#674: The Spook School - Could It Be Different?

The world is a weird place to live at the moment. On the one hand, it’s never felt more progressive and forward-thinking, as the attitudes of younger generations generally become more liberal than those that came before them. On the other however, and in what feels like a direct reaction to an increasingly tolerant Western world, conservative ideologies, both extreme and otherwise, are on the rise. As such, ‘Could It Be Different?’, the third album from Glasgow four-piece The Spook School comes at a vital time, and clutching a vital message.

This review was originally for Clash Magazine. Click here to read in full.

#673: Brain Fallon - Sleepwalkers

While the opening guitar/organ combo of Sleepwalkers might well share more in common with the likes of Fleetwood Mac, or more recently, Haim, it’s a record takes little time to establish itself as quintessential Brian Fallon.

This review was originally written for Louder Than War. Click here to read in full.

#672: The Menzingers, O2 Ritz, Manchester

Arguably one of this generation of punk’s consistently impressive bands, Pennsylvania’s The Menzingers have been turning heads since their inception back in 2006. Now five albums in to a 12 year career, the four-piece may have mellowed somewhat over time, but they still they possess plenty of bark and bite to keep even the most ardent a punk appeased. Don’t believe me? You obviously haven’t seen the band live.

This review was originally written for Louder Than War. Click here to read in full.

#671: Justin Timberlake - Man of the Woods

“Y’all can’t do better than this,” proclaims the opening line from ‘Midnight Summer Jam’, the second track on Justin Timberlake’s fourth album, ‘Man Of The Woods’. While many would argue that such a statement is just typical pop music posturing, the fact is that it’s something else entirely. It’s got to be.

This review was originally written for Clash Magazine. Click here to read in full.