Cd Reviews

Friday January 18, 2008

New rules for boats

thousands=(EMI)

4/5

The debut album from this Perth five-piece shows an air of innocent simplicity in its popiness. Obviously taught to share from an early age, brother and sister Sean and Miranda Pollard take turns on the vocal duties, which gives a nice balance to their songs, both displaying an unaffected directness in their delivery. Overall, it's a pretty jolly affair that leans towards indie-infused country with a summery smile.

Paul Smith

Pnau

pnau=(EtcEtc/Universal)

3/5

Once the darlings of the Australian electronic scene, Sydney's Pnau have been quiet of late. The duo of Nick Littlemore and Peter Mayes have returned with an energetic and incredibly diverse album. Radio hit Wild Strawberries is a heavy dancefloor track that is instantly likeable, while Baby has a fun, '70s feel. No More Violence takes a turn into heavy rave while Die With Us rounds out the album with a touch of chill-out.

Chloe Sasson

The hot 8 brass band

ROCK WITH THE HOT BRASS BAND=(Tru Thoughts/Creative Vibes)

3/5

The four trombones, three trumpets, sax and assorted mobile percussion flotsam of this modern New Orleans marching band produce a rowdy, trebly sound. A single, constantly belching tuba supplies the bass riffs. Alongside spirited covers of Marvin Gaye and Snoop Dogg, loose grooves take further inspiration from Afro beat, calypso, blues and funk. All 12 members also sing and chant, stirring up a carnival vibe that must be a real treat live.

Paris Pompor

Queen

ROCK MONTREAL & LIVE AID=(Rajon Vision)

3.5/5

The Live Aid second disc has the 20-minute performance that is impressive for the scale of the crowd and Freddie Mercury's working of them, but the 1981 shows in Montreal are the pick of this DVD litter. Without extra keyboards, the four-piece band rock a bit harder and sing a lot better than the more famous later show, the fashion disasters are relatively few, the lighting is still impressive this many years on and the set list strong. They could play.

Bernard Zuel

© 2008

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