran. Covering all bases ready to cross the pond. Out on Virgin EMI.
Twin Atlantic – Novocaine
Basic Plumbing – Keeping Up Appearances
Something of an indie veteran, ex-London, now LA-based Patrick Doyle, who has played with Veronica Falls, The Royal We and Sexy Kids, now releases his own material as Basic Plumbing. after his setup as Boys Forever. A soft and gentle sort of Nirvana crossed withe Teenage Fanclub with catchy hooks, from Bad Mood to As You Disappear to Keeping Up Appearances. It's simple, plugged in, but effective. Out on Basic Plumbing.
Basic Plumbing – Keeping Up Appearances
Poliça – When We Stay Alive
This fifth LP from the American synth-pop band from Minneapolis, fronted by Channy Leaneagh mixes up relationships and family subject matter with an easily accessible style even adds in a twang of country with effects. Slightly artificial, but engaging. Best tracks are Be Again, Steady, and Forget Me Now. Out on Memphis Industries.
Poliça – Steady
Don’t forget to also check out our favourite albums of 2019:
Aldous Harding to Richard Dawson to Michael Kiwanuka: favourite albums of 2019 – part 1
Billie Eilish to FKA twigs to Weyes Blood: favourite albums of 2019 – part 2
This week's selection is by The Landlord.
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