Maximo Park – Going Missing
There is really something special about the Park. It would be easy to lump them into new Franz Ferdinand or Futureheads, territory. Their look is fantastic, singer Paul Smith always looks so good, and he has all the makings for a great front man. The band has something to them that separates them from the bunch. Also, the tunes are there as well.
Royksopp – The Understanding
Royksopp’s surprising debut album “Melody AM” was hailed and a good hit pretty much everywhere. I still listen to Poor Leno too much three years on. The follow up of course was going to be a bit challenging. The boys provide vocals on most of the tracks here. Except on a few where Karin Dreijer from The Knife (“What Else Is There?”), Kate Havnevik (“Only This Moment” and “Circuit Breaker”) and Chelonis R Jones(“49 Percent”).
“Triumphant” starts off with a simple piano bit which slowly builds into more a downbeat tune. The beat would be perfect for a type of hip-hop ballad. “Only This Moment” is a big slice of sunshine. The vocals are soothing and it really incites dancing it’s hard to sit still. “Boys” is a bit of a rough and tumble song. It’s a bit different to the previous tracks and a nice change of pace. “49 Percent” would be an excellent song if there were no vocals, what are they singing about? “Beautiful Day Without You” is a nice big tune with a 80s feel to it. It sounds like Daft Punk and Air collided to make a track. It’s got a nice soft tones and a good vibe to it. “What Else Is There” features Karin of The Knife and is a beautiful and haunting tune.Karins vocals are stunning and the beats behind here just fit it so well. You never really want this one to end. Its easily one of the albums highlights. “Circuit Breaker” starts off a little weak, but really picks up when the angelic vocals of Kate Havenevik kick in and really round off the song. “Dead To The Wood” is slow soothing track very downbeat and minimalist but still a gorgeous track. A nice way to finish up and take a nap.
“The Understanding” was a very enjoyable album. There is a nice variety of tunes from the pop of “Only This Moment” to the downbeat “Dead to the Wood.” It’s a great step on from their debut and a nice way to really widen their sound and appeal.
By John Siwicki
M.I.A – Bucky Done Gun
MIA was always destined for great things. Her story is just to perfect to be ignored, but she is the rare case were her music backs up all the talk. “Bucky Done Gun” is one of the most dance friendly track on “Arular.” Instantly its call to arm intro ” ‘ London , quiet’n down, I need to make a sound / New York , quiet down, I need to make a sound’ this track just demands your attention. The track then launches into a thrilling bass line and some rather delightful horns pop up all to drive this track into amazing things, which not many could ever touch.
By John Siwicki