Michael Gallagher
The Silhouette
I, like many readers, have heard the chart topping song “Royals” by Lorde. It is catchy, creative and deserving the number one spot on the US Billboard Hot 100 Chart. What I did not know, however, was that it doesn’t end there.
Let’s make it clear; Lorde is in no way a one-hit wonder. Her debut album, Pure Heroine, proves that “Royals” is not the only exquisite song the 16-year old solo artist can create. Yes, you read that right; this girl is only 16 and is already making her name in the music industry.
Her age is actually what makes Pure Heroine such an interesting album, as it represents a culmination of multiple contemporary influences, including Kanye West, Bon Iver, SBTRKT, Alt-J and others. The result is a sound that nonetheless feels fresh, giving Lorde a distinct style that separates her from the rest of pop music. Her writing partner and producer, Joel Little, complement this youthful vibe. Little’s experience in the industry and Lorde’s creative energy makes the album fantastic.
If you liked “Royals” you will love Pure Heroine.
4/5
Tomi Milos
The Silhouette
Single: "Do I Wanna Know"
Artist: Arctic Monkeys
Album: AM
One listen to their new lead single, ‘Do I Wanna Know’, will have you ready to forgive Arctic Monkey’s for the slop-show that was Suck It & See. With their newest record, AM, Alex Turner & Co. are back like they never left. Yes, Turner is still a massive prick (he’s refused to play guitar on their current tour and brought in a touring member whose responsibilities include: “rubbing his belly, patting his head, playing the lead, checking his emails and fucking shredding it on the B-3 organ!" But I can turn a blind eye when his songs are this good. When told that the song reminded a critic of ‘Marvin’s Room’, Turner crassly replied that he surely wasn’t the first to write a tune about “getting drunk and calling his old bird”. Please don’t follow their lead and call your ex while in an inebriated state; it’ll be annoying instead of artistic.
Single: "Team"
Artist: Lorde
Album: Pure Heroine
If you haven’t been living under a rock for the past 6 months, you’ve probably heard Lorde’s smash ‘Royals’. The 17 year-old New Zealand native has steadily been gaining deserved buzz and is fresh off the September 27th release of her excellent debut, Pure Heroine, which closely follows Katy Perry and Robin Thicke on the US Billboard charts. Unlike many American pop stars, she’s self-aware and not privy to the trappings of her fame. Maybe that’s just because Universal hasn’t paid her anything yet (her credit card recently got declined at Subway), but this Kiwi’s wise beyond her years. If you’re the type who prefers moaning about failed relationships, stay away from Lorde. She says it herself, “You can go to Taylor Swift to hear that”.
Single: "Kathy Lee"
Artist: Jessy Lanza
Album: Pull My Hair Back
Jessy Lanza is a native of Hamilton, but it’s hard to believe that the ultra smooth brand of electro-R&B she’s crafted with producer Jeremy Greenspan of Junior Boys fame was created in such a gritty atmosphere. Out now on UK label Hyperdub, her debut record Pull My Hair Back is a minimalistic masterpiece. Of the nine stellar tracks, ‘Kathy Lee’ is a standout. Backed by scanty percussion and synths, Lanza’s breathy vocals float in space with a beautifully ethereal quality to them. She’s referred to her music as ‘post-dance’, but you’ll want to check out the video for this one where Steel City-fixture Jed the Dancing Guy cavorts his way through the downtown core.
