Album review overview: Empire of the Sun, Deep Purple and more
Dozens of new albums arrive at Maxazine’s editorial staff every week. There are way too many to listen to them all, let alone review them. It ensures that too many albums are left behind. And that’s a shame. That is why today we post an overview of albums that arrive at the editors in short reviews.
Empire of the Sun – Ask That God
The Australian duo Empire of the Sun returns next week with the release of “Ask That God,” their long-awaited fourth album. After eight years of silence, Luke Steele and Nick Littlemore prove they are still masters at creating captivating electro-pop. The twelve tracks form a sonic journey through a world where fantasy and reality blur. From opener “Changes” to closer “Friends I Know,” the Australians’ album offers a varied listening experience. Highlights of the album include the catchy title track and the infectious “Music On The Radio.” The production is strong, and the melodies are generally very strong, though some songs naturally make a bigger impression than others. Nevertheless, there are no real misses on the album. “Ask That God” stays true to Empire of the Sun’s unique style but also shows growth. While not every song is a hit, this album is a worthy addition to their discography. (Norman van den Wildenberg) (7/10) (Capitol)
Highly Suspect – As Above, So Below
Highly Suspect is an American rock band that has become quite popular in their home country in a relatively short time. Their debut and second album reached the second place in the rock album charts. Judging by the streams, the songs from those albums are also doing well. Recently, their fifth album “As Above, So Below” was released. On their third and fourth albums, the band tried something that didn’t sit well with fans, particularly on the third album where they tried to mix their rock with hip-hop. That was not a success. With this new album, the band returns to the sound of their first two albums. For Highly Suspect, we hope that not too many people have dropped off regarding new albums and still listen only to the already known albums. (Rik Moors) (6/10) (Roadrunner Records)
Deep Purple – =1
Deep Purple’s new album “=1” shows that the band is still capable of producing classic rock songs, but it offers little new for the modern music lover. Simon McBride’s guitars and Ian Gillan’s recognizable vocals are central, supported by Don Airey’s Hammond organ and the rhythm section of Roger Glover and Ian Paice. Songs like “If I Were You” and “Pictures Of You” show a band that still enjoys creating music, with classic rock influences and modern production. The relevance of releasing such an album in 2024 is completely lacking. It’s like starting to build steam locomotives again to use daily. While the technical skill and chemistry of the band members are undeniable, this is a nostalgic trip that will mainly appeal to older fans. The innovative spark that once defined Deep Purple is missing, and while the music is well-executed, the album feels somewhat redundant in today’s music era. In summary: Deep Purple shows with “=1” that they haven’t lost their touch, but the album offers little added value in the current music scene. Fun for loyal fans, but probably less relevant for new listeners. For the effort, the album gets a six. (Jan Vranken) (6/10) (Earmusic)
L’Orange – The Manipulation
L’Orange’s new album “The Manipulation” offers a relaxed listening experience with masterful beats and nostalgic samples from early jazz records and vintage radio broadcasts. The album flows like a gentle mountain stream without making much fuss, creating a relaxed atmosphere. Although there are no standout or upbeat moments, the album offers a pleasant, dreamy ambience ideal for a quiet evening. The songs flow smoothly into each other but sometimes lack the energy you might expect. “The Manipulation” is a decent addition to L’Orange’s oeuvre, perfect for a relaxed setting. A solid six for effort and consistency. (Elodie Renard) (6/10) (Old Soul Music)
Heavy Jelly – Soft Play
Soft Play, formerly known as Slaves, has attempted to continue their signature raw and energetic sound with their new album “Heavy Jelly.” However, this album seems more like a cry for attention than a musical achievement. Listening to “Heavy Jelly,” you wonder what state you need to be in to enjoy this. The album is full of recurring noise and lacks musical refinement. The songs seem more like uncontrolled screaming than well-thought-out compositions. The whole thing feels dumb and seems like a waste of precious air and resources. While earlier works from Soft Play might have captivated with their punk-like energy and rebellion, “Heavy Jelly” completely misses the mark. This album offers nothing new or interesting and seems to exist solely to be loud without any meaningful content. In short, “Heavy Jelly” is a disappointing listening experience that does not meet expectations. It’s hard to justify why this album was made at all. For lovers of good music, there is little to gain here. (Jan Vranken) (3/10) (BMG Rights Management)
