Alright. 2017 in music, continued...with a bit more variety this time.
Kendrick Lamar - DAMN. (April 14, 2017)
A very intelligent and well-constructed album. Combining politically-aware, engaging lyrics with Kendrick's technical prowess and a steady soundscape of jazzy, R&B-infused beats, this is modern hip-hop at its finest. Rhianna and U2 also make for awesome guest artists. I enjoyed it, it made me think, go check it out. A great album all the way through, a few standout tracks include "FEEL.", "LUST.", and "FEAR."
9/10
9/10
~
Temples - Volcano (March 3, 2017)
Diverging from the 60s psychedelia of their debut album, Temples trades in their Tame Impala-inspired guitar and drums structure for a more interesting take on 70s space-rock meshed with modern electronica. Like ELO meets Wilco meets M83, this is a sonically brilliant record, and fun to get lost in. Standout tracks include "I Wanna Be Your Mirror", "In My Pocket", and "Roman Godlike Man".
8/10
~
Diverging from the 60s psychedelia of their debut album, Temples trades in their Tame Impala-inspired guitar and drums structure for a more interesting take on 70s space-rock meshed with modern electronica. Like ELO meets Wilco meets M83, this is a sonically brilliant record, and fun to get lost in. Standout tracks include "I Wanna Be Your Mirror", "In My Pocket", and "Roman Godlike Man".
8/10
~
The Jesus and Mary Chain - Damage and Joy (March 24, 2017)
The band's first album in nearly 20 years, this is a welcome comeback from one of alt-rock's giants. There are plenty of nods to the band's noisy post-punk heyday, but this album deliberately brings itself closer to mainstream territory, and does it successfully. More akin to The Dandy Warhols than Joy Division, this is an eclectic but highly enjoyable addition to The Jesus and Mary Chain brand. Standout tracks include "All Things Pass", "The Two of Us", and "Presidici (Et Chapaquiditch)".
8/10
~
The band's first album in nearly 20 years, this is a welcome comeback from one of alt-rock's giants. There are plenty of nods to the band's noisy post-punk heyday, but this album deliberately brings itself closer to mainstream territory, and does it successfully. More akin to The Dandy Warhols than Joy Division, this is an eclectic but highly enjoyable addition to The Jesus and Mary Chain brand. Standout tracks include "All Things Pass", "The Two of Us", and "Presidici (Et Chapaquiditch)".
8/10
~
Mastodon - Emperor of Sand (March 31, 2017)
While this record doesn't tread new territory, it's still a merciless ride with one of modern metal's most talented bands. Mixing the more polished production style of their latest efforts with the crunch they're known for, Mastodon has yet again unleashed an epic collection of songs that should please any fan. Standout tracks include "Show Yourself", "Roots Remain", and "Andromeda".
7/10
~
While this record doesn't tread new territory, it's still a merciless ride with one of modern metal's most talented bands. Mixing the more polished production style of their latest efforts with the crunch they're known for, Mastodon has yet again unleashed an epic collection of songs that should please any fan. Standout tracks include "Show Yourself", "Roots Remain", and "Andromeda".
7/10
~
As a friendly reminder, Royal Blood has also released their newest, long-awaited track, "Lights Out", hopefully pointing towards a new album this year. Update: Royal Blood's new album is coming out on June 16th.
Happy listening.
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