The Computers – This Is The Computers (One Little Indian) ***
Funnily enough, no computers were involved in the making of this album. The music and vocals of this band do not go hand in hand. The singer’s heavy vocal style does not fit with the music, which is at times heavy but not quite heavy enough to justify Satan himself growling down the microphone. This is energetic and raw stuff, and maybe if I did give it a chance then there could be a slight possibility of me actually growing to like this angry man’s voice. Apparently, This Is Computers was recorded in just four days.
Russ Petcher, 36, bassist, Low Moor
Johann Johannsson – The Miners’ Hymns (Fat Cat) *
When I read the title of this album I was expecting to hear some rousing songs and chants that would bring a lump to the throat following the destruction of the coal-mining industry. Instead, there are six tracks of haunting, and for the most part, boring long drawn-out single notes of brass music accompanied by the organ at Durham Cathedral, where this music was first premiered over a two-day period. It turns out that this is being used as the soundtrack for an avant-garde film of the same title. If contemporary classical or brass music is what you crave, then this is the one for you. Otherwise, bin it!
Nigel Goodman, 53, teacher, Heaton
Ian McMillan Orchestra – Homing In (Taith) ****
This album is released to showcase the forthcoming tour of the orchestra. It contains astonishing, awesome and beautiful songs presented by English National Opera poet-in-residence and Bard of Barnsley Ian McMillan, with composer Luke Carver Goss and a band of ensemble players. This is a collection of poems, music, comedy and improvisation. McMillan’s rip-roaring poetry shows are legendary. This is not so much music and vocals – it’s theatre for your ears.
Daphne Rowbotham, 60, retired, Shipley
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