Post-punk veterans release second single from new album Giant. Serrated metallic guitar over frenetic synth is comfortingly typical Stranglers. However, it’s quickly let down by a combination of badly-judged semi-rap and worryingly Jethro Tull-ish vocals by frontman Baz Warne. It sounds like they’ve tried to stuff too many ideas into the same song, in an attempt to demonstrate relevance and vitality, but have ended up in clanging confusion.
5/10
Words: Ed Biggs
Jack White – ‘I’m Shakin’ (Third Man / XL)
A swaggering, jaunty riff kicks off this mesmerising slice of stop-start blues rock. A cover of an old Little Willie John hit, it fits White absolutely down to the ground, featuring a trademark squalling solo. He’s backed by a very competent band that includes his ex-wife Karen Elson. More Raconteurs than Dead Weather, fans will be pleased to know. Stylish and purposeful.
8/10
Words: Ed Biggs
Robbie Williams- ‘Candy’
For what it is- a happy, accessible crowd pleaser- this song is brilliant. Right from the catchy intro it gets your foot tapping, and it’s hard not to have a little bop to the jubilant chorus. It’s neither a musical or lyrical masterpiece, but a definite earworm that people will no doubt be humming out and about. Saccharine sweet, it lives up to its name.
7/10
Words: Rachel Baker
Gabriel Bruce – Perfect Weather
Gabriel Bruce, touted as a newly emerging ‘gothic pop singer songwriter’ by NME, releases his debut track this week. With fanfares doused in irony and Bruce’s hauntingly deep vocals layered over basic brooding instrumentation, this isn’t exactly what you’d stick on your ‘going out’ playlist. However Bruce’s darkness is tremendously enchanting, and if you like odd, borderline disturbing music videos, this is one to check out.
8/10
Words: Caitlin Breheny
Matt Cardle – It’s Only Love
Credit where credit is due: Matt Cardle wrote, produced and recorded every instrument on ‘It’s Only Love’ himself, which is more than can be said for most X Factor winners . Yet the single itself is ultimately forgettable and falls into the ranks of shapeless, overly sentimental pop. Matt’s got a really interesting voice, but it’s not a very interesting record.
4/10
Words: Caitlin Breheny
The Pains Of Being Pure At Heart – Jeremy
The Pains covering The Magnetic Fields? How could it be bad? It can’t; and it isn’t. ‘Jeremy’ seems like an obscure cover choice, but it perfectly showcases Merritt’s witty song writing mastery and detailed fabrications. Brooklyn twee-gazers The Pains Of Being Pure At Heart play a heart-felt cover with their signature jangly guitars and modest, youthful charm. The sugary sweet single is intimate and heart-warming: as indie pop should be.
8/10
Words: Laura Ulanowski
‘All Your Gold’ projects the voice of a wounded lover no longer capable of affection. The electronic beat strips back and paces verses, foregrounding Natasha Khan’s precise and controlled vocals, her frustration only laid bare by the powerful electric guitar chords and quick, tinny heartbeat of the chorus. The track is another solid production, and, boldly bearing a man across her naked body on the single’s sleeve artwork, no one is more aware of this than Khan herself.
7/10
Words: Laura Ulanowski
Pat Dam Smyth – Friends
With a name like Pat Dam Smyth you’d be forgiven for thinking that this ex-busker was a rap artist, but new single ‘Friends’ proves that he’s got all the credentials of an old school folk-rock icon. Sounding like the upbeat love child of Cat Stevens and Leonard Cohen, Smyth smoothly croons his way through this inoffensive track. Dylan-esque melodies mixed with Black Keys style mid-verse jams make for laid back listening.
7/10