Honest, in-depth album reviews by KLOF Mag – championing and curating intelligent, uncompromising voices in contemporary and experimental music since 2004.
Albums
by Peter Shaw
Simon J Jones’ ‘How Things Work’ is a delight from start to finish, celebrating simpler times but with the pioneering spirit of the Ladybird books. Creating stories and soundscapes that seem very current but are somehow timeless, this album is a significant artistic achievement.
by Mike Davies
While Allison de Groot and Tatiana Hargreaves’ debut rightfully saw them critically acclaimed as a shining new force in string band music; Hurricane Clarice shows their light to be even brighter.
by David Pratt
Analog Africa’s latest compilation explores the rebajada scene of Mexico, unearthing and making available musical treasures deserving of a worldwide audience. The album includes a riveting history of Mexican pitch control, (Radson tube amps, heavy-duty Garrard decks), alongside superb archive photographs.
by Mike Davies
Ink of the Rosy Morning showcases the dexterity of Hannah Sanders and Ben Savage’s guitar playing and the unaffected beauty of their voices, both individually and in harmony. This is their most immediate, beguiling and, dare I say it, finest work yet.
by Bob Fish
M Ross Perkins creates the kind of masterpieces that could only come from one mind. E Pluribus M Ross is the most unified collection of lines and licks you’re likely to hear this year.
by Bob Fish
While Midlake have not deserted the sounds of yore, they have reinterpreted the repertoire on For the Sake of Bethel Woods, sounding more willing to experiment. There is a sense of liberation in the music. No one is holding them back any longer.
by Ben Garland
MacGillivray’s talent and passion bring the tragic story of Mary, Queen of Scots to life. Her intricate instrumental work, captivating lyrics, and powerful vocals all come together to build this profoundly engaging and focused album.
by Mike Davies
On ‘Nothing Pressing’, Jerry Leger charts a musical and personal journey that he says he hopes listeners will feel they can share. These are songs that give you the strength to come through on the other side.
by Mike Davies
The Lied To’s Doug Kwarter and Susan Levine, return with “The Worst Kind of New”. Both lost parents during the album’s making which finds them examining loss, grief, memory, and the desire for love and self-acceptance.
by Bob Fish
The first thing you notice about Jadea Kelly on Roses is her voice. It’s an amazing instrument, one that reflects longing, yet can also convey joy.
by Bob Fish
At the heart of Samana and All One Breath opposite worlds seem to coalesce forming contradictions that are part of the very fabric of life. They travel emotional pathways through a constantly changing landscape, documenting moments that may never come again.