Albums-Staff Picks
Our Staff highlight the albums they’re listening to this September
The Lemon Twigs - Songs for the General Public
Oli
“This album is ridiculous - ever single song is a banger! It’s going to take something truly special to stop this topping a slew of album of the year lists.”
Favourite tracks: Live In Favour of Tomorrow, The One, Only A Fool.
IDLES - Ultra Mono
Paige
“Sharp, direct, and unrelenting; the record forces you to shut up and listen as it takes on everything from toxic masculinity and mental health to the ill-formed patriotism and class divides that continue to plague the country. With the same thunderous velocity and clever lyrics as its predecessors, Ultra Mono is hardly one for an easy listen, but if you expected anything less from IDLES you’ve missed the point. A stand-out record.”
Favourite tracks: War, Reigns, Ne Touche Pas Moi.
Declan Mckenna – Zeros
Greg
"I totally ignored Declan’s first album but this one seemed to be everywhere upon its release and word of mouth was through the roof. It took me totally off guard. Every song could be an A-list single and the song arrangements and storyline proceed Declan’s years tenfold. Hints of Bowie, Shadow Puppets and Beatles all entwined. Truly brilliant album, especially given the “difficult sophomore” release we see so many artist struggle with.”
Favourite tracks: Be an Astronaut, The Key to Life on Earth and Eventually, Darling
Fleet Foxes – Shore
Sam
"This album dropped at a day’s notice and is fast becoming one of the better surprises of 2020 (granted, the bar has been set awfully low!). Shore is the perfect follow up to Crack-Up, continuing those gorgeous folk themes and providing 15 tracks of respite from the noise outside. If Crack-Up was winter in terms of feel and tone, I’d say Shore is the spring. It’s a brighter, more optimistic record both lyrically and musically."
Favourite tracks: Wading in Waist-High Water, Can I Believe You, Featherweight, For A Week Or Two