Not all months are made equal, and it’s often the case that August witnesses something of a summertime slump in terms of new album releases of quality. Nevertheless, we’ve prised a sextet of superb studio sets from the ranks of recent releases, all of which are worthy of your time and, quite possibly, money. Paying for music? Imagine!
Click the cover above to scroll through the sleeves.
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FKA twigs – ‘LP1’
(Young Turks, released August 11th)
“Eschewing the bold ‘n’ brash approach of many of pop’s main players, FKA twigs’ weapon of choice is delicacy, which she wields in abundance on the simply-titled ‘LP1’. A debut album made up of entirely original works, its razor-sharp production is matched by curious touches…”
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Basement Jaxx – ‘Junto’
(Atlantic Jaxx, released August 25th)
“The Latin/global focus means that post-World Cup there’s always the next Olympics, and the open deviations (jungle mania, Solange-like sunshine soul) make it a classic Jaxx party.”
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Tre Mission – ‘Stigmata’
(Big Dada, released August 11th)
“You’ve heard other rappers discuss these topics, so Mission doesn’t break new ground here. Instead, the grime-influenced beats – a glossy assortment of scant electronic tracks – take centre stage and make ‘Stigmata’ a respectable effort.”
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The Bug – ‘Angels And Devils’
(Ninja Tune, released August 25th)
“That all one can do is let the album play through again, though, is indicative of the great power this exhibition of completely engrossing, electrifyingly ambitious avant-dance(hall) possesses. The most worthy contender yet for the New ‘Mezzanine’/‘Maxinquaye’ crown that critics are so eager to assign whenever a slightly dark electronic album arises, give this the Mercury before it consumes the other candidates.”
Read our in-depth interview with The Bug
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Spoon – ‘They Want My Soul’
(ANTI-, released August 4th)
“The band’s dependable grasp of instantly joyous hooks still shows no sign of deserting them, and Britt Daniel’s raspy voice continues to marshal the tight groove at their core.”
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The New Pornographers – ‘Brill Bruisers’
(Matador, released August 25th)
“‘Brill Bruisers’ should finally see the band obtain the commercial success to match the critical acclaim they’ve accrued over the course of their last five LPs, as this is an almost perfect soundtrack to what’s left of the summer.”
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Keep up with all of our album reviews, here.
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