The Knife - Tomorrow, In a Year

I think I should clear the air first by explaining that this is not like an ordinary album - far from it in fact. Simply put; it's an opera, but don't let that put you off. It's one of the most bizarre listens I've ever encountered; it's distressing, but incredibly organic at the same time.

It's certainly not Silent Shout II; if you were expecting more pitch-shifted vocals, dizzy synths or pounding rhythm, forget about it. As someone who's a big fan of SS, this was quite a dramatic shift.
At first, it's incredibly off-putting, but if you take it in - not as a "normal" album - but as an audio film-like experience, it makes perfect sense. It's difficult to put it into words, and it's not something you can enjoy straight away (if at all) It's a very difficult - but rewarding - album to listen to.

Everytime I listened to this album, it's like I'm walking on Earth when it took its baby steps. Everything is so detailed and atmospheric. If you do listen to it, good luck to you! You may need it first time!

Rating: 4/5
Released 1st March

Xiu Xiu - Dear God, I Hate Myself

Dear God, I Hate Myself...not a very optimistic title is it?

This will be a short review, as my feelings about this album is quite straight forward. There are moments where songs could develop into something great, but they never do. You sometimes think that it's too experimental for its own good, which is why after listening to it a lot of times, I still don't really get anything from this album; it leaves a hollow feeling if anything, and because the songs are so short, they just pass you by, without adding anything meaningful to the album.

Now for a good point; I really like its wacky nature, it's a breath of fresh air, but despite this, it doesn't make me want to stop punching Mr Jamie Stewart in the face for releasing a record that feels like it's toying with the listener. You just want to contact him yourself and say, "Hey, I know you're good. Now be serious for once."

Strange album. Listen to it if you want something slightly bizarre and different.

Rating: 3/5
Released 23rd February

Yeasayer - Odd Blood

I've never really liked MGMT that much, in fact I think they're over-hyped beyond belief. Despite having some great songs like Kids and Electric Feel, I just thought that Oracular Spectacular was inconsistent . Why am I opening with MGMT? Because there is a rise of psych-pop bands at the moment; Empire of The Sun, MGMT, even Animal Collective are getting more commercial attention - and then there's Yeasayer.

I don't know a lot about them to be honest, so I started listening to this album with low expectations, and after the first listen I felt that I shouldn't have underestimated them so much. The tracks have that lovely vibe about them; so colourful and vibrant. There's a lot going on on each track; you'd never get everything on the first listen. The Children starts things off with a creepy, sluggish vibe, helped by the pitch-shift they used on the vocals. Ambling Alp is the hit of the album, providing a completely different atmosphere to The Children. It gives off that summery vibe, similar to My Girls found on Merriweather Post Pavilion. I Remember is an alien ballad, but not in the freaky sense - it's beautiful.

If you think we're done with the partying and summery vibe, then ONE just carries on the celebration. Shame the lyrics are of the negative kind, but Love Me Girl puts that right, which has a slight Hot Chip edge to it, not to mention it's insanely catchy to boot. Rome is a loony mindfuck; one comment on Last.Fm made me laugh; "One part sounds like Mario going down a pipe". Just imagine Mario traveling through Rome, and you pretty much have it!

After the first 7 tracks, the album slightly dips in form. Strange Reunions is tame compared to the hustle of previous tracks, and ending on Grizelda isn't the best way. It's too short for me personally, it just leaves a rushed feeling to end the album, even though it is a nice track. The dip in form is the real disappointment, but considering that those 3 tracks at the end are all at least good, it just goes to show what a great album this is.

What I love about this album is that is fuses pop and experimental elements successfully. It's great for mainstream casuals or those who like a little experimentation of the weird kind. It has a real shout in for album of the year.

Rating: 4/5
Released 8th February

These New Puritans - Hidden

I wasn't really supposed to review this album, but it's had a lot of good reviews (Drowned In Sound and NME each giving it 9/10) so naturally I had to hear it for myself.

For some reason they remind me of The xx, even though the music isn't similar. The production is brilliant - it's very atmospheric at times - and sounds like nothing else out there. The vocals aren't the most unique, but the music is like a mixture of hip-hop, weird percussion, horns and 6ft Japanese drums. Sounds great doesn't it? Because of the Japanese connection, it does sound like it was made in the Far East, and Massive Attack would be proud of 'Three Thousand'.

My favourite has to be "Attack Music", because the swishing-sword samples and the weird bass clarinet really make it unique - and it's so damn catchy! Combining beat-dominating tracks and elegant instrumentals (such as the closer "5", I thought I was listening to Vespertine for a while) this album has a lot to offer.

It's a great album; the album title says a lot about this album, because the special moments on this album are usually hidden.
It's not perfect, and there could be improvements, but it's an impressive album that will take more than a couple of listens to 'get'. That's why I think it's my favourite album so far this year, tied with 'Heartland'. A must-listen.

1	Time Xone
2	We Want War
3	Three Thousand
4	Hologram
5	Attack Music
6	Fire–Power
7	Orion
8	Canticle
9	Drum Courts–Where Corals Lie
10	White Chords
11	5

Rating: 4/5

Released January 18th