Karen O & Danger Mouse - Lux Prima

It’s been a while since Karen O released a record in her name, and it’s been even longer since she was the promising young star of one of garage rock’s most exciting new band. This isn’t her being fickle or unpredictable (although she is most certainly that) but she doesn’t feel the need to resurface unless she has something to say. Also, real life tends to get in the way and becoming a parent certainly falls into that category.

Francis Rossi & Hannah Rickard - We Talk Too Much

We Talk Too Much is the unexpected collaboration between Francis Rossi of boogie-rock stalwarts Status Quo and retro-rock and roll singer Hannah Rickard of Hannah Rickard & the Relatives. If like me you were expecting a collection of rockabilly, swing or even blues-rock songs you're in for a surprise: the record is pure Country & Western.

O.R.K. @ Petit Bain, Paris - March 17th, 2019

You know the music scene in Paris is bad when a band like O.R.k., comprised of fantastic musicians and hot off the heels of the release of an excellent record, can only attract forty-some punters on a Sunday night. Sad turnout notwithstanding, it was a great evening of music and everybody in attendance had a great time listening to singer/keyboardist L.E.F. (Owl, Berserk, Onake), guitarist Carmelo Pipitone (Marta Sui Tubi), bassist Colin Edwin (Porcupine Tree) and drummer Pat Mastelotto (King Crimson, Mr. Mister...) play their neo-prog pieces in such a casual and intimate setting.

Album Review: Cinematic Orchestra - To Believe

Twelve years after Ma Fleur, the Cinematic Orchestra returns with another savant blend of evocative soundscapes, dramatic strings, slow jazz rhythms and a decidedly modern subliminal hip-hop undercurrent. Surprisingly, To Believe is a very uplifting record. Even when things get moody and when the ambiance turns to melancholy (which happens a lot) there is surprisingly very little darkness and the tone is never somber or ominous.

Friday's Playlist: Ry Cooder - Sessions & Contributions

In honour of Ry Cooder's 72nd birthday, we made a playlist focusing on the guitarist and musicologist's sessions and contributions to other people's records, as well as some of his collaborations with other artists. This isn't even the tip of the iceberg, but it's a good start.

Album Review: Durand Jones & the Indications - American Love Call

Durand Jones & the Indications's new LP is a direct continuation of their debut, which is good news since the self-titled record was one of the best releases of 2016. This new set finds them a little more polished perhaps, and their sound a little more ornate, but at the core are the same honesty and authenticity.

Album Review: Foals - Part 1: Everything Not Saved Will Be Lost

Foals' first new album in almost five years is the first of a two-disc project and is almost dizzying in its diversity. In that sense it feels more like a collection of songs than a cohesive statement, but it'll take a listen alongside part two to assess that for certain. What's absolutely undeniable however is the fascination for the 80's styles and sounds. In fact, each track seems influenced by an artist of the era. It is unknown how conscious those references are, but they are very obvious.

Album Review: Royal Trux - White Stuff

Usually, the main reason for a band to reunite is money but I can't imagine there being much to be made from Royal Trux, and that's just one of the reasons why White Stuff is one of the most unlikely reunion records ever to be released. To absolutely no one's surprise, the reunion seems to already be over, but then again maybe not, who knows? Some things never change and chaos, volatility and dysfunction still reign supreme in the Royal Trux camp.