SOUND KNOWLEDGE recommends...

Some musical tips from your local independent record shop in Marlborough! A few albums that need to be heard. Reviews written by Samuel Robinson.

Richard Hawley – Standing At The Sky’s Edge (4 ears)

Standing At The Sky’s Edge sees a departure from Hawley’s previous body of work and a leap into the realm of menacing psychedelia. Feedback and guitar effects come to the fore but Hawley’s wit and songwriting skills remain sharp as ever. (Available on CD and Vinyl)

Soulsavers – The Light the Dead See (4 ears)

Soulsavers return with Depeche Mode’s Dave Gahan taking over vocal duties from Mark Lanegan (although the latter lends his gravelly tones as backing vocals on one track). Daniele Luppi provides sweeping string arrangements and, teamed with mournful brass and lonesome harmonica, evokes the feel of a Western. (Available on CD and Vinyl)

John Mayer – Born and Raised (3 ears)

Mayer teams up with legendary producer Don Was to deliver a mellow collection, the key text for which appears to be the Laurel Canyon scene - ‘Queen of California’ goes so far as name-checking Neil Young and Joni Mitchell and the title track goes one better by actually featuring Crosby and Nash.  (Available on CD and Vinyl)

The Cult – Choice of Weapon (4 ears)

Cult guitarist Billy Duffy hasn’t lost his taste for a nice flange-heavy riff- with ‘The Wolf’ in particular recalling ‘She Sells Sanctuary’- and his soaring heavy rock guitar work provides an excellent foil for Ian Astbury’s incendiary lyrics and shamanistic wails. (Limited Edition CD and Vinyl also available)

Sound Knowledge, Hughenden Yard, High Street, Marlborough SN8 1LT