Album review overview: Foster The People, Earth Lux 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.

Johnny Burgin – Ramblin’ From Coast To Coast

Once known as “Rockin’ Johnny Burgin,” this guitarist has made a name for himself not only with an impressive solo career but also as an accompanist to numerous blues artists. Jimmy Burns, Jimmy Dawkins, Eddie “The Chief” Clearwater, Paul deLay, Tail Dragger, and even our own Peter Struijk are artists with whom he has shared the stage and appeared on their albums. As a solo artist, he has been releasing records since 1997 on Delmark and various other labels. Since 2019, he has dropped the “Rockin'” from his name. Recently, he released a new album, “Ramblin’ From Coast To Coast,” on Straight Shooter Records, featuring twelve tracks deeply rooted in the best Chicago blues tradition. The album was recorded in four different studios—Memphis, Dallas, Rochester, and Cincinnati—with local musicians. A total of twenty musicians participated, and the list reads like a who’s who of current top musicians from these cities. Among them are singers John Blues Boyd and Rae Gordon, pianist Ben Levin, and guitarists Dylan Bishop and Jad Tarij, to name a few. The mixing and technical aspects were expertly handled by Kid Andersen. Of the twelve tracks, ten were written by Johnny himself. With the opener, the title track “Ramblin’ From Coast To Coast,” a lively blues shuffle, he immediately grabs the listener’s attention. And with a variety of styles, he holds that attention until the beautiful “Never Tried To Get Ahead.” Tracks that deserve special mention include the slow blues “Gettin’ My Blues On” and “Fresno Woman,” a piano boogie with Hanna PK on the keys. With a fine selection of accompanying musicians, Burgin has once again proven to be among the very best. This album is also a must-listen for fans of quality Chicago blues. (Eric Campfens) (8/10) (Straight Shooter Records)

Earth Lux – Earth Lux

This is a new band formed by French multi-instrumentalist Steph Honde and Brazilian composer and drummer Fred Mika. They had previously collaborated with the prog metal band Sunroad. With this new project, Earth Lux, they aim to create melodic hard rock with a hint of the ’70s mixed in. The result is an album that is easy to listen to, but it lacks a chorus that sticks immediately. Melodic hard rock relies heavily on hooks, which are somewhat lacking here. However, Honde delivers excellent guitar work, particularly in the solos of “What A Day, What A Life” and the funky “Kyrie Eleison.” There are some doubts about the mixing, as there are moments when it feels like the solos and other elements could have been more prominent. The vocals are reminiscent of the singer from the Norwegian glam band WigWam. However, I fear that this album won’t stand out among other similar albums. (Rik Moors) (6/10) (Metalville)

Dream Evil – Metal Gods

Fans of the Swedish metal band Dream Evil have had to wait six years for their seventh album, titled “Metal Gods.” It opens with the rousing title track. The background vocals practically compel you to shout along to the words “Metal Gods.” There’s not only some delightful screaming guitar work but also heavier (bass) guitar tones are featured. The drumming is good, but the sound is a bit flat. “The Tyrant Dies At Dawn” has excellent background vocals. When this uptempo track is played live, it’s sure to blow the roof off. You can feel the energy on the CD, and the volume gets cranked up high. The music rumbles through the living room, and there’s some fun panning between the speakers. The structure of the mostly high-energy tracks is fairly predictable, so there aren’t many big surprises. The clear pronunciation makes it easy to sing along. “Metal Gods” is an album that begs to be played loud. (Esther Kessel-Tamerus) (7/10) (Century Media Records)

Devon Allman – Miami Moon

Devon Allman, son of Gregg Allman of The Allman Brothers, is releasing his first solo LP in eight years with “Miami Moon.” The album is a musical experience that bridges the past and future of soulful music. Recorded at the legendary Criteria Studios in Miami, a place where albums like “Layla” and “Eat A Peach” were recorded, “Miami Moon” has an authentic and timeless sound. Featuring a star-studded cast of musicians including George Porter Jr. on bass, Ivan Neville on keys, Adam Deitch on drums, Karl Denson on sax, and Jackson Stokes on guitar, the album offers a rich musical texture. Devon Allman shows his versatility by writing songs on bass for the first time, giving the grooves extra emphasis. He has woven influences from Curtis Mayfield, Sade, The Cure, and Steely Dan into his music, resulting in a fresh and funky sound. The production is solid, though it takes a few minutes to get used to Devon’s voice, but everything falls into place after that. While this album may not achieve the success of his father’s “Jessica,” it is certainly an enjoyable listen. (Norman van den Wildenberg) (6/10) (Create Records)

Foster The People – Paradise State Of Mind

Foster The People, known for their mega-hit “Pumped Up Kicks,” is back with their new album “Paradise State Of Mind.” Recorded in LA and London, this album marks a return to their signature mix of catchy melodies and introspective lyrics, with a modern twist. The first single, “Take Me Back,” is a nostalgic anthem that perfectly fits the dreamy atmosphere of the album. In that respect, the band hasn’t lost a step since the departure of drummer Mark Pontius. The title track, “Paradise State Of Mind,” explores the tension between reality and the utopias we often long for. Tracks like “Lost In Space” and “See You In The Afterlife” have a more ethereal, reflective tone, while “Let Go” and “Sometimes I Wanna Be Bad” provide a playful, danceable contrast. A standout moment is the instrumental interlude “Glitchzig,” which takes the listener in a more experimental direction. The album closes with “A Diamond To Be Born,” an uplifting track that ends the album on a hopeful note. “Paradise State Of Mind” is a solid effort and is sure to find its way onto the charts. (Norman van den Wildenberg) (8/10) (Atlantic)