Album review overview: LL Cool J, Ibibio Sound Machine 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.

MJ Lenderman – Manning Fireworks

MJ Lenderman continues his rise with his latest solo album “Manning Fireworks”. On the slightly quirky singles like “She’s Leaving You”, “Joker Lips”, and “Wristwatch”, the guitarist and singer-songwriter plays nearly every instrument himself. He sings with sharp self-awareness and charm about self-doubt, which earns him much sympathy. This album is not only a worthy successor to “Boat Songs” from 2022, but also makes it clear once again why we once called him a guitar virtuoso. Lenderman seems to be like his music: someone who’s fun to hang out with, and with whom you don’t need much to have a great evening. “Manning Fireworks” is a solid, though not groundbreaking, addition to his growing body of work. (Jan Vranken) (7/10) (Anti)

Nala Sinephro – Endlessness

Nala Sinephro’s album “Endlessness” fits seamlessly into the rise of the Belgian jazz scene, known for its modern, bold, and energetic sounds. Yet, Sinephro’s music often feels too stylized and lacks the raw energy that makes this style so vibrant. The production is glossy and smooth, full of shimmering layers that are technically impressive but sometimes come at the expense of spontaneity and surprise. Where you’d hope she would break free and take more risks, she remains stuck in perfection. The result is an overly polished sound that will enchant some listeners but might feel a bit too slick for others. A beautifully crafted album, but a bit more fire wouldn’t have hurt. (Anton Dupont) (6/10) (Warp Records)

Ibibio Sound Machine – The Black Notes EP

“The Black Notes EP” by Ibibio Sound Machine keeps the momentum strong after their excellent album “Pull The Rope”. The EP includes two new, energetic tracks unmistakably made for the dancefloor and two remixes of earlier songs. The London-based octet impresses once again with their signature blend of West African funk, post-punk, and modern electro. Eno Williams’ powerful vocals and rhythmic grooves deliver an exhilarating listening experience. This EP shows that they continue to perfect their unique sound and are ready to keep conquering dance floors. “The Black Notes EP” feels like a natural continuation of their musical journey, full of energy and creativity. However, points are deducted for shamelessly riding the wave they’re on, but that’s understandable 🙂 (Jan Vranken) (6/10) (Merge Records)

Alpha P – Welcome To The Pack

Alpha P, the young Nigerian artist from Benin City, aims to show with his EP “Welcome To The Pack” that he’s ready to lead his “pack”. Unfortunately, this attempt is anything but convincing. Although Alpha P portrays himself as a genre-bender, the mix of trap, R&B, and afro beats on this EP doesn’t come together well. His singing and rapping feel weak and uninspired, especially on the track “Light”, which is undoubtedly the low point of the EP. The rest of the songs sound flat and aimless as if he doesn’t quite know where he wants to go musically. The whole thing lacks the energy and vision you’d expect from someone calling himself a leader. In short, this EP completely misses the mark. (Elodie Renard) (3/10) (Penthouse/Mad Solutions)

LL Cool J – The Force

LL Cool J is back with “The Force”, and while he owes us nothing, he proves that he’s still one of the grandmasters of hip-hop. This album is not a comeback but a confirmation of his place in the rap world. LL raps with the intensity and precision of someone who knows he has nothing left to prove, yet still sets a high bar for himself. The opener, “The Spirit Of Cyrus”, immediately sets the tone: fierce, raw, and relentless. LL returns to his roots with tracks like “Post Modern” and “The Force”, evoking memories of his glory days. His collaboration with Busta Rhymes on “Huey In The Chair” bursts with energy, while “Proclivities” is a nostalgic nod to his famous love songs. At 56, LL sounds sharper than ever—not a comeback, but pure affirmation. (Elodie Renard) (8/10) (LL Cool J INC)