THREE ANTICIPATED ALBUMS FOR THIS MONTH

By: Sean Kayden

Camera Obscura – “Desire Lines” - Camera Obscura’s fifth studio album and first in four years has them sounding better than ever. With their baroque sound, lush melodies, and soulful singing, “Desire Lines” is the summer nighttime album for young and old lovers alike.  The first single is “Do It Again,” the most upbeat song on the record. Whirling, guitar-laden, and savagely infectious, “Do It Again” is a real gem coming from a band with a treasure chest of valuable material. In fact, don’t be surprised to find many tunes on this particular album that will be your guiding light these late estival nights. In a summer filled with craziness and boisterous anthemic tunes from many newcomers, sometimes it’s nice to take a step back to reflect on the more personal, worthwhile things in life. “Desire Lines,” the record from a band that’s been making music before turn of the millennium may be the sound of the summer to get you where you really want to go, the place beyond the frivolous agenda of those occupying your time with no worthy reward in exchange. The album runs deeper than the usual summer affair.

“Desire Lines” was released June 3rd, 2013 via 4AD.

Smith Westerns –“Soft Will” - Smith Westerns are gearing up for their third studio album, “Soft Cell.” These glam rockers, inspired by the 70s, are refreshing on all accounts. The band’s first single, “Varsity,” is shimmering, crisp, and incredibly melodic. With their first foray into sleeker production values and a more mature sound, Smith Westerns haven’t lost their youthful exuberance. As the band comes to terms with their new outlook on life, so has the way they’ve approach songwriting. As a matter of fact, even as the group gets older (still in their early-to-mid 20s), their view on life has somewhat changed. While their friends are seeking jobs in the professional world, the band could be destined for more success than what the “working world” could ever offer. “Soft Cell” may bleed youthful energy, but the band’s latest approach finds them closer than ever to the likes of adulthood.

“Soft Will” is out June 25^th, 2013 via Mom + Pop.

City & Colour – “The Hurry and The Harm” - City and Colour is the moniker for singer/songwriter Dallas Green. He’s this soulful folk singer who once occupied his earlier days in the post-hardcore outfit, Alexisonfire several years ago. For his forth studio album, “The Hurry and The Harm,” Green brings his folk tendencies to a slightly elevated level. More folk rock than strictly just folk this go around, City and Colour still has the aptitude of capturing the human spirit in fullest form. For fans of Neil Young and Bob Dylan, City and Colour’s established sound, expressive songwriting, and sensitive melodies can chill your bones and yet warm your soul. While “The Hurry and The Harm” feels more like a late fall/winter sort of album, I can argue that anytime of the year is just fine for terrific music like this. Regardless of where you’re going, where you came from, or where you stand today, City and Colour has the right dose of medicine for any complications that may come your way. And better yet, there’s no way of ever overdosing on such a prescription as this. 

“The Hurry and The Harm” was released on June 4^th, 2013 via Dine Alone Records.



Published by Mountain Views News on June 8th, 2013
http://mtnviewsnews.com/v07/htm/n23/p13.htm