Lana Del Rey - Honeymoon | Album Review

A term that gets used by naysayers when describing Lana Del Rey’s music is that it is borderline depressing. Granted, to those who aren’t familiar with her work, titles like Summertime Sadness and Born To Die might imply Del Rey’s music is just her moping about how much she loathes her life. Which is not the case, and if her latest album Honeymoon is anything to go by, Lana Del Rey is far from dull. In fact, it proves that she is an exciting enigmatic character, just trying to be understood.

After a gorgeous 30 second orchestral instrumental “We both know that it’s not fashionable to love me”, are the first words declared by Del Rey on the opener – the album titled song Honeymoon. At this point we are unsure as to whom Del Rey is addressing; perhaps it’s cynical reviewers about her music? Or maybe it’s towards a reluctant lover? The one thing that is immediate to listeners, however, is the mysterious quality Del Rey’s music has become admired for – that dark persona is present in this album. But unlike her 2014 release Ultraviolence, Del Rey no longer sounds easily susceptible and vulnerable. Instead throughout Honeymoon’s luxurious and intoxicating 13 tracks, whether addressing subjects of loss, pain or elation Del Rey appears chillingly nonchalant. 

The love and influence for jazz and blues music that Del Rey has dabbled with before can be heard more clearly and confidently than ever. In the dreamy and heartfelt ballad, Terrance Loves You Del Rey croons about the loss of a partner behind a soothing saxophone and an accompanying trumpet – this is Del Rey in her element.

At this point, three albums in, fans and critics alike know it is imperative for a Del Rey record to feature a distinct tone of sensuality, and Honeymoon does not disappoint. Now Del Rey’s sensual side is understatedly unravelled on songs like the slow jam Freak and the sultry Art Deco. On Music To Watch Boys To the ethereal production unites with Del Rey’s angelic voice creating the sort of song you could picture Charlie's Angel Farrah Fawcett dancing to if she was a belly dancer in a former life??
When comparing Honeymoon to her previous records (Born To Die, Paradise and Ultraviolence), Del Rey has stated herself “It's very different from the last one and similar to the first two”. Perhaps the most obvious reason behind this is because Honeymoon marks the return of producer Rick Nowels who co-produced all of Born To Die and all of Honeymoon too. However, Del Rey’s sincere voice and personal lyrics are at the cornerstone of the album now, contrasting with Born To Die, which was criticised for the production overshadowing her.

But Del Rey refuses to be overshadowed by anything this time around; she’s the main magnetism. Even closing with a cover of jazz icon; Nina Simone’s Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood doesn’t seem to faze her, as she breathes life into the song creating a refreshing and distinctive duplicate. Concluding into what sounds like Del Rey’s purest and most authentic album to date.

Rating: 8/10

Recommended songs: Honeymoon, God Knows I Tried, High By The Beach, Freak, Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood, 24

Bullet For My Valentine - No Way Out | Song Review

Welsh metal titans Bullet For My Valentine have returned after a two year break with an absolute belter of a track. No Way Out is taken from Bullet's upcoming album Venom, which will be released on August 14th.

No Way Out kicks off with an instant impact, as singer Matt Tuck roars "No Way Out" to which the rest of the band accompany with pure angst. Immediately the track contains older and more brutal elements from Bullet, reminiscent of defining album The Poison.

With the implementation of new bassist Jamie Mathias, it has created an even deeper sound in Bullet's music.

Also, in true Bullet fashion, the chorus is strong and the melodies and subtle harmonies add prominent layers to the song. There are influences of Avenged Sevenfold throughout which further portrays the feistiness and edginess of the song.

Despite the brutality throughout, it is clear that No Way Out will receive a large amount of radio play and the mainstream will take it under its wing.

The older fans will see the appeal of No Way Out, and newer fans will follow suit and jump on the Bullet bandwagon. It is evident that the song has been well thought out and Bullet are truly back with an album that will regain them their spot at the top of the British metal roster.

Also catch Bullet For My Valentine on their UK and Ireland tour during September and October. Tickets go on sale Friday 22rd May.

Listen to No Way Out here:

Rag'N'Bone Man - Disfigured | EP Review

There is always a sense of pride felt when you see an underground artist getting the recognition they deserve. After discovering Rag'N'Bone Man when he was providing vocals for Brighton based rap collective Rum Committee, it was evident that his soulful voice had to receive full exposure.

Disfigured is a landmark in Rag'N'Bone Man's career. Even with a stellar back catalogue, including his Wolves EP, he has managed to top it all and raise the bar with just four songs.

Each track encapsulates an array of emotions, portrayed brilliantly by Rag'N'Bone. His voice is undeniably full of power and passion, with an essence of the finest Blues artists dripping through it. The music arrangements work majestically, as clearly heard in the emotive Perfume, which is stripped-down, yet extremely compelling.

Lead track Hard Came The Rain is more forceful and rock-driven, however the lyrical content and the barrage of instruments creates a true musical spectacle. 

Bitter End has a slight hip-hop feel contained within the instruments, but Rag'N'Bone's melody and the backing choir provide a further depth to a simplistic layout. The live version of Bitter End which can be found on his YouTube page is magical and demonstrates Rag'N'Bone's raw ability.

To close the EP, title track Disfigured shows the pinnacle of a truly incredible talent. Rag'N'Bone's voice is one that will show the takeover of up-and-coming acts. The chorus of Disfigured is haunting but it will certainly be stuck in your head. 

The versatility of one performer is phenomenal and this EP is a testament to just how talented Rag'N'Bone Man is and he will become a household name in due time.

Hot Tub Time Machine 2 | Movie Review

The sequel of the much loved comedy franchise Hot Tub Time Machine is out, but the real question is should it have even been made?

With the exclusion of John Cusack, who played the main character Adam in the first film, it was already looking shaky as to how the plot would develop. The answer is that it doesn't develop... at all.

The plot of HTTM2 attempts to take off from where the first film ended. Lou is successful with his "Lougle" company, Nick is making, well taking, music and Jacob is trying to make ends meet by taking the brunt of his dad's behaviour. However, things take a bad turn when Lou gets shot in the middle of a party, which then proceeds to the guys taking Lou into the infamous hot tub to prevent him from being killed, as well as finding out the true identity of said killer.

Sounds like it could be good, right? Unfortunately, this is where the cohesion of the storyline ends. The film creates an alternative universe/future-past storyline which is not only confusing, it's unnecessary. The lack of dynamic between the plot and the characters themselves is unbearable.

There are occasionally some funny moments which are mostly because they deviate from the storyline itself. Also the induction of funnyman Adam Scott, who plays Adam's son, called Adam Jr. (A lot of Adams) it makes for an entertaining alternative than the pure focus on the main characters.

There didn't feel like there was much of a link between the first two movies, other than the talk of Adam to try and bridge the gap between the films. Overall it had a couple of entertaining parts but by the time you're an hour in, you not only forget about the plot but you lose interest in it altogether.

Some films should just have an original with no follow ups and Hot Tub Time Machine definitely fits that rule.

Rating 4/10