Okay so maybe it's not quite up to the standard of the Eureka Machines' sublime first trio of albums (one of my mates rather cruelly described it as sounding like a reunion album from a band that never actually split up in the first place which is really a bit harsh). However, "Victories" is still a solid effort from Chris Catalyst and his crew with songs like "My Rock 'n' Roll Is Dead" and "The Next Line" showing that at least some of the old magic was still there and that this band are still capable of delivering a top drawer song.
39. EVIL BLIZZARD - "The Worst Show On Earth" (Review here)
Another one to file in the "weird but definitely enjoyable" bracket, Evil Blizzard describe themselves as "four masked bassists, a singing drummer and a pig with cleavers". And musically they're no less odd, drawing from the post-punk of PIL and the Fall on one side, the glam stomp riffs of the Sweet on another and the riffs of early Sabbath on a third, it adds up to an unnerving, claustrophobic but surprisingly listenable album. You may need to sit down for a few minutes after this one.
38. MONSTER MAGNET - "Mindfucker" (Review here)
Scary to think that Monster Magnet are now thirty years into their career. However, on the evidence of "Mindfucker", these old dogs are still capable of pulling new tricks out of the hat. A definite step up in quality from its rather "play it safe" predecessor "Last Patrol", the likes of "Rocket Freak" had an added urgency to balance out the more standard stoner-metal fare. Definitely Wyndorf and co's strongest effort for a good few years.
37. TWIN FLAMES RADIO - "Twin Flames Radio"
Similar to the Alarm's "Equals", this is definitely an album that grew on me with repeated listening as former Dogs D'Amour drummer Bam and former Vixen bassist Share reunited following three under-rated albums with Bubble a decade or so previously to produce a collection of heartfelt '70s indebted old school glam rock with the likes of "Always You", "You Got Your Reasons" and the epic "Peace & Love & Rock 'n' Roll" being fine efforts indeed. Hopefully the first of many albums from TFR.
36. THE FILAMENTS - "Look To The Skies" (Review here)
Similar to Rancid circa "And Out Come The Wolves", this fourth album from the Filaments is a furious collision of punk and ska with hints of everyone from GBH to the Specials, veering from the political fury of "Fuck The Alt-Right" to the more considered "Ask No Favours". Definitely a band continuing to get better with age and probably the Filaments' strongest effort to date.
35. DRAGSTER - "Anti-Everything" (Review here)
Continuing to build on the fury of its predecessor, 2014's "Dead Punk", "Anti-Everything" sees Dragster still railing ferociously against the injustices of Britain in 2018 with the sound getting even heavier and songs like "Charmed To The Teeth" showing an almost Motorhead style level of power. The sound of a band comfortably growing into its sound, this is definitely affirmation of why Dragster are one of the most promising punk bands in Britain today.
34. THERAPY? - "Cleave"
"Cleave" was always going to struggle a bit compared to its predecessor, Therapy?'s roaring return to form that was 2015's "Disquiet". However, it's an intriguing listen that brings up more little tricks every time you play it. I think it was XTC's Andy Partridge who once said that sometimes the best music is made when the ball doesn't quite go in the hole and "Cleave" is definitely an album that reminds me of that saying. Don't expect to get it first time in other words but persevere with it and you'll quickly realise that this is a good solid effort from Andy Cairns and co.
33. HUGH CORNWELL - "Monster"
Forty plus years into his career and twenty five on from him leaving the Stranglers, Hugh Cornwell remains a man with a definite eye for a thought-provoking lyric and catchy tune and "Monster" is another solid addition to his back catalogue with the likes of "Pure Evel", "Mosin'" and the Lou Reed tribute "Mr Leather" being good efforts. Proof that this particular man in black still has a lot to say and plenty of fire left in the tank.
32. LUCERO - "Among The Ghosts"
A group who only came on to my radar this year, this is actually no less than Lucero's ninth album but on this evidence these Tennesse alt-country rockers should really be a bit better known over here than they currently are. A beautifully dark and epic collection of gothic country rock with the likes of the title track and "Everything Has Changed" being real attention-grabbers. Go give this lot a listen forthwith if you've not already.
31. CURSE OF LONO - "As I Fell" (Review here)
Very much a continuation of Curse of Lono's debut, last year's "Severed", "As I Fell" was another strong effort from these Londoners with more of a widescreen epic feel to move things forward, recalling everyone from the Cure's more melodic side to Ennio Morricone via the Gaslight Anthem. The sound of a band moving forward with confidence and raising their game well.
Very much a continuation of Curse of Lono's debut, last year's "Severed", "As I Fell" was another strong effort from these Londoners with more of a widescreen epic feel to move things forward, recalling everyone from the Cure's more melodic side to Ennio Morricone via the Gaslight Anthem. The sound of a band moving forward with confidence and raising their game well.
No comments:
Post a Comment