Sound Opinion: Album Reviews “Adore Life”, “Emotional Mugger”, “Hymns”

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]With no live shows in Kirksville last weekend, I ditched town for a weekend in St. Louis with my girlfriend. No live shows means no content for a review, so in lieu of a normal concert review, here are some sound opinions on the new year’s releases. 1. "Adore Life" - Savages[/vc_column_text][vc_video link="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y7ZpPsaMNMM"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]I previously had not listened to the London all-female, post-punk quartet Savages before this release, but after a play through of the group’s sophomore album “Adore Life,” I found it necessary to revisit Savages’ previous work as well. While I wouldn’t go as far as calling them a British version of Sleater-Kinney, it is easy to make comparisons between Savages frontwoman Jehnny Beth and Corin Tucker of Sleater-Kinney. Both lead females have deep, quavering voices that drive guitar hooks. It is also easy to make comparisons between Savages and Sonic Youth during its tenure with SST Records. This is a dark, sullen album that deserves a listen when everyone you’ve ever met is going out, but you’re at home with the lights off and the curtains drawn. “Sad Person” and “The Answer” are my favorite tracks from the album. 2. "Emotional Mugger" - Ty Segall[/vc_column_text][vc_video link="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NV-ugE80nEg"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Garage rocker Ty Segall returns with his eighth album, having cranked “Emotional Mugger” out a year and a half after his previous release, “Manipulator.” I’ve been a fan of Segall for many years, and this release was a pleasant turn from his signature low-fidelity sound, with Segall unabashedly stomping on the effects pedal before every out-of-control solo. It’s awesome to see a rock artist have the ability to develop within the narrow confines of rock ’n’ roll music — in “Emotional Mugger,” the low-fidelity hisses and pops frantically run away at a moment’s notice, creating a loud release that is the musical equivalent to skipping breakfast and pounding a couple of energy drinks before going to your first class of the day. “Californian Hills” is the exemplary track to define this sound. 3. "Hymns" - Bloc Party[/vc_column_text][vc_video link="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ta2g5AcA4aU"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Bloc Party’s fifth studio album, “Hymns,” is a massive departure in sound for the post-punk band that created the breakout debut “Silent Alarm” during 2005. Following their so-so previous album “Four,” I hoped a break from recording and touring would allow the London quartet time to regroup and fire off an album that returned to the band’s roots. Alas, the driving percussive force of drummer Matt Tong and bassist Gordon Moakes parted ways with the band following the release of the album, which left lead singer Kele Okereke and lead guitarist Russell Lissack to find new personnel before the creation of “Hymns.” Following Okereke’s deeply electronic solo sound, “Hymns” is a depressing release undeserving of the “Bloc Party” moniker. Lead single “The Love Within,” which has received much air time on KTRM, is a disappointing track featuring Okereke’s distinct vocals over a synthesizer-driven hook that is reminiscent of a generic EDM track. As usual, Okereke’s lyrics and voice provide pleasant appeal to the ears, but the overbearing electronic sound of the album leaves it spinning in the mud. “So Real” is destined to be a forgotten classic. Send me an email at burk992@gmail.com if you disagree with my opinions or have suggestions for a future album review. As always, tune in to "THE WARMUP LAP" on 88.7 The Edge every Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 7-9 a.m.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]