STACK January 2016 Issue 135

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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
Aoife O'Donovan
In the Magic Hour
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
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
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
visit MUSIC REVIEWS
66 JANUARY 2016
MUSIC
Julien Baker
Sprained Ankle
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
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
energy, a vibrant palette of
modern productions, and a
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
SIA This Is Acting
Here is what
the Aussie
powerhouse
has said of her
seventh album:
"I'm calling it
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 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
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
re-recording
project from
the hip hop
boys, this time
incorporating their last two albums.
Check out for several
awesome bonus offers pertaining
to this release (including a signed
turntable!).
COMING UP
NEXT MONTH
Here are the releases
we're pumped for in
February – get excited.