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Album reviews with Simon Duff: November 11, 2024
New releases from Propaganda, David Gilmour and Jon Hopkins
SD albums

Propaganda
Propaganda
(Bureau B)

★★★★★

GERMAN electronic pioneers Propaganda’s music first emerged in the mid-1980s. An eclectic fusion of Wagner, Abba, Simple Minds and Prince. Epic chord progressions, melodic intensity and driven production ideals. Those ideals remain firmly in tact on the new album. Founding members Michael Mertens and Ralf Dorper are joined by vocalist Thunder Bae.

Album opener They Call Me Nocebo is imbued with the nocturnal mood of vintage Propaganda but expresses itself within the context of modern dance and new electronic sounds. Purveyor of Pleasure continues that feel, full of intense rhythms, and pulsating Moog bass. The standout track is Tipping Point, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RXRHGS3A3cw, a high-octane delight taking on issues of climate crisis and the rise of the far right in Europe. 


David Gilmour
Luck and Strange  
(Sony Music)

★★★★★


Jon Hopkins  
Ritual                
(Domino Records)

★★★★★                                         

Liberation webinar, 30 November2024, 6pm (UK)
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