Sunday, February 23, 2014

Album Reviews: The Young Dubliners, The Feeling, Solander

The Young Dubliners. Photo credit: David Safian
By Robert Kinsler

There have been a number of early 2014 releases catching my attention. Here is a roundup of three of my favorite recent LPs worthy of any discerning modern music lover…


Artist: The Young Dubliners
Title: Nine (Young Dubliners)
You might like if you enjoy: The Alarm, the Fenians, the Pogues
Tell me more: No other Southern California-based outfit has continued to carry the torch for Irish music rock as powerfully as The Young Dubliners have since forming in 1988. On the Celtic rock quintet's aptly-titled ninth release Nine (set for release on March 4), singer-guitarist Keith Roberts and company have delivered a masterwork courtesy of their first-ever independent release. From the Alarm-styled anthem "We the Mighty" and cascading rocker "Say Anything" to the thrilling Celtic-flavored instrumental "Abhainn Mor" and gorgeous Irish ballad "Rain" with its acoustic guitar and mandolin textures, Nine is an album that will ring true on St. Patrick's Day and every other day of the year. Information: YoungDubliners.com.

Artist: The Feeling
Title: Boy Cried Wolf  (BMG)
You might like if you enjoy: Coldplay, Keane, Travis
Tell me more: The Feeling's fourth full-length album Boy Cried Wolf finds the five-member British troupe continuing to mine new territory, playing everything from piano- and guitar-anchored ballads to decidedly heavier material. Highlights include the hard-edged melodic rocker "Fall Like Rain", the infectious Britpop-styled "Rescue," the sweeping "Blue Murder" and ambitious Blur-meets-Oasis rocker "Boy Cried Wolf." While The Feeling isn't as well known in the U.S. as in its native England, discerning listeners in America will patently love The Feeling's rapturous sound. Information: TheFeeling.com.
Purchase 'Boy Cried Wolf' here

Artist: Solander
Title: Monochromatic Memories (A Tendervision Recording)
You might like if you enjoy: Moby, Color Theory, Sigur Rós
Tell me more: The perfect fusion of artful electronica, indie Americana and heartfelt folk-rock, Sweden-based Solander's Monochromatic Memories boasts an immersive experience across its fast-moving 10-track run. While the disc features textures and sounds that recall a wide range of artists including MobySigur Rós and Sufjan Stevens, there is the simple fact that each of the songs on Monochromatic Memories is embedded with a richness and authenticity that shines on its own. The haunting "The Woods Are Gone," intoxicating "All Opportunities" and glorious "Black Rug," the latter with its swirling mix of acoustic guitar and symphonic lushness, are a celebration of both sound and song. Information: www.solander.se

Buy "Monochromatic Memories" here

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