STACK #135 Jan 2016

MUSIC REVIEWS

visit stack.net.au

COMING UP NEXT MONTH Here are the releases we're pumped for in February – get excited.

Santigold 99 Cents Santi White’s first solo singles were Creator and L.E.S Artistes . Blending new wave, electronic, experimental club rhythms and melodic dub pop, the two tracks landed in 2007 like fully formed musical manifestos. They were prophetic titles too: Santigold has remained one of the most consistently creative and artful songwriters in pop music over the past eight years. 99 Cents contains the same signature melodic transcendence that sets Santigold apart. The album name refers to the commodification and undervaluing of culture, but Santi is fighting back with a constant stream of ideas and songs that will add immeasurable value to your life by the second. (Atlantic/Warner) SimonWinkler energy, a vibrant palette of modern productions, and a

Jeff the Brotherhood Global Chakra Rhythms

The brothers Jeff are back, on their own terms and releasing on their own label. As a result this is far more experimental – psyche at times, even – but still exuding that cosmic sludge and wonder to calm the nerves and broaden the resultant cheeky smile. A Floydy Black Mountain on a unicorn is conjured with

SIA This Is Acting

Here is what the Aussie powerhouse has said of her seventh album: "I'm calling it

the opening title track, complete with some jazzy Mingus-style horn improv, no less. A tribal quest through intergalactic realms and sitar groove rounds off the seven-minute-plus opus, before we take short break at the happening that is Pringle Variations . Imagine Hendrix on a dub-ragga sitar while playing video games, with Barry Adamson at Bobby Gillespie’s gaff, or something like that. Just when you think you know the destination in which we’re headed, Radiating Fiber Plane drops us off at an all night ’90s 7-Eleven where all your old pals are lurking out front, green slushies in hand. Folks, there’s eight more tracks to go! This is easily JTB’s most accomplished and sumptuous offering to date, proving you only need two to tango through the sonic stratosphere with effortless abandon; being masters of the classic record collection, as well as one's own instruments, offers rewards most can only dream of. The best present you could buy yourself! (CookingVinyl) Chris Murray

This Is Acting because they are songs I was writing for other people, so I didn't go in thinking 'this is something I would say'. It’s more like play-acting. It's fun." Make sure you visit jbhifi.com.au to check out the

bonus offers for this one. Bloc Party Hymns

This one might surprise you; look out for our interview with frontman Kele Okereke in the

MUSIC

next issue. Jezabels Synthia

If you've heard the single Come

Alive (and/ or seen its

accompanying clip, which is a beautifully eerie, painterly animation from Oh Yeah Wow studios), you will know this album is going to be incredible. Hilltop Hoods Drinking from the Sun, Walking Under Stars Restrung Another epic orchestral

Aoife O'Donovan In the Magic Hour

Savages Adore Life It's like The Drones, only younger, angrier, and rockier, offering a cry of sex and violence with punk-rock militancy – like Fugazi fronted by Siouxsie Sioux after a fierce break-up. Evil is the epitome of ‘80s NY rough- club cool (even though these wonders are from London), and the urgency and anger are infectious alongside the shotgun drumming and break-beat grooves. No less vital is Sad Person – Gang of Four would be proud, on their knees and begging for more. Buy it, share it, play it loud and let’s make these cool cats superstars, because they deserve it. (Matador) Chris Murray

Julien Baker Sprained Ankle

Ample books, films and Folkways box sets have traced the lines from the trad folk music of the British Isles to Appalachian strings. The story could hardly be clearer than here in the hands of Aoife O'Donovan, best known as lead singer for Boston's Crooked Still. Here she follows her heart back to Ireland in a kind of Super 8 dream sequence steeped in childhood memories and family photographs. With a lilt and timbre uncannily like Alison Krauss, she can be as upbeat as Magic Hour and as heartbreaking as Porch Light , with its harmonising fiddles and childish promises made to be broken. Magpie is haunted by Joni Mitchell, but not to the point of distraction (hello, Laura Marling) and Donal Og is a Celtic mist of drones and echoing voices. (Yep Roc) Michael Dwyer

Yes there’s injury and pain in Julien Baker’s poignant lyrics, but there’s healing too. When Julien sings about heartbreak, personal trauma and the troubles of youth there’s an undercurrent of humour, a deep humanity and a striking soulfulness. The songcraft is impressive. Arrangements are sparse – vocals and guitar treated with very subtle effects – but Sprained Ankle confidently strides, driven by the strength of the stories and performances. (Spunk) SimonWinkler

re-recording project from the hip hop boys, this time

incorporating their last two albums. Check out jbhifi.com.au for several awesome bonus offers pertaining to this release (including a signed turntable!).

JANUARY 2016

66

jbhifi.com.au