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hmv.com reviews... / May 15, 2024

#NowPlaying | 16 May

Discover what our music team is listening to with our #NowPlaying!

Knocked Loose / You Won't Go Before You're Supposed To
There is simply no stopping Kentucky hardcore mob Knocked Loose, as their third full length sees them pushing their aggression to new extremes. In the band's own words, “Sacrificing heaviness was never an option… As this band grows, it only gets more uncomfortable and extreme”. The momentum is building, as is their following, and each new single has only added to the fever, with 'Suffocation' (with a guest spot from Poppy) is up there with the singles of the year. The year that will belong to Knocked Loose. For fans of Acacia Strain, Kublai Khan TX, Jesus Piece.
By Jamie D
 

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Dehd / Poetry

On Poetry, have Dehd effortlessly hit their stride with their most accessible album yet while keeping all the unapologetically messy elements that made their breakout album Flower of Devotion such a thrill. Weaving carefree post-punk with catchy power pop choruses and a fuzzy wall-of-sound production style. It’s an effortlessly cool album that’s begging to be played at parties, BBQs and roadtrips. For fans of Alvvays, Snail Mail and Weezer.​​​​​​​By Connor C
 

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Bright Light Bright Light / Enjoy Youth

Four albums in and leading LGBTQ+ artist Rod Thomas is hitting his stride. Inspired by and featuring club track vocalists from the 90s (Ultra Nate, Berri (Sunshine After the Rain) this is an album full of unpretentious danceable pop. Co produced by Scissor Sisters Babydaddy and Richard X.​​​
By Tony F

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Cassandra Jenkins / My Light, My Destroyer

Cassandra Jenkins follows up An Overview On Phenomenal Nature with another song collection of lilting vocals, sometimes almost spoken.  There's a jazz inflection to the bass in places reminiscent of Van's Astral Weeks. More punch emerges in some corners of the album which isn't suggested in previous work, along with the more familiar spoken word excerpts set over ambient soundscapes - there the pace is slowed and reset for the set up back to the next song but never taking you out of the album.  There's a lot to discover in Jenkins' albums and it's time well spent doing so.​​​
By David A

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Iron And Wine / Light Verse

Sam Beam follows up 2017's Beast Epic with the opposingly titled, Light Verse. As ever, the gently absorbing song writing is set in exquisite arrangements building from sparsely plucked, off beat frameworks to a full bodied 24 piece orchestra. Fiona Apple guests, sharing vocals on All In Good Time - the latest in a line of Beam collaborators. A warm album with plenty to discover and keep you listening.
By David A

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Kerry King / From Hell I Rise

Following a momentus 40 year career in Slayer, one of the most influential metal bands of all time with over 20 million album sales, there's no denying you know what you're getting from Kerry King. Balls to the wall thrash, with fast and nasty singles 'Idle Hands' and 'Residue' showcasing all the riffs, rage and relentless thrash you can expect. The album lineup includes a veritable who's who of thrash legends -  Phil Demmel (Machine Head) on guitars with King, bassist Kyle Sanders (Hellyeah), Paul Bostaph (Slayer, Testament) and vocalist Mark Osegueda (Death Angel). For fans of: Slayer, Kreator, Exodus.
By Jamie D

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Angus & Julia Stone / Cape Forestier 

Australian siblings, Angus & Julia Stone release their 5th studio album as a duo. Gorgeous, irresistible melodies, and smooth vocals merge together to create an inviting indie folk masterpiece.
By Tony F


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Bonny Light Horseman / Keep Me On Your Mind/See You Free 

Third album from the Americana folk trio offers 20 tracks exploring love and loss, sorrow and hope - the intertwining voices give a real conversational intimacy to the record which, at times, has a Buckingham & Nicks feel to the vocal interplay. Their most confident record to date.
By David A


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Arab Strap / I'm Totally Fine With It, Don't Give A F*uck Anymore 

Arab Strap are back with their second album since reforming. This time they flex their alt-pop sensibilities as well as their trademark miserablism and razor-sharp wit while lyrically exploring prescient themes of conspiracy theories and online addiction. Equal parts darkly hilarious, tenderly misanthropic and surprisingly danceable, this is an essential record that only Arab Strap could deliver. For fans of: Fontaines DC, King Creosote  and Sleaford Mods.
By Connor C


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Pallbearer / Mind Burns Alive 

It's been a good year for doom metal so far, with stunning albums from My Dying Bride, Hamferð, Acid Mammoth and Bongripper to name a few. Arkansas natives Pallbearer have returned with their fifth album, 'Mind Burns Alive', and it's stripped back with more heartfelt focus on being musically and lyrically vulnerable compared to their previous albums. Exploring themes of loneliness, emotional struggles and a world on the brink of drowning, this is a work of soaring beauty. For fans of Conan, Swallow the Sun, Katatonia, Witchcraft.​​​​​​​By Jamie D


Own Mind Burns Alive on limited edition orange crush etched vinyl & CD
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