Album review overview: Propaganda, The Offspring 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.
Ashley Henry – Who We Are
Ashley Henry’s latest album is an ambitious journey through the rich history of jazz, soul, and R&B. With his South London roots and Jamaican heritage as a foundation, Henry weaves a unique sonic tapestry that feels both familiar and fresh. His rendition of “Mississippi Goddam” sets the tone, a powerful homage to Nina Simone, reminding us of the urgency of her message, even 60 years later. Henry’s piano playing is captivating, his musicality a bridge between past and present. Supported by the solid rhythm duo of Alec Hewes and Myele Manzanza, Henry explores diverse styles. From the Donny Hathaway-like soul in “Fly Away” (featuring Aja Monet) to the urban vibes of “Love Is Like a Movie” (featuring Judi Jackson), each track showcases Henry’s versatility. Highlights include the hip-hop-tinged “Synchronicity” and the gospel-infused “All For You” featuring Mak. Henry’s music is more restrained than rap, more controlled than pure jazz, yet always pushing towards new horizons. This album is an ambitious step forward for Ashley Henry, an artist who has found his voice within the rich spectrum of Black music. A promising work deserving of an 8/10. (Elodie Rrenard) (8/10) (Naive)
Milo Meskens – All The Things I Couldn’t Tell My Therapist
Belgian artist Milo Meskens bares his soul on “All The Things I Couldn’t Tell My Therapist”, a raw and honest journey through his mental recovery process. Released on World Mental Health Day, this third album showcases Meskens’ growth as both an artist and a person. The opening track, “Immortal”, sets the tone with introspective lyrics and layered instrumentation. Meskens’ craftsmanship shines in the production, effortlessly transitioning between intimate acoustic moments and powerful band arrangements. “If I Don’t Want To Live, Do I Die?” offers a sobering glimpse into Meskens’ darkest thoughts, while “Friends?!” demonstrates his versatility as a musician with strong guitar work and energetic drums. As the album progresses, hope begins to seep through tracks like “When She’s Around”, marking a turning point in Meskens’ emotional journey. The closing track, “This Is The Year”, encapsulates the essence of the album as a triumphant ode to survival and growth. “All The Things I Couldn’t Tell My Therapist” is a bold and gripping work that takes listeners from deep lows to hopeful highs. Meskens proves himself to be a talented musician and candid storyteller, unafraid to share his most personal experiences. (Norman van den Wildenberg) (8/10) (Universal Music)
Gurriers – Dipping
Gurriers’ new EP “Dipping” leaves much to be desired. The band attempts to present themselves as a voice against modern malaise, but their musical execution falls severely short. The lead singer can hardly be called a singer, with a voice that irritates rather than impresses. The instrumental work is equally lacklustre, featuring basic chord progressions and messy arrangements that show little inspiration. While the themes they address – such as online addictions, youth alienation, and the rise of far-right extremism – are relevant, the band lacks the skill to convincingly translate these topics into music. The lyrics are clichéd and lack depth. Fortunately, the EP only lasts 20 minutes, though even that feels like too long a listen. Gurriers’ attempt to make a statement about the current state of the world results in nothing more than a disjointed sound devoid of musical value. For fans of thoughtful, well-executed music, this EP is a complete disappointment. Better to skip this one and spend your time on more worthwhile material. (Jan Vranken) (3/10) (No Filter)
Propaganda – Propaganda
Propaganda, the German band best known for their ’80s hit “Duel”, is back with a new album titled “Propaganda”. With eight intriguing new tracks, the band proves they are still relevant in the world of synthpop. While they haven’t evolved much stylistically since their heyday, they remain true to their roots as a synth band with a solid musical foundation. Though this new work may not compare to recent releases from contemporaries like Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark, it holds its own. The album offers a nostalgic journey back to the glory days of synthpop while also introducing a few surprises. A highlight is the German-language track “Wenn ich mir was wünschen dürfte?”, where the band finally reveals their true colours. Musically, this song is reminiscent of pioneers like Kreidler, and the German lyrics work surprisingly well. While it may not be groundbreaking, “Propaganda” is a solid comeback album – if you can call it that. Fans of the band and lovers of classic synthpop will surely enjoy this. The album shows that Propaganda is still capable of creating captivating electronic music, even if they don’t have the same drive for innovation as some of its peers. All in all, “Propaganda” is a welcome return from a band that has played an important role in the development of synthpop. It’s an album that respects their past while proving they are still relevant in today’s musical landscape. (Anton Dupont) (7/10) (Bureau B)
The Offspring – Supercharged
The Offspring returns with “Supercharged”, an energetic album that captures the essence of the band. Frontman Dexter Holland promises pure energy from start to finish, and the band delivers. The opening track, “Looking Out For 1”, is arguably the weakest song on the album, but the rest is a solid collection of powerful punk rock. Following their previous album, “Let The Bad Times Roll” from 2021, which came after a long hiatus, the band now shows they are still relevant. While the previous work reflected on the pandemic and social unrest, “Supercharged” focuses more on personal relationships and life experiences. Songs like “Make It All Right” show a more mature side of the band, with lyrics about support and partnership. At the same time, the classic Offspring sound is preserved in tracks like “Light It Up” and “Get Some”. The band even ventures into a metal direction with songs like “Come to Brazil”, along with “Truth in Fiction”, are immediate highlights. Producer Bob Rock, known for The Offspring’s “Conspiracy of One” album, ensures tight production that perfectly captures the band’s energy. The balance between fast punk tracks and more melodic songs creates a dynamic whole. With “Supercharged”, The Offspring prove they can still make relevant and engaging punk rock. This album is a worthy addition to their discography. (Norman van den Wildenberg) (7/10) (Concord)
