STACK #185 Mar 2020

MUSIC REVIEWS

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Sepultura Quadra

Stephen Malkmus Traditional Techniques

Sepultura return with another album that's sure to reignite old arguments about their validity as a band. Old fans continue to call for Sepultura to pull the plug because the Cavalera brothers are not there, but when all is said and done, that's old news now. Ultimately it’s the music that matters and Quadra finds Sepultura at an interesting crossroads. Divided into four parts, the album explores the scale of the band's sound and history. The first part focuses on their vicious thrash metal past and from there on each movement explores Sepultura’s musical evolution. A powerful statement from a veteran act still brave enough to push the envelope. (Nuclear Blast) Simon Lukic

Flutes and delicately strummed guitars open the ex-Pavement frontman Stephen Malkmus’ third solo album. Those familiar with his substantial discography, or even just the '90s hit Cut Your Hair will know this is a marked departure from Malkmus’ signature sound. Now, observations on life are much less pointed, with Malkmus mellowing both musically and lyrically. Performed on a 12-string guitar, expansive instrumental breakdowns allow for some glorious moments, with minimal percussion setting a relaxed pace. Coupled with a restrained delivery, Malkmus officially heralds in a new phase of his impressive career. It’s time to throw out the flannel shirts and trade them for a kaftan, Stephen Malkmus has gone folk. (Matador) Holly Pereira

Little Dragon New Me, Same Us

“A self that goes on changing is a self that goes on living,” says Virginia Woolf, reflecting on the art of letter writing. And a key to keep growing is to surround yourself with people of creative vitality. It's a theme that Little Dragon know well. The Gothenberg four- piece have supported each other's evolution over many

years, resulting in ever more intricate and absorbing works of soulful synth pop, experimental R&B, dance and electronic music. New Me, Same Us is their latest LP, appropriately released on the innovative London label Ninja Tune. Little Dragon mention, "This album has been the most collaborative for us yet, which might sound weird considering we’ve been making music together for all these years, but we worked hard at being honest, finding the courage to let go of our egos and be pieces of something bigger.” And so the band continue to co-create and recreate themselves through music and friendship. Songs on New Me, Same Us are signature works that move the heart and feet in equal measure, filled with bass-driven grooves, crisp percussion, floating melodies, and soaring vocals. (NinjaTune) SimonWinkler

Sons Of Apollo MMXX Supergroups often tend to miss the mark and more often than not never last beyond one album. Sons Of Apollo are thankfully an exception. The bringing together of vocalist Jeff Scott Soto, guitarist Ron 'Bumblefoot' Thal, bassist Billy Sheehan, keyboard player Derek Sherinian and drummer Mike Portnoy got people talking, but it’s working. They got the ball rolling with the debut Psychotic Symphony in 2017 and with MMXX , the band has taken it further by releasing an even better collection of songs. The musical talent on show is, as expected, staggering, but the individual performances are kept in line to serve the song and the song alone. Not to be missed. (Century Media) Simon Lukic

Justin Bieber Changes In 2015, in collaboration with Skrillex and Diplo, Justin Bieber released a record that sounded like the future. That future never came to pass, but following up a record that still sounds new five years later is no small feat. Changes finds Bieber a changed, more mature adult, and while Purpose wrestled with sticky breakup feelings, Changes is unapologetic about showing Bieber as lovestruck. It comes out in the production too: instead of glacial melodies and frenetic structures, Changes radiates warmth and contentment. It makes for a smooth ride, marking this era of Bieber as settled and self- confident. (Def Jam) Jake Cleland

Kingswood Juveniles “Call me old-fashioned,” Fergus Linacre sings on Kingswood’s third album, which sees the Melbourne band return to their rocking best. The guitars are cranked on the aptly titled Juveniles , which is a ball of youthful, nervous energy Remember , the heavy riffing of Snake Pit , the pounding drums of Cigarettes In Bed , and the cheeky joy of Young, Charming & Funny . The album also highlights the band’s two fine singers in Linacre and Alex Laska. Kingswood whip up some mighty grooves, making you want to “dance around the stereo” and “put it on repeat”. Fans of Foo Fighters and The Killers should immediately investigate. (Dew Process) Jeff Jenkins – just check out the glorious ’70s-inspired rock of Say You

Real Estate The Main Thing

Underrated behind Real Estate’s reputation for breezy melodies and sumptuous hooks is their psychedelic tilt. It’s especially prominent here on The Main Thing , with songs that twirl and turn in a blissful syrup of sounds. Reaching outside the box for their fifth album, The Main Thing deploys a string quartet and choice guest spots with a deft hand without losing themselves to new tricks. Each track is considerately tuned, with trademark clarity grounded in meaty arrangements which reveal new facets on repeat listens. Comfortable in their established success, Real Estate have lost no momentum. It’s a warm glow in which to bask. (Domino) Jake Cleland

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MARCH 2020

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