Album Review: White Lies - Ritual

White Lies released their debut album, To Lose My Life, in 2009 to instant success. The London three-piece became the first British act in 2009 to achieve a number one album, beating established American acts such as Kings Of Leon and Lady Gaga in the process. Their debut was certainly one of the most impressive albums of the year, and reinforced the potential suggested by their appearance in BBC’s Sound of 2009 poll.

However, whilst their debut was well-received, White Lies’ dark, melancholic sound led to them being compared – unsurprisingly – with the host of bands emanating from the seminal Joy Division, such as Editors and Interpol. Whilst it’s unfair in many ways to critique a band because of their influences; Harry McVeigh’s deep voice matched with the bands’ lyrics about life and death, meant the comparisons were inevitable. So, how does White Lies’ second effort, Ritual, compare to the debut album? Do White Lies cast away their dark, foreboding sound and revert to Vampire Weekend-like glossy tunes?

What’s Next for Music in 2011?

So, 2010 has been and gone. Overall, it was a fairly unspectacular year for music, other than occasional glances of genius (Kanye West and Arcade Fire stand up please). Can 2011 do any better then?

Well, the New Year should see new releases from established artists such as Foo Fighters, Queens of the Stone Age, White Lies, R.E.M, Coldplay and Death Cab For Cutie. We will also see the return of Lady Gaga with her second album, Born This Way, which will no doubt see the eccentric pop star dominate the mainstream charts again. For Hip-Hop/Rap fans the joint album from Kanye West and Jay-Z, entitled Watch The Throne, and the third album from Lupe Fiasco, called Lasers, will both be making an appearance at some point during the year.