Album review overview: Bria Skonberg, Julia-Sophie 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.
Beauty In Chaos – Dancing With Angels
Beauty In Chaos, the musical collective from Los Angeles, has released their fourth album “Dancing With Angels” via 33.3 Music Collective. The album comprises eight diverse and captivating tracks that affirm their reputation for enchanting music. Founded in 2018 by guitarist Michael Ciravolo, BIC has always impressed with their rotating lineup of prominent artists. This album features contributions from Ashton Nyte, Kat Leon, Wayne and Cinthya Hussey, Leo Luganskiy, Julian Shah-Tayler, Cynthia Isabella, William and Sarah Faith, and Patrik Mata. “Dancing With Angels” combines post-rock influences, dark tones, and dreamy goth sounds from previous works. Highlights include “Diving For Pearls” with Wayne and Cinthya Hussey, and “Holy Ground” with Patrik Mata. Unique soundscape interludes, and the “Halos,” seamlessly connect the tracks. Beauty In Chaos demonstrates their artistic growth with “Dancing With Angels.” A solid recommendation for fans of post-punk and goth rock. (Anton Dupont) (7/10) (33.3 Music Collective)
Bria Skonberg – What It Means
Bria Skonberg’s new album, “What It Means,” is a heartwarming tribute to the jazz tradition of New Orleans. The album explores the personal and musical significance of the city for Skonberg. The opening track, “Comes Love,” sets the tone with a refined performance, followed by “Sweet Pea,” which beautifully blends contemporary elements with traditional jazz. The title track, “Do You Know What It Means To Miss New Orleans?” is shortened to “What It Means,” emphasizing Skonberg’s reflection on loss and memory. Originals like “In The House” and “Elbow Bump” showcase Skonberg’s innovative approach to jazz. The cover of John Lennon’s “Beautiful Boy (Darling Boy)” has a lovely depth, but the highlight is definitely Sonny Bono’s “The Beat Goes On.” With contributions from legendary New Orleans musicians like Herlin Riley and Grayson Brockamp, and a diversity of musical influences, “What It Means” is an impressive celebration of both jazz tradition and personal rediscovery. And if you can put Billy Joel’s “Lullabye (Goodnight My Angel)” on record so beautifully and sensitively… well, it’s just wonderful! (Norman van den Wildenberg) (8/10) (Cellar Music Group)
Julia-Sophie – Forgive Too Slow
The British-French avant-garde electronic pop artist Julia-Sophie presents a remarkable musical statement with her debut album “Forgive Too Slow.” After a versatile career with Little Fish, writing film scores for Candy Says, and founding Beanie Tapes, this solo release marks a new phase in her artistic development. “Forgive Too Slow” explores profound themes around relationships and the emotional impact of slow forgiveness. The album opens with “Numb,” a gripping track that exposes self-destructive thoughts and continues with “Telephone,” which addresses the theme of loss with melancholy. “Falling” explores the beauty and complexity of love. A notable highlight is “I Was Only,” a collaboration with Noah Yorke, which adds an extra layer of emotion and nuance to the whole. Despite the introspective and sometimes sombre tone, a sense of hope and authenticity shines through the music. Julia-Sophie seems to have come closer to the core of her being, making “Forgive Too Slow” an honest and powerful musical journey. (Elodie Renard) (6/10) (Ba Da Bing Records)
Andromeda Turre – From The Earth
Andromeda Turre’s new album “From The Earth” is an ambitious and profound jazz suite that explores the deep relationship between humanity and the earth. The album consists of four parts, each dedicated to an ecosystem: “Earth,” “Sky,” “Sea,” and “Ice.” These biospheres are not only brought to life musically but also pay tribute to communities disproportionately affected by climate change. Turre, an experienced musician and activist, masterfully combines her artistic and social engagement. “From The Earth” offers a rich musical experience through the use of diverse instruments that characterize each biosphere. For example, “Earth” represents the ground with traditional instruments like the marimba and didgeridoo, while “Sky” is expressed through the sounds of brass and harp. The suite begins with “Ingression Interlude” and develops through strong pieces like “Earth Waltz,” which embodies the grandeur of the earth, and “Finger On The Trigger,” which expresses the anger over environmental violations. Turre’s use of recorded interviews with climate leaders enriches the music and emphasizes the urgency of the subject. With “From The Earth,” Turre offers a valuable and artistic call to action, a bold contribution to both jazz and the environmental debate. (Tobias Braun) (7/10) (OUTSIDE IN MUSIC)
Ice Spice – Y2K
Ice Spice’s new album “Y2K!” is not just a step back for music; it is a sprint into a void of artistic poverty. Her flows sound like a chaotic jumble of words with the enthusiasm of a high schooler discovering rhyme for the first time. Maybe you know her from “Munch (Feelin’ U),” which put her on the map. That was probably the peak of her career, and it’s been downhill from there. The Bronx should apologize for this noise. Isis Gaston, aka Ice Spice, may have a love for rap, but it’s not audible on this album. Collaborating with producer Cook Babes, “Y2K!” sounds like a sad attempt at music, with track titles like “Phat Butt” and “Think You The Shit (Fart).” The creative depth here is comparable to a puddle in the Sahara. “Phat Butt” is a masterpiece of cringe and sexism. Gunna, Central Cee, and Travis Scott probably want their names removed from this project. The album is a crime against music, a tribute to everything wrong with the industry: sexism, hollow lyrics, and a lack of self-awareness. Looking for the soundtrack to the downfall of Western civilization? Look no further than “Y2K!” Save your ears and avoid this at all costs. (Jan Vranken) (1/10) (Dolo Entertainment)
