Status Quo
The Last Night Of The Electrics
STATUS Quo 's decision to hang up their famous Fenders came as a disappointment to their legions of fans. A final tour where they could storm the stage in their inimitable fashion one more time just had to be done. Sadly it had to be without the late Rick Parfitt due to illness, but this just added another dimension to the event.
For those who saw them on the tour, this album will be a reminder of just how good a live band The Quo really were. From the blasting riff of the classic opener, Caroline, to the final dying note of Bye Bye Johnny, every song is a diamond. And all performed in the only way the band could play: full throttle, passionate and committed. This album, in whatever format chosen, is a fitting reminder of the power of one of the world's greatest rock bands.
Rating 9/10
Steve Grantham
Mura Masa
Mura Masa
MURA Masa's self-titled debut album is full of contradictions but, like everything he's put out prior to this, that's a large part of what makes it work. With beats crafted from multiple genres and eclectic instrumentation from across the world, particularly influenced by East Asia, the 21-year-old's distinct sound is very much his own. This album encompasses songs that sound indie-inspired (Helpline, bits of Nothing Else!) ones that take their mould from dancehall/soca (Nuggets), and hip-hop (Love$ick) – but all have the Mura Masa stamp. A stellar list of diverse features from the likes of Damon Albarn and frequent collaborator Bonzai helps tie together the album's story, while his own vocals stand out on Messy Love and Give Me The Ground. Alex Crossan's debut will be ground-breaking to those new to his music and features something for everyone – as well as every stage of the party.
8/10
Kameron Virk
Us And Us Only
Full Flower
IT'S that time of year, and as festival season is now in full swing the more laid back and summery tunes come to the forefront. Us and Us Only are a five piece from Baltimore, comprising of Kinsey Matthews, Mike Suica, Sean Mercer, Nick Hughes and John Toohey. Originally forming in 2009, Full Flower is their first LP. Taking sounds directly from the late 90s there is a definite feeling of it's been here before, Kno sounds like an uber-chilled Smashing Pumpkins track with a really catchy hook and melody. There are also vibes similar to those that Eels and Semisonic, with similar features to Novacaine For The Soul and Secret Smile, created. For a late night relaxing drink or to ease yourself into the morning Us and Us Only have created the perfect piece of escapism with their dreamy soundscape and piercing vocals offering a dawn of hope.
8/10
Rachel Howdle
Wren
Auburn rule
WREN'S Auburn Rule is a real gut-punch of a collection, and not for the faint of heart. At just five tracks, what the London-based progressive sludge/noise-rock four-piece lack in numbers on this LP – the follow-up to last year's Host EP – they make up for with their lengthy, head-pounding, shake-your-heart-out-of-your-chest offering. The thumping, visceral instrumentation that makes up much of the record, along with the repetitive post-metal beats and admittedly "knowingly vague" lyrics, will rouse those who lean towards this darker style. The band promise "ominous yet ethereal serenity", and it's hard to argue with that. Each track includes a gentler moment of respite from the noise, and is particularly welcome on the closer – the nearly 10-minute Dwellers Of The Sepulchre. A challenging listen for some ears, but for many others this is an album that will no doubt be played on repeat. Loudly.
7/10
Lucy Mapstone
The Vamps
Night And Day (Night Edition)
IF THE Vamps ever wanted to prove their versatility then part one of their third studio album, titled Night, has hit the mark perfectly. After shooting to fame in 2012, the foursome – Brad Simpson, Connor Ball, Tristan Evans, and James McVey – are back with their third offering which they're releasing in two phases. Night, out in mid-July, definitely continues the band's newer, electronic-dance sound they achieved on All Night. Paper Hearts is a big, bold ballad that could just snag the top spot as one of the albums future biggest hits. Shades On is a fun, upbeat song that is a perfect party tune. Other tunes, like Stay and Sad Song, are also pretty ear-pleasing and in short, fans won't struggle to find not one, but a few favourite songs on this album.
8/10
