STACK #196 Feb 2021

REVIEWS MUSIC

June Jones Leafcutter Melbourne songwriter June Jones unveils her second solo record Leafcutter , a natural progression from her arresting debut. Though sombre in lyricism, the album is uplifting in its sonic veneers, with Jones expanding her instrumentation to create darker, more textured sounds. Jones has an uncanny ability to be extremely relatable, presumably referring to her ADHD when she sings “I wanna love you but I’m only semi-present” on track Remember . She isn’t afraid to lay herself bare or speak to her less desirable aspects, with songs such as Therapy and Echo honest meditations on mental health. Leafcutter is a reminder that there is strength in vulnerability, and something truly powerful about a well-written song. (Emotion Punk Records/Remote Control) Holly Pereira

Sleaford Mods Spare Ribs

Now 11 records in, Nottingham’s Sleaford Mods can afford to be less seething and urgent, but this certainly isn’t the case on Spare Ribs , a release that sees Amyl and the Sniffers’ Amy Tayler and Billy Nomates featuring alongside the duo. James Williamson and Andrew Fearn still certainly talk it like they mean it, with the band’s hybrid of rap and punk still idiosyncratic and compelling. Relevant as ever, the coronavirus pandemic is referenced on the album, with Out There a direct response to those who harbour racist opinions regarding the virus’ spread. The future is very uncertain in these turbulent times; however there’s one thing we can all be sure of – you can always count on Sleaford Mods.

The Weather Station Ignorance Ignorance is the fifth album fromToronto singer- songwriter Tamara Lindeman's recording project, The Weather Station. Each record reveals new facets of Tamara's songwriting, across the spectrum of folk, blues, and balladry. This new album was built on rhythm, specifically the regular meters of dance and pop, even disco tempos. In the strength and surety of these

percussive foundations Tamara found the freedom to fly in her writing. And flight is an apt metaphor. Arrangements sweep and soar as they carry the listener to emotive heights. And Lindeman's lyrics view the earth from above, taking in the beautiful, vulnerable whole of our planet. Lindeman reflects on landscapes, cycles, and social systems: the beliefs that unite, and divide. On Parking Lot she pays tribute to avian life everywhere, a poetic love song for birds. In an album statement, Tamara recalls the most emotional experience she had whilst writing this album was reading The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change's Special Report on Global Warming of 1.5 ºC. The impact is felt in these songs that echo with urgency, but also a sense of hope, and an endless wonder in nature. (Fat Possum/Inertia) SimonWinkler

(RoughTrade) Holly Pereira

LUCA BRASI Everything Is Tenuous

BLUEY The Album Bluey: The Album features 17 original songs from season one including Keepy Uppy and Here Come The Grannies! plus two versions of the theme tune! Out Now

Tassie’s Luca Brasi return with their fifth album Everything Is Tenuous . Uplifting, powerful and sophisticated, Luca Brasi have written their most potent songs to date. Out Feb 12

ODETTE Herald Sydney singer-songwriter Odette returns with her second studio album Herald , lead by the stunning singles Dwell and Feverbreak (featuring Hermitude). Out Feb 5

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