Music

APRIL MUSIC REVIEWS

CHECK OUT CHECK OUT THESE HONEST THESE HONEST REVIEWS OF SOME REVIEWS OF SOME OF THE HOTTEST OF THE HOTTEST NEW ALBUMS IN NEW ALBUMS IN MUSIC! MUSIC

ALESSIA CARA

Broken Heart

Universal Music Group

These 11 tracks stand out. “Drama Queen” hits the sweet spot with sugary lyrics: “They tell us love done the right way is draining/ Kissing and arguing and crying when it's raining/ In that case you and I got it made/ Always on the ropes / We need a standing ovation.” ”Bluebird” has scintillating Brazilian bossa nova vibes. It cuts deep with, “Bluebird in the spring/ Told me that your new girl makes you sing/ Guess my loving only clipped your wings/ So, I let you go.” “Box in the Ocean” is self-reflective about her role as a young woman blossoming into stardom with, “I don't want to grow old, I don't want to be square/ What if I'm a bad role model, what if I'm scared?" Her vocals are silky. She’s poetic the way she sings to us. She gives us an intoxicating music video for “Shapeshifter,” in which she plays several roles around a gorgeous mansion from woman of the house to gardener. Alessia Cara is both a great singer and a chameleon. - Marisa Patwa

DIPLO

Diplo

Higher Ground Productions/Mad Decent

The DJ/producer immerses himself into glamorous house music with his self-titled album. “Humble” with Lil Yachty is a mindbending beat. The lyrics are catchy and quick, taking you on a trip with, “We got dead friends, it’s all the same/ Promise I'll remember your face, just can’t remember your name.” “Don’t Forget My Love” is a gorgeous beat with a psychedelic club music video that turns into a fun horror show to accompany it. You’ll be on your feet dancing for all three minutes and 19 seconds of the song. There are features on nearly every track - a sign that Diplo likes to highlight other people’s talents and make some creative magic. In addition to Lil Yachty, collaborators include Amtrac, Leon Bridges, Ry X, Elberbrook, Andhim, Paul Woolford, Kareen Lomax, Sidepiece, Damian Lazarus, Jungle, TSHA, Aluna, Durante, Seth Troxler and Desire. The stars are all aligned for Diplo's out of this world mix of hypnotic beats. - Marisa

Patwa

AVRIL LAVIGNE

Love Sux

DTA/Electric Records

I have been a fan of this skater girl since my awkward middle school days, and I’ll always stand by the poppunk rocker. From ballads to pop sensations, Lavigne's voice is so catchy and signature - something immediately apparent on her seventh studio album. “Bois Lie” with Machine Gun Kelly is the perfect song to belt out your inner teen romance. The pair duets perfectly, singing, “I heard your little story (story)/ And you talk way too much/ Why don't you say, "I'm sorry"? (Sorry)/ Is it asking way too much?/ Okay, I'm losing all my patience/ God, you make me anxious.” “Love It When You Hate Me” with Blackbear is a heartbreaker while “Kiss Me Like the World is Ending” is a grungy head-banger. This album is truly for all of Lavigne's fans who’ve loved her since “Complicated.” Each track is high energy. She’s her true classic self in these songs. She’s not trying to keep up with trends - she’s her own trend. All hail our skater pop-punk rock princess. - Marisa Patwa

SLASH FEAT. MYLES KENNEDY & THE CONSPIRATORS

4

Gibson Records

I’m a huge fan of Slash’s work with Myles Kennedy and the Conspirators. They have produced some great material over the last decade. For example, the debut Apocalyptic Love rivals anything that Slash did with Axl, Duff and the gang back in the 80s. However, the new release 4 leaves something to be desired. It feels like an album searching for ideas. While there are a few creative and original moments, there are just as many rehashed riffs and familiar tropes we’ve heard on the previous trio of albums. I suppose this happens with most bands - it’s not easy to reinvent your sound or progress musically as a whole. Having said that, it’s a straightforward, blues-based rock album that is well-produced and contains a few catchy songs with some hooks. As with all their music, the guitar work is solid, Myles is a melodic singer, and there are some tasty guitar solos. Check out “C’est la vie” and “The River is Rising.” - Matt Alschbach

IGGY

This Is Iggy

Sony Music Germany

New York City artist and German transplant Ignacio "Iggy“ Uriarte returns to the music scene with his second album and a new name. Originally known as the indie-pop, electronic-sounding Lions Head, the former X-Factor Germany judge doesn’t steer away from the debut that put his name on the map. From the heavily nostalgic "good old days” to a subtle and softer side on "fix me up," the new Iggy pulls out all the stops to still give people a sense of fun and celebration while also relaying content with substance and stories. While not groundbreaking (he does have the tendency to repeat similar meanings and starting points of some of his stories), Iggy makes it clear on this second record that he has more to offer and that his experiences since moving to Europe on his own offered him something new to write about. The album also offers a sense of exploration into his inner self such as touching on his troubles with anxiety in “pleasure,” despite featuring a party anthem-chanting chorus. It’s light enough to digest if you're looking for some soothing music on your way to slumber but it does make you wake up wanting to see what else Iggy has up his sleeve in the future. -

Freddie Bourne

DILJÁ

Shadows

Self-released

Icelandic singer-songwriter Diljá brings the sense of art-pop vocals that remind one of Emilie Autumn, the vibe and attitude of Alanis Morissette and storytelling skills of Carly Simon and Norah Jones on this 10-track venture. While each song comes off as a waltz at first listen, the production takes many forms of experimentation with the vast range of guitar tones, followed by small hints of chimes and piano that brings out the best of Diljá's simplistic yet endearing delivery that keeps you hanging on her every word - even when edging towards more slow-jam verses like the trip-hopsounding “Temporary Love” before kicking off her shoes and getting down and dirty with “Feel Your Passion." Standout tracks “Sporin” and “Dans á rósum,” sung in her native tongue, really show off Diljá’s range and her effortless tone that works wonders over the lush orchestration, while closing tracks “In Your Eyes” and “Waiting For You” give a nod to Donovan, Mercury Rev and the early work of Traffic yet stay true to Diljá’s sound and individuality. - Freddie Bourne

MICHAEL PATRICK KELLY

B-O-A-T-S

Columbia/Sony

Returning with his fifth solo effort, the wunderkind of the successful group The Kelly Family showcases a wonderful and pleasurable collection of songs that echo the delicate phrasing of the late John Denver and 70's easy listening outfits such as Bread with hints of Leon Russell. The record’s attempts at being upbeat are apparent throughout, with Kelly pulling out some surprises, such as a sudden key change heading into the chorus of second track “Diamonds & Rust,” but still gives fans a taste of his adolescent roots on the power ballad “Blurry Eyes” smack in the middle of B-O-A-T-S. Kelly isn’t afraid to shift gears often, with the radio-friendly "Throwback" sounding like anything but a homage to the past, almost following the template of hits by Olly Murs and Charlie Puth, while the percussion and brass-heavy "Mother's Day" tells the poignant story of collecting flowers for his mother's grave. The album closes with the bare basics of “Home” that captures the enjoyable journey of Kelly as a solo artist. - Freddie Bourne

BLUES WITH BRAGIN

BIG AL & THE HEAVYWEIGHTS

Love One Another

Vizztone Label Group

New Orleans-based Big Al & The Heavyweights return with Love One Another. The album opens with the title track, a west coast blues song with an uplifting message about treating people with kindness so that humanity can flourish. Jason Ricci’s superb harmonica skills shine through in the song. “I Need a Fix” features a great bass line from Mark Parsons. Marcel Anton also displays masterful guitar work. Big Al Lauro’s drumming on “Sweet Louise” helps give the song a great feel. Distorted guitar playing from Anton sets the tone for “Wild Tchoupitoulas” and Wayne Lohr provides a dynamic piano line.

“Guardian Angel” seems steeped in 1950s ballads as the lyrics discuss needing someone to watch over you as you try to improve. “Alright with Me” sounds reminiscent of a jazz/blues hybrid like Brian Setzer. A funky groove permeates “Stop This Messing Around.” Anton offers blistering guitar at the beginning of “What Can I Say.” Jason Ricci returns on the track with phenomenal harmonica. “I’m Your Man” feels like a psychedelic trip reminiscent of The Doors. The bass and guitar on “Too Cold” sound like a funky blast from the 1970s that counters the lyrics about not being warm enough. - Paul Bragin