Category: albums/eps

[ep] The Pleasure Dome – Liminal Space

acute.pop

Liminal Space, the new EP by Welsh-born, Bristol rockers The Pleasure Dome, is an emotional exploration of the complexities of life set against the backdrop of tumultuous times for the band. It follows the release of their acclaimed debut album Equinox and serves as a continuation and next step for the group (before they proceed to record the second LP).

Despite recent personal upheavals and line-up changes, the result is a confident collection of big rock numbers, a ferocious tsunami of raw emotion and unfiltered energy that crashes through the speakers and leaves an indelible mark on the listener’s soul. It’s a cathartic experience, an emotional rollercoaster, and a rallying cry for the disenchanted.

All the songs take on personal themes, and beneath the fury and the noise here lies a profound sense of vulnerability and humanity. Be that a message of hope on “The Duke Part II (Friends and Enemies)”, a take on the complexities of the relationships on “Your Fucking Smile” or an intensely emotional acoustic number “Suicide” — it is an outstanding mini-album from hard-working musicians who are passionate and deadly serious about what they are doing.

Stream below and purchase the release on vinyl here, out now through Hound Gawd! Records.

[ep] Tony Njoku – Last Bloom

acute.pop

On Friday, British-Nigerian producer, pianist and composer Tony Njoku released his new EP Last Bloom (for cult PRAH Recordings), and it marks the subsequent daring move forward in his musical journey.

The mini-album is equally innovative and accessible, it floats smoothly and never gets boring. The artist had managed to do a truly impressive thing — components of classical music, ambient and electronica are organically combined here to fantastic results. At the same time, all the songs are seasoned and decorated with a layer of art pop elements, one-of-a-kind Njoku’s artistic touch and successful experiments.

Add to this all also creative visual pieces (just check out a stunning new visualiser for “BIAFRA” and a beautiful music video for “La Ruée”) and we get one of the coolest musical projects of 2024 so far. Tony will do an intimate show at The Old Church, Stoke Newington on May 9 to present Last Bloom (buy tickets here).

Listen below and get the EP here.

[album] BODEGA – Our Brand Could Be Yr Life

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Our Brand Could Be Yr Life, the new LP from BODEGA, is a full ‘remake’ of an old band BODEGA BAY’s sole LP which was a self-released 33-track album from 2015. As described by the group, they approached this project like how a director might ‘remake’ one of their old films which meant writing several new songs and developing old ideas in new directions.

The result is striking like a bolt of lightning, with the album being an epitome of infectious energy captured in musical form. Every track on this record is a gem, with no room for filler as it propels listeners into a whirlwind of catchy melodies and pulsating rhythms. Musically it is also very broad — there’s a place for fidgety post-punk, art rock, dance punk, some neo-psychedelia and more.

Thematically, the band delivers a sonic manifesto that challenges societal norms and embraces the chaos of contemporary existence. Songs like “ATM” (which is also reflected on the cover art, crafted by the band’s Nikki Belfiglio) emphasize a significant observation about the transactional nature we’ve adopted both within the music industry and as a society and “Tarkovski” could arguably be their punchiest track to date (right next to the “Doers”).

Even further they go on the epic “Cultural Consumer” trilogy, which features the recurring character of their songs, a middle-class bohemian addicted to studying culture. It is BODEGA in a nutshell — a fun, provocative, smart and one-of-a-kind experience that stays with you forever after listening.

Stream below and buy the record here.

[ep] Moonpools – Hide and Seek

acute.pop

Swiss outfit Moonpools released their new EP Hide and Seek on Friday via Young and Aspiring. This is an exceptional shoegaze album that you shouldn’t miss, especially if you enjoy ethereal, atmospheric music filled with glimmering guitars, intricate layers, and captivating vocals.

The band pays homage to several influential figures in the genre here (such as Cocteau Twins, Slowdive, My Bloody Valentine) while infusing their own unique style. The overall tone of the album is melancholic yet optimistic, exploring themes of love, insecurities, and human connections seamlessly intertwined with the music itself.

The lyrical content weaves a poetic and evocative storyline, enhancing the immersive sonic landscapes crafted by the instrumentals. Moonpools demonstrate a forward-looking perspective on Hide and Seek, poised to navigate the emotional depths with a sense of equilibrium as they embrace what lies ahead.

Check it out below.

[album] Eyesore & The Jinx – Jitterbug

acute.pop

Jitterbug, the debut record by Eyesore & the Jinx, is a haunting exploration of the complexities of health set against the backdrop of personal tragedy and societal turmoil. Recorded in the aftermath of Josh Miller’s (vocals, bass, lyrics) significant loss and the realization of his mortality, the album serves as a testament to resilience and the human capacity for rebuild and transformation.

With vibrant, angular rhythms and tight guitars, the LP delves deep into the darker recesses of the human psyche, offering a raw and introspective journey through the gloom and despair that have characterized the past few years. The production, helmed by Daniel Fox from Gilla Band, is top-notch, perfectly capturing the raw energy and intensity of the band’s sound.

All songs here are true gems, which teeter on the brink of collapse yet captivate with their fragile beauty. Such smashers as “No More Nails” and “The Itch” are destined to be anchors of the band’s upcoming live shows, and it is great to have the classic “Sleepless” in its definitive form. “What Doesn’t Kill You” is also a standout, a brooding, fantastic closer with brilliant lyrics.

Overall, it is a punchy, vulnerable and sad album. But also it’s the one that somehow gives hope and power to change things, and reminds us that even in our darkest moments, we are never truly alone.

Stream below and purchase the LP here.