Project New Music - January 2011

Today I will start a new project that has everything to do with the last three posts. Every month I will discuss the new albums I have listened to by sharing some general information and my own opinion. Which album has surprised me, which release didn’t fulfill my high expectations and which band may be the next big thing? You will read my opinion at the end of every month.

This month on Project New Music: Adele, DeWolff, Krach, Ilanois, James Blake and Cold War Kids.

Adele
This woman made a huge impression on the world at the age of 19. She delivered a steady debut album, with a mature sound. Her sound has even become more mature on her new album, 21. Sometimes I think I’m listening to a woman of at least 30 years old, instead of a 21 year old singer. Some new influences that can be found on the album are Americana and country music. When Adele was on tour across the USA, a bus driver introduced her to this kind of music. It inspired her on her new album, which can be heard in the song 'Rolling in the Deep'. I think that song is the best one of her new album, but there are some other nice ones (like 'Set Fire to the Rain'). But in my opinion a bit more blues and country would have turned this album into a great one, instead of just a good one.

DeWolf
DeWolff is a Dutch band. Their music is very recognizable, because it has an extraordinary instrument: a Hammond organ. Their debut album sounded like it was made in the ‘70s, with a lot of guitar, organ and drum solos. On their new album the band sounds a little different. I can hear some influences from The Beatles and at the same time there’s a lot of mystery and psychedelica. I don’t really know how to properly describe this album, which gives an indication of the differences between the songs. I think it would have been better if the boys would have tried to create a more distinctive sound, instead of combining all these different styles.

Krach
Krach is an odd band. Their songs are a combination of rock and electronic. During gigs their songs become more and more electronic as time passes by, which results in some sort of dance party with DJ’s. I’m more into the rock part than the dance part, but I can imagine they will reach a big audience by combining the two. Both rock and dance lovers will be able to identify with their music. The beginning of their album is my favorite bit, with songs like ‘And So I Do a Little Dance’ and their first single ‘Do the Wave Now’. Their album is currently featured on the Luisterpaal.

Ilanois
This band has been selected for Serious Talent at the Dutch radio station 3FM. Chase the Sundown with Me is their second album. The first thing that grabs my attention is the cover of their album, cause it’s beautiful and looks very professional! Their album is produced by Simon Gogerly (U2, No Doubt) and mixed by Barny Barnicott (Editors, Placebo, Stereophonics). I would say it’s melodic rock and/or indie. Ilanois’ music sounds good, but it doesn’t blow me away. It misses that little extra thing that makes them stand out from the bunch. The first single of the album is called 'Chase the Sundown with Me'. Ilanois' album is currently featured on the Luisterpaal.

James Blake
This man is everything but mainstream. His music is quiet, relaxed and electronic with a bit of soul. It’s something special, definitely not ordinary. He’s called an electronic composer, which may be the best description possible. His first single is a cover of 'Limit to your Love' from Feist. James Blake’s version is not as good as the original, but I still enjoy listening to it. However, I still don’t know whether to like or dislike the entire album, I don’t know if the penny will drop. To be continued?

Cold War Kids
This band used to make alternative music with a ‘whisky-sound’. They made weird songs like 'Hang Me Up to Dry'. One of their new songs, 'Louder Than Ever', is a good example of the new direction the band has taken. The new album is produced by the man who made a commercial band of Kings of Leon and that is my problem with this album. I don’t like Kings of Leon since they have become more mainstream and the same is now happening with Cold War Kids. They will probably reach a bigger audience, but I think they will lose the listeners who liked their debut album.