The Alternative Album Chart: The best new indie albums this week
As the trees lose the last remnants of leaves and we jump headfirst into the depths of the cold months, the year continues to provide us with the best means of escape: great music. Although we are now heading into the inescapable darkness, with no way out apart from the glowing other side in a few months, 2023 is easing the burden of this period, with artists new and old delivering fresh sounds.
While this week might not be as verdant in numbers, excuse the pun, as previous ones, there’s still a wide variety on show. The quality is also remarkably high this week, as legacy acts and newcomers continue to show that music truly isn’t dead. From icons trying their hands at new genres to full effect to unique sounds from those vying to climb to the top, this week’s new albums make for a fascinating collection, showing the expansive reach of contemporary music.
Recent seven-day cycles have seen excellent new albums from the likes of Mitski, The Rolling Stones and Black Pumas, with all doing something distinct with their respective formulas. This week has seen Dolly Parton finally arrive with her resounding and long-awaited plunge into the heady world of rock ‘n’ roll, Madness confirm why there are such a national treasure, and fresh faces Beatowls carve out a place that they can call their own.
So, without wasting any more of your time, find this week’s Alternative Album Chart below.
The best new indie and alternative albums this week:
Rockstar – Dolly Parton – 4.5
As Rockstar opens up, it appears that Dolly Parton is rewriting history. Starting with a play-through of an alternative universe, depicting a Parton that grew up shredding an electric guitar in her bedroom, to the dismay of her parents, the singer is fully immersed in her fantasy.
All the way through the lengthy 30-track album, there is really only one summarising thought to be had: Dolly Parton is living her dream. Sure, with a career as lengthy and rewarding as hers, becoming a true international treasure, she’s always been living her dream. But listening to Rockstar, it feels like the singer is finally indulging in a long-held secret longing to simply rock out.
Rockstar feels like an alternative timeline, soundtracking what would’ve happened if, somewhere down the line, Dolly Parton picked up an electric guitar and waltzed on down a different path. Proving what we all already knew, that she has one of the greatest voices in history regardless of genre, Rockstar is Parton finally playing out her daydreams.
Dolly Parton has always been a rock star, but now she really is a rock god. [Words: Lucy Harbron]
Theatre of the Absurd Presents C’est La Vie – Madness – 4.5
In ‘Theatre of the Absurd’, Madness frontman Suggs sings: “The orchestra strike up a song that no ones heard of, a storyline that no one knows to sing”.
It reminds me of being at the album launch for their latest record, Theatre of the Absurd Presents C’est La Vie, where the band boldly debuted a slew of completely unheard songs in the first half of their set. They readied the crowd for another hit nobody had heard of, and it became immediately apparent that recognising the lyrics wasn’t necessary; such is the power of a Madness beat.
With dire social circumstances in our midst, a country divided and poorer than ever, we all just stay put, waiting for something to change while daydreaming about being somewhere sunnier. But Madness dash just enough rays of light through the album, the likes of ‘Baby Burglar’ and ‘Theatre of the Absurd’, to stop you from ruminating on the sad state of affairs too much. It’s always onto the next song, and the next act.
On the album and in life, as Suggs instructs: “This cabaret must never end”. [Words: Poppy Burton]
MARMA – Beatowls – 4
Having corralled an early fanbase with the previewing singles, ‘I Pray’ and ‘Please Lie To Me’, the rising British act Beatowls present their debut studio album, MARMA. Far from their jocular Liverpudlian namesake, Beatowls counter an optimistic rhythm and blues aesthetic with a contemporary flourish of nocturnal melancholy, drawing from influences in trip-hop and electro.
If you like spoon-fed narratives, you’ve come to the wrong place. Instead, axial refrains loosely guide the mind on a cathartic trip through a neo-psychedelic dream sequence. More akin to a nightmare, however, the music is a skeleton key to the modern psyche, reminding us we’re not alone in this realised dystopia.
This debut album doesn’t charter untrodden territory, but as a celebration of various musical influences, young and old, it’s veritably refreshing. Carl Cook has found his associative sound but maintains a crucial balance across the album with versatility that promises a bright future for Beatowls. [Words: Jordan Potter]
Carried in Sound – Smoke Fairies – 3
The name Smoke Fairies couldn’t be more fitting for a band whose latest album, Carried in Sound, evokes a gloomy folkloric atmosphere. Blending a distinctively traditional folk sound with modern rock influences, the album is a moody yet hopeful collection of songs, perfect for the darkening winter evenings.
While Carried in Sound isn’t perfect, it bleeds with an emotional and honest sensibility that is reflected in the deep strings, flowing vocal melodies and bending guitars. There’s no doubting the band’s ability to carve out an idiosyncratic sonic world, even if a little more instrumental variety would perhaps elevate their sound to greater heights. [Words: Aimee Ferrier]
Reissue – R.E.M. – Reveal – 4
Anchored by Michael Stipe’s distinctive vocals, R.E.M. made several genre excursions during their three-decade run as a recording act. Perhaps the most adventurous of these was 1998’s Up, a polarising foray into experimental electro that leant on drum machines in Bill Berry’s stead. Reading the room, the band made a widely welcomed return to their associated sound in 2001 for their 12th studio album, Reveal.
On Friday, November 17th, R.E.M. will reissue Reveal for the first time since 2001 via Craft Records. The 180g vinyl pressings are available for pre-order now from £30.99. Far Out Magazine may earn from qualifying purchases. [Words: Jordan Potter]
