STACK #147 Jan 2017

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MUSIC REVIEWS

The Weeknd Starboy

The Flaming Lips Oczy Mlody Ripped straight from the spaced-out dreams of a buzzed brain, The Flaming Lips have returned in a cloudy haze which billows with their classic sound. They’ve continued their trend of experimentation with each release, and Oczy Mlody emits a serious buzz of atmospheric music while falling deep down the rabbit hole to an unexplored fantasyland where smiles are rainbows and faces are fairytales. Hiding in the roots of the album comes Lips’ newest team-up with Miley Cyrus ( We A Family ), a moody space- electronica highlight that is worth the album in itself. Get high with the feel-good vibe of Oczy Mlody in good faith that you can enjoy it sober or not. (Warner) Savannah Douglas

Could Starboy break the record The Weeknd set as an immovable radio staple with The Hills and Can’t Feel My Face last year? Nothing seems to have caught on quite like that, but not for lack of jams – and Tesfaye keeps you guessing. Most tracks are underpinned by disco and aughts R'n'B, but then he throws in the electropunk squall of False Alarm, the '70s rock noodling of Sidewalks with Kendrick Lamar, the bass-heavy melancholy of All I Know with Future and even

Brian Eno Reflection Eno is a sonic cat who deserves his own planet. From recording a metal lampshade in the mid-'60s (what he credits as perhaps his first foray into ‘ambient music’) to being chief knob-twiddler and space overlord with an esoteric aesthetic in Roxy Music – to then lending his skills to some of the most popular artists of the 20th century (remember

when U2 were actually cool?; and of course God himself, David Bowie). All the while he’s produced consistently challenging solo material, whether it is purely experimental soundscapes or indeed pop excursions into upsetting the most rigid of apple carts. His latest here is simply one piece of composed brain food that runs just under an hour and is one continuous track. As you listen, one can imagine this continuation of his The Ship album – yet denser, deeper, darker, and all the while challenging you to let go of all you know and drift into mental states unashamed, unabashed and unchartered. One second you’re flying past Saturn, the next you’re discovering sea creatures you’ve never imagined, and all the while you’re looking inward into what it all means to your subconscious; Eno has that effortless ability. It’s not for everyone, nor should it be, as we also trust Mr Eno has never dined at McDonalds and never will. (Warp/Inertia) Chris Murray

a ballad with Lana Del Rey? Starboy ’s problem might be

offering too much of a good thing, but there’s never a dull moment. (Universal) Jake Cleland

Cold Chisel The Live Tapes – Vol 3 – Live At The Manly Vale Hotel This Sydney gig, in June 1980, coincided with the release of Cold Chisel’s breakthrough album East . Fresh from nailing their sound in the studio for the first time, this is Chisel at their best: rough, raucous and brimming with confidence. Ten of the East songs are showcased, plus covers of Shakin’ All Over (a thrill for Chisel completists) and Knockin’ On Heaven’s Door , which Barnesy dedicates to their roadies Alan Dallow and Billy Rowe, who died in a crash two months before. Cold Chisel have sold nearly seven million albums in Australia, and this record shows why – they’re a killer live band with killer songs. (Universal) Jeff Jenkins

Aaron Keylock Cut Against The Grain 18-year-old English guitarist/ singer Aaron Keylock – who began playing professionally at 12 – has recently released his highly praised debut album of self-written blues/rock. It's not difficult to identify his main inspirers; they include Johnny Winter ( Medicine Man ), Rory Gallagher ( All The Right Moves ) and Led Zeppelin ( Against The Grain ). The cleverly-placed tempo changes in Down create space for Keylock's slide playing; a slow blues number, Just One Question (the first song Keylock ever wrote when he was 13) is enhanced by the young musician's superb soloing. An outstanding debut.

HammerFall Built To Last Having flown the flag for traditional metal since their inception in 1993, HammerFall remain true to both their sound and vision. Their 10th studio album, the aptly titled Built To Last , reinforces this attitude unreservedly. HammerFall certainly have their naysayers, but it’s easy to forget that they were one of a few that dared to play “heavy metal” at a time when extreme and nu-metal ruled the scene. HammerFall succeeded due to talent, solid songwriting and passion – Built To Last displays all of these qualities and will no doubt get heads banging and fists pumping worldwide. (Napalm Records/Rocket) Simon Lukic

Testament Brotherhood Of The Snake Testament have a dedicated worldwide following, but remain on the outer when it comes to the commercial accolades the Big Four of Thrash have received. To their credit, Testament never really strayed beyond their sound, and unlike their peers they never flirted with alternative rock. Brotherhood Of The Snake arrives with mixed messages from the band, as they claim it was rushed due to excessive touring. It’s not often that a group apologises in advance for their material, but despite this, Brotherhood Of The Snake is no disaster. Expect a hybrid of Practice What You Preach and Souls Of Black , mixed with a touch of The Gathering. (Nuclear Blast/Caroline) Simon Lukic

Watch this space. (Mascot/Warner) Billy Pinnell

JANUARY 2017

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