New music: Seal, The Legal Matters, Mumford & Sons, Gorillaz, Johnny Blue Skies

In this column I review fantastic new titles featuring British soul icon Seal, as well as new studio albums from power pop greats The Legal Matters, British Americana troupe Mumford & Sons, groundbreaking collective Gorillaz and genre-defying Johnny Blue Skies & the Dark Clouds; all the releases are available now.

Artist: Seal
Title: Purpose: Celebrating 30 Years of the Classic Albums Seal I and Seal II (Mercury Studios)
You might like if you enjoy: Seal, Trevor Horn
Tell me more: Fans of top-tier artists, immersive concert films and timeless music will all have find plenty to love about Mercury Studios' "Purpose: Celebrating 30 Years of the Classic Albums Seal I and Seal II." The fabulous new concert film featuring four-time Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter Seal was filmed at The Venetian Theatre in Las Vegas in 2024 and features stunning live versions of the artist's most beloved material. The 10-track concert film also features some insightful thoughts from Seal interspersed along the way: "I think a song can change peoples lives...in a way that is so profound." That is especially true after seeing Seal and his six-piece band soar through stellar hits including "Crazy," "Future Love Paradise," "Prayer For The Dying" and "Kiss From A Rose." Seal's signature vocals come in the service of a timeless sound that blends soul, R&B, pop and dance. In addition to Seal's incredible vocals, his band features the artist's longtime producer, Grammy Award-winning producer/artist Trevor Horn. Highlights abound on the title, including the sumptuous opener "Crazy," dance-fueled "The Beginning" and "Bring It On," bewitching "Prayer For The Dying," and moving "Kiss From A Rose" and "Love's Divine," the latter two selections finding Seal going into the crowd to sing. Released on Feb. 13, the title is available via multiple formats including a 4K UHD+Blu-ray combo pack, Blu-ray+CD combo, and digital audio and video (the 4K UHD+Blu-ray format is reviewed here). Information: mercurystudio.co.

Artist: The Legal Matters
Title: Lost At Sea (Big Stir Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Badfinger, ELO, Fountains Of Wayne, Crowded House, Dada
Tell me more: Michigan-based The Legal Matters have returned with a spectacular new album, the 10-track Lost At Sea. The talented trio comprised of Keith Klingensmith, Andy Reed and Chris Richards have collaborated on their first new batch of ambitious, harmony-filled songs since 2021's Chapter Three. The Legal Matters' fourth album includes the sumptuous opener "Everybody Knows" (which delightfully recalls the magic of classic Badfinger), propulsive "The Message," melodic gem "Temporary Thing," driving psychedelic-tinged "It Doesn't Matter,"  Beatlesque "Let Me Explain," and Baroque ballad "Slow Down." Not only does the album sound fantastic, but the songs are literate and tap into modern-day themes at every turn. Information: bigstirrecords.com.

Artist: Mumford & Sons
Title: Prizefighter (Glassnote Music)
You might like if you enjoy: Mumford & Sons, Chris Stapleton, Hozier
Tell me more: English band Mumford & Sons is back with Prizefighter, another batch of infectious originals bolstered by winning songcraft, shining harmonies, dynamic musicianship and artful arrangements crafted from folk and Americana essentials. Additionally, the group's music making is enhanced by several high-profile names who join along the way on the band's sixth studio LP. The anthemic opener "Here" features country music great Chris Stapleton adding his vocals to the track. On the introspective "Rubber Band Man," Hozier brings his distinctive voice to the cut as he trades verses with Marcus Mumford. There are so many great songs on the disc with the sweeping "Banjo Song," ambitious "Run Together" with its burgeoning arc, the confessional "Shadow Of A Man," soaring "Begin Again" that explores the courage to start over and the gentle closer "Clover" are among this writer's favorites. Information: mumfordandsons.com.

Artist: Gorillaz
Title: The Mountain (Kong Studios Essex Limited)
You might like if you enjoy: Gorillaz, Blur, Damon Albarn
Tell me more: Singer-songwriter/multi-instrumentalist Damon Albarn has returned with the latest Gorillaz full-length masterwork, The Mountain. The album includes a parade of 15 compelling originals featuring a slew of high-profile guests. Highlights include the instrumental-heavy opener "The Mountain," luxurious trip hop meets hip-hop romp "The Moon Cave," the New Wave-flavored "The Happy Dictator" featuring the iconic duo Sparks, the mesmeric "Orange County," dreamy "The Empty Dream Machine" (the latter featuring guitar great Johnny Marr), electronica sortie "The Plastic Guru," immersive "Delirium" featuring English singer Mark E. Smith, evocative "Casablanca" (featuring Marr and Clash bassist Paul Simonon) and India-minded foray "The Sweet Prince." The album's closing track, "The Sad God," is a wonderful showcase for Albarn's signature vocals and alluring melodic instincts as well as his ability to collaborate with other artists artfully. Information: gorillaz.com.

Artist: Johnny Blue Skies & The Dark Clouds
Title: Mutiny After Midnight (High Top Mountain Records/Atlantic Music Group)
You might like if you enjoy: Sturgill Simpson
Tell me more: Following up the release of Johnny Blue Skies' 2024 debut Passage Du Desir, singer-songwriter Sturgill Simpson (aka Johnny Blue Skies) and The Dark Clouds are back with the sophomore followup Mutiny After Midnight. The dance-minded disc is filled with left-leaning political-minded originals that simultaneously are aimed at getting everyone out on the dance floor. The rousing opener "Make America Fuk Again," rapid-fire rock-styled "Excited Delirium," Americana-rooted "Don't Let Go" (the latter featuring nuanced sax playing from Raw B), funky "Stay On That" and "Ain't That A Bitch," and country-tinged "Viridescent" all explode out of the speakers. The nine-track album is available on vinyl, as well as via audio CD and on cassette. Information: sturgillsimpson.com.

Robert Kinsler

Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival 2024: Weekend 2 Recap

Coachella at night / Photo by Robert Kinsler

2024 Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival

When: April 19-21, 2024

Where: Empire Polo Field in Indio, CA

What follows is followup coverage to an article published in Desert Star Weekly on April 24, 2024 highlighting Robert Kinsler and writer George A. Paul's favorite moments of Weekend 2 of the 2024 Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival held Friday-Sunday, April 19-21, 2024 in Indio, CA. Below is Robert Kinsler's specific take on the event. Read the original coverage including George A. Paul's essential reviews of his favorite three performances HERE.

Pictured: "Dancing In The Sky" art installation by Morag Myerscough
Photo courtesy of Coachella / Photo credit: Lance Gerber

2024 Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival

When: April 19-21, 2024

Where: Empire Polo Field in Indio, CA

Friday, April 19, 2024

Pictured: Late Night Drive Home performing on April 19.
Photo courtesy of Coachella / Photo credit: Mykiaela Pierre-Louis 

Although Narrow Head delivered an entertaining and hard-rocking set that recalled the raw approach of Dinosaur Jr., it was an exhilarating 35-minute outing from Late Night Drive Home that really impressed me early Friday afternoon. The Texas-based band's wonderful sound recalled a combination of early U2, Old 97's and The Replacements and the use of three electric guitars gave an extra boost to their set.

Pictured: The Japanese House performing on April 19.
Photo courtesy of Coachella / Photo credit: Demian Becerra

The next standout for day 1 of weekend 2 was a strong performance from England's the Japanese House (the moniker for singer-songwriter Amber Bain). Performing in the Mojave Tent before a discerning crowd, her 40-minute set allowed her to showcase her signature blend of indie rock, folk rock, dream pop and even tinges of jazz. The bouncy "Touching Yourself," sumptuous "Boyhood" (the latter a single from her second album In The End It Always Does) and lovely closer "Sunshine Baby" were among the terrific originals Bain played.

Pictured: Faye Webster performing on April 19.
Photo courtesy of Coachella / Photo credit: Julian Bajsel

Equally powerful was American singer-songwriter Faye Webster, who impressed from the opening "But Not Kiss" with its atmospheric soundscape surrounding her captivating soprano and and her band's dynamic sonic bursts. Her 40-minute set was filled with great originals showcasing her alt country-meets-indie pop sound. The Americana-styled "Wanna Quit All The Time," bewitching "Thinking About You," dreamy "Right Side Of My Neck" and confessional "A Dream With a Baseball Player" were other highlights of her outing in the Mojave Tent.

Pictured: Jordan Feller performing on April 19.
Photo courtesy of Coachella / Photo credit: Nicole Busch

After the sun went down, I caught a good part of the sets from both Neil Frances and headliner Lana Del Rey. The better of these performances was the energetic electronica duo Neil Frances featuring Southern California native Marc Gilfry and Australia-born Jordan Feller who pumped up a packed Gobi Tent with their high energy dance music.

Saturday, April 20, 2024

Pictured: Erika de Casier performing on April 20.
Photo courtesy of Coachella / Photo credit: Demian Becerra

Erika de Casier performed early Saturday bringing a cool Zero 7 meets chill to the Gobi Tent. This writer was not familiar with the Portuguese-born Danish singer-songwriter, but her 40-minute set established a wonderful mood.

Pictured: The Aquabats performing on April 20.
Photo courtesy of Coachella /
Photo credit: Demian Becerra

Fans of '90s alt rock had plenty to celebrate on Saturday. Whether by accident or design, pop-punk ska heroes The Aquabats, reggae punk outfit Sublime, groundbreaking Britpop favorites Blur and Orange County-spawned hitmakers No Doubt all performed on the bill at Coachellafest within the span of 7 hours.

With their masks and matching superhero costumes the Aquabats fused catchy high-energy songs, bona fide comedy, costumed villains and tossing of inflated props into the crowd to engage the excited audience throughout a fast-moving 45-minute set. The band's musical brew is a winning mix of alt rock and punk with a dose of ska, new wave and synth-pop for good measure.

From the melodic punk opener "Pool Party!" and Devo-flavored "Karate Body!" to several new originals ("No Rewind!" and "Doctor Space Mummy!" from the forthcoming album Finally! coming in June), the troupe thrilled the Sonora tent with their fun approach. Some of my favorite selections included the horns-adorned "No Rewind!", ska-punk cut "Martian Day!" and closer "The Shark Fighter!" 

Pictured: Jakob Nowell performing with Sublime.
Photo courtesy of Coachella / 
Photo credit: Anna Downs

Anyone wondering how Sublime could possibly at Coachella 2024 perform given the death of lead singer/guitarist Brad Nowell from a heroin overdose back in 1996 quickly learned what was happening given a short video tribute that preceded the third wave ska band's late afternoon set on the Coachella Stage. In late 2023, founding members Eric Wilson (bass) and Bud Gaugh (drums) reunited to perform with Brad Nowell's son Jakob Nowell for a benefit show. The 28-year-old Nowell (who does sound remarkably like his late father) led the band through an entertaining set of punk rock, ska punk and reggae-tinged favorites including "What I Got," "Wrong Way," "April 29, 1992 (Miami)" and the festive closer "Santeria."

Pictured: Blur performing on April 20, 2024.
Photo courtesy of Coachella / Photo credit: Alden Bonecutter

Blur delivered a powerful and affecting hour-long set on Saturday night, featuring a track listing that featured originals pulled from across the English quartet's 30-year career. Highlights included early gems ("Trouble in the Message Centre," "Popscene"), new standouts from the band's glorious 2023 return The Ballad of Darren ("St. Charles Square," "The Narcissist"), as well as classics including "Song 2," "Trimm Trabb" with Damon Albarn's dynamic vocals and "Beetlebum" — the latter bolstered by Graham Coxon's extended lead guitar explosions at the song's finale). The band was also joined on stage by the Torres Martinez Cahuilla Bird Singers to add rich Native American sonic layers to several songs including "Death of a Party" and the moving closer "Tender." 

Before performing "Tender" Albarn noted: "So, in the spirit of transparency and truth, this is probably our last gig and the last time we play this song...no reflection on Coachella. I love Coachella, it's beautiful."

If the cryptic words from Albarn on stage are true and this was Blur's last-ever show, the band (which also includes bassist Alex James and drummer Dave Rowntree) have forged an incredible legacy of compelling and lasting rock.

Pictured: No Doubt performing on April 20, 2024.
Photo courtesy of Coachella / Photo credit: Alden Bonecutter

When No Doubt performed at Weekend 1 of Coachella on April 13 it marked the first live performance by the Orange County hitmakers in nine years. So while the "wow!" factor of the band's Weekend 2 appearance may have not been there, don't tell that to the many thousands of excited fans who packed the field in front of the Coachella Stage to catch the band's 80-minute set. Singer Gwen Stefani led the band (which still features other founding members guitarist Tom Dumont, bassist Tony Kanal and drummer Adrian Young) through a hits-filled set. From the dance-fueled opener "Hella Good" and propulsive new wave followup "Sunday Morning" to an animated take on Talk Talk's "It's My Life" and wistful "Simple Kind of Life," the band hit a home run. The group's effective set list ended with a one-two-three knockout featuring "Just a Girl," "Don't Speak" and "Spiderwebs."

Sunday, April 21, 2024

Pictured: Mdou Moctar performing on April 21, 2024.
Photo courtesy of Coachella / Photo credit: Charles Reagan

Concertgoers who get to Coachella early are often rewarded with the ability to get wonderfully close to performances and also some of the more interesting artists on the bill. Take those who caught Mdou Moctar in the Gobi Tent on Sunday. A Tuareg songwriter and musician based in Niger, his bewitching virtuoso skills on guitar and the exotic sounds of his band somehow seemingly blended Western jam rock, hard rock and traditional African music. 

Pictured: Olivia Dean performing on April 21.
Photo courtesy of Coachella /
Photo credit: Alden Bonecutter

Rising British singer-songwriter Olivia Dean made the most of her short 40-minute set on Sunday afternoon, performing her intoxicating fusion of Neo-soul and Motown mining R&B with a marvelous seven-member band whose talents collectively elevated the performance. Highlights included the uptempo "OK Love You Bye," the joyous dance cut "Reason To Stay," heartfelt tribute to her grandmother "Carmen" and inspired "Dive." There was a palpable connection between the songstress and the audience during the memorable performance. 

Blur announces the release of new album 'The Ballad of Darren' - hear the enticing first track 'The Narcissist' now

Blur is set to release the new album 'The Ballad of Darren' in July

Blur / Photo: Reuben Bastienne-Lewis

Never say "never"! Blur has surprised the music world and just announced (Thursday, May 18) the release of a new album titled The Ballad of Darren coming July 21, 2023 via Parlophone. Check out the fantastic advance single "The Narcissist" available as an official visualiser video HERE! I can't wait to hear the entire album when it's released in two months.

The Ballad of Darren will be released two weeks after Blur's highly-anticipated concerts at Wembley Stadium. The album marks Blur's first new full-length studio disc since 2015's amazing The Magic Whip (that LP was among my favorite albums of 2015; read my review HERE)

Produced by James Ford, the new album is Blur's ninth studio album.

Damon Albarn greeting the faithful in
Dublin on August 1, 2013. 

I have seen Blur several times. Read my review of the band's memorable performance at the Irish Museum of Modern Art in Dublin, Ireland on Aug. 1, 2013 HERE.

The Ballad of Darren will be available in a number of editions and can be pre-ordered HERE. Please note: some editions include two additional tracks.

Here is the track list for The Ballad of Darren:

The Ballad
St. Charles Square
Barbaric
Russian Strings
The Everglades (For Leonard)
The Narcissist
Goodbye Albert
Far Away Island
Avalon
The Heights

Robert Kinsler

Coachella 2023 Photo Gallery

The Coachella Valley Music Valley Music and Arts Festival is an annual event that is as much about the people and vibe of the event as it is about the music and far-flung lineup. Here is a collection of photos I took at Weekend 2 of the Coachellafest as well as some wonderful images of the artists I caught at the fest provided by Coachella...Robert Kinsler

A view captured early on the afternoon of Friday, April 21, 2023. "Eden" is an art installation by artist Maggie West featured at Coachella 2023.
Photo: Robert Kinsler

Coachellagoers walk past "The Messengers," an art installation by artist Kumkum Fernando. Photo: Robert Kinsler

The Murder Capital was the first artist I caught at Weekend 2; the Irish post-punk band is seen performing in the Sonora Tent on April 21, 2023.
Photo: Robert Kinsler

Los Angeles-based MUNA, from left Katie Gavin and Josette Maskin,
performing on April 21, 2023. Photo courtesy of Coachella 

Guest Phoebe Bridgers singing "Silk Chiffon" with MUNA's Katie Gavin
on April 21, 2023. Photo courtesy of Coachella

Wet Leg singer-guitarist Rhian Teasdale leading the Coachella faithful during
a loud and extended scream during "Ur Mum" on April 21, 2023.
Photo courtesy of Coachella

A view of the Coachella Stage during Burna Boy's impressive Friday night set.
Photo courtesy of Coachella

Nigerian singer Damini Ebunoluwa Ogula (known professionally as Burna Boy) performing on April 21, 2023. Photo courtesy of Coachella

Gorillaz singer-songwriter/multi-instrumentalist Damon Albarn leading the collective through an impressive set on the Coachella Stage on April 21, 2023.
Photo courtesy of Coachella

Bad Bunny and Gorillaz on April 21, 2023. Photo courtesy of Coachella

Acclaimed jazz singer-guitarist Nat Palm performing with the jazz-funk band Hiatus Kaiyote on the Outdoor Theatre Stage on April 22, 2023.
Photo courtesy of Coachella
 

Jenny Juarez brought her melodic pop-meets-garage rock project 
Bratty to the Sonora Tent on April 22. Photo courtesy of Coachella

Sofi Tukker (Sophie Hawley-Weld and Tucker Halpern) killing it during a 55-minute set on the Outdoor Theatre Stage on Saturday, April 22, 2023.
Photo courtesy of Coachella

An artful view of the Empire Polo Field in Indio, California, captured on Saturday afternoon. Photo courtesy of Coachella

A view of Coachella at dusk, including attendees checking out the "Holoflux"
art installation. Photo credit: Robert Kinsler

Sunset at Coachella on April 22, 2023.
Photo courtesy of Coachella

Coachellagoers getting their group photo in front of "Holoflux"
on April 22, 2023. Photo credit: Robert Kinsler

Coachella 2023 Favorites: Gorillaz, Sofi Tukker, Wet Leg, more!

"The Messengers" by Kumkum Fernando, comprises three monolithic figures, which appear at first as giant robots or action figures. But his “idols” — arranged in a row to create a colorful gathering place — pack volumes of meaning into their larger-than-life forms. Photo credit: Robert Kinsler

Robert Kinsler highlights six of his favorite performances caught at 2023's Weekend 2 of the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival. Images and details about some of the festival's impressive artwork is also featured in this post. A special "thank you" to Goldenvoice for the use of so many outstanding images taken at Coachella.

Los Angeles–based artist and architect Güvenç Özel engages the spectrum of human experience, from the physical to the virtual. His 60-foot-tall Holoflux is a portal to a broad digital ecosystem of ever-changing forms that you experience throughout the day. Photo credit: Robert Kinsler

Friday, April 21

Rhian Teasdale, left, and Hester Chambers of
Wet Leg. Photo courtesy of Coachella

Wet Leg — British indie rock duo Wet Leg (featuring singer-guitarists Rhian Teasdale and Hester Chambers) had a blast throughout their 40-minute late afternoon set in the Mojave tent. In fact, several times during the performance of "Too Late Now" Teasdale started laughing uncontrollably, obviously immersed in the moment. Wet Leg's super catchy New Wave-flavored indie rock was performed with an infectious energy that had concertgoers packed in the tent moving and responding to invitations to sing along. The opener "Being in Love," indie hit "Wet Dream" and ambitious "Obvious" (the latter with its Mazzy Star-flavored intro) were among the wonderful songs unleashed. Foo Fighters leader Dave Grohl even joined in the fun during "Ur Mum," where he joined the band and crowd for an extremely loud and extended scream. During the closing song, the band's hit "Chaise Lounge," drummer Henry Holmes helped propel the favorite to new heights with his hard-hitting style.

Burna Boy — Afro-fusion artist Burna Boy led a large ensemble of backing singers and musicians — including a great horn section — for an intoxicating set on the Coachella Stage. The Nigerian artist and company artfully blended soul, reggae, R&B and world music across a masterful set. He closed his 50-minute appearance with a moving take on the anthemic "Last Last."

De La Soul with Damon Albarn, right, of Gorillaz. 
Photo credit: Courtesy of Coachella

Gorillaz fans who caught the Damon Albarn-fronted collective on the Coachella Stage on April 21 were treated to a parade of bona fide surprises. Indeed, when Albarn declared early in the set that "Weekend 2 is better than Weekend 1," he wasn't kidding. Beck, Little Simz, Thundercat, Bootie Brown and that night's headliner — Bad Bunny — were among the high-profile guests who made notable appearances during the virtual band's 75-minute set. Highlights of the outing included the aforementioned Beck joining Damon for an energy-filled "The Valley of the Pagans," a killer run through the infectious title track ("Thunder Island") from the latest Gorillaz album with guest Thundercat, the powerful and timely "Kids With Guns" and shimmering "New Gold" (the latter featuring Bootie Brown). Gorillaz' best-known material capped the set, with De La Soul joining the fun for a spirited take on "Feel Good Inc." and Del the Funky Homosapien sharing the stage for "Clint Eastwood."

Saturday, April 22

Bratty — Culiacán, Sinaloa native Jenny Juárez brought her bedroom pop meets garage rock project known as Bratty to the Sonora Tent on Saturday afternoon. Singing in Spanish, her catchy rock style and obvious strengths as a singer and rhythm guitarist were obvious throughout her brief 35-minute set. Only 22, this charismatic young artist is definitely one to watch.

Ethel Cain on April 22, 2023.
Photo credit: Courtesy of Coachella

Ethel Cain — Singer-songwriter Ethel Cain's riveting performance in the Sonora Tent was among the best performances I caught on Saturday. Armed with a voice that is as emotionally detailed as it is beautiful, Cain delivered a seven-song set highlighted by the heavy "Family Tree," rootsy "Thoroughfare" (the latter featuring Cain's great harmonica work), brooding "Gibson Girl" and dramatic closer "Crush." 

Fans dancing during Sofi Tukker's performance on the Outdoor Theatre on April 22.
Photo credit: Robert Kinsler

Sofi Tukker — Florida-based duo Sophie Hawley-Weld and Tucker Halpern — attracted a massive crowd to the Outdoor Theatre on Saturday. Halpern took the stage and asked: "Coachella!... Are we ready?" Almost instantly the large grass field was transformed into a gigantic dance floor with thousands of Coachellagoers moving to the undeniable groove of the duo's 2015 single "Drinkee." The momentum of their 55-minute outing seemed to gain sway by the minute. A creative stage setup with curved monkey bars (that doubled as a percussive instrument), a swing made from vines utilized by Hawley Weld on "Matadora" and exciting dance troupe known as Bob's Dance Shop collectively amplified the rush. Standouts included "Sacrifice" with Hawley-Weld's beautiful vocals showcased, the Latin-mining "Jacaré," catchy "Batshit" (the latter featuring Hawley-Weld's flashy lead guitar work) and rapid-fire closer "Purple Hat." 

Robert Kinsler

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