Rocketman
Music From The Motion Picture
HOT ON the heels of Bohemian Rhapsody, Rocketman is the latest musical movie to hit the silver screen. However, unlike the Freddie Mercury and Queen story, this is a true musical. Reimagined by Giles Martin, the celebrated songwriter and producer has also re-interpreted Sir Elton John's pieces into fantastical journey.
The wonder doesn't just stop there, Taron Egerton's truly morphed into the larger than life character that is the showman Elton, not to mention his astounding vocal similarities. At times it is nigh on impossible to remember that this isn't the be-spectacled singer at all.
From the rousing Saturday Night's Alright (For Fighting) – which has been turned into a foot-tapping and grin-inducing ensemble piece to the voice –crackingly emotional Your Song and new song (I'm Gonna) Love Me Again – there is no part of this musical extravaganza that wouldn't be out of place in the West End.
A fitting tribute to the awesomeness that is Sir Elton's musical legacy.
Rating: 9/10
Rachel Howdle
Tyler, The Creator
Igor
WITH five albums now under his belt, the most recent being 2017's Flower Boy, Tyler Gregory Okonma's music has charted his internal life with thrilling, sometimes shocking, results.
All that time, the Odd Future co-founder has mostly stayed close to the pop-rap template, albeit reaching for sinister beats and provocative lyrics.
But Igor is different. It's an impressionistic, colourful album that channels a broader palette of emotions.
Okonma's voice doesn't even appear on opening track Igor's Theme.
In fact, on much of the record he takes a back seat, orchestrating affairs as a cast of high-profile collaborators (Kanye West, Solange, Lil Uzi Vert and Pharrell) take to the stage.
Okonma remains a contentious figure. It's hard to forget his liberal use of rape jokes and homophobic slurs in earlier records.
But this rich and messy melange of rap, funk and driving beats sees him shedding the guise of vulgar internet provocateur, revealing the genuine artist underneath.
Rating: 7/10
Alex Green
Psychedelic Porn Crumpets
And Now For The Whatchamacallit
THE singular name conjures something more anarchic than the time-honoured, guitar-driven sound of this album.
With riffs, solos and vocals reminiscent of rock revivalists like fellow Australians Wolfmother and Jet, the 10-track record pulses with a refreshing traditionalism: this album is proudly retro at a time when charts are dominated by pop rather than power chords.
In tracks like Hymn For A Droid, there is a frenetic and impressive musicianship by the true stars of this album, the lead guitarist, and the unrelenting pugilist of a drummer.
This drum backing gives an energy to album which may be lost in some of the more indulgent psychedelia – clue perhaps in the title – of certain sections.
And Now For The Whatchamacallit by Psychedelic Porn Crumpets is an enjoyable "trip" into a rare, classic rock sound.
Rating: 7/10
Craig Simpson
Sacred Paws
Run Around The Sun
GLASGOW indie-pop duo Rachel Aggs and Eilidh Rodgers follow up their Scottish Album of the Year award-winning debut with another breezy collection of infectious and upbeat anthems perfect for the festival season.
The African-inflected beats and intricate guitar lines recall Vampire Weekend and Talking Heads, while unexpected bursts of brass bring an idiosyncratic touch. Musically the album is nothing but bright and sunny, Aggs' breezy vocals floating sweetly over the propulsive guitar noodling, but the angsty lyrical themes of tracks with titles such as Life's Too Short, Shame on Me and What's So Wrong do hint at dark clouds on the horizon.
This bittersweet element helps prevent the album from descending too far into the arena of cheese. Instead it adds a depth to the music, making it as perfect for headphones as for dancing outside on a summer's day.
Rating: 7/10
James Robinson
