We’ve now reached 2016’s halfway point, meaning that it’s probably a good time to regroup and take a look at the three best releases which have graced our stereos since January.
WHITNEY – LIGHT UPON THE LAKE
What we said: Nothing yet, actually. Keep an eye out for a full track-by-track courtesy of Whitney’s Julien and Max in the next couple of weeks. Listen to Golden Days below.
KING GIZZARD & THE LIZARD WIZARD – NONAGON INFINITY
What we said: “The whole concept behind Nonagon Infinity is an idea which only King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard could think up, and it’s probably one best listened to on a whole host of mind-altering hallucinogens. That’s not to say that you shouldn’t enjoy the record sober, because regardless of your state of mind Nonagon Infinity is a record which is bound to mess with your senses and take full control of your mind. It’s going to be an ambitious endeavour to play these tracks live, although King Gizzard are such masters of their craft that they’ll probably be able to do this time and time again. Who knows, by the time they properly tour Nonagon Infinity they may have even written and recorded its follow-up. For now, though, let’s simply try to enjoy the mind-altering journey which Nonagon Infinity takes you on whilst spinning you around and refusing to let you go whatever it takes. Because it’s one hell of a journey, boy oh boy.”
RADIOHEAD – A MOON SHAPED POOL
What we said: “Certain tracks do outshine others on A Moon Shaped Pool, however the final package does represent a band who have made an album which is worth listening to from start to finish. It’s not necessarily a concept album, but each song still feels like an individual piece of a puzzle which started in 1995 and is still, here in 2016, relatively incomplete. Where can Radiohead go from here? Musically they may have explored quite a lot of avenues, yet it’s just as interesting to consider the various ways in which they’ll surprise the world from a promotional perspective. Will they drop LP10 out of nowhere? Or will they, for the first time since 2003, stick to a regular promotional campaign? Who knows. One thing that we do know, though, is that A Moon Shaped Pool is the literal kick up the backside which the music industry needs to be able to keep itself relevant and thinking on its feet. Bravo, Radiohead.”
As per usual, our full Top 50 Best Albums of the Year countdown kicks off in November. In the meantime, the likes of Blink-182, A Day to Remember, The Avalanches and Biffy Clyro are all set to release new albums. Want to keep in touch with all the best new music? Then follow and stream our weekly updated playlist below.
