[rating=2]
47:22 min • Universal • September 16, 2013
Loud Like Love witnesses Placebo stuck in their own groove. Yet what principally lets the album down is its lyrics.

“From a man who has written some of the most twisted and heart-wrenching songs about love such as ‘Taste In Men’ or ‘My Sweet Prince’, a song such as ‘Exit Wounds’ sadly feels underdeveloped and disenchanting.”

[rating=4]
49:10 min • YOY • September 9, 2013
VV Brown has returned with 11 angry, desolate and soulful songs set against a unsettling, uncompromising soundtrack. It is a startling reinvention indeed.

“Samson & Delilah never goes too far, gets too crazy or attention seeking. The measured and meticulous tone and pacing of this album is a very large part of its success.”

[rating=5]
Released September 15, 2013
Nick Brewer’s Flat 10 is an intense, 7 track EP, a collection of chilled-out rap with a message..

“‘Every word that Brewer says on this EP comes from his heart, and is said to make a change – whether it just be to one person or people at large, and that I have a lot of respect for.”

[rating=5]
Released September 16, 2013
Ketevan traces Melua’s steps back to her earlier work and there is an effortless fusion of pop, jazz, rock and blues.

“Ketevan takes Melua back to the peerless blueprint of her previous albums, incorporating contemporary songwriting, the distinctive Mike Batt production and the hallmark sincere, layered and compassionate vibrato Melua vocal.”

September 25, 2013

Celebrate 40 years of Mastermind and those very specific topics. Polari Safari cartoon by David Shenton.

September 25, 2013

Celebrate 40 years of Mastermind and that lovely black leather chair. Polari Safari cartoon by David Shenton.

Spaces.

Andrew Darley talks to Glasser about making her second album Interiors, a record that explores the physical and emotional world.

“I think my first album came out wonderfully but sometimes I think about how simple the process was compared to this one. With Interiors, it was a much more complicated process and every single sound felt like a life or death decision.”

An Interview with João Ferreira.

João Ferreira, Queer Lisboa’s Festival Director, talks about how queer cinema is changing and how it remains a culture founded on desire.

“The idea was to have a very diverse programme that doesn’t look at gay or queer cinema in a narrow way but finds narratives and aesthetics that could also be called queer. We try to forget the labels and look for queerness in all kinds of films.”

[rating=4]
Released September 1, 2013
Sia’s melodies are unmistakable, and Celine’s voice sails over the syncopated drums and strings. It’s match made in heaven.

“‘Love Me Back To Life’ was a complete surprise. I’d heard a rumour it had a “dubstep beat”, which could either have been an amazing decision, or the musical version of “mutton dressed as lamb”.”

[rating=4]
47:42 min • Federal Prism • September 24, 2013
Oh Land’s Wish Bone: the promise of something both unexpected and immediately compelling is met almost without exception.

“Oh Land, like several similar acts, has been on the periphery of this greatness for a little while now but Wish Bone sees her nudge her way into this very special group with an album that, in addition to cementing her own unique identity, is a delirious and thoughtful collection of pop beauty.”