STACK #210 Apr 2022

MUSIC REVIEWS

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Wet Leg Wet Leg British duo Wet Leg effortlessly revitalise rock music on their debut self-titled record, cementing their reputation as one of the most exciting new bands in the world. Over 12 tracks, Rhian Teasdale and Hester Chambers translate a decade-long friendship into an enviable musical chemistry, pairing their soaring guitars with a healthy dose of tongue-in-cheek wit and self-deprecation. Whether it’s referencing the 2004 classic Mean Girls on the commanding Chaise Longue or unpacking romantic failures on Loving You , Teasdale and Chambers do so with an undeniable energy, invigorating their listeners and making repeat listens inevitable. If you thought you’d heard it all in indie rock, think again, as Wet Leg are here to inject some much- needed fun into the genre. (Domino) Holly Pereira

ThornBird ThornBird

Father John Misty Chloë and the Next 20th Century

Girlpool Forgiveness Los Angeles-based Girlpool

The Waifs’ Vikki Thorn writes her own review in the opening track. “I can be tough,” she sings, “I can be tender.” And she steps up on her solo debut, addressing adult themes, declaring: “I don’t want to be a child anymore.” Later she adds: “You won’t recognise me anymore now that I’m wearing big girl pants.” She wears them well, ably assisted by Waifs bass player Ben Franz and guitarist Luke Dux (fromThe Kill Devil Hills) and drummer Todd Pickett (The Southern River Band). The album’s opening line, delivered with a raspy ache, is: “Give it to me straight, don’t mince your words.” But there’s little to fault here. File next to Bonnie Raitt and Lucinda Williams; this is beautiful work. And make sure you stay till the end – Rough Patch is an epic closing cut. This ThornBird is flying high. (Thornbird) Jeff Jenkins

continue to evolve on fourth record Forgiveness , the duo of Harmony Tividad and Avery Tucker taking their biggest stylistic leap yet as they lean into their experimental sensibilities. Opening track Nothing Gives Me Pleasure is a far cry from their humble indie rock beginnings, the song’s glitch-driven production nodding to hyperpop before the duo completely change course with the melancholic country of Dragging My Life Into a Dream . Elsewhere, minimal instrumentation bolsters Junkie and Lie Love Lullaby, the latter boasting the album’s most hypnotic chorus thanks to its intricately layered sounds. One thing that hasn’t changed is Tividad and Tucker’s emotive lyricism, and it's a quality that remains Girlpool’s greatest asset. (ANTI-) Holly Pereira FATHER JOHN MISTY Chloë and the Next 20th Century Father John Misty returns with Chloë and the Next 20th Century , his fifth album and first new material

On his fifth record, Josh Tillman, better known as Father John Misty, offers his most sophisticated work to date, retaining the essence of his now iconic character while unveiling a number of surprises. Opening track Chloë sets the scene for a grand affair, its composition reminiscent of music from the roaring 1920s complete with strings and a brass section that steals the show. Tillman’s more contemplative side is coaxed out within the sweeping arrangements, though his narratives are not without their humour and occasional acerbic wit. Chloë and the Next 20th Century is a daring new direction for Father John Misty and the result is an album that charms from the first listen. (Sub Pop) Holly Pereira

GRAB A COPY GET IN ON THESE FRESH RELEASES AT JB UNCOVERED

since 2018. Out Apr 8.

XAVIER RUDD Jan Juc Moon Xavier Rudd returns with his anticipated new album Jan Juc Moon , featuring singles Stoney Creek , Ball & Chain

MESHUGGAH Immutable Destined to be one of 2022’s most

hailed releases, Immutable once again showcases the collective brilliance of the Djent pioneers MESHUGGAH! Out now.

and more. Out now.

SHORT STACK Maybe There’s No Heaven On their new record Maybe There’s No Heaven , Short Stack distil their sensational and storied career into 11 crunchy and instantly memorable bangers. Out Apr 8.

PLACEBO Never Let Me Go Placebo resurface from a long hibernation to release their eighth studio album Never Let Me Go . Out now.

XX XXXXX 2022

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