What to listen to: the best tracks and albums of August

The best tracks of August

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Many musicians presented not full-length releases this summer, but singles from the anticipated albums. Full-length works by Foo Fighters, Ariel Pink, The Killers, Ringo Starr, IAMX, The National and Hurts will be released in September. Albums "Thank you", "Pasosh" and Antokhi MC are also expected.

In August there were both great and controversial releases; both discussed and those that were forgotten after several auditions. We will tell you about three albums worth paying attention to.

Queens of the Stone Age - Villains

The seventh album Queens of the Stone Age only vaguely resembles the former work of the group: they are given out by the recognizable voice of Josh Homme and some nuances of working with guitar effects. Villains seems more danceable and lighthearted than previous QOTSA albums. Some guitar moves could easily migrate into the repertoire of some Franz Ferdinand, and the Fortress song could easily fit into the format of not the most alternative radio stations.

Villains is the album that sits down at the last desk in the class, insolently lights a cigarette, but still passes all exams perfectly at the end of the year.

Clash Magazine

The changes in the sound caused a negative response only from the most orthodox fans. Most fans and critics alike had no trouble seeing Villains as a serious, interesting, and not particularly optimistic story.

If you love charismatic guitar rock, we recommend checking out Villains. And with previous QOTSA albums too.

Listen to Villains on iTunes / Apple Music →

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Alice Glass - Alice Glass

After the breakup, the canon lineup of Crystal Castles did not leave fans without new music. Now there are twice as many: Ethan took Edith Francis into the project, with whom they already managed to release a full-length album, and Alice Glass, who left the group, took up solo work.

It is impossible not to compare the new music of the duo members with Crystal Castles. All sound changes seem rather cosmetic. Even sadder, compared to Crystal Castles, all of Ethan's and Alice's creations are losing. However, this is subjective.

None of these songs compare to the resounding hits of Crystal Castles, but this album takes on a balanced mood and emotional strength, proving that Alice is as persuasive in soft mode as she is in her former wild stage behavior.

NOW Magazine

If we put aside comparison and the former love for Crystal Castles, then in the album of the same name by Alice Glass, you can see a lot of interesting things. The stories have become more personal. Perhaps this is the very act of self-expression that Alice could not afford as part of the duo. The singer's emotional register is wider here. At times her voice explodes as well as in Baptism, but in Without Love and The Altar another part of her is exposed, which is more delicate and sensual. All this is backed up by heavy lyrics - such that Alice’s insincerity doesn’t even dare to speak.

The album can appeal not only to fans of Crystal Castles and acid discos, but also to all lovers of energetic electronic music and other punk rock with synthesizers.

Play Alice Glass on iTunes / Apple Music →

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UNKLE - The Road, Pt. 1

One of the most significant albums of 2017 is the eighth full-length release by UNKLE. Critics and listeners alike praised The Road, Pt. 1, and seven years have passed since the release of the previous Where Did the Night Fall.

When experimental music is mentioned, it is usually implied that a certain amount of effort must be made to understand the meaning and beauty of the songs. UNKLE - the project is nowhere more experimental, but clear to everyone from the first listening.

It is difficult to call it a group in the classical sense - rather, it is a web that unites talented artists. It included DJ Shadow, Thom Yorke (Radiohead), Josh Homme (Queens of the Stone Age) and dozens of other famous personalities. Musician, DJ and owner of Mo’Wax label James Lavelle weaves this web. UNKLE, along with Massive Attack, laid the foundations for trip-hop in the 90s, but today's work is rather difficult to attribute to this genre.

The Road, Pt. 1 shows that Lavelle is already close to finally emerging from the shadow of UNKLE's triumphant debut. This tape asks to be listened to on repeat, intriguedly waiting for The Road, Pt. 2.

The Line of Best Fit

The album is not influenced by modern musical trends: Lavelle tried to achieve a fresh and innovative sound, not deviating from the traditions of the group. The idea was successful: UNKLE could not be caught in self-copying or radical genre changes, while the songs turned out to be quite different. If you are partial to alternative British music then The Road, Pt. 1 shouldn't pass you by.

Play The Road, Pt. 1 in iTunes / Apple Music →

Play The Road, Pt. 1 on Google Play →

Play The Road, Pt. 1 on Yandex. Music →