THE BLACK KEYS Turn Blue
After 2011’s stomper of an album El Camino and single Lonely Boy won them three Grammies, there’s a lot of pressure for the Ohio duo’s latest offering to be just as brilliant. Luckily, it is. First single Fever is one of the most upbeat on the album, demanding attention with beautiful guitars and gorgeous lyrics. True Blue sees the pair return to a more blues heavy, chilled-out sound, which adds a nice variation to the album. It’s Up To You Now is more experimental with its thundering drum beat, and the record storms to an end with the fun-loving and insanely cheery Gotta Get Away, perfect for bopping to at this summer’s festivals.
9/10 – Harriet Shepherd
RAY LAMONTAGNE Supernova
A decade on from his debut album Trouble, the 40-year-old American singer-songwriter returns with his fifth album Supernova, complete with a more upbeat and punchy sound. Track She’s The One sees the New Hampshire musician’s distinctive voice turn into almost a whisper, but somehow it isn’t lost amongst the guitar riffs and drum-beat. Other stand-out songs include the title track with its vintage, almost doo-wop feel, while Airwaves has a Latin edge. This album is full of sincere, hopeful and heartfelt offerings.
8/10 – Rebecca Flitton
KINA GRANNIS Elements
The willowy and relaxing The Fire is a stand-out track from this 28-year-old singer-songwriter’s sixth album, Elements, while Dear River and This Far feel organic and warming. My Own is a family affair, another calm acoustic ballad, featuring her sisters, Misa and Emi. All in all, a lovely, easy-listening album. Grannis has enough experience, but hasn’t had enough exposure to remove the fresh purity you find in a new artist.
7/10 – Nicole Gallagher
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here