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newmusickarl · 3 months ago

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5-9’s Album of the Month Podcast – latest episode out now!

The latest episode of the 5-9 Album of the Month Podcast is here and it’s a big clash of rock giants both old and new! As ever, I take a seat alongside 5-9 Editor Andrew Belt and Mama Mañana Records’ Kiley Larsen to review five high profile album releases from the past month in music, ultimately naming one as our Album of the Month at the end of the discussion.

For our July 2024 episode, it was Hot Chip’s Joe Goddard who took home the coveted Album of the Month title, wowing us with his feature-heavy second solo album, Harmonics. For our latest episode, we look back at five big releases from August and the albums vying for recognition this time around are:

Romance by Fontaines D.C.

Champion by Pom Poko

Aghori Mhori Mei by The Smashing Pumpkins

Infinite Health by Tycho (Poll winner, thanks for voting!)

Midas by Wunderhorse

If you want to listen to this or any previous episodes simply follow the links below, but also be sure to follow 5-9 Blog on Instagram, Twitter and YouTube for more news and polls relating to the podcast.

Listen on Spotify here

Watch, like and subscribe to our YouTube channel here

Album & EP Recommendations

Ness by Hayden Thorpe

“When going on a sonic journey into the wild, who better to chaperone than former Wild Beasts frontman, Hayden Thorpe. Six years after the disbandment of the acclaimed art-rock quartet, the singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist has since firmly established himself as a solo artist, thanks to the stark balladry of ‘Diviner’ and the synth-soaked majesty of ‘Moondust For My Diamond’. Now back with his third solo album Ness, an adaptation of author Robert Macfarlane’s book of the same name, Hayden has successfully crafted his most magical and ambitious project yet. Hayden Thorpe’s Ness ends up being more than just another album. Where Macfarlane’s book was part-novella, part-prose and part-poem, Hayden too has crafted a piece of art that blurs the lines between music, audiobook, spoken-word and classical composition. It’s simply a one-of-a-kind auditory experience, one that whisks you away to a place full of historical dread and natural wonder, which feels all too relevant for today’s world. Through Hayden, Ness Speaks – and it’s quite unlike anything else you’ll hear all year.”

Listen to the album here

Read the full 9/10 album review for Clash here

Watch or listen to our exclusive interview with Hayden on the making of the record here

Someday, Now by Katy J Pearson

The evolution of British singer-songwriter Katy J Pearson has been quite something to witness. From her solid debut Return back in 2020 to her ultra-impressive follow-up Sound of the Morning in 2022, Katy has taken sizeable steps forward and matured her songwriting with each new release. So, it is no surprise then that not only is ‘Someday, Now’ her best record to date, but it’s also one of the year’s best too.

Filled wall-to-wall with soaring, string-tinged indie-pop anthems, this is without a doubt her boldest collection yet, where the production throughout is exquisite and the vocal performances remain as sublime as ever. The orchestrated delights of Save Me and It’s Mine Now dazzle early doors, before the jittering riffs of Grand Final and the stripped-back majesty of Someday light-up the back half. However, Pearson arguably saves the two best songs for last, from the melancholic sway of Siren Song to the triumphant, bluegrass finale, Sky.

Overall, this is another all killer, no filler release from Pearson, one that perfectly fits the Autumnal weather, to the point that I can’t seem to stop playing it. A magnificent record that sees Pearson continue to go from strength-to-strength.

Listen here

Cascade by Floating Points

We have been spoilt for incredible electronic records in 2024, but this new one from Samuel Shepherd, AKA Floating Points, is right up there with the year’s best.

After his much-acclaimed collab album with Pharoah Sanders (a record I personally found quite underwhelming) I’m pleased to say Shepherd has returned to the club for his latest album. ‘Cascade’ is a fitting title too as listeners are treated to an avalanche of sonic splendour, beginning with the dizzying Vocoder club mix and pulsating Key103, before the vibrant euphoria of Fast Forward and throbbing, distorted beats of tracks like Afflecks Palace and Tilt Shift. That said, the pick of the bunch is the enchanting, near 9-minute sonic journey Ocotillo, which begins as an understated dash of ambient electronica before morphing into a racing barrage of static synths.

All in all, one of the year’s best from the genre and an incredible listening experience that will pull you back in for repeat spins.

Listen here

Dance, No-One’s Watching by Ezra Collective

When your last album not only wins the Mercury Music Prize but also makes history by being the first jazz record to do so, you better believe there’s going to be some pressure on the follow-up. However seemingly not phased at all, the quintet that make up Ezra Collective have returned a year to the month with their joyous third album ‘Dance, No-One’s Watching’, which I’m pleased to say is every bit as dazzling as its award-winning predecessor.

A celebration of music that makes you dance inspired by their triumphant 2023 world tour, the mosaic of global influences is condensed into this incredibly satisfying, groove-tastic concept album, set around a liberating night out. From the West African rhythms of Palm Wine, the gospel guided duo of Hear Me Cry and Everybody, to the cherry on top features from the likes of Olivia Dean, Yazmin Lacey and Moonchild Sanelly, it’s another captivating work from Ezra Collective that will just put the biggest smile on your face.

Listen here

HOPECORE by Rahim C Redcar

You may not recognise the name Rahim C Redcar, but you may be familiar with his former musical pseudonym, Christine & The Queens. Now officially releasing music under his chosen name, ‘HOPECORE’ is a debut album of sorts for this new identity, after it was first introduced on Christine & The Queens’ projects, Redcar les adorables étoiles (prologue) and Paranoïa, Angels, True Love.

Sonically this new release isn’t a million miles away from those projects, boasting a hypnotic collection of synth-soaked sonnets enriched by theatrical, live-sounding production. This rawness of the production is the big fascination point, helping to supercharge these songs so that the impassioned vocal performances and aching lyrics pour out of each bar.

Like it was on Paranoïa, Angels, True Love, at times it also sounds like Rahim Redcar just riffing in the studio, giving these tracks a magical, improvised nature. None more so than on the album’s phenomenal 20-minute centrepiece, OPERA – I UNDERSTAND, which will certainly test the patience of some, but also blow the minds of others. Add in other sensual sensations like ELEVATE, DEEP HOLES and RED BIRDMAN EMERGENCY, and what you have is another towering work of art from one of alt-pop’s true visionaries.

Listen here

Stream of Life by Maxïmo Park

For more than 20 years, Geordie heroes Maxïmo Park have been one of the UK’s best manufacturers of certified indie bops and, as a result, one of my sentimental favourites. While not all their records have completely hit the mark, their output has generally been solid over that period and their last outing, Nature Always Wins, was one of their best yet.

Now back with their eighth studio album ‘Stream of Life’, the band are looking to build on their creative purple patch with a new record that digs into the complexities of the modern world and human existence. Now, what was special about listening to this record for the first time is that I got to experience it first in a live setting, as the band played the new album in full at their recent show at Metronome, here in Nottingham.

It was a revelation, making me wish more bands would do a pre-release album launch show, rather than a post-release album launch show (although I appreciate this helps more with the chart battles). So rather than reviewing the album here (which in short, is fantastic!), I thought I would share my review of that night at Metronome and experiencing the album for the first time.

Read my review of the Stream of Life album launch show here

Listen to the album here

A Modern Day Distraction by Jake Bugg

“After his revelatory self-titled debut made Bugg a star, earning him a Mercury Prize nomination, critical acclaim and legions of fans the world over in the process, his subsequent efforts have admittedly been more of a mixed bag. While each of his four albums since have had their fair share of moments, none have had the consistency of his brilliant first outing. Seemingly recognising this, Bugg has gone back to basics on his new album ‘A Modern Day Distraction’, abandoning the more pop-influenced sounds of his previous outing ‘Saturday Night, Sunday Morning’, to instead return to the blues-inspired indie rock & roll that brought him to the dance. While it may ultimately be a solid rather than sensational listen, this is an enjoyable sixth outing from Jake Bugg that marks a reasonable return to form, while also providing more than a few strong highlights. By getting back to what he does best, this is a sizeable step in the right direction, with ‘A Modern Day Distraction’ easily his most well-rounded project since his beloved debut.”

Listen here

Read the full review for Clash here

Idiot EP by Bored Marsh

“Bored Marsh, made up of Joe Need (Vocals), Brad Westby (Guitar & backing vocals), Jade Bowman (Bass guitar) and Paul Mason-Smith (Drums), formed during the height of lockdown. At a time when the music industry was facing an uncertain future, these four friends were sharing demos and bonding over a shared love of Oasis’ ‘Be Here Now’. While it may have started out as just a hobby, once Bored Marsh were able to get out and start playing their music live in front of crowds in late-2022, their popularity in their home city of Nottingham quickly blossomed. Fast-forward to today and their reach is now expanding well beyond the NG postcode, playing industry showcases in different cities, festivals further afield and getting their name on national lists of the country’s best unsigned bands. Now with this their debut EP, they are ready to officially make their introduction to rock fans across the UK and beyond. Everything that has gotten Bored Marsh attention so far is laid out tightly on this EP. From Joe Need’s passionate vocals to the dynamic and stylistically varied guitars, the appeal of Bored Marsh’s sound is evidently clear from this first collection. Reflected in Broadmarsh’s recent rejuvenation, Bored Marsh have ascended from the bleakness of lockdown to present the confident and assured band found playing on this EP. While the music itself often remains dwelling in the darkness, the hopefulness is carried in their massive, soon to be realised, potential.”

Listen here

Read the full review for Clash here

Also well worth checking out:

Manning Fireworks by MJ Lenderman

Same Mistake Twice by The Howl & The Hum

The Greatest Love by London Grammar

Ten days by Fred Again…

WOOF. by Fat Dog

Hysterical Strength by DEADLETTER

Gary by Blossoms

INTRO by Kaeto

Emita Ox by Hello Mary

It's Nothing by Dolores Forever

Song Recommendations

Alone by The Cure

Autumn has arrived and after 16 long years, the gothic kings are back with new music. Their much-anticipated new record ‘Songs Of A Lost World’ drops on the 1st of November and our first taste is the album’s near 7-minute opener. Typically dreamy yet aching with melancholia, it’s an outstanding return from one of music’s true greats.

Listen here

The Lighthouse by Stevie Nicks

Speaking of musical greats with new music, rock icon Steve Nicks has also recently returned with her important new single, The Lighthouse. Written in the wake of Roe v. Wade being overturned, it’s a hopeful and inspirational track centred on women’s rights. Powerful and hard-hitting in every sense, it shows Stevie still has the gift of shaking the earth when needed.

Listen here

SPEYSIDE by Bon Iver

Announcing a new EP for mid-October, Justin Vernon and Co. have also returned with this utterly stunning new single. As beautifully moving as even their best work, SPEYSIDE marks a return to the understated and stripped-back sound that made their early work so special, with Vernon’s vocal performance as goosebump-inducing as ever.

Listen here

Living A Lie by The Amazons

Watching Reading-based trio The Amazons grow from promising indie upstarts to one of the best rock bands in the country has been one of my biggest musical pleasures over the last decade. Now back with a seismic new single that marks the start of their new era, Living A Lie may be their most accomplished track to date. With outstanding guest vocals from Ella McRobb, a rumble of stomping drums and typically scintillating / jaw-dropping guitar work from Chris Alderton, it’s just an absolute triumph.

Listen here

The Silence That Remains by The Horrors

After ending their last album with Something To Remember Me By and then giving us nothing but radio silence for the past eight years, I had come to terms with the fact that psych-rock outfit The Horrors may be no more. So you can imagine my joy this week when the band finally returned with news of a new album, ‘Night Life’, due for release in March next year. This first taste is vintage The Horrors too, showing that despite the time away and changes in the line-up, they can still deliver the goods that fans expect.

Listen here

Otherside by Maribou State & Holly Walker

A group that has been away almost as long as The Horrors, electronic duo Maribou State also finally made their return this week. With Chris Davids thankfully recovering from the brain surgery that forced shows to be cancelled and their new album to be postponed, the vibrant and joyous rhythms of Otherside are an early sign that new record ‘Hallucinating Love’ will be well worth the wait, as regular collaborator Holly Walker also once again lends her sweet vocals to the track.

Listen here

Oh Boy by Oscar & The Wolf

With his new album ‘TASTE’ only a few weeks away, Belgian superstar Oscar & The Wolf has been ramping up the single releases in the build-up to the 25th October. The standout has been Oh Boy, the devastating closing track on the album which, based on the singles so far, seems to deal with a tough break-up from a toxic relationship. This song is only made more impactful by the striking music video that accompanies it, featuring home footage of singer Max Colombie in a stirring dedication to his mother.

Watch the video here

Human Frailty by One True Pairing

Another artist continuing the build to his new album is Tom Fleming, former member of Wild Beasts and the genius behind One True Pairing. This latest single continues the sonic shift from the soaring stadium rock that made up his solo debut to a more stripped-back and folk-inspired sound. This latest single is one of the best yet of the pre-released singles, featuring stirring acoustics and a tender, self-aware message of acceptance.

Listen here

All My Freaks by Divorce

For folks of Nottingham like myself, one of the most exciting album announcements of recent times. In March next year, fast-rising local quartet Divorce will finally release their debut album, ‘Drive to Goldenhammer’. The first track to be revealed from the debut is All My Freaks, with the country-inspired indie-pop track representing everything that is so wonderfully captivating about this band. Get ready for a Nottingham takeover of UK Music in 2025!

Listen here

Nightcall by Kavinsky, Angèle & Phoenix

And finally this month, while I don’t have a cover for you all this time around, I do have a fun reimagining of a classic. You may know French producer Kavinsky’s iconic single from either Nicolas Winding Refn’s film Drive, or possibly London Grammar’s atmospheric cover. Well now, as first heard at the Paris Olympics back in the summer, the new version with the addition of French indie rockers Phoenix has officially been released, bringing a fun new spin to this old favourite.

Listen here

Also worth checking out:

Eusexua by FKA Twigs

A Hole In The Ground by Porridge Radio

Love Second Music First by Self Esteem

In My Dreams by Four Tet & Ellie Goulding

Timeless by The Weeknd & Playboi Carti

Still Riding by Barry Can’t Swim

Can’t Pretend To Know by The Murder Capital

Mistake / Better Man by Katie Keddie

REMINDER: If you use Apple Music, you can also keep up-to-date with all my favourite 2024 tracks through my Best of 2024 playlist. Constantly updated throughout the year with songs I enjoy, it is then finalised into a Top 100 Songs of the Year in December.

Add the Best of 2024 playlist to your library here

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