Entertainment

Album reviews: New releases by Interpol, Candi Staton, Blood Orange & White Denim rated

Interpol are back with new album Marauder
Interpol are back with new album Marauder Interpol are back with new album Marauder

Interpol – Marauder

THE New Yorkers' sixth studio album may arrive in the wake of a 15th-anniversary tour for their debut Turn Out The Bright Light, but their vitality remains intact.

The classic Interpol sound is augmented by ambitious production from Dave Fridmann – Mercury Rev's founding bassist and regular producer also noted for his work with the Flaming Lips – on an album driven by a title character who singer Paul Banks admits is inspired by escapades from his past.

The 'Marauder' is to the fore on lead-out single The Rover and Stay In Touch, with the latter showcasing the guitar work of Daniel Kessler at its best. Flight Of Fancy, NYSMAW (Now You See Me At Work) and Number 10 also stand out while closer It Probably Matters rounds off an emotionally honest set driven by the notion of taking responsibility.

3 stars


Tom White

Blood Orange – Negro Swan

A MAN never short of ideas, Devonte Hynes here marshals his inspirations into an "honest look at the corners of black existence". The multiplicity of genres and switches of pace are initially dizzying – soul, acid R&B, verdant Prince-like arrangements – but on later listens Negro Swan sounds like an album rather than a mixtape.

Charcoal Baby references the album title, saying "No-one wants to be the odd one out at times" and elsewhere there is exploration of queer anxieties.

But this and the album's sonic dissonances are matched by celebratory peaks: "Your skin's a flag that shines for us all" as Saint sings, and the record's strong opening third features Wurlitzers, flutes, Puff Daddy duelling with TeiShi, and the lovely, multifaceted Jewelry.

Speech samples provide encouragement throughout, but in Runnin', Georgia Ann Muldrow's sublime guest vocal does so with towering force.

Truly, Hynes' vision and vulnerability make him a rare bird.

4 stars

Michael Dornan

Candi Staton – Unstoppable

FIFTY years into her career Candi Staton adopts the role of soul stateswoman on her aptly-titled 30th album.

This politically-charged collection, including a reworking of Patti Smith's People Have The Power, appears to be Staton's What's Going On? moment.

Unstoppable strikes the right balance of social commentary with irresistible hooks and funky rhythms that recall the late 1960s era of funk and soul, during which Staton rose to stardom.

Confidence is a barnstorming opener, with its sassy brass and Staton's age-defying vocal acrobatics. It's a family affair too with Staton's sons on bass and drums.

The meandering Love Is You lacks a similar urgency and the musically pedestrian Stand Up isn't quite a call to arms.

The album's centrepiece is a stirring appeal for unity, Revolution of Change. Over wah-soaked guitar and a low-tempo beat, Staton calls for an end to racist police brutality and gun law reform for the sake of future generations.

3 stars


Andrew Arthur

White Denim – Performance

TWO years ago, around the release of White Denim's last album, frontman James Petralli questioned why his band were not playing arenas, given the boilerplate acts that regularly pack out giant halls.

Furthermore, he asked whether that was even their destiny. Performance suggests Petralli remains on an uncompromising path, wherever that may lead.

It begins with the crackle of a shifting radio dial, a giveaway that White Denim remain tuned into their particular vintage FM aesthetic. Petralli says his band exist "just to make interesting, up-tempo rock & roll", but he's selling them short, given the funk, jazz and myriad adroit elements cooked up by the Austin, Texas quartet.

The trailer single, Magazin, is a slice of brass-bolstered glam rock, Fine Slime is built on brooding bass foundations and It Might Get Dark gets it on in a T Rex style.

Influences abound: tick them off. That radio dial is set less to a particular station than to an era. In an alternate reality, the year is 1976, White Denim are filling Madison Square Garden – and this is a Performance to bring the house down.

4 stars


John Skilbeck