Mount Eerie review – truth defeats beauty on stark songs of death
An album of grief is never going to inspire conga dancing, but Phil Elverum’s reflections on his wife’s death are sharply detailed and utterly convincing
Escape-ism: Introduction to Escape-ism review – wilfully lo-fi solo debut
As frontman of Nation of Ulysses, the Make-Up and latterly Chain and the Gang, Ian Svenonius has spent a quarter of a century sprinkling agitprop-heavy garage rock with gospel influences and James Brown showmanship, with mixed results. His solo debut … Continue reading
Spinning Coin: Permo review – out-of-time pastoral indie
It’s no surprise that this debut from Glaswegian quintet Spinning Coin is released on the Pastels’ Geographic imprint: this is indie music from its bowl haircuts to its dirty Converses. The two songwriters in the band have their different strengths. … Continue reading
Rise Against review – philosophical punks stand up to racism and misogyny
Frontman Tim McIlrath laments the death of the American dream with old-fashioned showmanship – and occasionally compromised songwriting
Qty: Qty review – cliche-swerving New York rock
(Dirty Hit)
Baxter Dury: Prince of Tears review – making a success of the family business
With his sharply observed vignettes and wry character studies of inadequate men, Dury remains in the shadow of his father Ian – but what a place to be
Jane Weaver review – beguiling spiritual medium for immaculate psychedelia
The singer’s clear, resonant voice was perfectly framed by an intimate venue that brought out the swarming intricacies of her hallucinatory disco-folk
Simple Things festival review – neo-glam, power punk and the giddy glow of trance
From HMLTD and IDLES to Nadine Shah and the British Paraorchestra, the festival season wound down with an eclectic lineup – and no need for wellies
Courtney Barnett and Kurt Vile: Lotta Sea Lice review – high hopes not quite met
(Marathon Artists/Matador/Milk!)
Vagabon review – indie’s enchanting outcast roars in ear-bleeding triumph
The self-professed ‘weird black girl’ of the DIY rock scene charmed a swaying crowd with songs of heartache and identity crisis
King Krule: The Ooz review – an immersive listen
(XL/True Panther Sounds)
Courtney Barnett & Kurt Vile: Lotta Sea Lice review – kindred spirits are on charming, kooky form
Although the pairing of these two wonderfully languid singer-songwriters could have ended up too hazy, their mutually dreamy, drawling styles complement each other perfectly. The way their guitars jangle and chime together reflects a longstanding friendship. They sing on each … Continue reading
King Krule: The Ooz review – a self-indulgent splurge
Archy Marshall’s second album as King Krule is a wilfully idiosyncratic outpouring of songs about depression and bodily fluids
Daniel Johnston review – lo-fi hero’s ‘final tour’ soars after bumpy beginning
For his final outings the cult musician has formed star-studded backing bands who – on this occasion – valiantly struggle to stay with his changing moods
The Mountain Goats review – fog, fangs and frenzied nostalgia
John Darnielle was on gloriously shambolic form as music’s goth capital was treated to a chaotic evening that merged flute solos with satanic worship