TD 1
AUDIO Killian Barry Zara Hedderman Andrew Lambert
Madonna Madame X [Interscope] Miley Cyrus She is Coming [RCA Records] “Madame X is a secret agent,” prefaced Madonna. She continued to describe the many personas of the protagonist who lends her name to the Queen of Pop’s 14th record; “She’s a dancer, professor, head of state, equestrian, prisoner, mother, teacher, nun, and saint,” to name a few. Over the course of 15 tracks each persona crops up, dictating the pace. The record, a sprawling adventure steered by a variety of genres, from dancehall, trap-pop, to hip-hop, was influenced by Madonna’s recent residency in Portugal; where she uprooted her life to in 2017, while her son trained at the Benfica Football Academy. Working with French producer Mirwais, with whom she collaborated on her magnificent disco-fuelled records Music (2000) and Confessions On A Dancefloor (2005), the American singer retrieves the exuberance from that golden era of her career – namely, on God Control’s epic swell of disco. Bolstered by bright strings and bumping drum-beats, the infectious melody quickly becomes ingrained in the ear. For the most part, the arrangements teeter on bizarre, if not questionable. Take for example the synthesized sample of Dance of the Reed Pipes from The Nutcracker in Dark Ballet’s mid-section. A concept song inspired by Joan of Arc. Or, suspect politics in her lyrics. Nestled amongst obscurity there’re moments to relish. While this isn’t a masterpiece, it’s an improvement from 2015’s Rebel Heart. ZH Like this? Try these: Lady Gaga - The Fame Monster Madonna - Music Carly Rae Jepsen - Dedicated The pariah of pop returns on She is Coming, the first in a planned trilogy of EPs from Miley Cyrus. Yet, the most curious detail taken from these six tracks is just how eager she sounds to please. Cyrus stretches herself thin over just 19 minutes with a bland, feature-filled mix of pop, hip-hop and R&B that’s unlikely to leave a lasting impression or keep listeners tuned in for future editions to this series. AL Avicii TIM [Universal] Tim Bergling’s trusted collaborators polish off his unfinished project in a move seemingly more reverential than mercenary. TIM stays faithful to the Avicii blueprint, its euphoric melodies the heirs to those that galvanised a stale EDM scene. Elsewhere, relaxed tempos and tropical flavours indicate an unwillingness to stand still. Though, read in the context of Bergling’s retreat from the oppressive glare of the limelight, his words can be a troubling open diary. A posthumous tribute to a pioneering talent and a poignant reminder of the industry that swallowed him up. KB Mick Flannery Mick Flannery [Rosaleen Records] Hatchie Keepsake [Heavenly] For his sixth album, Mick Flannery’s sparse folk compositions are given breadth through tonal textures and pop-leanings which perfectly compliment his ubiquitous gravelled cadence. In keeping with Flannery’s style, these 11 songs are character-driven. On this occasion, we’re introduced to seedy and desolate figures that are often heard about within the music industry. A wonderfully engaging record, the fullness in these arrangements, namely Wasteland and Come Find Me mark a clear progression in the Cork-born musician’s repertoire. ZH Hatchie’s debut full-length consolidates her status as purveyor of nostalgic dream pop. Keepsake’s jangly guitars are situated along the Cranberries/ Cocteau Twins axis, and its seductive pop nuggets are imbued with understated potency. The Australian’s airy vocals are multi-tracked syrup, a wistful complement to the hazy reverb. With repeat listens, you may wear Hatchie’s emotions as your own. Keepsake is the teen drama where every song is prom night, the shimmering soundtrack to your introspective reverie. KB CLICK IT OUT… 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