Rae Morris - 'Unguarded' Review.

32 days have now passed in 2015 and up until day 26 of 2015, I was scratching around for some good new music. Thank you Rae Morris!

I first heard Rae Morris about a year or so ago when she performed guest vocals on the latest Bombay Bicycle Club album, in the track 'Luna'. A decent track, with a glimpse of her vocal ability. Glastonbury came along and she joined the band on stage and perhaps got a glimpse of the festival scene she challenges to be a big part of this year. Then she appeared on the sound of 2015 list. Everything led up to the release of this debut, which was 5 years in the making.

A singer songwriter who writes pop songs. Not my usual thing, but her songs have a vulnerable, dark feel to them which compliments her voice especially when it's just her and her piano. 'Don't Go' and 'For You' show this off  and are probably my favourite two on the album. The singles 'Under the Shadows' and 'Unguarded' offer a more classic pop feel with stomping choruses. 'Closer' is another highlight and very Lorde-eque.

The album maybe fades off a little towards the end and at times is a little over produced (like most pop music). But it's a pop album which doesn't try too hard. It's an album that feels personal to Rae Morris and its full of rawness lyrically. It feels like she hasn't had to or been forced to compromise her music to sell records or top charts which is refreshing. 

A year or so ago, Bombay Bicycle Club released what was a highly enjoyable record that I returned to on and off for the whole year. I expect to do the same with their mate, Rae Morris' debut.

7/10

Here's the album opener 'Skin', which gives you a good feel of her musical style :)

Blogging Urges & 2015 Albums

I have had urges to start a music blog for a little while now. Two years ago, I wrote a music related blog before laziness and forgetfulness set in at the ripe age of 20. After two years of intensive therapy, I feel like I want to express my views and thoughts on all things music again in blog form.

The beginning of 2015 seems like the opportune moment to start. The year ahead being a blank canvas so to speak. I've got high hopes for a few albums, but then again I had high hopes for The Black Keys and The Horrors last year, only for them to release lackluster records. 

Here are a few of my anticipated albums of 2015:

DIIV - TBA

3 years in the making. "Oshin" was a pretty good debut so I'm curious. Bring me more rolling bass lines please!

WILD NOTHING - TBA

Much like the former, 3 years after "Nocturne" a new album is expected this year. 

PURITY RING - ANOTHER ETERNITY

So, Purity Ring are a fairly new discovery for me. It's not everyday you can accredit Wagamama's to the discovery of new music. But a few months ago, I could do just that. There I was, devouring my katsu curry when I found myself thoroughly enjoying 'Obedear' to the point of tapping to the beat with my chopsticks. Thanks Wagamama! 

WAXAHATCHEE - IVY TRIPP

"Curelean Salt" a couple of years ago was lovely. I think I am going to like this just as much. It's hard not to enjoy her music!

THE MACCABEES - TBA

"Given to the wild" was an incredible album and one I am sad I never got to see live. A Glastonbury appearance would go down a treat. I just hope this lives up to the hype!

RADIOHEAD - TBA

So, this looks like it is going to happen. It could be released in December, it could be released in 10 minutes time. Who knows?! In rainbows part II is what I dream of. Thom Yorke solo record is probably what I'll get. Here's to hoping!

MUSE - TBA

Hmm, thinking about it... I'm not so sure about this. I liked "The 2nd Law" initially. A few months passed and I have spent every day since wondering what on earth I liked about such a mundane, systematic album. We all make mistakes right?!

There are others... but like every year, the best albums are often bands/artists you don't expect or you haven't even discovered yet. 

Here's that Purity Ring song: