Review
Gather 'round kids, 'cause Los Campesinos! are back, and they’re messier, wittier, and possibly even more charming than before with "All Hell." After taking a seven-year sabbatical from feeding us their delectable noise, the Welsh indie rock darlings have served up a feast fresh from their own label, Heart Swells. This album touches everything from sipping cheap booze for joy and sorrow, to tackling late-stage capitalism like you're dodging a rare independent bookstore discovery – complete with all the drama of suburban malaise and haunty climate apocalypses. It's like paying a visit to an eccentric friend you've missed for decades, drawing us in with both their eccentricities and something profoundly familiar.
Plucked and polished between blister-cold October of 2023 and the fleeting February warmth of 2024 in English and Welsh hues, "All Hell" is pure audial alchemy. Courtesy of Tom Bromley’s keen craftsmanship, you'll find an alluring blend that stirs echoes of their stadium-bound 2013 "No Blues." The combination of violin serenades, mournful cello chords, and tenacious saxophone licks enriches the landscape and spins medium-grade sparkling entrapment you won't want to escape—a perfect throwback while still slicing into uncharted territories.
Missed them gigs? Gareth Paisey steps up, showing his vocal chops are not just for show. With catchy cuts from singles like "Feast of Tongues" and "A Psychic Wound," the fans went wild from a whirlwind spin through the U.S. and U.K. Critics buzz around this as a crowning glory in the Los Campesinos! saga. It thrives on harmonious chaos, making the mundane bitterly hilarious. Welcome back to life, Los Campesinos! Grab your headphones, pour out a strange brew, and let this dramatic echo of life's true triviality soak into your soul. - Ivy
Listening Guide
• Vibe: Indie Party Kickoff
• Insight: With its chaotic energy, sharp wit, and infectious melodies, this album is the perfect soundtrack to set the tone for a quirky, fun gathering. The blend of rich instrumentation and biting lyrics makes for a lively atmosphere, keeping conversations buzzing and spirits high. It’s an ideal album for indie lovers who appreciate a mix of nostalgia and fresh, uncharted territory—perfect for bringing people together over shared eccentricities.
