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Fleet Foxes Shore [ANTI] Sufjan Stevens The Ascen
sion [Asthmatic Kitty Records] “I wanted to make an album that celebrated life in the face of death.” The mission statement that accompanied this release carried an undeniably beautiful if wildly ambitious sentiment, one which would require an artist of considerable power to pull off a work of such calibre. Fortunately, Robin Pecknold is such a songwriter, and Shore is another wondrous gem of a record to add to Fleet Foxes’ already astounding portfolio. Fleet Foxes’ fourth album follows headier records in 2011’s Helplessness Blues and 2017’s Crack Up, and while both albums stand as undoubted milestones in modern folk, Shore is a remarkably fresh breath of air in their wake. Gone is the complexity and density of the band’s recent work, replaced by the most joyous songs that Pecknold has written since their self-titled 2008 debut, with which Shore shares its earthy folk vibes and sunny disposition. In fact, despite its prevalent autumnal theme, there is a strong element of Indian summer to Shore, with the lazy sun and unseasonably warm air that hangs over its delicate compositions. While it may not capture of the depth and complexity of the band’s sophomore masterpiece, it’s not searching for that level of profundity. Typically immaculate in its conception and craft, Fleet Foxes’ timeless celebration of life and nature is a perfectly timed triumph. AL Like this? Try these: Big Thief - Two Hands Grizzly Bear - Veckatimest Neutral Milk Hotel - In The Aeroplane Over The Sea Sufjan Steven’s The Ascension is no direct line to heaven but a chaotic, confronting journey. Hymns of past warnings and future thinking, Steven’s latest renewal ushers in an era of synthetic, warped electronica. These tracks are dreamlike and dystopian, acting as calls to humanity in the midst of societal and political cataclysm. These urgent soundscapes contain rare moments of tranquility amidst unruly melodies and mechanical drum machines. Jarring electronic rhythms settle and gentle layered vocals offer sonic breathers but still express existential feelings in an oddly comforting way. SMCD Peter Broderick Blackberry [Erased Tapes] To some, this pop-folk collection will be unforgivably saccharine. See the almost accusatory titled What’s Wrong with a Straight Up Love Song and the general ‘aw shucks’ tone of the whole endeavor. But for those with a sweet tooth, the latest from the bedroom of multi-instrumentalist workhorse Peter Broderick, probably plays like a real treat. As returns may vary depending on the sunniness of one’s own disposition, Blackberry ultimately shares the ‘suck it and see’ appeal of its roadside namesake – it’s not to every taste but you won’t know until you try. DW Ordnance Survey Ampere [Scintilla Recordings] Various Artists A Litany of Failures: Volume 3 [Self Released] With its unplaceable string instruments and chattering piano laced through warmly undulating synthscapes, Ampere – the second outing under the Ordnance Survey moniker for low-key electronic impresario, Neil O’Connor – seems at its most potent when playfully percolating in the cross section of classical and rock instrumentation with synthesised tones and rhythms, even more so than its predecessor. Further shades are added to the Ordnance Survey project with the coterie of traditionally informed collaborators – including Donal Lunny and Cormac Mac Diarmada of Lankum – making their presence known in subtle and satisfying ways. DW CLICK IT OUT… Boasting new tracks from 22 of Ireland’s most engaging underground acts, there simply isn’t enough space in this review to start discussing highlights from the third volume of the now unmissable Litany of Failures compilation series without overlooking another track as worthy of praise. We can only in good conscience direct readers to their streaming service (or ideally, independent record store) of choice to pick their personal favourites from this immensely heartening snapshot of a gloriously diverse domestic music scene in phenomenal fettle. DW We know it and so should you food, fashion, photography, film, books, magazines, music, design, drink and a curated section of events for you to consider www.totallydublin.ie