- KYS: 90
- User: 57
- 74
Taking Back Sunday - Self-Titled
This is Taking Back Sunday's best effort yet, and a great return from what was a fairly average album in New Again. Powerful, well-produced, well-crafted, this is simply an incredible album.
- KYS: 70
- User: 70
- 70
Trial Kennedy - Living Undesigned
If being honest, ‘Living Undesigned’ doesn’t feature any one track that stands up to some of Trial Kennedy’s past hits or fan favourites, but when looked at as a whole, this is an enjoyable release from one of Australia’s hardest working and talented rock acts.
- KYS: 30
- User: 57
- 43
The Maine - Black & White
Simply put, The Maine are just not good enough to be making this style of music. More is expected of "radio rock" albums these days and the bar has been set by records like Jimmy Eat World's 'Invented,' and when looked at on that level, 'Black & White' doesn't even come close.
- KYS: 85
- User: N/A
- 85
TV on the Radio - Nine Types of Light
'Nine Types of Light' again proves how enormously talented TV on the Radio are, displaying their individual blend of dance beats juxtaposed with tradional instrumentation, with everthing from guitars to drums to horns. Not to mention the clarity and genius of the vocals. For existing fans of the band, this album will be a return to form, but for others, their unique sound may be a bit overwhelming and hard to get into at times. 'Nine Types of Light' is definitely an album you'll want to listen to several times to get the most out of all the musical nuances, but it is a complete delight once you do.
- KYS: 65
- User: N/A
- 65
Texas in July - One Reality
There’s enough to like about Texas in July that’ll convince me to keep an ear to the ground for their inevitable third record. I just can’t shake the thought that I feel like I’m listening to a poor man’s August Burns Red. It’s a short record that does succeed at points in capturing my attention with some brutal moments, at times rocking the senses.
- KYS: 78
- User: N/A
- 78
The Middle East - I Want That You Are Always Happy
‘I Want That You Are Always Happy’ is a vast album that further progresses the harmonies and ballads that were pioneered in the band’s EP. This album allows The Middle East to show listeners that they are not a mere folk/pop band with nice voices but a group that carries grand ideas of imagery and instrumentation and are prepared to take their time to reveal them all.
- KYS: 70
- User: 40
- 55
The Wombats - This Modern Glitch
‘This Modern Glitch’ is a very listenable second album from The Wombats but it does miss the mark on several occasions. Whilst a few gems pop up on the disc, the others, despite being catchy at times, lack the energy and declarations that the previous release brought to the table. The excessive use of synth on the album is overwhelming but it’s re-assuring that when The Wombats decide to head down one path, they stick to it.
- KYS: 95
- User: 76
- 86
Thursday - No Devolución
Quite simply, this album is perfect. Beautifully emotive and engaging, with the perfect balance of emotion and luscious, dark energy. There’s not a forgettable track on "No Devolución," exhibiting Thursday’s flair for crafting dark, enchanting emo-rock melodies. Its pure, stark emotion makes for a somewhat cathartic experience, and it is hard not to find yourself completely lost in the album. An incredible album that I can hardly fault, and undoubtedly the best release of 2011 so far.
- KYS: 90
- User: 50
- 70
Transit - Promise Nothing
Hanging six releases under their belt, Transit have polished a sound which seems to mature with each and every step forward. The true beauty this band achieves lies in the outcome they’ve created; not a wrinkly, saggy old piece but rather an ever-fresh and invigorating style that they truly characterise as their none other than their own. Two-track, ‘Promise Nothing’ is the ultimate carrot on a stick, teasing fans and inspiring a world of anticipation and eagerness for the full-length that is to come later this year.
- KYS: 82
- User: 63
- 73
Transit - Something Left Behind
Fans of the band will be happy with this release, as you get to hear different sides of the tracks you already love, as well as a few other gems, including what I believe is the band’s strongest track to date. If you are new to checking Transit out, I’d suggest you begin with their other releases first, but this record is definitely quality. Worth checking out.