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Album Reviews

Laura Marling – Semper Femina (Kobalt)

On her 6th album Semper Femina, UK singer/songwriter Laura Marling explores femininity, in its power, mystery and vulnerability with by songs filled with beautiful observations of friendship – particularly female friendship and the intimate and intricate psychologically behind each relationship.

Lindi Ortega – Til The Goin’ Gets Gone (Shadowbox)

Lindi Ortega’s new EP Til the Goin’ Gets Gone features 3 originals and 1 cover- all of which will break your heart. Striking a beautiful balance between finding her own new voice and capitalizing on her classic country sound, this EP situates Ortega as an artist finding her place in her own musical world.

The Shins – Heartworms (Columbia)

Shins albums sometimes pass me by on first listen (Oh yeah pretty melodies but haven’t I heard it all before) but then something happens and I find myself humming a phrase or singing a few words and wondering where does that come from, and before you know it I’ve watched the video and downloaded the […]

The Andy Sugg Group – Wednesdays At M’s (Kel-CD)

The Andy Sugg Group is a Melbourne–based jazz quartet, led by tenor and soprano saxophonist Andy Sugg.  Stylistically, the group explores contemporary post-Coltrane improvisations embracing an eclectic range of compositional influences, which include contemporary jazz, funk, R&B and avant-pop.  The world they inhabit can often be intellectual and intimidating to new ears.  Sugg likes to […]

The Nukes -III (Nukes)

I like The Nukes, I really do. I like the fact that they are writing original songs on the ukulele and not just pumping out ironic covers (Wellington Ukulele Orchestra I am looking at you) challenging both their songwriting chops and arrangement skills by pushing their sound forward.

Chuck Prophet – Bobby Fuller Died For Your Sins (Yep Roc)

  Former Green On Red member Chuck Prophet has been making consistently high-quality solo albums over the past 25 years or so, most of which have been appreciated by a small group of dedicated fans. No doubt, this latest entry will meet a similar fate despite sounding, to these ears, better than 95% of most […]

Hurray For The Riff Raff – The Navigator (ATO)

After 4 albums crafting a unique path through a folk rock tradition that is sometimes weighed down by its relationship to its own past, Hurray For The Riff Raff have hooked up with producer Paul Butler (Who did such a great job with Michael Kiwanuka’s last album) and produced a “concept album”. Now before you […]

French For Rabbits – The Weight Of Melted Snow (Southbound)

  Singer/Songwriters Brooke Singer and John Fitzgerald began writing and demoing on Lo-fi equipment down at Waikuku Beach back in 2011.  Back then they were a team – both in their personal life and in music.  Over time they’ve grown up and out.  Their project has now morphed from a duo to a party of […]

Noveller – A Pink Sunset For No One (Fire Records)

  Noveller is the solo project of Brooklyn-based guitarist and filmmaker Sarah Lipstate.  Lipstate started out playing in bands while at college. It was while she played guitar in an Austin experimental duo One Umbrella (with synth/electronics partner Carlos Villarreal) that she developed her grounding in the ambient cinematic,  ‘chillscapes’ she now currently makes.  Even […]

Ryan Adams – Prisoner (Blue Note)

  After his divorce from Mandy Moore, Ryan Adams has heartbreak on his mind. That frame of mind resulted in his excellent debut solo album back in 2000. Now, those sad circumstances seem to result in another fine collection of songs.

Pissed Jeans – Why Love Now (Sub Pop)

With the traditional musical fuel of politics and politicians being more volatile than ever, for a band as tuned into the moment as Pissed Jeans it must seem like a good time to be punk. But instead of taking aim at traditional targets, Pissed Jeans’ latest record Why Love Now is a self-aware and biting […]

Alison Krauss – Windy City (Capitol)

Alison Krauss might be one of the most underrated, but prolific, artists of the ‘Country’ genre.  Although, what that actually is these days is a pretty loose beast.  Most of us will know about her 27 Grammys (apparently she’s tied for second place in the winner stakes), many for best Bluegrass Album with Union Station. 

Jens Lekman – Life Will See You Now (Secretly Canadian)

A few years ago we were all entranced by the charming twee of Scottish team Belle & Sebastian, who’s material traversed the difficult subjects in their own faux-1960’s soundtrack kitsch-ness.  Then, locally, Lawrence Arabia brought us more lush, slightly cheesy songs like Apple Pie Bed which he interlaced with some deliciously clever lyrics.  At times […]

Minor Victories – Minor Victories (Orchestral Variations)

Ok, so when Damon Albarn tries out a new project (be it Gorillaz or The Good The Bad and The Queen, or any other concept) you expect something that will totally reset your clock.  I was expecting the same from Rachel Goswell (Slowdive), Stuart Braithwaite (Mogwai) and main driver Justin Lockey and his brother James […]

Elbow – Little Fictions (Polydor)

Seven albums in and Elbow sound as engaged and enthusiastic about the music they create as ever. There is a maturity and richness to the musical layering on this album that rewards repeated listening. It really is the sound of a band at the top of their game. 

Sampha – Process (Young Turks)

  Process is the much-anticipated debut album by Sampha Sisay, a 28-year-old Londoner who has lent his voice in recent years to recordings by Solange, Drake, Kanye West and Frank Ocean. Now after a couple of EPs, he’s finally ready to step out front and centre on his own.

Tweed – High-Brow Blues (Southbound)

First things first.  Don’t confuse this Auckland based Folk outfit with a Philadelphia band with the same name.  However, there is an American connection, with one American-born Kiwi and one recently returned from the States.  Nancy Howie (guitar) was a Kiwi who grew up on a sailboat, picking up her accent from a long stint […]

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