Five album releases in March 2013 that you should know about!
REVIEWS/ LOGAN BRENDT
TV MANIA / BORED WITH PROZAC AND THE INTERNET?
The Orchard/Beatport
release date: March 11, 2013
If you’re a long time Duran Duran fan, you’ll be interested in hearing what the eccentricity of Nick Rhodes has to offer as part of his project, TV Mania, with guitarist Warren Cuccurullo. Even though this album isn’t as melodic as Rhodes’ past project with Stephen Duffy ten years ago, under the name The Devils, it does deserve praise. The tracks consisting of interesting rhythms and vocal samples were composed in the mid-90s, which might be why the album’s theme can’t help but to remind you of Duran Duran’s song “Too Much Information” also from that era. However, Bored With Prozac And The Internet? seems more relevant now since it’s all an eery foreshadowing of what the future (now the present) became. After all, the title of the track “Yoghurt And Fake Tan” is quite prophetic.
HURTS / EXILE
Epic UK
release date: March 11, 2013
Manchester synth-pop band Hurts, comprised of singer Theo Hutchcraft and multi‑instrumentalist Adam Anderson, release their second studio album titled Exile. Even though part of the album-opening title track will confuse the listener into thinking they’re about to hear a new Muse record, Hurts quickly changes direction into their own version of what the 80s taught them. There is interesting synth work and lyrics that are constructed of pain and gloom, delivered by Hutchcraft’s seductive voice. At times, the lyrics also suffer in the hands of universal pop with, “But you crucify my heart of gold” from their track “Miracle”. However, it’s the lyrics that help to build the powerful standout “Mercy”. When Hurts shows this side of themselves, along with the hard instrumental edge of substantial synths, guitars and beats on “The Cupid”, there is promise that they will continue on this path.
THE SPRING BREAKERS SOUNDTRACK
Big Beat/ Atlantic
release date: March 12, 2013
We had to include the soundtrack to the Harmony Korine directed film Spring Breakers since spring break is just around the corner, debauchery and all. The soundtrack is a must if you’re a fan of Skrillex, considering he created original tracks like “Smell This Money” and “Bikinis & Big Booties Y’all” (with the help of Cliff Martinez) to go along with classics like “Scary Monsters and Nice Sprites”. The album also includes songs from Ellie Goulding, Birdy Nam Nam, Waka Flocka Flame, Gucci Mane, and a version of “Hangin’ With Da Dopeboys” with Dangeruss and James Franco.
SUEDE / BLOODSPORTS
Warner/Suede Ltd.
Release date: March 19, 2013
After ten years, Suede (also known as The London Suede in the US) return with their sixth album titled Bloodsports. Through Brett Anderson’s distinctive voice and the sleazy glammed out pop anthems that they are known for, the album simultaneously sounds like classic Suede and something entirely new at the same time when you consider how it stands against the current musical climate. The blistering “Barriers” and “Snowblind” open the album, and their dichotomy between the uplifting sonics and lurid subject matter is perfectly represented through the “la la las” on the rough “Hit Me”. It’s easy to see why they stand on their own and didn’t get assimilated into Britpop, or why bands like The Horrors owe some allegiance to their sound. Other standout tracks are “Sabotage” which is dark with a romantic feel while “What Are You Not Telling Me” seems almost spiritual, a transcendental listening experience. This is what rock legends are made of. The only thing left to be desired are songs that capture the truly bizarre b-sides that became one of Suede’s defining trademarks. Maybe these exist within the outtakes from this record that might one day become a second volume of Sci-Fi Lullabies.
Free Download of Suede’s “Barriers”: http://suedebarriers.viinyl.com/
HOT AS SUN / NIGHT TIME SOUND DESIRE
Last Gang Records
release date: March 26, 2013
Hailing from Silverlake, California, electro-pop band Hot As Sun release their debut album titled Night Time Sound Desire. Their trip hop beats, stimulating vocal melodies and at times absurdly infectious choruses captures the ambience of the summertime. Singer Jamie Jackson’s vocal tone is similar to that of Metric’s Emily Haines, where as the energy of the band recalls something between The Naked And Famous and Ladytron. Throughout the album, Hot As Sun comfortably moves between moods without losing strength or appeal. Their opening track “Dahnce to the Beat” is extremely cheerful with pop sensibility while “Desert Song” has pure dance appeal based on sensuality. At the opposite side of the spectrum, “Mother I’m Alive” and “War with Time” has beautiful downtempo pacing and a pensive spirit. Shrewdly engineered, Night Time Sound Desire has the potential for chart topping hits.