In recent weeks we have seen the return of some classic artists. The Rolling Stones, have released a taster from their much-anticipated album Grrr! which has gone down a storm. Bat for Lashes has made a welcome return with her album The Haunted Man and we have seen Adele become the next Bond girl.
This month sees more well established artists return with some great new music.
Brandy - Two Eleven
Since the late nineties, Brandy’s deep and soulful tones have graced many a record collection. She has become one of the classic ‘divas’ of RnB and soul. Her latest LP, released this week, cements that status. Two Eleven is a dose of classic RnB that has been missing for some time. ‘Put it Down’ (feat Chris Brown) may not be the best the album has to offer, but this is a grown up album that shows Brandy’s development as a singer and a writer.
Favourite Track: ‘Scared of Beautiful’
Tori Amos - Gold Dust
Here’s another welcome return from a lady with a well-established back catalogue. Gold Dust revisits previous material and reinterprets tracks in a far more ‘classical’ style. Amos started out as a classical artist so this seems an appropriate way for her to return to her roots. With well-known tracks like ‘Little Earthquakes’ missing, this is less a ‘best of’ and more of a chance to hear a different approach. If you’re not a fan already this offering is still well worth a listen.
Favourite track: ‘Marianne’
PINS - LUVU4LYF
On a darker and grungier note PINS EP, LUVU4LYF was released earlier this month. They are a female four piece from Manchester who are currently touring the UK. Their sound is percussion heavy with dark and sometimes disturbing lyrics. Only time will tell if this unique and complex band will win audiences over.
Favourite Track: ‘Little Sting’
Theme Park - Two Hours
Theme Park are set to support Bloc Party on their current tour and will be releasing their EP Two Hours on 4th November. The title track from does not suggest that this is a band offering anything vastly different but it is still pretty good. Their sound is upbeat, full of summer sun and a infused with a feeling of possibility and youth.
Rachel Zeffira - The Deserter
Rachel Zeffira from Cat’s Eyes is gearing up for the release for her first solo album The Deserters. It is a step away from her work with lead singer of The Horrors, Faris Badwan. Classical roots are clear on the title track. The video trailer for the album suggests something very beautiful so I look forward to the LP’s arrival on 10th December 2012.
Image via Official Brandy Website