Album review overview: The Molotovs, Only the Poets and more
Dozens of new albums arrive at Maxazine’s editorial staff every week. There are too many to listen to, 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.
Airelle Besson & Lionel Suarez – Blossom
An accordion and a trumpet. It is not an everyday combination, but Airelle Besson and Lionel Suarez have been working together for over ten years. Besson plays trumpet and flugelhorn, Suarez the accordion. On “Blossom” they present their own compositions alongside a few covers. Besson is responsible for beautiful, melodic pieces like “Kyoto dans la Brume” and “La Course,” in which the accordion has a more accompanying role. Suarez takes the lead in “Sans Laisser d’Adresse” and a charming rendition of Pat Metheny’s “Au Lait.” It is pure romance. Stories are told, memories are created, love is celebrated. You sometimes find yourself in the middle of Montmartre, among the field donkeys, where artists hope to paint a glass of red together. Moments later, you are in a ballroom, ready for a fiery tango. Besson and Suarez prove to be masters at creating atmospheres by placing exactly the right accents in the arrangements. And then you realise that the two instruments are truly made for each other. The final track on the album is “Résonances,” and it is a perfect choice. The warm, full sound of Suarez’s accordion and the long, sustained tones from Besson’s trumpet resonate pleasantly long after. (Jeroen Mulder) (8/10) (Bretelles/Papillon Jaune)
VMV Trio – The Search of Meaning
Apulia. The coast and the sky-blue water, the vast fields with full olive trees, and the whitewashed houses in rustic villages and towns, where time has stood still. This is the birthplace of three young Italian musicians: alto saxophonist Vincenzo Di Gioia, guitarist Marco Cutillo, and drummer Vito Tenzone. Together they form the VMV Trio. “The Search of Meaning” is the Italians’ first full-length album. Apulia is known for its idyllic surroundings and olive oil, but not as a cradle of jazz. The VMV Trio could change that. “In Search of Meaning” presents beautiful melodies in strong compositions that are narratively built, while also leaving room for improvisation. The VMV Trio’s sound balances between modern jazz and rock, from understatedly melodic to robustly virtuosic. A track like “Missing Pieces” shows how well these three musicians are in sync, and that a trio with only guitar, saxophone, and drums works perfectly, especially because of Cutillo’s versatile guitar playing. Take “Outrage” with its delightful acoustic riff and Santana-like solo. The up-tempo tracks, such as “Now Fly, The Dream is Real” are the real highlights of this album, where the slower, more ambient pieces sometimes risk feeling a little drawn out. Pay attention to the drums in the latter track. We will hear much more from them. (Jeroen Mulder) (8/10) (Inner Urge Records)
B.B. & The Blues Shacks – Blues Is A Stew
With the album “Blues Is A Stew,” the German band B.B. & The Blues Shacks delivers a collection of songs that perfectly capture the essence of the blues. The album mixes original work and covers such as “I Don’t Know Why,” dripping with passion for the genre. Michael Arlt’s voice sounds lived-in and forms a beautiful unity with the guitar work of his brother Andreas. In songs like “Keep On Smilin'”, you can hear the influences of soul and rhythm and blues that are so characteristic of the band. The horn section gives the music a full, warm sound that recalls the heyday of Chicago blues. “Blues Is A Stew” feels like a warm blanket for the listener and offers an honest musical experience. The rhythm section lays a solid foundation, giving the soloists plenty of space to shine. The craftsmanship of this quintet is unquestionable, and with this release, they consolidate their status in the international blues scene. (Elodie Renard) (8/10) (Rhythm Bomb Records/Sonic Rendezvous)
The Molotovs – Wasted On Youth
The young British trio The Molotovs debuts powerfully with the album “Wasted On Youth.” The band brings a sound reminiscent of early punk and mod revival, but with a contemporary twist. Tracks like “Satisfaction Guaranteed” and “More, More, More” burst with energy and show that these musicians master their instruments. The lyrics on “Wasted On Youth” address the frustrations and freedom of modern youth, packaged in short, powerful tracks. The production is honest and direct, preserving the band’s live feel. There is a clear focus on strong hooks and tight rhythms that immediately engage the listener. In a time when much music sounds over-polished, this band opts for a raw edge that sets them apart. “Wasted On Youth” is a statement from a band that knows exactly what it wants to achieve. The album is a promising start to a career that could go in many directions. (Norman van den Wildenberg) (7/10) (Fuga)
Only The Poets – And I’d Do It Again
“And I’d Do It Again” marks a mature and strikingly cohesive new album from Only The Poets, where emotion and reflection are central without being sentimental. The band draws clearly from personal experiences and translates them into melodic songs that lean heavily on pop-rock, but allow room for nuance and dynamics. Singles like “Emotionally Hungover” and “I Keep On Messing It Up” immediately set the tone with relatable themes such as doubt, self-reflection, and the aftermath of relationships, supported by open vocal lines and tightly constructed arrangements. Throughout the album, it is noticeable how carefully the songs are built, with attention to tension arcs and small shifts in tempo and intensity. The production is clear without becoming slick, preserving the emotional weight. Faster tracks bring energy, while more restrained passages create breathing space and give the album balance. This variation makes “And I’d Do It Again” a record that is easy to listen to but also reveals new details upon repeated plays. (William Brown) (7/10) (Universal Music)
