Fantasma – Free Love (Soundway)
Why you should listen: Fronted by futurist, solo artist and music documentary co-director Spoek Mathambo, the South African group channel maskandi (Zulu folk), hip-hop and kwaito elements on their dynamic full-length debut.
It might not be for you if… You have difficulty grappling with multi-genre music from South Africa.
What we said: “While each track is boldly experimental, Free Love never feels like an academic exercise – it’s playful, infectious Afro-pop, in love with music in all its forms,” wrote Jon Dennis, in the Guardian.
Score: 5/5
Houndmouth – Little Neon Limelight (Rough Trade)
Why you should listen: The alt-country four-piece from Indiana pour Americana, grittier rock guitar flourishes and their signature four-part harmonies into this second album.
It might not be for you if… You are convinced they’re just rehashing what the Band have already done.
What we said: “Often and not unreasonably compared to the Band, they have a palette that stretches from rambunctious rock’n’roll to bruised country balladry,” wrote Dave Simpson, in the Guardian.
Score: 4/5
Tobias Jesso Jr – Goon (True Panther)
Why you should listen: Many reviewers seem to love this debut of 1970s-inspired, piano balladry from the 29-year old Canadian – though not so for lead Guardian pop and rock critic Alexis Petridis, as you’ll see below.
It might not be for you if… You consider Beatles-like piano balladry, repackaged in 2015, a crime against humanity.
What we said: “Jesso is audibly still in the process of finding his own voice, but for all the naivety on display – a more experienced writer might have taken greater pains to ensure that opener Can’t Stop Thinking About You didn’t keep threatening to turn into the theme tune from Cheers – there are flashes of striking confidence,” wrote Alexis Petridis, in his lead review for the Guardian. Kitty Empire gave the album four stars, in her lead Observer review.
Score: 3/5
Marina and the Diamonds – Froot (Atlantic)
Why you should listen: Marina Diamandis has seemingly been on the brink of a major pop breakthrough for years now, but opts for her most introspective and thoughtful material yet on this third album.
It might not be for you if… You have never understood the appeal of Diamandis’ bombastic pop choruses and slightly abrasive vocals.
What we said: “Co-produced with David Kosten, it’s that rare thing; a cohesive pop album that doesn’t just rely on a couple of big singles,” wrote Michael Cragg, in the Observer.
Score: 4/5
Modest Mouse – Strangers to Ourselves (Sony)
Why you should listen: It’s been eight years since their last album, and to be honest this latest effort from the makers of off-kilter indie sounds comfortably like their past material. Good for Modest Mouse fans, at least.
It might not be for you if… You’re not a Modest Mouse fan, and were never convinced by their earlier output.
What we said: “The lack of progression is a shame, as the album’s chief lyrical theme – mankind’s disregard for nature – is one that needs hearing,” wrote Tim Jonze, in the Guardian. The Observer’s Phil Mongredien also handed the album three stars.
Score: 3/5
So, will you be delving into an old classic or sinking your teeth into a new release this week? Share your listening list with us in the comments below.
