Album reviews

Various

Free Download Compilation
Transformed Dreams

This is an interesting look at the diverse Amsterdam based label. The flavour is mostly punk (Sex Pistols punk as opposed to moronic ‘middle class American life is so hard’ punk thank god) with the occasional astract folk and electro pop numbers thrown in for good measure. There are a few wee hidden gems in here, particularly for fans of Yeah Yeah Yeahs etc. Though not all of it will be preffered listening for everybody (as often is the nature of the compilation) overall it’s a compilation which is definitely worth a listen. Fans of the late great John Peel may recognise bands Persil and Seedling from their numerous sessions. Even if you don’t like anything on it, which is really rather unlikely, it won’t cost you a penny. Can’t say fairer than that!

Download fromwww.transformeddreams.com

Stuart Torrance

My Device

Nervous System
Shifty Disco

My Device are an excitable Brighton trio, sitting uncomfortably in the space left between Maximo Park and the next faintly-melodic jerky indie band that the NME so loves to give its magazine space to more… “My Device”

Jesse Malin

Glitter in the Gutter
One Little Indian

I don�t know who this Jesse Malin character is, but he seems to have a lot of famous friends – Josh Homme of Queens of the Stone Age, Bruce Springsteen and Ryan Adams are just some of the rock royalty to have collaborated with Jesse on his new album more… “Jesse Malin”

The Horrors

Gloves
Loog

The Horrors are less a band and more a theatrical performance. From the image to the stage show to the songs – everything about them seems practised and performed to horror-punk perfection. However, this is not entirely a bad thing. It�s been light-years since a band had the gall to dress up and challenge their audience more… “The Horrors”

Wolf & Cub

This Mess
4AD

Here�s one for all you dancefloor indie kids. These electro-garage rockers are one of the bands it�s going to be cool to like in 2007. The pounding bass line and tripped out wailing guitar resembles Primal Scream around the time of Vanishing Point. It�ll make you want to get your groove on and leave you more… “Wolf & Cub”

SubOpt

Self-released

SubOpt are all about the funk. Something we all need in our lives. Unfortunately, SubOpt fail to bring anything new to the funk-rock genre, sounding like a very standard Incubus. The production is flawless and there are moments of brilliance, especially in Optimystic, in which Donna Maciocia provides an air of freshness to the music with her smooth voice more… “SubOpt”

Smoosh

This is weird. Pre-pubescent sisters performing on drums and keyboards. You could well be forgiven for expecting some Hanson type abomination. Instead we get a record that’s interestingly all over the place. more… “Smoosh”