Album review overview: Yannis & the Yaw, The Softies 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.
Yannis & the Yaw – Lagos Paris London
Yannis Philippakis, the frontman of Foals, has embarked on a musical adventure that sounds like an exotic vacation for your ears. “Lagos Paris London” is the result of a creative ménage à trois between African rhythms, Parisian flair, and British rock. And as if that weren’t enough, Philippakis brought on board none other than the legendary Tony Allen, the godfather of Afrobeat. Allen’s involvement gives the album’s Afro-pop infusion instant street cred. The album opens with “Walk Through Fire,” a track so funky it might even get your grandma to spontaneously break a hip. “Rain Can’t Reach Us” will feel familiar to Foals fans but with a tropical twist that makes you long for a cocktail with a little umbrella. The real surprise is “Night Green, Heavy Love,” a track that sounds like Tony Allen and Philippakis were thrown together in a blender—in a good way. Allen’s unmistakable rhythms give the song an authenticity that can’t be faked. “Under The Strikes” and “Clementine” round out the album with brass so warm you could fry an egg on it. With “Lagos Paris London,” Philippakis proves he’s not just a rock star but also a musical globetrotter with respect for roots. This EP is a summer cocktail you’ll want to sip down to the last drop, shaken by a master mixologist. A musical world tour without the jet lag, with first-class Afrobeat accompaniment! (Jan Vranken) (8/10) (Transgressive Records)
The Softies – The Bed I Made
The Softies return with “The Bed I Made,” an album that delivers exactly what you’d expect from these veterans of the indie pop scene. The duo of Rose Melberg and Jen Sbragia once again brings their signature sound: minimalist guitars and heavenly harmonies that transport you to a dreamy state of melancholy. Though expertly executed, the album lacks the innovation you might hope for after all these years. The tracks flow into one another in a pleasant, but occasionally monotonous, collection. The lyrics, though poetic, are confined to familiar themes of love and loss. For fans of the genre, this is a familiar and comfortable listening experience. Newcomers, however, might wonder what all the fuss about The Softies is really about. “The Bed I Made” is like a warm bath: pleasant, but not particularly exciting. A solid album that meets expectations without exceeding them. (Anton Dupont) (7/10) (Father/Daughter Records)
Tigran Hamasyan – Bird of a Thousand Voices
Tigran Hamasyan’s “The Bird of a Thousand Voices” is an ambitious transmedia project that pushes the boundaries of the traditional music experience. Based on the Armenian folk tale “Hazaran Blbul,” Hamasyan, together with filmmaker Ruben Van Leer, creates an immersive world that spans various media. Alongside the album, there’s a film and even a video game. The album is a wondrous journey through diverse music genres, each impressively produced and theatrically performed. Tracks like “The Curse” showcase Hamasyan’s ability to incorporate these elements into a magical musical world where you can even hear metal, all while carrying a wealth of musical citations. Hamasyan’s signature style, which weaves Armenian folk with modern jazz and electronic elements, forms the foundation. Complex rhythms and virtuosic piano parts create a soundtrack that is both challenging and captivating. Though the musical density might be overwhelming for the inattentive listener, “The Bird of a Thousand Voices” remains an impressive and innovative work that marks Hamasyan’s evolution as an artist. (Jan Vranken) (8/10) (naive)
Los Bitchos – Talkie Talkie
The London-based band Los Bitchos brings a refreshing breeze of summer energy with their second album “Talkie Talkie.” This international group, with members from Australia, Uruguay, Sweden, and England, delivers an infectious mix of cumbia, Latin, and indie rock. The title track, “Talkie Talkie Charlie Charlie,” is an absolute standout that makes it impossible to sit still. The instrumental tracks exude a carefree vibe that conjures up images of carefree beach parties and sultry summer evenings. While the comparison to Paramore’s latest work doesn’t fully hold up in terms of genre, both albums share an irresistible catchiness. Los Bitchos managed to carve out a unique sound with their blend of world music and indie rock that feels both familiar and fresh. “Talkie Talkie” is an album without pretensions, purely focused on fun and dance. It’s music that you listen to with a smile, instantly brightening your day. For fans of infectious rhythms and exotic sounds, this album is a must-have for the late summer of 2024. (Elodie Renard) (7/10) (City Slang)
