ALBUM REVIEWS: Stromae Makes A Powerful; Band of Horses & Peach Pit Add To Their Discographies While Luna Li Makes An Impressive Debut

This isn’t a food blog so I’m going to keep this short.

Check out this week’s album reviews in the latest YouTube video below, and read through the transcript just past! I cover the latest from Stromae, Band of Horses, Peach Pit, and the impressive debut from Luna Li.

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Band of Horses – Things Are Great

If there’s one word to describe Band of Horses it’s melancholic. No matter the chord progression – major or minor – there seems to be this air of uneasiness and worry. Perhaps that’s due to frontman Ben Bridwell’s iconic ghostly vocal style. While they’ve gone through a handful of line-up changes since their debut in 2006, all feels like dust in the wind on this sixth album Things Are Great.

The band have returned to their original sound in its purest form – which is certainly great, especially for long-time fans – but the album’s contents breathe an air of sarcasm into its title. Because, based on these songs, things are not great. Not bad – just not great. Songs about medical scares, crumbling relationships, and overall insecurity about the state of the world come into shape courtesy of Seattle-glazed folk rock.

While there aren’t any moments of life-changing magnitude on the album (hard to compare when you consider their debut release birthed “The Funeral”) there is a familiarity that Band of Horses fans will genuinely enjoy courtesy of Bridwell’s vocals and lamenting folk rock.

7.5

Stromae – Multitude

It’s been nine years since we last heard from Belgian international star Stromae, but the King of European Pop has returned with a triumphant and energizing 12-track release, Multitude.

Despite the fact that I am not fluent in French, there is still this stoic and playful articulation of his words that flow effortlessly, which upon checking the translations, boast plenty of meaningful messages – both deeply personal and rich with narrative.

Probably one of the most humble pop stars in the world, Stromae dominates on all accounts – be it rhythmic worldly instrumentation, commanding vocal delivery, or compassionate storytelling, is universally appreciated and understood.

As for its pop status, Multitude doesn’t quite pack as many chart-topping moments that his previous albums offer, however there are some stellar moments, both in production and performance that give the album plenty of replay value.

But if anything, I’m just happy to have Stromae back.

8.5

Peach Pit – From 2 to 3

Vancouver pals Peach Pit are now onto their third album, From 2 to 3. Hands-down their most anticipated release yet, the indie rock four-piece have kept things simple on the new release. Their sunkissed slacker rock style pleasantly plays through the 11 track effort, not straying too far into any direction.

Crisp vocals, laid-back melodies, and a youthful sense of insecure optimism are defining characteristics of From 2 to 3. While they make for enjoyable, easy listening, Peach Pit fail to provide anything substantial or worth writing home about. There are plenty of tracks to add to your indie summer playlist, but beyond that this won’t be an album making any year-end lists – other than your university crushes’ Spotify Wrap.

6

Luna Li – Duality

Toronto multi-instrumentalist and producer Luna Li has released her debut album Duality. The stunning 13-track release is filled to the brim with her psychedelic and lush songwriting style, moving through topics of identity and passion led by her dreamy vocals and crisp instrumentation. One of the most compelling aspects of the record is its commanding contrast between ethereal soothingness and dense, full-figured instrumentation and production. Duality packs a punch while also putting a pillow under your head. As well, the few features on the record – including Dramer Isioma, beabadoobee, and Jay Som, add to the overall appeal and lushness of the record.

While she’s been able to establish a loyal following via the internet over the last year or so, Luna will surely find more with this impressive debut release.

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