Janelle Monáe
The ArchAndroid
Wondaland Arts Society / Bad Boy (2010)
When music historians look back on the first decade of the 21st century, they'll no doubt highlight the dazzling array of pop musicians daring to innovate. Those producing music which both reinvents and creates, challenging conventions and spinning concepts and long-term constructions around their work. Except, of course, they won't. Pop has been sadly lacking of late, with depressingly little in the way of originality and edge. Lady GaGa won her plaudits, but her skills are revealed as style over substance upon the arrival of Janelle Monáe. With one overblown and hyperambitious debut Monáe has invigorated pop music, issuing the kind of challenge Prince, Madonna, Grace Jones, Bowie and other greats once aimed at a turgid music industry. The ArchAndroid (Suites II and III, to give it its full title) is a bold and thrilling record. It opens with orchestral flourishes and film score-esque overtures, setting the tone for more than an hour of experimental pop, hip-hop, jazz, rock, electro, funk and classical. Many acts claim the overused 'eclectic' as their badge of pride, but Monáe is too busy sampling (Saul Williams crops up on "Dance or Die"), caterwauling ("Come Alive (The War of the Roses)"), warbling ethereally ("Sir Greendown") … Read more
Amateur Party
Truncheons in the Manor
Rorshach (2011)
There are a lot of names that could be dropped when talking about Amateur Party—in fact, I did so when … Read more
Altar Of Plagues
Mammal
Profound Lore (2011)
Ireland's Altar of Plagues play a style of black metal so atmospheric in nature, that you can't help but be … Read more
Gangpol & Mit
The 1000 Softcore Tourist People Club
Ipecac (2011)
It’s a great thing when bands can mesh cartoon visuals with their music. It in turn enhances the listening experience, … Read more
August Burns Red
Leveler
Solid State (2011)
August Burns Red have become the face of American metal over the last few years with their unique brand of … Read more
