Album review overview: Mike Stern, Neil Young 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.

Gigantum – Gigantum

Gigantum is an American Stoner Metal band that is independently releasing an EP of the same name. Despite having only six tracks, the EP has a nearly full-length album duration, clocking in at just under 40 minutes. In this time, you can enjoy a mix of speed rock, garage rock, and stoner metal, with occasional guitar riffs reminiscent of Black Sabbath. Gigantum features three vocalists, with lead singer/bassist Mia X being well-supported by the two guitarists. If you enjoy bands like Fu Manchu and Red Fang, you should definitely give this EP a listen. Solid but not distinctive. (Ad Keepers) (6/10) (Independent Release)

The Flying Norsemen – The Flying Norsemen

Three of the five members of The Flying Norsemen come from the band Arabs In Aspic. Their 70s influences of stoner, doom, and psychedelia are certainly evident on their debut album “The Flying Norsemen”. The first part of “Norseide” is calm. The lyrics are in Norwegian. I don’t understand them, but that’s okay, as the vocals and music are in harmony. The cover features a kind of Poseidon. No sampled sounds were added to “PoseidJohn”. Still, the lyrics of this epic are about a sailing trip to the open sea. All four tracks have balanced instrumentation. Additionally, the blend of psychedelia and stoner/doom is very well done. Extended instrumental sections alternate with vocal parts. The Theremin plays an important role at times. Both the intros and outros are carefully composed. The tracks are highly varied in structure, with numerous twists, some sudden and others gradual. It’s always surprising. (Esther Kessel-Tamerus) (8/10) (Apollon Records)

Neil Young – Archives Volume III, Takes

Neil Young’s “Archives Volume III, Takes” is a deep dive into the creative process of the legendary singer-songwriter. This originally extensive collection, consisting of 17 CDs or 5 Blu-Rays, offers a wealth of previously unreleased material from a crucial period in Young’s career. With “Takes”, there is a more digestible version for the casual consumer, featuring 16 tracks. The archive contains a fascinating mix of live recordings, studio outtakes, and even full unpublished albums. Highlights include “Lady Wingshot” with the Gone with the Wind Orchestra, “Barstool Blues,” a live recording from the time he was accompanied by Royal Pineapple, and an impression that didn’t make much of an impact on his new label Geffen. The sound quality varies widely, from impressive to downright poor, highlighting the raw, unpolished nature of the material. For the average listener, this can be overwhelming and sometimes even inaccessible. This collection is especially valuable for the most dedicated Neil Young fans and music historians. It provides a unique insight into Young’s creative process but is not intended for casual listening. “Archives Volume III” is an impressive, though niche-focused, project that highlights Young’s commitment to his musical legacy. A must-have for the hardcore fan but perhaps too specialized for the average listener. Therefore, only a 5 out of 10. (Jan Vranken) (5/10) (The Other Shoe Productions)

Mike Stern – Echoes and Other Songs

Mike Stern’s “Echoes and Other Songs” is a masterpiece that fully demonstrates the versatility of this jazz guitarist. Stern’s technical virtuosity shines throughout the album, with his characteristic fluid runs and energetic playing. What truly impresses is Stern’s ability to seamlessly navigate the entire jazz spectrum. In just eight bars, he can transition smoothly from fiery fusion to swing-laden bebop, a testament to his musical flexibility and creativity. The compositions reflect Stern’s broad musical horizon, from the grooving “Where’s Leo?” to the subdued “Gospel Song”. His collaborations with top musicians such as Chris Potter, Christian McBride, Richard Bona, and Dennis Chambers elevate the album even further. Despite some moments that recall other artists, Stern’s unique touch remains evident. “Echoes and Other Songs” is an essential addition to any jazz collection, showcasing a guitarist at the peak of his abilities. A well-deserved 9 out of 10. (Jan Vranken) (9/10) (Mike Stern)

DEADLETTER – Hysterical Strength

DEADLETTER’s “Hysterical Strength” is an impressive album stamped with the mark of producer Jim Abbiss, known for his work with Editors, Arctic Monkeys, and Adele. The raw energy and ambition of this post-punk band from South London are masterfully captured and shaped. Abbiss’ production is so dominant that the album almost seems more his creation than the band’s own. Tracks like “Credit to Treason” sound fantastic—raw and energetic, with a polished sound that showcases the band at its best. “Mother”, featuring saxophone, is another standout that demonstrates the versatility of the production. While this is an excellent album, it raises questions about how DEADLETTER will present these songs live without Abbiss’ production magic. The contrast between the stylized studio sound and their presumably rougher live performances promises to be intriguing. “Hysterical Strength” is a compelling work that piques interest in DEADLETTER’s future development, both in the studio and on stage. An 8 out of 10 for this impressive producer-focused album. (Anton Dupont) (8/10) (To So Recordings)