Review Wrap-Up: August 2012

#1 Kendra Morris - Banshee

Kendra Morris has been setting the internet alight before Banshee, her debut album, had even released with a series of covers that ranged from Jennifer Lopez to Metallica to Pink Floyd. This is a lady who knows how to set the bar high. Banshee is filled with slinky, sultry tunes that show off Morris' sparkling voice. She has the instrument she needs to stand out from partically any other female R&B performer you care to name. Production duties are handled by Jeremy Page, one of the musical geniuses behind That Handsome Devil (AKA the world's greatest band). His sound is all over this record; skittering hip-hop beats, wonky organ vamps, and knowing just when to bring in those menacing guitars. All of these things come to a head on 'Concrete Waves', a track that sets the tone for the entire album. Fans of Janelle Monae and Alice Russell should apply here.

Rating: A-

Recommended tracks: The Plunge, Concrete Waves, Today

#2: Chris Robinson Brotherhood - Bad Moon Ritual

When it comes to Chris Robinson, the name of the band might change but the modus operandi stays the same. Whether it's with the Black Crowes or his new band, Chris Robinson Brotherhood, the singer remains enamored with rock music of yesteryear. The southern-fried opening track 'Tulsa Yesterday' blends Led Zeppelin, Allman Brothers, and the Grateful Dead into an unstoppable eleven minute jam session. Robinson is a country boy at heart with songs like 'Star Or Stone' transporting the listener to the dusty vistas of the American south. No song sits under the seven minute mark which makes the weaker tracks marathons of endurance at times. Ultimately, if you've heard much of the Black Crowes then not much here is likely to surprise you. But with all of its charm and warmth Bad Moon Ritual – warts and all - is a very hard album to dislike.

Rating: B-

Recommended tracks: Tulsa Yesterday, Star Or Stone

#3: Easy Star All Stars – Easy Star's Thrillah

Having already tried their hands at Pink Floyd, Radiohead, and The Beatles Easy Star All Stars' next covers album tackles one of pop music's most revered records: Michael Jackson's Thriller (aka Thrillah). The choice of album is inspired as many of these songs are already ingrained into our collective musical consciousness. The group of musicians involved are clearly fans of the original and their enthusiasm for the source material is obvious. “Wanna Be Startin' Somethin'” is reinvented as a funky seven-minute soul revue and the smooth dubby bassline on “Thriller” will bring a smile to any Jacko fan. As fun as Thrillah is it does lack the stroke of genius of pairing up reggae with prog rock that made Dub Side Of The Moon a cult classic. All the same this is the perfect summer party record for all you beach bums out there.

Rating: B

Recommended tracks: Thriller, Wanna Be Startin' Somethin'

#4: Jackson Firebird – Cock Rockin'

If the name of this band conjures up images of muscle cars, stereos blaring, filled with long haired dudes then it has done its job. This Aussie duo are all about greasy rock and roll - beer soaked , petrol breathed, and ready for mayhem. Part early Kings of Leon and part early Black Keys, Jackson Firebird check all the right boxes to make a kickass party record. In defiance of modern rock trends Cock Rockin is roughly produced and dangerously raw which is of course a part of their sweaty charm. At the end of the raucous title track you can practically hear the mixing board catch fire and the guitar leads on 'Rock Solid' are the kind of ballsy blues that had been putting Aussie rock on the map since the 70s. This is bare bones rock, for better or for worse. This album is a no-brainer for fans of The Datsuns or Eagles Of Death Metal.

Rating: C+

Recommended track: Cock Rockin'

#5: Katatonia – Dead End Kings

Swedish stalwarts Katatonia have slowly been blurring the lines between melodic death metal and hard rock for over 20 years now. Dead End Kings is their ninth album and easily their most accessible to the outsider so far. Singer Jonas Renke has a voice that is sweet, supple, and instantly recognizable which helps to set Katatonia apart from the crowded European metal scene. At this point in their career Katatonia have nothing to prove which affords them the room to experiment with their core sound. While keyboards and electronics have always been prominent in their albums Dead End Kings takes the occasional detour into trip-hop (as on the excellent 'Leech') that is bound to turn heads. An excellent example of a band that is maturing without pandering to the expectations of the masses – they seem to be happier following their demented muse than following trends. Their mellowest album yet and truly gorgeous.

Rating: B+

Recommended tracks: Leech, Undo You