Print Edition: November 5, 2014
Alt-J
This Is All Yours
Following the catchy blend of melancholy and whimsy that was An Awesome Wave, Brit indie foursome Alt-J’s most recent release is, if anything, a disappointment. Sure, there are some catchy bluesy riffs here and there (“Left Hand Free”), and some throwbacks to their first record (“Bloodflood pt. 2”), but on the whole, the record seems uninspired and lazy. There are almost none of the unique semi-cacophonous melodies that made their previous record such an enjoyable listen. Barely any song stands out as more than a half-hearted attempt to replicate the aesthetic set down in An Awesome Wave, and even in that respect, the record fails. Hopefully Alt-J corrects course quickly before they end up amounting to nothing more than a smouldering wreck on the side of the road.
RocketRocketShip
Shake It Off!
RocketRocketShip is a pop-rock band from St. John’s, Newfoundland. In May 2014, they released their second album Shake It Off! , which contains seven tracks, including singles “Tell Me What You’re Waiting For” and “Casey.” Opener “Tell Me What You’re Waiting For” is the most rock-esque track on Shake It Off! “Tell Me” also foreshadows the catchiness of the remaining tracks on the album. It’s definitely difficult to stay still and not sing along. The album features infectious choruses and high energy, and experiments with different sounds. While I enjoyed the album at a whole, I found the songs standing out the most for me on the release are “Hey Black Widow” and “Here’s To Us.” If you enjoy artists like Faber Drive and These Kids Wear Crowns, I would highly recommend Shake It Off! by RocketRocketShip.
