In one sense, Torpedo is a departure for Grant Nicholas and Taka Hirose, who are nearing their 30th anniversary as Feeder.
The duo look towards the melodic impulses of The Verve and The La’s for inspiration on their 11th album, in a bid to bring a bit of positivity to a post-pandemic world.
That’s not to say the album contains only lullabies.
This is still the hard-rocking outfit that survived the Britpop era and overcame the death of their drummer Jon Lee.
They deliver big riffs on the likes of When It All Breaks Down and Decompress, sizeable enough to satisfy their fanbase.
But Feeder have not reinvented the wheel here.
Despite a renewed focus on positivity, the band rely on the same Noughties guitar exploits that defined early hits such as Just A Day and Buck Rogers.
This is one for the hardened fans.
6/10
(Review by Alex Green)
REX ORANGE COUNTY – WHO CARES?
Rex Orange County’s new album Who Cares? is motivational pop for the Soundcloud generation.
The 23-year-old from Surrey, real name James Alexander O’Connor, came to prominence aged just 16 with his Soundcloud released debut album Bcos U Will Never B Free.
He has made a name for himself releasing post-genre bangers, sung sweetly in a mid-Atlantic accent.
Who Cares? is O’Connor’s most commercial offering yet. In a gear shift, the young singer-producer’s pop crooning is elevated by an orchestral backing.
O’Connor’s cheery sound reflects a desire to get himself out of a post-Covid slump. On first single Keep It Up, O’Connor almost whispers to himself “I’ve really had enough” before telling himself “No, keep it up and go on.”
Second single Amazing, about being saved by a beautiful woman, has a similar motivational feel with catchy lyrics and a cheerful tune.
Rating: 7/10
(Review by Luke O’Reilly)
HAILEY WHITTERS – RAISED
Album number three from Nashville songwriter Hailey Whitters refines her radio-friendly take on classic country music.
Raised, which spans 17 tracks but remains carefully paced throughout, explores more expansive songwriting than her previous record – with delightful results.
A celebration of her Ohio roots, these songs reflect her formative years and the influence of trailblazing female outfit The Chicks, as well as John Mellencamp, the king of heartland rock.
Whitters says her stories should hit home no matter your upbringing: “We’ve all lived in a similar way – the only thing that’s different is the scenery.”
It’s her sense of humour that ensures these songs remain relatable, despite references to cornfields and rural Midwestern life that may feel alien to some.
The song Middle Of America with alternative country rockers American Aquarium is a poppy singalong that nicely bridges the gap.
And when she sings, “I like my drinks a little too strong / I like my men a little bit wrong” on Everything She Ain’t, Whitters does so with a knowing smile.
7/10
(Review by Alex Green)
CYPRESS HILL – BACK IN BLACK
California staples Cypress Hill earned their place in the hip hop pantheon with a string of critically acclaim albums in the 1990s, and Back In Black has been described as a return to their roots.
This is not necessarily a good thing.
Much of their 10th album simply retreads old ground – a shame given the dizzying heights reached on their 2018 album Elephants On Acid.
The absence of DJ Muggs, who brought psychedelic flair to that record, leaves the group rapping over more straightforward instrumentals.
Detroit producer Black Milk steps in to fill the void but his classic boom bap beats sound ungainly next to the famously slippery Cypress Hill rhymes.
That’s not to say the group phone it in.
There is still much inventive wordplay across these 10 tracks and B-Real and co keep the energy up as they address familiar themes such as police misconduct and the legalisation of marijuana.
5/10
(Review by Alex Green)