Album reviews for January 23: Spacemen 3, Langkamer, Hot Face, and more
This week, as always, the period surrounding MLK Day is full of announcements, but in terms of new music releases, we are still in the early stages of the year. I reviewed four albums this week: a spirited London garage punk trio called Hot Face, a UK band influenced by Pavement named Langkamer, the enigmatic producer Craven Faults, and reggae/dub legend Dennis Bovell.
The Indie Basement Classic of the week comes from 1991 and exudes an aura of vibrancy and allure, populated by effortlessly cool individuals.
For more reviews of this week’s albums, you can explore Notable Releases for Andrew’s perspectives on new releases from artists like IDK, Roc Marciano, Lucinda Williams, and more.
After a break for the holidays, the BV Interviews podcast has returned, featuring a conversation with Jason Williamson from Sleaford Mods.
The past week was flooded with noteworthy news announcements. Some of the highlights include a remarkable lineup for a new War Child HELP album, Sugar’s first major tour in three decades, The Human League embarking on a tour with Soft Cell and Yaz’s Alison Moyet, The Chameleons set to return to North America, Afghan Whigs touring with Mercury Rev, an EP of medieval music from Tanya Donnelly and Chris Brokaw, and new album announcements from a slew of artists like The New Pornographers, Courtney Barnett, Bibi Club, and more.
Sad news arrived with the passing of Midnight Oil’s powerful drummer Rob Hirst.
Hot Face’s debut album, “Automated Response,” was recorded live in a single take by producer Dan Carey at Abbey Road Studios, resulting in a work that exudes punk rock energy and intensity. London trio Hot Face’s sound draws from the vibrant spirit of early UK punk and the rock revival era of the 2000s, delivering a rollicking 25-minute experience that brims with electricity.
Langkamer’s fourth album, “No,” showcases the British band’s unabashed admiration for Pavement. With a blend of indie rock elements, twangy guitars, and introspective lyrical content, the album, produced by Remko Schouten, conveys a sense of existential longing and detachment amidst its sun-baked, lonely atmosphere.
On “Sidings,” the fourth album from the elusive Craven Faults, listeners are treated to moody sonic landscapes that mirror the barren yet mesmerizing album art that accompanies the music. With a sound that evokes half-remembered journeys through post-industrial Yorkshire, Craven Faults crafts a hypnotic and immersive experience, drawing from influences like Steve Reich and Tangerine Dream to create a dark, repetitive, and captivating sonic palette that refuses to conform to traditional genre boundaries.
Dennis Bovell’s “cLOUD mUsIc” unearths a hidden gem featuring Library Music exotica, disco, and funk. With a rich musical history that spans five decades, Bovell’s diverse influences and experiences shine through in this “long lost” album, showcasing his prowess as a producer in the realms of Lovers Rock and post-punk.