New Kids On The Block are back with a new album, while Cage The Elephant is also back with a new offering.
The Elephant Cage – Neon Pill
Kentucky rock band Cage The Elephant returns with their sixth full-length album, taking the listener on a journey across 12 tracks, as they find their sound everywhere.
The album reflects the experimental nature of Cage The Elephant, nodding to their roots while showing the listener the depth the band is capable of, using a mix of strongly emotional songs and upbeat, feel-good summer music.
Out Loud, Ball And Chain and Good Time create a sense of distortion through harsh instrumentals, reflecting how the band themselves are navigating loss and trauma through a surreal musical feel.
Opener Hifi (True Light) sets the tone for the release, showcasing its ability, nodding to old music with upbeat instrumentals accompanying strong lyrics and vocals.
Unique, different and charming, Shy Eyes leans into the rock sound that the band built itself from through the use of heavier instrumentals.
Seemingly taking inspiration from other indie sounds like Tame Impala, their new mix adopts a synthesized sound for certain tracks like Rainbow to highlight their ever-evolving sound.
Ditto, the penultimate track, shows an emotional progression, lowering the mood of the other tracks, before the album concludes on an emotional low but musical high with Over Your Shoulder.
Score: 8/10
(Review by Carla Feric)
Lip Critic – Hex Distributor
The fast-rising New York quartet's debut album mixes rap with hard rock, but eschews nu-metal vibes and instead sounds like a Run The Jewels cut with an unlikely Future Of The Left twist.
Twin drummers Ilan Natter and Danny Eberle provide the power: the band's live show, with the pair facing each other on either side of vocalist Bret Kaser and synth partner Connor Kleitz, must be something to behold.
Heavy from the start, the one-two punch of Bork Pelly and Spirit Bomber takes things to another level, while In The Wawa (Convinced That I Am God) and Sermon see the apotheosis of Kaser's deranged preacher character.
Paranoia permeates the lyrics: “My son and the postman have been trying to kill me,” Kaser barks on My Wife And The Goblin, echoing a speech sample from opening track It's The Magic, while the chorus of single Milky Max proclaims: “All my life I just wanted to live / Now I have to die alone for what I did.”
Twelve songs fly by in 32 minutes, and the last five in less than 10 and a half, which is honestly a blessing given the blaring pace and percussive, punishing intensity of it all.
Score: 7/10
(Review by Tom White)
New Kids on the Block – Still Kids
Since their 2008 reunion, New Kids On The Block fans have been divided between old and new, but Still Kids brings the two worlds together across 14 tracks.
The magic starts strong, with upbeat instrumentals and catchy lyrics that draw the listener in.
The love songs Love Like This and Pop nod to how New Kids on the Block are still young at heart, but have matured as artists and people.
Love Like This uses strong instruments, with a powerful guitar solo halfway through the song.
In The Night uses a backdrop of synths and rhythm guitar riffs to transport the listener to the 1990s, while mature lyricism refreshes the retro sound.
Get Down features DJ Jazzy Jeff on a retro and funky track that is upbeat and fun, and steals the show as a song you can't stop listening to.
Finally, Stay closes the album on a strong, upbeat note with a feel-good song similar to the rest of the mix.
The album's cheerful summer songs will accompany you all day; They're catchy, the lyrics are memorable, and they capture the classic boy band 'pop' sound that fans and casual listeners alike can appreciate.
It's a welcome addition to the band's comeback, laying the groundwork for future releases.
Score: 7/10
(Review by Carla Feric)
Michael Head – Legal Loophole
Cult Liverpool songwriter Michael Head looks back on his life in his new album, in which his career, like a rollercoaster, ascends again.
His former bands, The Pale Fountains, Shack and The Strands, are some of the best you've probably never heard, all plagued by bad luck and mistakes.
On Loophole, the 62-year-old addresses his past with 12 songs filled with infectious melodies and autobiographical lyrics.
Opener Shirl's Ghost, a supernatural story about Head's neighbor in Toxteth who “used to be a dancer, don't you know, she danced in New York, Paris and Moscow”, sets the bar high.
The gentle sway of Ambrosia recalls a chaotic tour with Shack, while Ciao Ciao Bambino takes its name from the Connie Francis song his mother sang to him when he was a baby.
Connemara features flute and trumpet in a story of forbidden love, and The Human Race is a '70s glam rock number inspired by David Bowie.
Spoken word Merry Go Round and love story Tout Suite are other highlights, before the album ends with You're A Long Time Dead, upbeat despite its title.
Recorded once again with the Red Elastic Band and produced by Bill Ryder-Jones, Loophole finds Head at the peak of his considerable powers.
Score: 9/10
(Review by Matthew George)
