Tag: albums/eps

[album] Annie Hart – The Weight of a Wave

acute.pop

Annie Hart is an American singer-songwriter and keyboardist who is best known for her work with the band Au Revoir Simone, but she also has a very consistent and brilliant solo career post-ARS. Every new release from her is always highly-anticipated and the latest one, The Weight of a Wave, is probably her best yet.

She masterfully mixes dark indie pop textures with post-punk/new wave influences, creating some catchiest and best songs of her career here, like the DIY hit “What Makes Me Me” and melodic “Boy You Got Me Good” (which also has an awesome and slightly disturbing music video). The balance is key here, with the LP structured just perfectly, providing the listener with both enjoyable lighter moments and also a healthy dose of melancholia.

Check it out below and purchase the album here.

[ep] Human Resources – Malperfect

acute.pop
Photo by Spela Cedilnik

Malperfect is a debut EP by London post-punk outfit Human Resources, on which they fully maximize their potential, starting from the groovy dancing number “Kinshasa Shuffle” and finishing with the chaotic and cathartic “I Love Football”. The songs are very dynamic, making the runtime of nearly 18 minutes fly imperceptibly.

It is a truly captivating journey through experimental post-punk, infused with elements of jazz and post-rock. The lyrics are fun, sometimes revealing a surreal social commentary and sometimes being just bizarre, perfectly complementing the music. The band manages to be not really serious while sounding deadly serious, and it’s quite an accomplishment. God knows what they plan to do next, but if that would be even half as surprising as this EP — we would be totally satisfied!

The group would present the EP at the launch show in London at The George Tavern on 17 August, with support from For Breakfast (get the tickets here).

Listen below.

[album] Activity – Spirit in the Room

acute.pop

Appearing seemingly out of nowhere at the beginning of 2020, Brooklyn’s Activity established themselves as a really special band. Their fantastic debut Unmask Whoever became a soundtrack of the pandemic’s early stages, and somehow despite its haunting nature and eerie atmosphere, it managed to provide a certain calming effect.

Now the group is back with a new release, and already judging by its cover and title Spirit in the Room it is possible to say that they are doubling down and expanding on everything here. And a couple of listens easily confirm that Activity delivered another masterpiece — a dark and very complex record with many layers and details slowly revealing themselves. It’s an album to get lost in.

Stream below and buy the LP here.

[album] Co-Pilot – Rotate

acute.pop

Co-Pilot is a new collaboration of Alan Roberts aka Jim Noir and Leonore Wheatley (The Soundcarriers, International Teachers of Pop).

If you are familiar with any music these musicians have put out previously you probably already have a small understanding of how Rotate, their debut, might sound. But the final result is even better than can be expected.

The album is an ideal blend of vintage and modern sounds, with lush arrangements, intricate melodies, and a dreamy, otherworldly atmosphere. The band’s influences are wide-ranging and eclectic, from 60s pop and rock to jazz, chamber psych and baroque pop, and together the duo manage to create a cohesive and distinctive sound that is all their own. A lovely, lovely record.

Stream below and buy the LP here.

[ep] Death Bells – Take My Spirit Now

acute.pop

Having released their latest LP Between Here & Everywhere last year, Death Bells return with a new, hauntingly beautiful collection of songs that explore themes of love, paranoia, and destiny.

Titled Take My Spirit Now, it spans five songs which introduce the newer, refreshed sound of the group. It is slightly lighter and more textured, with reverb-soaked guitars and big hooks. The lyrics are poetic and introspective, delving into the complexities of emotions and spirituality.

Check it out below and purchase the EP here, out now via Dais Records.