Short Attention Span Record Reviews, May 24

HOT WATER MUSIC – Vows
If you’re a HWM fan then this will not disappoint – it’s stacked with melodic post-hardcore bangers and huge sing-along choruses. (8)

KINGS OF LEON – Can We Please Have Fun
“Mustang”, the lead single, was fucking amazing and probably the best song these guys have ever come up with. The rest of the album has its moments but it’s mostly MOR/AOR from the heartland. (7)

POKEY LAFARGE – Rhumba Country
An Americana heart decorated with Latin-flavored influences and a great sense of humor. (7)

THE LEMON TWIGS – A Dream Is All We Know
Re-confirming their status as power-pop royalty for the 20’s. (8)

MDOU MOCTAR – Funeral For Justice
This is not the “desert blues” made popular by Tinariwen, this is “desert punk fucking rock”! And the guy really shreds, like Sahara’s answer to Eddie Van Halen or something. (8)

JESSICA PRATT – Here In The Pitch
Pratt’s records are always magical, and on her fourth she expands on the dreamlike qualities of her music by utilizing richer instrumentation. Simply gorgeous. (8)

LAWRENCE ROTHMAN – The Plow That Broke The Plains
A strong and very personal Americana album (basically it’s country), by non-binary Rothman who has previously worked with everyone from Kim Gordon to Duff McKagan to Lucinda Williams and even a pre-fame Billie Eilish. Here with a little help from friends/guests including Jason Isbell, Amanda Shires, and S.G. Goodman. (8)

ROTTING CHRIST – Pro Xristou
All the songs have the same mid-tempo beat and the same riff, but it’s a great beat and a fuckin’ awesome riff. (8)

FRANK TURNER – Undefeated
Beloved by the fans (he just sold out his 3000th show) but snubbed by the “serious” music press (I don’t think I’ve ever seen one word about him in Pitchfork or Uncut), Turner reached album #10. “Undefeated” is solid, like Billy Bragg backed by The Hold Steady, a bit more low profile than 2022’s “FTHC”. (8)

KAMASI WASHINGTON – Fearless Movement
Featuring rappers, George Clinton, Thundercat, and a Zapp cover, this is Kamasi at his most playful. Of course, this is still jazz for a large ensemble and the musicianship remains unparalleled. (8)