Music

JANUARY MUSIC REVIEWS

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

BLACK EYED PEAS

Elevation

Epic Records

The Black Eyed Peas may have lost Fergie, but they haven't lost their signature hypnotic beats. Their ninth studio album, Elevation, is more of an evolution. The band has broken through music and cultural barriers over the last two decades and they're still the epitome of cool and swag. The remaining members, will.i.am, apl.de.ap and Taboo, have completed their quartet with singer J. Rey Soul. Together, the four pulled in David Guetta and Shakira for their lead single, “Don’t You Worry.” It's filled with that high-energy, bust-a-move-on-the-dance-floor vibes we all love. The Peas continue to welcome guest vocals on tracks, bringing in lead Pussycat Doll Nicole Scherzinger on “No One Loves Me” and Anitta and El Alfa on “Simply the Best.” Other standouts include “Guarantee,” “Dance 4 U,” and the aptly-titled “Double D’z.” These electro-funk hip-hop songs simply illuminate sunshine. If you're in the mood to party or just need a shot of positivity, this is the perfect album for you. Marisa Patwa

LOUIS TOMLINSON

Faith in the Future

BMG Rights Management (UK) Limited

This One Direction alum has evolved from spunky British pop to more mature indie rock on his sophomore solo effort, resulting in a number one UK album. The three lead singles, “Out of My System,” “Bigger Than Me,” and “Silver Tongues,” all pack an emotionally intelligent punch, replete with beautiful vocals. Tomlinson may not have been the shining star of his former band, but as an independent artist he's truly shown he has merit and talent. Determined to provide hope after the dark days of the pandemic, Tomlinson wanted to release something to inspire his fans to appreciate the beauty of the world and he captures that idea beautifully here. "Angels Fly" is my favorite. The sweet lyrics nearly bring you to tears with, “You'll be okay, we can talk tomorrow/ I'm on my way with some time to borrow/ If every star is an eye in the sky/ You'll see angels fly (you'll see angels fly)/ I'll knock on your door, it'll save me from calling/ One single word, it could wait till the morning/ If every star is an eye in the sky/ You'll see angels fly.” Take me to Heaven, Louis. - Marisa Patwa

SAWEETIE

The Single Life

Artistry & Warner Records

Oakland-bred rapper Saweetie is back giving us all of the bad bitch energy vibes we need with her fourth EP. We're still desperately awaiting the release of her debut full-length, Pretty Bitch Music, but these six songs definitely give us the right amount of tease to satiate our appetites. Breaking up with Migos rapper Quavo gave her the energy and lessons to curate music on her life as a single, proud, confident and successful woman in the music industry. Through all of the trials and tribulations, she always comes out on top. “BO$$ Chick” is the perfect example of the rapper in her prime, with lyrics like, “Huh, what's that in my cup? That's that potion/ Rubbin' hundreds on my skin like it's lotion/ Sitting courtside with my loc and/ Presidential Rolly on me like I'm votin'/ Smellin' like a rich bitch, I'm too potent/ I don't do the nosebleeds, I want floor seats (uh-huh).” Only the best for my best friend. - Marisa Patwa

CANDLEMASS

Sweet Evil Sun

Napalm Records

Doom metal pioneers Candlemass are at it again with their newest release, Sweet Evil Sun. This Swedish outfit never fails to

deliver what fans expect from them, and in today’s changing music business, that is strangely comforting. Sure, metal devotees enjoy seeing their favorite bands take chances, stretch their creative limits, and experiment with new sounds and instruments; however, Candlemass isn’t interested in any of that nonsense. Sweet Evil Sun is a well-produced set of sludge-and-trudge compositions with just the right amount of groove. Each song pummels the listener with heavy rhythms, punctuated by some really impressive melodic guitar work. It’s nice when a band knows who they are and what they do well. Candlemass doesn’t stray too far from the formula, but it’s a recipe that has worked brilliantly since 1984. Check out “Devil Voodoo” and wait for the drums during the bridge - it really captures the magic of what makes this band special. - Matt Alschbach

WEYES BLOOD

And in The Darkness, Hearts Aglow

Sub Pop Records

The music of Los Angeles singer-songwriter Natalie Mering couldn’t be more beautiful. Mering, who records under the moniker Weyes Blood, found critical acclaim on her previous albums, Titanic Rising and Front Row Seat to Earth. On And in The Darkness, Hearts Aglow, she continues her streak of heartfelt songwriting backed by lush production and orchestral arrangements. Her music is seemingly influenced by 1970s singer-songwriters like Harry Nilsson while being quite comparable to the music of her labelmate, Father John Misty. The songs here have an ethereal, near religious feel to them as Mering uses music as a space for spirituality. If you are in need of some calming soft rock with elegant and uplifting lyricism, Weyes Blood's latest release is a must-listen.- Russ Finn

SOOT

Talons of Empathy

Self-released

Perhaps the coolest rock album to come out of the local Nashville scene this year belongs to Soot with their debut Talons of Empathy. Soot, who built a following in Nashville previously performing under the name Lacquer, unleash a dark, psychedelic force with these 11 tracks. Soot sounds like an amalgamation of late-era Brand New mixed with early-era Preoccupations, blending dark post-punk with metallic guitar riffs and brooding songwriting with violent, grimy lyrics. There are many standouts, one of them being “The Critic Smiles” (go figure), but my favorite track is “The Family Gun,” whose cryptic lyrics feel like an intense crime drama. Talons of Empathy is an incredible debut album from a band who will surely go on to do even greater things. - Russ Finn

TENCI

A Swollen River, A Well Overflowing

Keeled Scales

I believe A Swollen River, A Well Overflowing, the second studio release by Chicago indiefolk artist Tenci, will be severely slept-on and underappreciated - no one I know in real life or online has been talking about it, but it was one of 2022’s best albums. Where some artists excel in songs, Tenci excels in beautiful, intense moments - whether it’s the keys that come in halfway through opener “Shapeshifter” or the maniacal laugh and sax duet in ”Be,” A Swollen River is full of them. With wonderful instrumentation rich with acoustic guitars and woodwinds, the album is a warm and cozy listen that begs to be listened to by the fireplace as snow falls. If you like modern folk-rock acts like Big Thief or Phoebe Bridgers, please don’t overlook Tenci.- Russ Finn

DRY CLEANING

Stumpwork

4AD

One of the most intriguing new bands to come out of the UK post-punk scene over the last few years, Dry Cleaning have a unique approach to songwriting - for better or worse, depending on your appetite for idiosyncratic music. Really, it all boils down to whether you can get on board with the droll, spoken-word vocals of Florence Shaw who delivers witty stream of consciousness lyrics in a flat, disaffected tone over angular guitar riffs that recall the best of early Siouxsie and the Banshees. She's a bit of a one-off, not that far removed from, say, Morrissey; you either become totally entranced by her or cringe with every syllable Shaw utters. Stumpwork, the band's second full-length studio recording, probably won't win over any naysayers, but for the converted, it's a damn fine follow-up to 2021's New Long Leg; guitarist Tom Dowse provides a top-notch soundtrack while Shaw is at her seemingly uninterested best, casually dropping pop culture-influenced lines that both flummox and amuse. On paper, it shouldn't (stump) work, but Dry Cleaning pull it off with aplomb. - Johnny Fletcher

BLUES WITH BRAGIN

RICK BERTHOD

Tribute to Peter Green - Fleetwood Mac Years

RB Music

Las Vegas Blues Hall of Famer Rick Berthod is back with a tribute to the late, great Fleetwood Mac founder/guitarist Peter Green. The album opens with “If You Be My Baby,” a heavy blues number with a guest appearance from Junior Brantley on piano and vocals. Berthod’s version of the classic “Black Magic Woman” sounds like the version popularized by Carlos Santana before Berthod puts his own twist on it at the end. “Jumping at Shadows” features Berthod playing heavy guitar as Billy Truitt accompanies him on the organ. Brett Barnes offers steady drumming work on “Need Your Love So Bad” as Truitt continues his masterful work on the organ.

“Oh Well” starts off sounding like a gospel song before Berthod’s rocking guitar comes in strong and Barnes hits the drums like a madman. The slide guitar work from John Zito and Barnes’ vibraphones on “Albatross” seem perfect for listening while gazing at the ocean or driving down a deserted highway. “Stop Messing Around” features extra guitar work from Stoney Curtis, Chris Tofield and Mike Varney. Ronee Mac showcases his superb bass playing skills on “Driftin’” as Berthod serves up top-notch guitar work throughout the song. The album closes with “Loved Another Woman,” a song with a funky Latin groove that will start your toes tapping.

- Paul Bragin