Liam Finn – Fomo
Jan31

Liam Finn – Fomo

There’s no denying that a follow-up to his impressive 2007 solo debut I’ll Be Lightning was a big ask, but Finn has put together a confident, hook-heavy album that offers an effective balance between dreamy, kaleidoscopic tunes (Chase The Seasons) and out-and-out melodic pop (Cold Feet). There’s bundles of talent here that’ll one day prompt many to ponder, “His father was Neil who?”

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Stephen Malkmus and the Jicks – Minor Traffic
Jan31

Stephen Malkmus and the Jicks – Minor Traffic

If looking for a Pavement rehash then you’re unlikely to find it on the Beck-produced Minor Traffic, but there’s plenty of familiar Malkmus alchemy and eccentricity at work here nonetheless. Moments of chaos and noise blur still gel together enough that you’re left marvelling in wonder at the sheer wizardry that has gone into making it all so effectively entertaining (Brain Gallop is a bluesy highlight that feels like it should be...

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Frenzal Rhomb – Smoko At The Pet Food Factory
Jan31

Frenzal Rhomb – Smoko At The Pet Food Factory

It’s been five years since Frenzal Rhomb’s last album and we’ve all been the lesser for it. This is fast, frenetic stuff cut with Frenzal’s familiar melodic harmonies and brazen sense of humor (consider the manic Just Because It’s Soap Doesn’t Mean It’s Clean) that make for an incredibly satisfying half hour of Aussie punk rock. With Descendents drummer Bill Stevenson at the production helm (and work with such bands as Black Flag and...

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