UP FOR REVIEW: Relaxer by alt-J
Listen to alt-J and you'll see the indie rock scene is alive and well thanks to their contributions out of Leeds, England. They offer a truly incredible sound led by one of the most unique voices in music today. Sometimes when listening to rock (especially indie rock) many of the artists start sounding the same but you'll never have that issue as soon as Joe Newman starts to sing. No one does it like he does.
Joe and the boys are back for their 3rd studio album, Relaxer. This album has a different feel for me than the others. Sitting at 8 songs and just 39 minutes, it's their shortest album, but doesn't quite have the homerun as "This Is All Yours" had. Happy to get more music from alt-J and I'm looking forward to catching them when they start touring the US again.
Let's take a look at the album track-by-track:
- "3WW" - Gives a great opening feel to the album. It's slow with a powerful chorus which tells us of the statue of Shakespeare's Juliet which has been worn down by visitors trying to rub some good luck off on themselves as they pass. 7/10
- "In Cold Blood" - *golf clap for the brass section here* This is the single you'll be hearing on AltNation (SiriusXM) now. Newman explained to NPR this song has been around since they were students in Leeds and have just now finished it. 7/10
- "House of the Rising Sun" - Yes it's initially a cover and then they take it and attempt to make it their own. I didn't like it. Thought it was weird. The Animals did the finest version of this song but they sold it because he sang with passion. Joe could have sang but he chose to be low-key. If you're going to cover a timeless song you have got to sell out on it. You cannot play it safe. Or don't touch it at all. 4/10
- "Hit Me Like a Snare" - This song is the weakest song on the album. I hope they do not plan on making this a single. It sounds like a scrapped Cage the Elephant song minus all the energy that CtE brings. I found it borderline annoying with the weird pitches in the vocals. 4/10
- "Deadcrush" - Finally, we get back to a good effort from alt-J. It's fun, it's sang well, and it's ultra catchy. What more could you ask for out of a song? All the ingredients are there. 7/10
- "Adeline" - "It's about a Tasmanian devil that falls in love with a woman he watches swimming every day." Newman explains. You'd think a Tasmanian devil would be more exciting than this song. It's a slow builder that ends right before the big take off. 5/10
- "Last Year" - Depression and suicide. The album get slower and darker as we near the end. Strange way of mixing the album. Found this song to be incredibly boring. It's beautiful but it's not what I think of when I stream alt-J which makes this (and many other songs on this album) forgetful. 4/10
- "Pleader" - alt-J attempts to rescue you from the pit of despair they left you in with the last two songs. The church feel and backing choir is wonderful. 6/10
All in all this album has it's moments. Specifically, this album has three moments: "In Cold Blood," "3WW," and "Deadcrush." They are fine songs and actually sound like alt-J. What happened to the alt rock band putting out "Matilda," "Left Hand Free," and "Every Other Freckle." I don't know but I hope they find them again soon.
Album Rating: 55% :-\
Please help me by RETWEETING/SHARING THIS!
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