Recent history tells us that if it’s a year ending in the number seven we’re in for some good music. In 1997 there was Radiohead’s OK Computer, Daft Punk’s debut and Blur’s self-titled album. 2007 only followed suit with releases such as Sound of Silver by LCD Soundsystem, In Rainbows by a returning to form Radiohead and Arcade Fire’s second album Neon Bible.
Is 2017 about to break the trend though? We’re two thirds into the year and no one release has set the world alight, the recently published and underwhelming Mercury Music Prize shortlist proves this. There is a shining light in the not too distant future though, here are five upcoming releases to get excited about. Let’s hope that in ten years-time people will look back and add these albums to the list of great records from a year ending in the number seven.
1. LCD Soundsystem – American Dream
After a highly documented break up and farewell show at New York’s Madison Square Garden in 2011, James Murphy and co. reunited in 2016 for a short tour of festival shows. Now they’re back with new album American Dream, out on the 1st September. It’ll be LCD’s fifth album and the follow up to 2010’s This Is Happening. Although the two singles that’ve been released are the usual electro-pop-punk we’ve come to expect from the band, Murphy hinted in a recent interview that the album will be heavier and darker than their previous work. This Autumn they play a handful of European dates including the opening two nights of Manchester’s Warehouse Project.
2. The National – Sleep Well Beast
Sleep Well Beast will be The National’s eighth album and long-awaited follow up to 2013’s Trouble Will Find Me. Once again, the record marks a change in direction for the band, with more complex and textured instrumentation. Lead singer Matt Berninger says the album is about living through failing marriage so it seems his lyrics will again be baring his soul as expected from any National release. Singles The System Only Dreams in Total Darkness, Guilty Party and Carin at the Liquor Store are available to listen to now and the band play several shows towards the end of this year including two dates at Manchester’s O2 Apollo. Out September 8th on 4AD.
3. Mount Kimbie – Love What Survives
Out on September 8th on Warp, Love What Survives will be Mount Kimbie’s fourth album. The latest single from the upcoming release, Blue Train Lines, features vocals from long-term collaborator King Krule and has already received widespread critical acclaim. The LP is also featuring James Blake and Micachu. Pair Kai Campos and Dom Maker tour the upcoming album this Autumn where they’ll play dates at Invisible Wind Factory Liverpool and the HMV Ritz Manchester.
4. Four Tet – TBA
Four Tet has recently released the two tracks Two Thousand and Seventeen and Planet, indicating a follow up to 2015’s Morning/Evening. Never one to shy away from changing styles, there’s really no telling what Kieran Hebden’s new material will sound like, but if the singles are anything to go by it’s a return to an older style akin to his 2003 album Rounds. One thing is certain, it’s going to sound great and is sure to fill a few dancefloors. Four Tet has a history of surprising his fans with surprise and sudden releases – watch this space.
5. Hookworms – TBA
This highly anticipated release is shrouded in mystery, whilst we know that MJ and co. are working on a new album, they’re keeping hush about any details. The Leeds band played a small number of shows over the summer where the debuted new material made up much of their sets. Expect a more electronic, dance-floor-ready style from this their 5th record.
When resisting the urge to put on the new Radiohead album for the one-billionth time, I try to keep my music listening as eclectic as possible.I was the clichéd skinny jeans & Strokes t-shirt clad indie kid in school clad and have never really grown out of that. Since starting university in 2012 I’ve got into lots of electronic, house, techno music and finding it very addicting. Favourites include Jon Hopkins, Todd Terje and Nicolas Jaar. Very recently I’ve been getting into old shoegaze bands like My Bloody Valentine, Ride & The Jesus and Mary Chain. I’ll have probably found something new by next week. Anything Thom Yorke puts his name to is one constant though.I’m a lover of CDs (probably because as a student I can’t quite afford vinyl) and my 250+ strong collection seems to be growing exponentially. If we discussed the pros and cons of physical music compared to streaming and how we consume music today, I could bore you for hours.Soup Kitchen is my spiritual home.I’ve pledged to take a review a month of an artist that I know nothing about, so sometimes I might sound like an idiot.
