Albums of the Week
Das Koolies – DK.01
Anyone who follows my ramblings will probably be aware that I’m not a fan of long albums, 40 minutes is usually more than enough for me. Despite liking the preceding singles, seeing that the runtime for Das Koolies’ debut was almost double that, induced a bit of a groan. So, just the fact that I actually like this, should tell you it’s good. The key is that, rather than just padding out the track-list, they use the time to explore.
The first words you hear on the album are Best Mindfuck Yet and that signals what you’re in for. Das Koolies is formed of Super Furry Animals minus frontman Gruff Rhys; and they continue in the tradition of that band. They’re just as likely to give you moments of pop glory as they are to lose you in their sonic weirdness. You’re taken along for the ride on their psychedelic expeditions but you’re never too far from the next irresistible melody to ease you on your way.
The album can’t be easily pigeonholed with one, two, or even three genres. It’s psychedelic, it’s folk, it’s pop, it’s rock, it’s electro, it’s techno, it’s orchestral, etc. Yet these disparate elements are brought together to somehow make sense. Moments of glitchy electro experimentation – something like robo-psych – are grounded by sweet harmonies, which are straight up Beatles-esque. And when they turn things up with flashes of crazed euphoria, like on Pain Down The Drain, it hits harder emerging out of the laid-back grooves preceding.
Now, in spite of my opening spiel, it still is too long. Things become a bit too passive towards the back end of the album and there’s a run of songs which wash over you. Although things do come back to life for late highlight, Wired For Sound. But we can forgive them some brief missteps because for the most part this is a long journey that’ll draw you in for all of its weird and wonderful turns.
Best Tunes: Nuthin Sandwich, Katal, Pain Down The Drain, Wired For Sound
Joey Valence & Brae – PUNK TACTICS
Almost 40 years on from the Beastie Boys’ debut, Joey Valence & Brae are making sure they exercise their right to party. Despite only being in their early 20’s, this feel like it was made by 90’s kids. From the old-school hip-hop sound with one foot in punk, to the array of video game references. But this isn’t pure revivalism, you can hear the influence of EDM and drum & bass, most obviously on GUMDROP.
There’s nothing revolutionary here, and you’re not gonna get any deep insights. But that’s not what it’s about. This is pure party music and what you will get is a good time.
Best Tunes: PUNK TACTICS, KILL BILL, GUMDROP, RN
Tunes of the Week
Casino – Fever: The promising young Liverpool band continue their run of impressive singles. Previous releases had a clear Northern Soul influence, but they’ve added some disco funk into the mix for this one. Good enough to make you wanna strut the streets in some white flares (at least in your imagination).
Justin Lacy – Bent Antenna: The newly formed Old Soul Music label headed up by hip-hop producer L’Orange is worth keeping an eye on. They’re shining the light on underground artists not just from the rap world, but also further afield; like this one from North Carolina songwriter, Justin Lacy. This is a lovely little slice of alt-folk, combining the off-kilter vulnerability of Bon Iver with the undeniable melodies of The Lumineers. Plus a distinctive vocal style that sets him apart; can I say he sounds like a yappy cowboy as a compliment?
Red Rum Club – Undertaker: This is a laid-back indie pop beauty. All you need to know is that it’s catchy as. That bridge to the chorus section👌
TV Death – Village Mentality: A twisted punk banger from the Newcastle band. Like The Cramps meeting The Clash (with The Doors knocking about somewhere in the background).
The Rolling Stones feat. Lady Gaga & Stevie Wonder– Sweet Sounds Of Heaven: A star-studded gospel blues epic. Mick Jagger is extremely Mick Jagger. I don’t buy anything about Lady Gaga, she seems like one of the most pretentious people alive, and I imagine she’s went in here trying to mimic the Gimme Shelter vocal; but she can definitely sing. Stevie Wonder is tinkering away in there and they’re singing about saving the children and shit. The whole thing is overblown and just generally a lot. But, fuck it; if anyone is allowed to be a bit of a pastiche of themselves it’s The Rolling Stones, and they sound pretty great here. Oh and make sure to listen to the long version; the cut on the edit makes the Gaga vocal come off really jarring and weird.
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