A few good times in my life
Kate Nash, an English musician and actress, is making a comeback with a new single and the announcement of a new album early next year. Thematically, she explores women’s bodily autonomy and reproductive rights. She skilfully weaves her arguments into a driving rock song – somewhere between industrial, grunge, post-punk and spoken word. Constantly driving forward, interrupted only by short, gentler choruses. A song that is clearly intended to stir things up with its sound as well.
These days GENN, a female post-punk quartet from Brighton, released a new single Jaguar Sun. What sets them apart from the flood of new releases is not only their dark, atmospheric sound, reminiscent of the early 1980s, but also an ethereal guitar that constantly circles around a metronomic bass line.
The real highlight is that they managed to persuade Aidan Moffat to record some spoken-word commentary. Combined with Leona Farrugia’s theatrical and expressive vocals and the constant groove, it all comes together perfectly. But perhaps it’s simply because I almost always enjoy listening to Aidan’s voice.
A few days ago, Echo & The Bunnymen released a new album after more than a decade. My expectations were high, as this band had been one of my favourites from days long gone, both in terms of their songs and their album cover design. In that respect, the cover didn’t bode well. The songs are no longer imbued with the sombre mood of days gone by and are, in a positive sense, more cheerful. Ian MacCulloch’s voice has matured, but is still captivating enough to enhance a song, and Will Sergeant hasn’t lost his touch on the guitar. I wasn’t expecting a new masterpiece, but I was rewarded with songs that, in some cases, are reminiscent of David Bowie’s early sound, whilst in others clearly bear the band’s signature style. All in all, a more than respectable late-career album from a legend.
