ALBUM REVIEW: Everything Everything - Arc (Geffen)

Originally published at Middle Boop Mag: http://www.middleboopmag.com/music/arc-album-review/everything-everything-arc-geffen

The northern dizziness of Everything Everything has at last returned with their greatly anticipated second album, Arc. With two standout singles including ‘Cough Cough’ and ‘Kemosabe’ already receiving critical acclaim and heaps of airplay, Arc already promises to be even more superior that their 2010 debut, Man Alive.

It seems the four piece has taken the best from their debut, refined and tuned, panned for gold if you will to which they have achieved astounding results. They have finally found their feet, binning the desperation to standout and constantly wow and concentrating on what they do best. Sonically and lyrically, Man Alive (bar the amazing Schoolin’, MY KZ, UR BF and Final Form) was a little overwhelming, with too much happening and far too much going on. Fortunately, the potency of the previously mentioned tracks has pulled the band through and given them the kudos they deserved.

As Arc unfolds, it goes from strength to strength, with diverse and interesting influences, sounds and obscure lyrics. ‘Choice Mountain’ is a feast of imagery and emotion while ‘Torso of the Week’ has hints of northern humour and humility. ‘Feet For Hands’ showcases front man Jonathan Higgs’s ability to convey heart wrenching vocals in perfect harmony with their busy and almost avant-garde approach as musicians.

If Everything Everything hoped for an astounding comeback, they have more than reached that goal.  Their genre deifying experimentation and belief in what they are doing and their own unique style is sufficient to confidently hail them as one of Manchester’s finest exports, possibly one of the greatest compliments for any band to hear.

ALBUM REVIEW: Villagers - 'Awayland' (Domino)

Originally published at Gigwise: http://www.gigwise.com/reviews/78818/villagers---awayland-domino

The Irish born Conor O’Brien and Co, formerly Villagers have shrewdly bided their time since their multi-award nominated debut album Becoming a Jackal. It has been three long years now and for those who have waited with baited breath for their return, prepare to be blown away.

The first taste of Awayland emerged late last year with leading single 'The Waves', an inimitable and almost avant-garde voyage of a song, reminding us of their artistically poetic and surrealist tendencies.

Villagers have delicately refined the best of their previous style, yet honed in even deeper taking larger risks whilst keeping their original aura intact. Awayland floats in and out of delirious and almost alienating obscurity right back to poignant and relatable storytelling, to which sole songwriter and vocalist O’Brien is a master of.

From the drama of 'Earthy Pleasures' to the warming of 'Judgement Call', strained yet concise vocals are set against folk guitars and at times an almost techno enthused bass line.

An obvious comparison would be with Bon Iver, but without the drear. They have managed to craft the right blend of guitars, strings and emotion, but kept optimism and escapism at the records core. 'Grateful Song' is just lovely and entirely refreshing. The album finishes on a high with the delightful 'Rhythm Composer', a jaunty and fun ending to an extraordinary LP.

It’s very early days with regards to album’s of the year, but this no doubt be amongst them. It’s intelligent, imaginative and truly unique and as second albums go, a confident promise of longevity to their fans.

The beauty of this record is that it requires no work, no ‘right mood’. As it unfolds it is every bit as captivating its predecessor, if not more so. It will immediately grip your undivided attention and beg for repetition and further exploration.