LAND OF PLEASURE – STICKY FINGERS
Released: August 1, 2014
Genre: Psychedelic Rock; Reggae Fusion
Runtime: 47 minutes
From the realms of Sydney’s Indie Rock scene, Sticky Fingers has created a name for themselves over the years. Land of Pleasure, the band’s second studio album, recommended by a friend, was a pleasure to listen to. Lead singer Dylan Frost has vocals that are charming and crisp, able to capture you and pull you into his world. Though he has some rasp in his vocals, you can feel his sorrow, fear and happiness when the song calls for it.
Though they are a rock band, the group aren’t afraid to go along the mellow stream as seen on tracks like ‘Rum Rage’. Dylan’s vocals are drunk and swaying with accountability and blame for his actions when he drinks. There is a solo guitar slide towards the end of the track, upon research for the songs, I found out Seamus Coyle (guitarist) actually used a VB bottle to help with the slide, which I find fitting. Where the previous track ‘Just For You’ is chaotic, bombastic and in your face, ‘Rum Rage’ is slow, dry and mellow, to then go to ‘Gold Snafu’ – a little reggae, soul number about the band’s struggles with living on the road. The vast contrast in moods and vibes Sticky Fingers can give me in a 3 song run is impressive, it doesn’t feel like I’m listening to the same song through and through. To be able to get me to thrash around, then vibe out, then to make me happy and to follow up with a gut punch to the stomach.
Land of Pleasure isn’t without its gripes though, there are moments where the mixing feels a bit all over the place. Songs like ‘Show No Shade’ feel disjointed like everything is fighting to be in the spotlight. If it was intentional, then fantastic, it’s just not for me.
With a LOT of highs and some wavy tunes, Land of Pleasure is a rollercoaster of an album. A rollercoaster I’d happily ride again, to a Sticky Fingers’ theme park I’m glad I entered.
7/10
HER LOSS – DRAKE & 21 SAVAGE
Released: November 4, 2022
Genre: Hip-Hop, Trap
Runtime: 1 Hour
Canadian Hip-Hop star Drake teams up with 21 Savage for a full project. While it’s not the best project from either artist (‘If You Are Reading This It’s Too Late’ and ‘i am > i was’ respectfully), it’s by the far the best consistent record from Drake since 2016’s ‘Views’. However, despite it being a joint album, it really feels like a Drake album that heavily features 21 Savage. With 4 out of the 16 tracks just featuring Drake, some of the songs could’ve survived without the inclusion of 21 Savage.
Her Loss opens with Rich Flex – if you’ve been on social media the last few weeks, you would’ve seen the memes of Drake’s intro ’21, can you do something for me?’. Jokes aside I think it’s a great track and a great opener with flow switch and beat switch ups showcasing 21’s murderous flows and Drake going a bit slow and melodic before coming in with a vicious flow and bars.
Other highlights include Major Distribution, On BS, Pussy & Millions (featuring Travis Scott), Broke Boys and More M’s.
Unfortunately where this album falls is when 21 Savage and Drake get into their feelings, it comes off a little contrived or phoned in, especially towards the later ends of the album where I think the duo have run out of ideas. Though in saying that, while this isn’t the best Drake record as previously mentioned, Drake actually sounds like he is having fun and putting in some effort. Which was largely missed from ‘… Honestly, Nevermind’ and ‘Certified Loverboy’.
Her Loss can be a fun record to listen to, whether it’s doing a ‘Drake n Drive’ or having it in the background while vibing out with friends.
6/10
