From ethereal to frenetic

MANILA, Philippines – These two new releases come from opposite ends of the music barometer. Emeli Sande comes up with a very personal, torch-filled set of songs while Bad Suns forge a post-Punk Pop path.

Emeli Sande — Long Live the Angels (Virgin Records, available on Amazon.com). As her previous studio album was one that was on perpetual play on long drives, I was obviously looking forward to this release of new material. With impeccable pipes, this Scottish soul diva has taken the world of discriminating listeners by storm since she arrived on the scene. Call this the introspective album, the spiritual one, something she had to take off her chest; but if you were looking for a heady mix of urban, street tunes with ballads, you’ll find this one intense but practically bereft of upbeat songs — High & Lows the exception. I’d Rather Not, Sweet Architect and the acoustic Tenderly are my favorites now, and I loved the gospel elements in Architect. 

Bad Suns — Disappear Here (Vagrant BMG, available on Amazon.com). L.A. post punk is the calling card of this alternative rock band. Celebrating the music of such acts as The Clash, Elvis Costello and The Cure is apparently on the mind of these young kids. Songs such as Heartbreaker and Off She Goes display an uncanny mix of propulsive rock lines mixed with very melodic hooks and choruses. Lyrics centered on teenage angst and unrequited love dominate but propelled by very pop-friendly musical constructs. Synth-pop elements introduce the tracks Even In My Dreams, I Can’t Win and Defeated, such that while the reverent salute to ’80s music is being made, there is still something current being produced. A winning melange of musical influences.