Parquet Courts Sunbathing Animal
8
Jeb Lipson Patina
8
What’s Your Rupture?/Mom + Pop Records Producer: Jonathan Schenke
Rankoutsider Records Producers: Jeb Lipson & Carter W. Humphry
Like many young bands, these Denton, TX boys have long since bit the Brooklyn bug and look what they have to show for it. This marks Courts’ third studio release and, unlike the frenzied crunch of Light Up Gold, this record will have you praising the gods of lethargy. “Raw Milk,” “Dear Ramona” and “Instant Disassembly” come off as defeated beer hymns while “What Color Is Blood” attests to the band’s ability to pick a groove and stay on it (a la Velvet Underground). Dual frontmen Andrew Savage and Austin Brown maintain vocals with untrained, almost adolescent purity. Excellent. – Ted Jamiso
Americana artist Jeb Lipson’s organic rocktinged songs are laced with harmonies and tasty guitar fills that remind us of Tom Petty, especially on “She Changed Her Mind.” With its sardonic lyric about finding the Savior, “Death Row Jesus” is fueled by a barroom swagger that shows another dimension to this artist. Best of the batch, though, is the poignant “Pocket Knife,” where the singer looks back to when his father conveyed worldly wisdom (“cut against the grain”) symbolized by the knife—the same wisdom and blade the singer now passes on to his own son. – Mark Nardone
O.A.R.
Islander
The Rockville LP Vanguard Records Producers: Marc Roberge, Nathan Chapman, Gregg Wattenberg and Jerry DePizzo
7
Violence & Destruction Victory Records Producer: Cameron Webb
7
By titling their eight studio album The Rockville LP, O.A.R. honor the Maryland town in which they formed, but this gaggle of ballads sadly amounts to an exercise in non-threatening sentimentality. Songs concerning love abound—renewed love, desired love, love of music, loving being in love—all done in the quartet’s snappy style. Sporadic moments hit their emotional marks, but it’s the grand finale, “I Will Find You,” that closes on an epic note, reminding us sometimes the heart just wants what it wants. – Andy Kaufmann
Making both Alternative Press’ “100 Bands You Need to Know” and Revolver’s “Most Anticipated Albums of the Year,” the bar is set pretty damn high for Islander’s debut LP via Victory Records. With the immediate deep chug of “Counteract,” it becomes clear these young lads grew up on the nu-metal/ heavy rock era of the late ‘90s. Standouts include “The Sadness of Graves,” “Coconut Dracula” and title track “Violence & Destruction.” This album is destined for fans missing the days of White Ponies running wild on the airwaves below the P.O.D. Satellites. – Andy Mesecher
Ronnie Earl & The Broadcasters
Sia
Good News
Stony Plain Records Producer: Ronnie Earl
10
1000 Forms of Fear
9
RCA/Monkey Puzzle Records Producer: Greg Kurstin
This album is, indeed, good news! From the uptempo rockabilly-like romp “I Met Her on That Train” to the jazzy samba-esque “Time to Remember,” Earl proves he is a master of the Stratocaster, able to assimilate many musical tones and styles. The addition of guest vocalist Diane Blue is refreshing. Her take on Sam Cooke’s “Change is Gonna Come” is magical and deeply moving while her work on Buddy Guy’s “In the Wee Hours” is indelible and haunting. Earl and company tap into the healing power of music, with a comment on the Boston marathon bombing tragedy called “Runnin’ in Peace.” – Eric A. Harabadian
With so many great song credits under her belt, it’s no surprise Sia’s sixth studio album is chock-full of future hits. From its start with single “Chandelier” to its end with “Dressed In Black,” the singer/songwriter has managed to create her best release yet. Sia’s already stellar vocals soar even higher through the 12-song effort, giving her powerful lyrics the perfect vehicle to drive themselves into the hearts of fans. Standouts include “Elastic Heart” and “Fair Game,” though it is quite hard to choose a favorite, given there isn’t a bad tune on the album. –Victoria Patneaude
The Empty Hearts
Bernhoft
The Empty Hearts
7
Islander
6
429 Records Producers: Ed Stasium and The Empty Hearts
Big Picnic Records Producer: Paul Butler
Sort of an ‘80s garage band supergroup, the Empty Hearts are veterans of the Cars, Blondie, the Romantics and Chesterfield Kings. The collective pop/punk chops come through loud and clear, and the band sound as though they have been writing and playing together for years. “I Don’t Want Your Love...” is a catchy anthem, “Soul Deep” has a good chugging drive to it, and most of the songs exude a good-hearted bounciness. More than a few lyrical clichés are employed, but overall this debut is a well-crafted, highly enjoyable bundle of snap, crackle and pop. – Brett Bush
Already a household name in Norway, Bernhoft has caught the attention of U.S. audiences and critics with his highly acclaimed live show. A master of looping, he follows suit on this release with his tasty retro but cutting edge R&B sound and palatable sonic elements. “Freedom,” with its Stevie Wonder-like vibe and hooky chorus, has an engaging shuffle feel, but he hits it out of the park with “Wind You Up” which does exactly that. Islander, however, struggles to express the magic he achieves live as a one-man wonder weaving pre-recorded tracks seamlessly into his performances. – Ellen Woloshin
To be considered for review in the Album Reviews section, you must have a record deal with a major label or an independent label with an established distributor. If you do not, please see our New Music Critiques section.
50 July 2014
musicconnection.com