Quick Run Down of a Few Newish Albums

Hey! It’s been WAY too long between posts. I’ve the last couple of months writing a few mediocre words on a few new albums but nothing to warrant a full review. So I thought I might just slap a couple of sentences together about each of these albums as a quick review of September and October albums, chronologically.

Three Poisons – Elephant Stone

JANGLE. Awesome guitars sounds on this psychedelic power pop album. Loved their song “Love the Sinner, Hate the Sin,” from their self titled 2013 debut, which is an all out power pop explosion with THE BEST riff ever. So damn catchy. I was hoping for some of the same on Three Poisons and some songs do pick up on that trend, although there are some duds on the album.

7/10

LINK

Alix – Generationals

Career defining. What’s more to be said about Alix? It takes all the best bits from previous Generationals albums and morphs these snippets into the best indie pop rock songs of 2014. Catchy melodies, interesting instrumentation and sounds, and lyrics that you make you think….what more could you want??? In addition, the Generationals are hilarious and their social media blitz on Youtube is amazing, combining Portlandia and good music in the best of ways. Love love love the “horns” on the last track, "Would
You Want Me," that was a great decision (LINK). A++++
8.5/10

Black Moon Spell ­– King Tuff

This is a wacky one for sure. Off-kilter rock tunes with a clear blues background, but King Tuff really doesn’t follow convention on this one. Punk songs, pysch songs, weird ass songs (“I Love Ugly”), this album has it all. My attention was held throughout. Songs like “Headbanger,” and “Black Moon Spell” are my personal favorites. I might have to start going back into King Tuff’s discography to get a better picture of this band.

6.5/10

Mended with Gold – Rural Alberta Advantage

Simply put, RAA is one of my favourite bands. This album didn’t really surprise me with anything especially new, beyond a bit more of an electric sound. Has a formulaic edge to it, which isn’t a bad Mended with Gold fits very nicely into their discography, and I expect the live show to be extremely cohesive and awesome. Favourite songs include “45/33,” and “Runners in the Night.”
thing as RAA has a damn good formula to follow.

7.5/10

Special Bonus Round!!!

Lost In The Dream – The War on Drugs

I can’t believe I skimmed past this album back when it came out in March. This album soars up and down, perfectly complimenting a lazy Sunday drive along prairie back roads. I’m usually not one for long songs, but the grooves laid down by the band on songs like “Under the Pressure,” and “An Ocean Inbetween the Waves” are stellar—catchy enough to keep your attention, but lazy enough to set you into a dreamlike state. You truly are Lost In The Dream. You are enveloped in a wave of warm sounds, soft guitar licks, and a distinct groove. Let yourself float.

8.5/10