IDLES, Joy As An Act Of Resistance

IDLES, Joy As An Act Of Resistance

This British band’s sophomore album is a thunderous display of riotous leftist punk about the power of sensitivity, vulnerability and self-love. Their rousing anthems of unity often recall Operation Ivy but Idles is louder and harsher and embraces the tropes of punk’s more aggressive edges — all in service to creating safe space for people to feel their feelings and nurture themselves. (More than one song specifically urges the importance of crying). Idles were originally considered a post-punk band but they’ve continually peeled back layers of cleverness and charm, to get bolder, ballsier and more earnest as their music has gotten rowdier. Much of it is angry, much of it is feel-good music, much of it is funny, and a remarkable portion of it is all three at the same time. One song, “June,” is heart-wrenchingly sad; the real life tragedy of frontman Joe Talbot’s daughter dying during birth makes the profoundly uplifting energy of Joy As An Act Of Resistance all the more remarkable. This band dives into some dark territory, but you’ll wind up feeling inspired and exhilarated. Highlights: “Danny Nedelko,” “Television,” “Colossus”

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Richard Thompson, 13 Rivers

Richard Thompson , 13 Rivers Richard Thompson — 13 Rivers Arguably the most consistently engaging artist of the last 50 years, Richard Thompson continues to write deep, dark folk-rock songs with an acerbic wit married to a soft, calm wisdom. This new album isn’t widely divergent from his established catalogue but miraculously Thompson, who was already a guitar hero in the 1970s, still manages to grow as a guitarist and sound fresh. Working highly intricate riffs into the undergirding of each song’s frame, he also solos on every song and as usual, his virtuosity remains connected to the music, always moving the songs forward rather than grandstanding. Plus, Thompson’s one of a kind voice only deepens in resonance over time. Highlights: “Trying,” “O Cinderella,” “Bones of Gilead”

Jacob Banks, Village

Jacob Banks , Village With the British, Nigerian-born future soul singer’s full-length debut, Jason Banks discovers the point at which today’s forward-thinking alternative R&B comes full circle and connect with classic R&B. Banks’s arrangements are contemporary, much of his instrumentation electronic and advanced, and he makes relevant enough cultural references to blend in with the hip hop set. his voice, though, recalls the soul men of yore, with a mighty, stirring baritone of which he is in full command. His voice rings out with power and sensitivity in equal measure. Banks brings some fusion from outside R&B world too, with traces of reggae and African sounds. This one’s worth checking out even if you don’t think you like soul or R&B. Highlights: “Kumbaya,” “Caroline,” “Unknown (To You)”

Czarface & MF Doom, Czarface Meets Metal Face

Czarface & MF Doom , Czarface Meets Metal Face A match made in comic book hip hop heaven, it’s easy enough to predict what happens when Czarface Meets Metalface and it’s even easier to love. Czarface, already a comics-inspired collaboration — between Wu Tang’s Inspectah deck and the Boston underground rap duo 7L & Esoteric — delivers top-notch, east coast, street level boop bap with densely packed rhymes. Supervillain-themed, iron mask-wearing MF Doom offers more abstract, cosmically minded lyrics but his flow is just as kinetic and his vibe is just as pulpy. The two acts commit hard to their fantastical ethos, playing the comics imagery to the hilt in both the songs and in the interludes. If you enjoy your cultural touchstones — musical and fictional — intersecting, this is a blast. Highlights: “Phantoms,” “Forever People,” “Astral Traveling”

Album Reviews by Stefan Wenger

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