Sonic Youth, The Eternal, Album, Matador, June 8 **** An apt title for the New York lo-fi legends' 16th album which sees them return to their indie roots for their first Matador release. After complaining about the formalities and demands of a major label, they've been outspoken about the freedom they felt when recording this record but as a listener it's business as usual. Throughout their 30 year career they've consistently and defiantly managed to sound like no one else and The Eternal is no exception. It's a cleaner, clearer sound but the aggression is still there - channelled through a rockier, guttural sound rather than the blankets of noise that became their trademark. One of their most accessible albums for some time but there's still something in it for die hard fans. Kim Gordon's detached, effortless purr provides an injection of sleaze, while Thurston Moore's crooning drags them back into the new wave. A reminder of why Sonic Youth is so highly regarded and a joy to hear such an established band still making consistent, mind-boggling records.
Deerhunter, Rainwater Cassette Exchange, EP, 4AD, June 8 **** No one could accuse Bradford Cox and co of being lazy. Less than eight months after the release of double album Microcastle/Weird Era they return with a five track EP which picks up where Sonic Youth left off. Lo-fo garage rock meets chilled out, leftfield dream-pop with playful beats - they've come a long way since the almost unlistenable Turn It Up. A nostalgic ode to the almost obsolete medium, there are heavy nods to the soundtracks of Cox's youth, with My Bloody Valentine and Stereolab playing an equal influence. Experimental but catchy - it sees Deerhunter cozying up to Times New Viking as the current torchbearers of noise pop.
Jonas Brothers, Paranoid, Single, Universal, June 8 *** A return for the worldwide teen sensations who have sold a massive 8.1 million records and appeared in their own Disney films while somehow slipping under the radar of everyone over the age of 14.The first single from their upcoming album, which promises more mature, reflective musings from the boys - is this what Busted would have sounded like if they hadn't been so cruelly snatched away from us? Straight from the Hannah Montanna stable of power-pop, it might sound like throwaway trash to adult ears, but it's throwaway trash that's sold out Wembley Arena twice over.