Darren Hayes
Secret Codes and Battleships
Universal
For his fourth album Hayes returns to the style of music that first brought him fame in Savage Garden. Twelve songs of inoffensive pop music that will easily fit into any mainstream FM radio station’s playlist. Hayes sings about falling love, falling out of love and the in-between stage of just being in love. Diehard fans will be fully satisfied but the creative left turn that Hayes took on his electronic fused album The Tension and the Spark has definitely been abandoned for safer territory.
Graeme Watson
Coldplay
Mylo Xyloto
EMI
A few years ago Mitch Benn and the Distractions comically sang Everyone Sounds Like Coldplay Now and while everyone one else has now moved on, Coldplay on their fifth album still sound pretty much the same. Brian Eno’s still in the background throwing in some interesting electronic sounds as he did on their last outing but it’s business as usual with Chris Martin’s vocals and piano riffs. The album kicks off with Hurts Like Heaven, a song that sounds like it’s going too fast, instantly catchy singles Paradise and Every Teardrop is a Waterfall and Rhianna pops up for a duet, is there anyone’s record she isn’t on?
Graeme Watson
Brett Anderson
Black Rainbows
EMI
Dear Brett Anderson, what happened? You were the poster pin-up boy of sexual ambiguity in the ’90s but now?! Now you’re chasing skirt!? At least that’s how it comes across on your lyrics. The first half of the album decidedly lacks a little, but then -BAM- you step it up a little and deliver something rather special. Actors is incredible, the lyrics searing with your usual insight and intellect. It’s a charm which carries through to Thin Men Dancing and then the haunting heartache of Possession. Fans of your voice will love this. But everyone else just send their regards.
Scott-Patrick Mitchell
The Kooks
Junk of the Heart
Virgin
In the three years since their last album, The Kooks seem to have spent their time working on a more polished sound. Poppier and smoother, they may have their sights fixed on conquering commercial radio and a bigger, more mainstream audience. The title-track Junk of the Heart (Happy) is just that, melodic and upbeat, and many other tracks follow suit. Orchestral Time Above The Earth shows the band’s Beatles influences as does Mr. Nice Guy, and Petulia has a distinctly folksy feel. A solid effort, Junk of the Heart is not earth shattering, but varied and easy to listen to.
Claire Alexander
Washington
Insomnia
Universal
I remember interviewing Washington a year back and having the peculiar instance of her nearly breaking down into tears mid-interview. This mini-album, with eight tender tracks, explains that heartache and tears. Washington is stepping into her own more than ever with Insomnia. There isn’t a step wrong. Plastic Bag is brilliantly written while Public Pool shatters, both in your ear and your heart. High Treason, with its throbbing ambience, is a clear standout. Washington, with this work, we’ll gladly share our tears with you. Brilliant and a true standout album from one of Australia’s brightest emerging stars!
Scott-Patrick Mitchell
Britney Spears
B in the Mix The Remixes Vol 2
Sony
Britney’s first remix compilation drew upon her first four albums and the first six years of her career. Now, another six years and three albums later, comes Volume 2. Kaskade’s remix of Gimme More highlights the songs verses while downplaying the chorus, Tiesto gives Piece of Me the full party treatment and Benny Benassi takes on Womanizer. These are great remixes but maybe not the best Britney has on offer, surprisingly dub-step hit Hold It Against Me is not included and not including the version of Till the World Ends featuring Ke$ha and Nicki Minaj is an oversight.
Graeme Watson
M83
Hurry Up, We’re Dreaming
Virgin
God the French produce some stellar bands (ie. Phoenix & Daft Punk) and M83 is no exception. This electro, indie-pop record is a real treat. Hurry Up, We’re Dreaming is rippling with psychedelic keyboard notes that cut through the air. The single, Midnight City, pulsates hard and heavy and wraps up with this brilliant jazz saxophone number. While some songs like Steve McQueen share the pop sensibilities of the single, other tracks like Wait slow down remarkably to this grainy, heaving sound. Hurry Up, We’re Dreaming is the sixth album for M83 and the band, judging by this latest effort, is showing no signs of slowing down.
Benn Dorrington
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