No-Fuss Reviews

Sick of music reviews that go on forever and ever? Tired of being bombarded with more information than you could ever possibly need? Fear not- I present to you my no-mess, no-fuss music reviews.
You get all that you need, without all the frilly bit you don't: Artist and Album Name (which always helps), how I found out about them, or 'Hype', (so if you like the album, you can go to that site/magazine and find some more music to your taste), my thoughts (subjective, but concise), my rating (I'm quite a harsh marker), and an MP3 from the album, so you can get an actual taste of what the album's like. Get it? Got it? Good.

N.B- I know my music tastes are quite eclectic, but there are reviews for all sorts- from experimental jazz to hardcore- so hopefully there's something for everyone.

Alexisonfire- Watch Out!
Hype: A Hassle/Vagrant sampler CD I picked up from somewhere. Other acts on the CD include Juliette and the Licks, City and Colour and John Ralston.
Thoughts: A very strong second album- emotive, dynamic, and with the vocal stylings of George Pettit and Dallas Green, you can't go too far wrong.
Verdict: 8/10
MP3: Sidewalks When She Walks


As Cities Burn- Hell or High Water
Hype: Last.fm, as a recommended artist for mewithoutYou
Thoughts: Alot more progressive in style than their previous work- many ACB fanas were disappointed with the closer, 'Capo', in particular, but I feel it's a step in the right direction. There's less screaming, admittedly, but there's the same emotional vocals and lyrics rich with religious imagery- it's a transition in style, not substance.
Verdict: 9/10
MP3: '84 Sheepdog

The Bad Plus- These Are the Vistas
Hype: I heard about them from this guy's mixtapes. They're quite good.
Thoughts: Brilliant, well-performed experimental jazz- but perhaps the sort of thing you might skip over if it came up on shuffle, unless you were specifically in an experimental-jazz type of mood.
Verdict: 7/10
MP3: Flim


Bon Iver- For Emma, Forever Ago
Hype: A mixtape my friend made for me.
Thoughts: Subtle, serene, sublime. I'd never spend a ngith in a log cabin without it.
Rating: 9/10
MP3: Flume



Brazilian Girls- New York City
Hype: I got it stuck in my head after it was in the background of a video on Greta Salpeter's blog.
Thoughts: Jazz, electronica, bossa nova- bloody bonkers, but in a surprisingly quiet way. A little more subtle than their previous work.
Rating: 7.5/10
MP3: Good Time