STACK #182 Dec 2019

MUSIC REVIEWS

visit stack.com.au

Szymon Blue Coloured Mountain Blending elements of electronic and folk music seamlessly, Szymon Borzestowski’s earnest and unique compositions dazzled when they were first unveiled to the world in 2015. But with his promise comes a sadder story: Borzestowski tragically lost his battle with depression before his music had a chance to be released. His family, recognising his enormous potential, have continued to share his music, with Blue Coloured Mountain a follow-up to Borzestowski’s stunning debut. Rich in sonic textures, affecting lyrics and stunning vocal deliveries, the seven-track EP is testament to Borzestowski’s everlasting talent. (Eloper Music) Holly Pereira

Various Milk On Milk

Various Charlie's Angels OST

Fall Out Boy Believers Never Die Vol. 2 In the decade since Believers Never Die Vol. 1 , Fall Out Boy have become everything they were destined to be. Turning down the savage guitar attacks and other genre hallmarks (Wentz’s maudlin shouts, etc.), they leaned hard into the percussive elements of the hip hop they always admired, but were doomed to remain on the fringes of. Free to capitalise on the weapon that is Patrick Stump’s voice, they pulled off a rare stunt, making a successful aesthetic transition into one of the 21st century’s most dependable arena rock bands. More than any kind of book-end, Believers Never Die Vol. 2 is a celebration of Fall Out Boy at the height of their powers. (Island/Universal) Jake Cleland

Melbourne’s Milk! Records has always felt more like a community than a record label, with their latest compilation further testament to this impression. Nine of Milk!’s artists have taken on a labelmate’s song, translating the track via their own idiosyncratic style. While it’s no easy feat translating the emotions of another artist’s work into your own voice, here the process sounds seamless. On Milk on Milk you’ll hear The Finks create a sparse and gentle cover of East Brunswick All Girls Choir’s ferocious DOG FM , while piano virtuoso Evelyn Ida Morris further strengthens the message of Courtney Barnett’s Nameless, Faceless . It’s clear with this compilation that Milk! Records have transcended their community status, and now become something more akin to family. (Milk!/Remote Control) Holly Pereira

In the cinematic landscape of 2019, cash-grab reboots are the currency du jour, but if the Charlie’s Angels soundtrack is anything to go by, this was made with a lot of love. Overseen by the acute insight of Ariana Grande, Scooter Braun, and Savan Kotecha, this comp binds past and present via stand-out remixes of Donna Summer and the original show’s theme alongside brand new bangers by some of pop’s reigning icons. As a record in its own right, it’s non-stop action. As a companion to the film, it shows every part of Elizabeth Banks’s vision for the franchise has gone considered. (Republic/Universal) Jake Cleland

Trippie Redd ! One of the most unique voices coming out of the infamous ‘Soundcloud rap’ scene with his breakout hit Love Scars , Ohio’s own Trippie Redd released his second studio album – simply titled ! – in August this year. Now, it's available on coloured vinyl. This record is his most refined, and stays loyal to everything that Trippie has built his success on: alternative and experimental pop- rap that continually breaks through the traditional norms of the genre. Trippie has had an incredible run of success in his short two-year career, boasting multiple platinum and gold singles, and over five billion total streams. With ! and its runaway success, he shows no sign of slowing down. A must for your contemporary vinyl collection. (10K Projects/Universal) Tom Mackie

Free Nationals Free Nationals The long-awaited debut album from Anderson. Paak’s live band, Free Nationals, arrives as a self-titled, 13-track funk train. Inspired by predecessors Stevie Wonder and B.B King, the group stays true to their sound while refining their instrumentation for a new-age audience. This album has been more than two years in the making, and the lush instrumentation and sweet melodies prove that good music should not be rushed. Notable features include the smooth and affectionate voices of Daniel Caesar and Unknown Mortal Orchestra on Beauty & Essex , the beautiful melodies of Kali Uchis and Mac Miller on Time , and the infectious show-off nature of T.I on Cut Me a Break . Despite being loaded with A-list guests, the highlight of Free Nationals is the band itself, as they choreograph stunning and perfectly crafted instrumentals to suit each unique voice, accumulating into a short but highly entertaining debut which sets them amongst the best of their kind. (OBE, LLC/EMPIRE)Tom Mackie

Nile Vile Nilotic Rites

Slayer The Repentless Killology: Live At The Forum In Inglewood, CA As Slayer bring their career to a close, The Repentless Killogy: Live At the Forum in Inglewood, CA is a timely reminder of what the band will best be remembered for, and that is their live performance. While their studio output of late has varied in quality – 1994’s Divine Intervention was their last great album – the band always delivered on stage. Live At The Forum successfully captures the danger, intensity and excitement of thrash metal’s most notorious band. The king is nearly dead; long live the king! (Nuclear Blast/Caroline) Simon Lukic

Nile were arguably the band to reignite interest in death metal in the late '90s, after it faded from view due in part to the Norwegian black metal trend. Nile embraced Egyptian mythology to separate themselves from their peers; a scene in dire need of a kickstart eagerly accepted their fresh approach and nod to the past. Nile have never dialled in a performance, but Vile Nilotic Rites finds them playing with greater intent. This is a vicious onslaught and a must for death metal fans. Go get it. (Nuclear Blast/Caroline) Simon Lukic

jbhifi.com.au

DECEMBER 2019

30