Change Of Direction - Ellen Fullman

Advantages: Very soulful, more mature
Disadvantages: All mid tempo tracks

...The first time I listened to this album I was left feeling unimpressed and a little bored. After the first two songs, the stomping first single "lose my breath" and "soldier" the album drifts into collection of mid-tempo tracks most of which sounded the same to me. However, on the second and third listens I found the change in style from the previous albums quite refreshing and many of the songs had a real old style, soulful feel that I loved. The singing is, as always, outstanding, with much more from Michelle and Kelly this time. However I do feel that this could have easily been a solo album from Beyonce because when Kelly and Michelle are singing, I can't help thinking Beyonce would have sounded better. Here are my opinions of all the tracks: 1. Lose my breath 10/10- great first single, perhaps my favourite DC... Read review

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Advantages: Some great soundscapes, very personal, the photographs and music combined
Disadvantages: A challenging listen, an album that you probably wont listen to everyday

...Of all the Nine Inch Nails albums this one is probably the most difficult one to review since Trent Reznor's music has changed so much over the years. He has quietened down so much since his groundbreaking industrial metal release The Downward Spiral. I still consider The Downward Spiral to be his best album as the music was so intense and angry, yet felt very personal. The next album The Fragile was another great release, as Trent ventured into experimental territory. Most of the anger that was displayed was gone, and in it's place was a feeling of focus and direction, and also beauty, as some of the tracks have some really tranquil moments. With Teeth didn't receive too many great reviews, although I thought it was a fairly good release. The concept album Year Zero received much better praise than With Teeth, and was a very good... Read review

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Advantages: Original, innovative
Disadvantages: Unlikely to get the exposure it deserves

...lReleased on Deck Cheese Records, a venture from the writers of Big Cheese Magazine, ‘With Windmills Turning Directions’ is the first full-length release from the south coast sextet NoComply, following the critically acclaimed release of the ‘Your Life (Is Your Direction)’ EP. Their unique blend of punk rock, ska and metal, with their two-man brass section and a talented (and female) lead singer in Kelly Kemp was released earlier this year and the band are just about to embark on a tour of central Europe. (For more information on the band see my review on NoComply in general: [LINK]) ***TRACK-BY-TRACK*** Track 01 – Future Template (2:28) What a way to introduce yourself to the listener – commencing with screaming (and kind of painful sounding) vocals over the top of a hammering drumbeat, before the immediate entrance of the horn... Read review

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