Album Review: March's Top Of The Pops

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Plenty going on in March. Here's what was top of NME-Europe's pops:

Hot Chip: 'One Life Stand' (rating 7.5/10)
Opening track 'Thieves In The Night' seriously suggests this is going to be the one, a rampaging combination of deadly drums and sizzling samples ensures that 'Thieves' is the sort of track to hang about the eardrums for a while. Read more.

The Courteeners: 'Falcon' (rating 8.5/10)
Those of you expecting more 'Cavorting', 'What Took You So Long?' or 'Not Nineteen Forever'-type tracks are not going to find them here, but don't be mistaken, Falcon is a terrific album in it's own right and one Fray and the gang can be extremely satisfied with. Read more.

Los Punsetes: 'LP2' (rating 7.5/10)
Probablemente, dentro de unos años, no los escuche, sus canciones pierdan fuerza y no aguanten el paso del tiempo, pero ahora me divierte su música, y me lo paso bien escuchando sus letras llenas de ironía y acidez, que indagan en el “lado oscuro” del ser humano. Read more.

The Soft Pack: 'The Soft Pack' (rating 7/10)
An engaging combination of punk, garage and even grunge are in order for anyone who decides to give this four-piece an opportunity. Ten tracks in a little more than 30 minutes (with the first eight in just 20) give you a pretty good indication of the tempo on display. Read more.

Two Door Cinema Club: 'Tourist History' (rating 8.5/10)
A blistering combination of enticing electro and captivating guitar riffs are on display throughout the little more than 30 minute visit to this particular movie theatre. The pace is relentless as a series of catchy, easily enjoyable hits ensure the listener's attention is not allowed to wane at any time. Read more.



We also had a little time for....

Good Shoes: 'No Hope, No Future' (rating 7/10)
More intricate, indeed introspective follow up album from this London band. Not quite as engaging as their wonderful debut, but worth a listen.

Efterklang: 'Magic Chairs' (rating 7.5/10)
These 'Great Danes' are capable of some wonderful harmonies and Casper Clausen's lead vocals are sublime.

Midlake: The Courage Of Others' (rating 7/10)
More blissful crooning from this lo-fi Texan quintet.





NC & JFH

Have a listen for yourselves....

Also available on Spotify.

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Album Review: The Soft Pack

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The Soft Pack: 'The Soft Pack' (Kemado Records) 

1. C'mon
2. Down On Loving
3. Answer To Yourself
4. Move Along
5. Pull Out
6. More Or Less
7. Tides Of Time
8. Flammable
9. Mexico
10. Parasites




Hailing from San Diego, California, The Soft Pack, a band who decided on a change of names before getting on with the production of their debut release (and let's face it, 'The Muslims' was destined to have people talking more about the name than the sound, especially stateside), have produced a more than palatable debut.

An engaging combination of punk, garage and even grunge are in order for anyone who decides to give this four-piece an opportunity. Ten tracks in a little more than 30 minutes (with the first eight in just 20) give you a pretty good indication of the tempo on display. The riffs come at you thick and fast, no more so than on the infectiously catchy opener 'Come On', although perhaps the best track award has to go to 'More Or Less'.

Unfortunately,  it's also true to say that lyrically The Soft Pack are not about to blow your mind. If you like your garage guitars, a bit of manic drumming and aren't too interested in the vocals then you're bound to enjoy The Soft Pack. Lyricists abstain!

NC

NME-Europe rating: 7/10
Top Track: 'More Or Less'

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Last 5 NME-Europe reviews:
Los Punsetes: 'LP2'
The Courteeners: 'Falcon'
Hot Chip: 'One Life Stand'
Vampire Weekend: 'Contra'
Los Campesinos!: 'Romance Is Boring'

Read all NME-Europe reviews