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Albums Out Today: Ellie Goulding, Nicolás Jaar, Lianne La Havas, Protomartyr, Haux

Konstantinos Pappis
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0
Albums Out Today: Ellie Goulding, Nicolás Jaar, Lianne La Havas, Protomartyr, Haux

In this segment, we showcase the most notable albums out each week. Here are the albums out on July 17th, 2020:

Ellie Goulding, Brightest Blue

Ellie Goulding is back with her fourth studio album, Brightest Blue, out now via Interscope. Originally scheduled for release on June 5 but delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the pop artist’s latest is split into two parts, the first of which displays more “vulnerability” while the second is more “confident, brave, and fearless”, according to a press release. Goulding also said that the tracks on the first side are more “classically influenced” while the second is more “my kind of alter ego songs”. Co-produced by Joe Kearns, the follow-up to 2015’s Delirium features guest appearances from the late Juice WRLD, Diplo, serpentwithfeet, Swae Lee, and more, and includes songwriting contributions from Tobias Jesso Jr. and Chairlift’s Patrick Wimberly.

Nicolás Jaar, Telas

Nicolás Jaar has released his third new album of 2020, Telas, via Other People/Mana Records. Following March’s Cenizas and his second LP as Against All Odds 2017-2019 back in February, the electronic producer’s latest was previewed earlier this week in its “liquid state” via the newly launched website Telas.Parts. Now, the album – or, as a press release puts it, “a panspermic terrain where no matter — whether existing in thought, physical form or other — has a solid or unmovable origin” – is now available in its “solid state”. The one-hour LP consists of four parts – titled Telahora, Telencima, Telahumo, and Telallás – and features contributions from cellist Milena Punzi, vocalist Susanna Gonzo, and instrument makers Anna Ippolito and Marzio Zorio, with mastering done by Heba Kadry.

Lianne La Havas, Lianne La Havas

Lianne La Havas has put out her third, self-titled album, her first full-length release since 2015’s Blood. The London singer-songwriter’s latest includes the previously released singles ‘Paper Thin’ and ‘Bittersweet’, as well as her take on Radiohead’s ‘Weird Fishes’ from 2007’s In Rainbows. Co-produced by La Havas along with longtime collaborator Matt Hales, Beni Giles, and guest co-producer Mura Masa, the LP was recorded in London, Bath and New York throughout October and December of last year. “I’ve tapped into the best and worst parts of me,” La Havas said about the album in a statement. “While I didn’t expect this to be the direction of my new music, it’s my reality and it’s driven by emotion. I dare say that this is the closest I’ve gotten to a pure expression so far.”

Protomartyr, Ultimate Success Today

Detroit post-punk outfit Protomartyr have returned with their fifth studio album, Ultimate Success Today, out now via Domino. The follow-up to 2017’s Relatives in Descent and 2018’s Consolation EP, the record features contributions from Nandi Rose (aka Half Waif), jazz alto sax player Jemeel Moondoc, Izaak Mills, and Fred Lonberg-Holm. In the album’s accompanying bio, the Raincoats’ Ana da Silva wrote: “There is darkness in the poetry of Ultimate Success Today. The theme of things ending, above all human existence, is present and reminiscent of Cormac McCarthy’s The Road. Our world has reached a point that makes us afraid: fires, floods, earthquakes, hunger, war, intolerance…. There are cries of despair. Is there hope? Greed is the sickness that puts life in danger.”

Haux, Violence in a Quiet Mind

Singer-songwriter Woodson Black aka Haux has come through with his debut LP, Violence in a Quiet Mind, via Color Study. Following two acclaimed EPs in 2016 and 2018, All We’ve Known and Something to Remember, the artist’s latest is described as an “intensely personal album” in which he looks back on a childhood devastated by cancer, substance abuse and a fatal overdose. Produced by Thomas Bartlett (Sufjan Stevens, The National), Violence in a Quiet Mind was recorded on the Isle of Harris in Scotland before being shelved due to its sensitive subject matter, until Bartlett renewed Black’s confidence in the album. “The album is about honesty after hiding for so many years,” Black explains. “I think it’s something like a self-guided therapy session for sensitive people like me. It’s an album for people who naturally hide their true feelings; people that look OK on the outside but are struggling on the inside, people who think they don’t deserve to get the help they really need.”

Other albums out today: 

Bush, The Kingdom; Blu & Exile, Miles; Pretenders, Hate For Sale; Surfer Blood, Carefree Theatre; Oliver Tree, Ugly is Beautiful.

Shamir Announces New Self-Titled Album, Shares New Single ‘I Wonder’

Konstantinos Pappis
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0
Shamir Announces New Self-Titled Album, Shares New Single ‘I Wonder’

Shamir has announced his second album of 2020, a self-titled release due out on October 2. The Philadelphia-based indie artist also shared a new single from the album called ‘I Wonder’. Check it out below, along with a self-directed visual inspired by Keith Haring.

Shamir described the new song as being “about the feeling of love taking over your heart, even when you don’t want it to. It also alludes to climate change and how humans (‘love’) can be the most toxic thing to the planet (‘the heart’), but also the only thing that can fix it.”

The track follows the previously shared single ‘On My Own’, which was released back in June. According to a press release, the new album finds the artist trading the R&B and pop-inspired sounds of  March’s Cataclysm for a grittier palette, with Shamir looking more “toward the post-hardcore ’90s for further inspiration — from Olympia, Washington cult heroes Unwound to bands of the Kill Rock Stars orbit.”

Speaking of the album’s title, Shamir added: “I felt like it didn’t need a name, cuz it’s the record that’s most me.” The artist worked with songwriter Lindi Ortega and producer Kyle Pulley (Hop Along, Diet Cig) and will be self-releasing the record, despite having his own label, Accidental Popstar.

Shamir Artwork:

Interview: Rubén Álvarez

Andrés Gallardo Albajar
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Interview: Rubén Álvarez

Rubén Álvarez is a highly-gifted artist, retoucher and photographer out of Spain. Álvarez joined us for an interview to talk about his passion for automotive photography, retouching, and the dynamics between a photographer and retoucher.

You love cars, so working in automotive photography must be a dream come true. How did your love for cars come about, and when did your journey into automotive photography begin?

 I’ve always been curious by the evolution of cars over the years, both visually and engineering. After being selected to be the image of photoshop, a friend of mine offered me an opportunity retouching cars, back then I’ve only had some experience doing matte paintings, I thought that it was time to experiment and investigate. Some years later, here I am, I keep learning and trying every day to be a better professional.

We like the strength and cinematic look of your series A Jaguar in Iceland. How did you come up with the concept? And also, what has been the feedback from the client?

 If something characterizes me, it is that I am always thinking of special projects. Something that has never been done before (even if everything is already invented) something unique that you could never believe. Hence comes the concept of A Jaguar in Iceland, a wild animal represented by a car with the same name, with the same characteristics, in a country where you will never find such an animal like this. Fortunately, everything was perfect, and I recently have had the opportunity to do a second version with that cinematic look, to see how my way of seeing the same project has changed two years later.

Credit: Rubén Álvarez
Credit: Rubén Álvarez

Could you please describe to us the work dynamics and interaction between the photographer and the retoucher?

 I think that for the development of a project, there always has to be an understanding between professionals and styles. The style of the retoucher is not always fitting perfectly with the style of the photographer and vice versa. Personally, I try to adapt to everything, but as retouchers, we are in the major part of the cases required to follow some guidelines, either from the photographer or from an art director. That is why, when I enjoy my work the most is when I have complete freedom.

Looking at your trajectory, one can see an evolution from digital art and matte painting to photography and retouching. How was this transition?

 The transition actually came on its own, one day I opened some car photos in photoshop, then I realized that I was starting to improve, that everything I have learned previously could be applied to a whole new field. I think that my matte painting experience helped me a lot, in terms of composition, atmospheres and colour, but I am also improving my weaknesses which perhaps I would not have if I had started directly in the automotive industry. In the end, more than your skills using software or hardware, what really matters is your criteria; if it is good, it will be as much in matte painting as in photography or retouching.

Credit: Tony Harmer (photo), Rubén Álvarez (retouching)

If you could choose any car (classic or modern) to do a photo reportage, which one would it be?

 Honestly, the most important thing for me is not just the car; it is also the place and the working conditions, in short, the experience you live during the course of the project, from carrying out the first idea to the trip, the days taking the photos and the hours in front of the computer retouching them being sure that everything is perfect. Anyway, if I had to choose one, I would love to go around the Alps with an Alfa Romeo Giulia QV.

Thank you for joining us Rubén!

If you would like to find more superb work by Rubén Álvarez, you can follow his Behance page.

Album Review: The Streets, ‘None of Us Are Getting Out of This Life Alive’

Andrew Wright
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Album Review: The Streets, ‘None of Us Are Getting Out of This Life Alive’

It’s nine-years since The Streets released Computers and Blues, their fifth album, dubbed then as the Mike Skinner project’s swansong. The Inbetweeners Movie, the birth of MTV’s Geordie Shore, a royal wedding, and the stratospheric rise of Adele meant 2011’s cultural zeitgeist was defined by lads, Brits and musical icons. But, since Mike Skinner – the beer-loving, Lacoste-wearing geezer, that doubled up as one of UK rap’s most seminal voices – bowed out, the world has changed. Both for Skinner, now a 41-year old father of two, and a society in which he used to spout lyrics like: “See, I reckon you’re about an eight or a nine / Maybe even nine and a half in four beers’ time.”

As Skinner puts it, in the noughties The Streets “ran out of things to say”. The everyman tales of Original Pirate Material morphed into parables that included: the politics of pulling celebrities. Fast forward to 2020, and None Of Us Are Getting Out of This Life Alive sees The Streets attempt a collaboration project – like modern-day pop’s, pervading-poster boy Ed Sheeran’s 2019 release. However, where Sheeran’s phonebook emerged as a chart-raiding weapon, Skinner’s dials him through to figures from the present, past, and the abyss.

Lead-single ‘Call My Phone Thinking I’m Doing Nothing Better’ reflects the latter. The nebulous psychedelia of Tame Impala is spliced against Skinner’s trademark, blunt delivery, as he rejects his ex’s notifications: “Call and call my phone/ thinking I’m doing nothing better/ I’m just waiting for it to stop/ so I can use it again”. The unexpected appearances continue in the title track, a team-up with rock band IDLES, in what Skinner described as “sea-shanty tinged and inspired by an overnight ferry to Dover”.

Skinner’s lairiness, both in his syntaxes and their sentiments, have always been quintessential. At times due to the allegories contained within them, or the rejoinders they hurled at everyday life. Hip-Hop riser Ms Banks joins in on ‘You Can’t Afford Me’, matching Skinner’s flair with lines like “I’m from M&S babes/ you got a better chance at Lidl’s”. The nod to the UK’s current soundscape continues on ‘I Know Something You Did’, as he pulls in South London rapper Jesse James Solomon, and the satin vocals of Eliza.

One element that is omitted are the string-led rap-ballads (see ‘Dry Your Eyes’, or ‘It’s Too Late’) that prevailed in earlier releases. The closest here is ‘Falling Down’ which centres on piano chords that are slightly saccharine but nevertheless a comfortable bedrock for Skinner and Hak Baker’s uplifting instructions on perseverance.

However, Skinner’s at his best in album highlight, the technicoloured, UK funky cut ‘I Wish You Loved You As Much As You Love Him’. He navigates the commotion with the same dexterity as on ‘Has It Come To This’, this time with seasoned veteran Donae’o and the effortless, neo-soul vocals of Greentea Peng.

None Of Us Are Getting Out Of This Life Alive is markedly incoherent, in its genre, subject matter and personnel. Yes, hopping from IDLES to Donae’o may jar. But it’s this chaos that has always been the essence of Mike Skinner and The Streets. In 2002, Pitchfork said about their debut: “There’s just one problem: simply put, British accents just don’t sound particularly right in the context of syncopated rap-speech.” We clearly are much more accustomed to Mike Skinner’s bars 18 years on, but it’s the remaining grayscale that shines the brightest. If The Streets ever fully made sense, that really would be jarring.

Charli XCX to Release New Documentary About the Making of Her Quarantine Album

Konstantinos Pappis
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0
Charli XCX to Release New Documentary About the Making of Her Quarantine Album

Charli XCX has announced a new documentary about the making of her quarantine album, how i’m feeling now. It’s called 6ft Apart and was directed by Bradley&Pablo, known for directing music videos for Harry Styles, Rosalía, Frank Ocean, and more. No release date has yet been revealed.

“It felt only natural to document myself making this album,” Charli told Variety. “I don’t think I’ve ever made music in such a unique situation: being so logistically far apart from my collaborators, but going through exactly the same thing, writing songs about my relationship with my boyfriend sitting in the next room, and being so connected to my fans in such an intense and creative way, it felt quite overwhelming and heartwarming all at the same time.

She added: “So I wanted to film it all. Why not add to the pressure of making an extremely personal album within a five-week timeline by putting a load of cameras in my face and zooming in on my personality and insecurities too??! You know???”

The official announcement also describes the documentary as depicting “how this project would become a cathartic lifeline for both Charli and her fans, called the ‘Angels’, and a welcome distraction for the wider music world” as well as “the profound power of music to inspire hope, bringing people together in a time where we are forced to be apart.”

how i’m feeling now, which landed on our Best Albums of 2020 (So Far) list, was released back in May. The album follows last year’s Charli.

Angel Olsen and Hand Habits Cover Tom Petty’s ‘Walls’: Watch

Konstantinos Pappis
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0
Angel Olsen and Hand Habits Cover Tom Petty’s ‘Walls’: Watch

Angel Olsen and Hand Habits have shared a beautiful rendition of Tom Petty’s ‘Walls’ as part of Tuesday’s (July 14) Cosmic Stream 2 livestream event. Produced by Swing Left and Minneapolis’ First Avenue club, the ticketed event was broadcast from the Masonic Temple in Asheville, North Carolina on Tuesday (July 14). Check it out it below.

Back in March, Olsen shared a cover of Roxy Music’s ‘More Than This’, taken from their 1982 album Avalon. Her last album, All Mirrors, which landed on our Best Albums of 2019 list, was released in October. Earlier this year, she shared a remix of the title track by Chromatics’ Johnny Jewe.

Last year, Hand Habits’ Meg Duffy released two projects: their sophomore album placeholder and an EP called wildfire covers, which featured Olsen and four other artists covering their song ‘wildfire’.

Whitney Announce New Album Featuring Covers of David Byrne, Brian Eno, John Denver, and More

Konstantinos Pappis
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0
Whitney Announce New Album Featuring Covers of David Byrne, Brian Eno, John Denver, and More

Whitney have announced a new covers album called Candid, due out August 14 via Secretly Canadian. The 10-track LP will feature covers of David Byrne and Brian Eno, John Denver, Kelela, Damien Jurado, and more. The indie rock band also shared their take on The Roches’ ‘Hammond Song’, which you can check out below.

Speaking of the album, drummer and singer Julian Ehrlich said in a statement: “This could’ve been as simple as saying we really love these songs and we love our bandmates and making a covers record just felt right but it truly became an exploration into how we can evolve as a band going forward.”

Candid also includes previously released covers of John Denver’s ‘Take Me Home, Country Roads’ featuring Waxahatchee, as well as SWV’s ‘Rain’.

According to Ehrlich, the band discovered The Roches’ 1979 tune through producer Chris Coady (Yeah Yeah Yeahs, TV on the Radio), who “sent it to us years ago as a reference for recording when we were making the last Smith Westerns record.”

“It became a song that was always around for us and then we showed it to the rest of the band,” he continued. “This cover is the longest Whitney recording ever and pretty much everything you hear on it is totally live, save for the horns and the slide solo. For a five minute song, if you mess up one part you have to do the whole thing live all over again.”

Whitney’s last album, Forever Turned Around, was released in 2019.

Troye Sivan Announces Forthcoming EP, Shares New Single ‘Easy’

Konstantinos Pappis
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0
Troye Sivan Announces Forthcoming EP, Shares New Single ‘Easy’

Troye Sivan has announced a new EP called In a Dream, set for release on August 21 via Capitol. Following 2018’s Bloom, the EP will include the newly released single ‘Easy’. Check it out below, along with the tracklist and cover art.

“A story that’s still unfolding, this small collection of songs explores an emotional rollercoaster period in my life when the feelings and thoughts were most shockingly fresh,” Sivan explained in a statement. “Revisiting these songs and moments is tough, but I’m proud of this music and excited to have it out in the world.”

A music video for ‘Easy’ will premiere on Sivan’s YouTube channel at midnight AEST on July 17 (3pm BST on July 16). The track was co-produced by Oscar Görres aka OzGo, who worked with Sivan on his previous single, ‘Take Yourself Home’, along with Leland, Tayla Parx.

In a Dream Cover Artwork:

In a Dream Tracklist: 

1. Take Yourself Home
2. Easy
3. could cry just thinkin about you
4. STUD
5. ranger teenager!
6. IN A DREAM

Nicolás Jaar Previews New Album ‘Telas’ in its “Liquid State”

Konstantinos Pappis
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0
Nicolás Jaar Previews New Album ‘Telas’ in its “Liquid State”

Tomorrow, Nicolas Jaar is set to drop his third new album of 2020, Telas. Ahead of its release, the artist is previewing the album in its “liquid state”, as a press release puts it, through the interactive website Telas.Parts. Developed by Abeera Kamran and visual artist Somnath Bhatt, the site allows users to listen to different elements of the album as they navigate through hieroglyphic-like illustrations. Jaar also shared a preview of the website (best accessed through Chrome) in an Instagram post, which you can check out below.

The upcoming hour-long album, which was announced back in May, will be divided into four parts called Telahora, Telencima, Telahumo, and Telallás. Rather than just an album, a press release describes it as “a panspermic terrain where no matter — whether existing in thought, physical form or other — has a solid or unmovable origin.” It features contributions from cellist Milena Punzi, vocalist Susanna Gonzo, and instrument makers Anna Ippolito and Marzio Zorio, with mastering done by Heba Kadry. Telas will be released digitally via Jaar’s own Other People label, with physical copies handled by Mana Records.

The new album follows March’s Cenizas; back in February, Jaar shared his second LP as Against All Odds called 2017-2019.

The Manatees Release ‘Have It All’

Modestas Mankus
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0
The Manatees Release ‘Have It All’

The Manatees, a highly-promising band out of Southampton, have released their newest energy-filled, ear-pleasing song Have It All. The song comes after band’s releases of Guilty Pleasure and Tongue Tied — both which were released earlier this year. It also marks a new, more direct path to songwriting while still maintaining the mood and sound which has been planted in their previous songs throughout their discography.

Writing about the song the band stated: “Have It All is about being so infatuated with someone that they could control your every move if they wanted too. We’ve been locked away writing the past couple of months, and this track represents a new direction for us”.

With the current gloomy climate surrounding all of us, there is only one prescription we can support and recommend, and that is Have It All by The Manatees.

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