Jens Lekman 'Having An Argument With Myself' EP review (for kevchino.com)

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Popular Swede Jens Lekman's new release, a 5 track EP entitled 'An Argument With Myself', seems to be exactly that. A short and sweet work with heavy 80s reggae influences the EP is lyrically laden with witty, descriptive personal descriptions of Lekman's life.

Title track 'Having An Argument With Myself' follows his train of thought as he stumbles home after a night out on the town through drunken backpackers on the city streets, lamenting over issues with his partner. 'Waiting On Kirsten' appears to be an ode to an unrequited love as well as to the city of Göteborg, describing a city that has come into itself and changed for the better - "And the VIP lines are not for the clubs, but for healthcare, apartments and jobs" - but unfortunately the relationship with Kirsten does not follow suit. 'A Promise' is a more funky sounding yet still 80s influenced track with an almost easy listening feel, as is with following track 'New Directions'. Ending with 'So This Guy At My Office' Lekman sinks into pure and simple reggae and depicts a conversation at the end of the day between two loved one's - "The day starts when you get here, and ends when you leave". 

And there you have it - a basic, descriptive, blow by blow account of the latest Jens Lekman EP, which seems to be the basic ethos of this whole offering. While the lyrics are interesting and cleverly written it does feel as though Lekman has simply sat down with a Casio keyboard, hit the Reggae setting and blurted out whatever was on his mind at the time. The songs have a sweet storytelling quality about them, but overall come across as quite uneventful and trivial. While I'm sure there is feeling and passion there the songs are delivered in such a way they could almost be classed in the Easy Listening/Elevator Musak genre.

The Rapture 'In The Grace of Your Love' album review (for kevchino.com)

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With dissension in the ranks and the eventual loss of a member it's no surprise The Rapture's latest offering 'In The Grace of Your Love' was turned out a good 5 years after their previous critically acclaimed release 'Pieces of the People We Love'. Frontman Luke Jenner took time out from the band in 2009 due to personal issues - many of which themes are present on the album - and rumored creative differences with bassist Mattie Safer who eventually left the band altogether. But we all know tumultuous times often produce the most inspired works, and with the help of Phoenix producer/Cassius member Phillipe Zdar The Rapture have turned their respective frowns upside down.

The album plays host to an astounding cross section of genres - from their usual electro-pop sound to indie rock to 80's disco (no doubt stemming from Zdar) to gospel, reggae and afro-beat. This is an obvious testament to the talents of the band and is put across with a good line of continuity. There is an ever-present dark and moody underlay throughout which may stem from the loss of Jenner's Mother to suicide in 2009 as well as the loss of a band member, but coupled with the at first slightly odd but eventually obviously essential 80's-esque dance and disco overtones, the album generates an impressive bass-laden, all-encompassing sound.

Each song is an epic musical exploration within itself but there are some true stand out tracks. 'Come Back To Me' is a fantastically simple dance number that turns from a jaunty island romp reminiscent of Boney M into a deep dark house track without skipping a beat. Title track 'In the Grace of Your Love' transports us back to the 80's with it's classic synth backdrop but keeps us at the modern forefront with it's brooding bass line, indie rock riffs and cymbal smashing drum fills. 'How Deep Is Your Love' hooks with it's dramatic piano from the get go and keeps you going with it's fantastic fuzz baseline and funky, almost tribal percussion effects. Closing out with 'It Takes Time to be A Man' ends the album on a definite high note with it's sexy bluesy tone and slow smooth tempo.

A fine piece of work from a fine NYC outfit. It's very clear that, even with familial loves lost and creative ties severed, this band will never have anywhere to go but up.