New Worlds (album)

Last updated

New Worlds
Charlotte Hatherley new worlds.jpg
Studio album by
Charlotte Hatherley
Released19 October 2009
StudioThe Pool, London
Genre
Length34:53
Label Little Sister
Producer Luke Smith, Adem
Charlotte Hatherley chronology
The Deep Blue
(2007)		New Worlds
(2009)		 True Love
(2017)
Singles from New Worlds
  1. "White"
    Released: 3 August 2009
  2. "Alexander"
    Released: 11 October 2009

New Worlds is the third studio album by British musician Charlotte Hatherley, released on 16 October 2009 through her own label Little Sister Records. Following the release of her second studio album The Deep Blue in early 2007, Hatherley had started writing material for its follow-up in August of that year. Enlisting the help of producers Luke Smith and Adem, Hatherley recorded the album in one week at The Pool in London. Described as an indie rock, new wave, and pop release, New Worlds took inspiration from painters, and a book by Alex Ross.

Contents

New Worlds received generally favourable reviews from critics, with many complimenting the songwriting. "White" was released as the album's lead single on 3 August 2009, followed by the second single "Alexander" on 11 October 2009. Between the two releases, Hatherley went on a tour of the United Kingdom, and later appeared at Blissfields festival the following year.

Background and production

Charlotte Hatherley released her second studio album The Deep Blue on 5 March 2007, through Hatherley's own label Little Sister Records; it marked the first release since leaving Ash a year prior. [1] [2] It reached number 109 on the UK Albums Chart, while the Behave appeared at number 168 and "I Want You to Know" peaked at number 108 on the UK Singles Chart. [3] Hatherley said it did not receive as much press attention when compared to her debut studio album, Grey Will Fade (2004), and "some people didn’t get the fact it was quite diverse" stylistically. [4] She went on tours of Europe and Japan, festival appearances, and a supporting slot for Blondie on their tour of the United Kingdom. [5] [6] Hatherley took a break from touring in August 2007 to write material for her next album, which she was aiming to record by the end of the year. [5] She spent 2008 as a member of Bryan Ferry's backing band, [7] and appeared at Ben & Jerry's festival in July 2008. [8]

Hatherley worked on new songs in a rehearsal room, instead of taping ideas and working on a demo like she had done previously. [9] New Worlds was recorded live over the course of a week in London, without any overdubs. [10] Luke Smith acted as producer for the most part, save for "Wrong Notes", which was produced by Adem; Ferg Peterkin engineered the sessions. [11] Hatherley decided if the songs did not work with simple guitar and drum arrangements, they would be scrapped. [9] Eight songs were done in the studio at The Pool, while five were done at her home. [12] [11] Alan Moulder mixed the majority of the songs at Assault and Battery 1 in London, except for "Firebird" (done by Smith) and "Wrong Notes" (done by Adem); they were assisted by Darren Lawson. John Dent then mastered the album at Loud Mastering. [11]

Composition and lyrics

Musically, the sound of New Worlds has been described by critics as indie rock, new wave, and pop. [13] [14] [15] Hatherley took a lot of inspiration from the book The Rest Is Noise (2007) by Alex Ross as well as painters, such as Wassily Kandinsky and Kazimir Malevich. [9] She attempt to make a "vibrant, bright and optimistic record" that takes "action against the throwaway and bland X factor muzak you hear so much at the moment and daring to create long lasting, durable things of beauty". [10] It incorporated more key changes and time signature alterations than her past releases. [16] Her backing band for the album consisted of Smith on keyboards and backing vocals, Gary Kilminster on bass, and Rob Ellis on drums, keyboards, and backing vocals. Alongside these, extra musicians contributed to the recordings: Jen Marco (guitar on "New Worlds", "Colours", and "Cinnabar"); Adem (guitar on "Wrong Notes"); and Alex Thomas (drums on "Wrong Notes"). [11]

New Worlds opens with the indie disco track "White", which leads into "Alexander", a song containing synthesizers, acoustic instrumentation and a xylophone. [13] The latter was reminiscent of the material heard on The Deep Blue, taking influence from Andy Partridge of XTC. "Straight Lines" is a riot grrrl song that sees Hatherley harken back to her teenage roots, echoing the vocal style of Karen O. [17] [18] The power pop "New Worlds" recalls the work of Devo, and is followed by the piano-driven "Firebird", which channels the work of Lily Allen. [13] [17] [19] "Full Circle" is a Yeah Yeah Yeahs-like math rock song, and is followed by the post-punk number "Little Sahara". [13] Hatherley said the former talked about "shapes and pure blocks of colo[u]r creating a visceral and emotional response". [10] The art rock "Colours" gives way to "Cinnabar", which features grunge-like basslines. [13] The album concludes with the prog-indebted "Wrong Notes", which discusses a difficult relationship. [13] [17]

Release

In March 2009, a music video had been filmed for "White". Hatherley estimated that their next album, tentatively titled Cinnabar City, would be released around September 2009. [20] During this time, she became a member of Bat for Lashes' backing band, a stint that lasted throughout most of the year. [21] On 27 July 2009, New Worlds was announced for release in two months' time. [22] "White" was released as the album's lead single on 3 August 2009, with remixes of the song as extra tracks. [23] [24] The following month, Hatherley embarked on a tour of the UK. [22] "Alexander" was released as a single on 11 October 2009, with a remix of the song as an extra track. [25] Originally scheduled for 5 October 2009, New Worlds was eventually released through Little Sister Records on 19 October 2009; it was released in the United States through Minty Fresh. [12] [22] [10] In July 2010, she appeared at Blissfields festival. [26]

Critical reception

Professional ratings
Aggregate scores
SourceRating
AnyDecentMusic? 7.2/10 [27]
Review scores
SourceRating
AllMusic Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar empty.svg [13]
The Boston Phoenix Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar half.svgStar empty.svg [28]
DIY 7/10 [15]
musicOMH Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar half.svgStar empty.svg [18]
Pitchfork 8/10 [29]
The Skinny Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar empty.svg [19]

New Worlds was met with generally favourable reviews from music critics. AnyDecentMusic? gave it a score of 7.2, based on eight reviews. [27]

AllMusic reviewer Jon O'Brien said New Worlds "continues to make her former band appear rather foolish, with ten tracks that cement her indie rock credentials while also establishing a more adventurous side thanks to its eclectic production". He added that it was a "confident and immediate record that shows Hatherley is going from strength to strength." [13] BBC Music 's Mike Diver saw it as her "most accomplished album yet" that was "bursting with brisling new-wave bluster, powerful sing-along friendly choruses and an apparently effortless conjuring of prickly electricity." He suggested that its only flaw being that it "doesn't linger too long in the memory". [14] Pitchfork contributor Matthew Perpetua said it was her "most self-assured" and "most lyrically focused" release. [29] The Skinny writer Gillian Watson noted that there was a "preoccupation with colour that lends the lyrics a vividity that's matched by the ten whipsmart pop songs which back them up". [19]

DIY writer Lee White said it was a "pop record that's not afraid to play with the listener and that doesn't hide its idiosyncrasies", coming across as "very contemporary and yet doesn't shy away from its influences". [15] Zeth Lundy of The Boston Phoenix wrote that the album as "a wholly satisfying guitar-pop record, chock-a-block with ruthless hooks, [and] tasty riffage". [28] musicOMH writer Andrew Brugess saw the album as a "gem", highlighting Hatherley's "sweet and often lilting voice" as a "perfect counterpoint for her brash and destructive guitar playing". [18] The Quietus reviewer Jeremy Allen wrote that the songs come across as "more immediate" than those heard on her previous album, signalling out her guitar abilities. [30] The Line of Best Fit 's Andrew Grillo wrote that in spite of its "frustratingly fragmented nature", the album saw Hatherley "kicking back and having fun". [17]

Track listing

All tracks written by Charlotte Hatherley. [11]

  1. "White" – 4:03
  2. "Alexander" – 4:08
  3. "Straight Lines" – 3:34
  4. "New Worlds" – 3:44
  5. "Firebird" – 2:51
  6. "Full Circle" – 2:34
  7. "Little Sahara" – 2:50
  8. "Colours" – 3:05
  9. "Cinnabar" – 4:39
  10. "Wrong Notes" – 3:25

Personnel

Personnel per booklet. [11]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Charlotte Gainsbourg</span> English-French actress and singer (born 1971)

Charlotte Lucy Gainsbourg is a French-British actress and singer. She is the daughter of English actress and singer Jane Birkin and French singer Serge Gainsbourg. After making her musical debut with her father on the song "Lemon Incest" at the age of 12, she released an album with her father at the age of 15. More than 20 years passed before Gainsbourg released albums as an adult to commercial and critical success. She has acted in many films, including collaborations with Lars von Trier, and received two César Awards and Cannes Film Festival's Best Actress Award, among many nominations.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ash (band)</span> Northern Irish rock band

Ash are a Northern Irish rock band formed in Downpatrick, County Down in 1992 by vocalist and guitarist Tim Wheeler, bassist Mark Hamilton and drummer Rick McMurray. As a three-piece, they released mini-album Trailer in 1994 and full-length album 1977 in 1996. This 1996 release was named by NME as one of the 500 greatest albums of all time. After the success of their full debut the band recruited Charlotte Hatherley as a guitarist and vocalist, releasing their second record Nu-Clear Sounds in 1998. After narrowly avoiding bankruptcy, the band released Free All Angels in 2001 and a string of successful singles.

<i>Meltdown</i> (Ash album) 2004 studio album by Ash

Meltdown is the fourth studio album to be recorded by the Northern Irish rock band Ash. The album was released on 17 May 2004 through Infectious Records and Home Grown. Following the success of their third studio album Free All Angels (2001), Ash debuted several new songs while touring throughout 2003. By October that year, they had travelled to Los Angeles, California, to record a follow-up album, which was co-produced by Nick Raskulinecz and the band. Recording sessions were held at Sound City Studios in Van Nuys and at Chalice Studios, Hollywood. Meltdown, which is described as a hard rock album, drew comparisons to the work of The Smashing Pumpkins and critics said the guitar work resembles that of Black Sabbath and Metallica.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Four Tet</span> English musician and DJ

Kieran Hebden, known as Four Tet, is an English electronic musician. He came to prominence as a member of the post-rock band Fridge before establishing himself as a solo artist with charting and critically acclaimed albums such as Rounds (2003), Everything Ecstatic (2005) and There Is Love in You (2010). In addition to his eleven studio albums as Four Tet, Hebden's work includes a number of improvisational works with jazz drummer Steve Reid and collaborations with Burial and Thom Yorke.

<i>Free All Angels</i> 2001 studio album by Ash

Free All Angels is the third studio album to be recorded by Northern Irish rock band Ash. It was released on 23 April 2001 through Infectious Records and Home Grown. Due to the mixed reaction to the band's second studio album Nu-Clear Sounds (1998), frontman Tim Wheeler suffered from depression. He went to his parents' house in Northern Ireland to write material for the band's next album. Free All Angels was co-produced by the band and Owen Morris, and recording sessions were held at El Cortijo in Puerto Banús, Spain, then moved to The Wool Hall in Beckington and RAK Studios in London. The album was described as pop punk, power pop and punk rock, and drew comparisons to the works of China Drum, Compulsion, Hüsker Dü, and the Replacements.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Paramore</span> American rock band

Paramore is an American rock band from Franklin, Tennessee, formed in 2004. The band currently consists of lead vocalist Hayley Williams, guitarist Taylor York and drummer Zac Farro. Williams and Farro are founding members of the group, while York, a high school friend of the original lineup, joined in 2007. The band is signed to Fueled by Ramen, a subsidiary of Atlantic Records, both owned by Warner Music Group. Williams was separately signed to Atlantic as she was scouted when she was a teenager, and they were the only label to let her stay in the band instead of going solo, but Atlantic said the rest of the band had to sign to Fueled by Ramen. She is also the only member to appear on all six of Paramore's studio albums.

<i>Nu-Clear Sounds</i> 1998 studio album by Ash

Nu-Clear Sounds is the second studio album by Northern Irish rock band Ash. It was released on 5 October 1998, through Infectious Records and Home Grown. Following the release of the band's debut studio album, 1977 (1996), guitarist Charlotte Hatherley became a member. They wrote new material at a farmhouse, before going to Wales to record their next album at Rockfield Studios. With additional sessions held at the Astoria in London, Ash produced the proceedings alongside Chris Kimsey and Owen Morris. A garage rock record, the New York Dolls, the Rolling Stones and the Velvet Underground inspired the album.

<i>Grey Will Fade</i> 2004 studio album by Charlotte Hatherley

Grey Will Fade is the debut studio album by English musician Charlotte Hatherley, the guitarist for Ash, released by Double Dragon Music on 16 August 2004. Spurred on by the positive response to "Grey Will Fade", which appeared as a B-side to Ash's single "There's a Star" (2001), Hatherley set about recording her solo album. Enlisting the help of Eric Drew Feldman, the sessions for the album were happening concurrently in Los Angeles, California, at Wild Hamster, while Ash was recording their album Meltdown (2004). Described as a pop punk and power pop record, Hatherley's vocals on Grey Will Fade earned her comparisons to Björk, Tanya Donelly, and PJ Harvey.

<i>The Deep Blue</i> 2007 studio album by Charlotte Hatherley

The Deep Blue is the second studio album by English musician Charlotte Hatherley, released on 5 March 2007 under Hatherley's own label Little Sister Records. She left Ash in January 2006; she visited Australia, where she stayed for two months, and wrote 17 new songs. After contacting Eric Drew Feldman, recording sessions were held at The Red House Studio in Senigallia, Italy, and Miloco Studios in London, with Feldman, Rob Ellis and Hatherley acting as producers. Described as a post-punk and power pop album, The Deep Blue saw Hatherley's guitarwork being sidestepped, allowing more of an emphasis on other instruments, such as bass, strings, and piano.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Crystal Castles</span> Canadian electronic music group

Crystal Castles were a Canadian electronic music group formed in 2006 in Toronto, Ontario, formed by songwriter-producer Ethan Kath and singer-songwriter Alice Glass, who later left and was replaced by Edith Frances. Crystal Castles were known for their chaotic live shows and lo-fi melancholic homemade productions. They released many limited vinyl singles between 2006 and 2007 before releasing four studio albums between 2008 and 2016.

<i>Twilight of the Innocents</i> 2007 studio album by Ash

Twilight of the Innocents is the fifth studio album by Irish rock band Ash. It was released on 2 July 2007, through Infectious Records. Following the departure of guitarist Charlotte Hatherley in early 2006, the band began recording their next album in New York City at Bang Studios, which they had leased from a friend of a friend. Frontman Tim Wheeler produced the recordings, with bassist Mark Hamilton and drummer McMurray acting as associate producers. Described as a pop and power pop album, Twilight of the Innocents placed emphasis on Hamilton's bass parts.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The Ting Tings</span> English musical duo

The Ting Tings are an English indie pop duo from Salford, Greater Manchester formed in 2007. The band consists of Katie White and Jules De Martino.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bombay Bicycle Club</span> English indie rock band

Bombay Bicycle Club are an English indie rock band from Crouch End, London, consisting of Jack Steadman, Jamie MacColl, Suren de Saram, and Ed Nash. They are guitar-fronted and have experimented with different genres, including folk, electronica, world music and indie rock.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Charlotte Hatherley</span> Musical artist

Charlotte Franklin Hatherley is an English singer, songwriter, guitarist and soundtrack composer. She initially came to prominence as guitarist and backing vocalist for alternative rock band Ash. Since leaving Ash in 2006, she has pursued a solo career and acted as a touring instrumentalist for Bryan Ferry, KT Tunstall, Bat for Lashes, Cold Specks, Rosie Lowe and Birdy. Hatherley has also been a touring member of NZCA Lines and is currently musical director for South African artist Nakhane.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">La Roux</span> English synth-pop act

La Roux is an English synth-pop act formed in 2008 by singer Elly Jackson and record producer Ben Langmaid. The act's debut album La Roux (2009) was a critical and commercial success, winning a Grammy Award and producing hit singles such as "In for the Kill" and "Bulletproof". Recording of a follow-up album was marred by unsuccessful collaborations, the cancellation of two planned release dates, and reported conflict between the duo.

<i>Cardiology</i> (album) 2010 studio album by Good Charlotte

Cardiology is the fifth studio album by American rock band Good Charlotte. Within a year of releasing Good Morning Revival, Benji and Joel Madden had begun working on new material in early 2008. Pre-production started in early 2009 and tracking commenced in August with producer Howard Benson. Problems arose during this period; Benji Madden hesitated to work with Benson. Having completed the majority of the recording, Madden felt uncomfortable and realized the band was working with the wrong person after Benson removed two crucial verses from a track. After hearing rough mixes, Madden preferred the demo versions. Discussing this with producer Don Gilmore, he suggested the band start over in Vancouver, Canada. Following a meeting with the rest of the band, they relocated to Vancouver at the start of 2010. Recording sessions took place at the Armoury and Warehouse Studios before moving to Studio Can Am in Tarzana, California. Recording concluding in April 2010.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Grimes</span> Canadian musician (born 1988)

Claire Elise Boucher, known professionally as Grimes, is a Canadian musician, singer, songwriter, and record producer. Her early work has been described as extending from "lo-fi R&B" to futuristic dance-pop, and has incorporated influences from electronic music, hip hop, and rock. Her lyrics often touch on science fiction and feminist themes. She has released five studio albums.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bastille (band)</span> British indie pop band

Bastille are a British indie pop band formed in 2010. The group began as a solo project by lead vocalist Dan Smith, but later expanded to include keyboardist Kyle Simmons, bassist and guitarist Will Farquarson and drummer Chris "Woody" Wood.

Luke Smith is an English record producer, mixing engineer, musician and songwriter. He was the co-founder, songwriter, guitarist and vocalist of the band Clor. His production and writing credits include Foals, Depeche Mode, Foxes, Anna of The North, Keaton Henson, Crystal Fighters, Slow Club, Everything Everything, Fryars and Petite Noir. He has worked on such popular and critically acclaimed albums as Total Life Forever and Sounds of the Universe.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Poppy (singer)</span> American singer and YouTuber (born 1995)

Moriah Rose Pereira, known professionally as Poppy and formerly as That Poppy, is an American singer, songwriter and YouTuber. In 2014, she gained viral fame by starring in surreal performance art videos on YouTube as an uncanny valley-like android who commented on and satirized internet culture and modern society. She signed a recording contract with Island Records in 2015 and released her debut pop EP Bubblebath in 2016.

References

  1. ↑ "Ex-Ash guitarist names new album". NME . 24 November 2006. Archived from the original on 26 June 2021. Retrieved 24 June 2021.
  2. ↑ "Exclusive – Charlotte Hatherley quits Ash". NME. 20 January 2006. Archived from the original on 19 November 2020. Retrieved 18 November 2020.
  3. ↑ "UK Chartlog: H". Zobbel.de. Archived from the original on 17 July 2012. Retrieved 5 March 2011.
  4. ↑ Maybank, Sarah (21 October 2007). "Charlotte Hatherley - Interview". Pennyblackmusic. Archived from the original on 28 August 2022. Retrieved 31 August 2022.
  5. 1 2 Couper, Tara (6 July 2007). "Charlotte Hatherley - Charlotte Hatherley Interview Summer 2007". RoomThirteen. Archived from the original on 27 June 2021. Retrieved 25 June 2021.
  6. ↑ Gregory, Jason (14 June 2007). "Charlotte Hatherley Prepares New Single". Gigwise . Archived from the original on 2 June 2019. Retrieved 25 June 2021.
  7. ↑ Wright, Jade (13 November 2009). "Bat for Lashes' Charlotte Hatherley talks about releasing her third album". Liverpool Echo . Archived from the original on 21 January 2021. Retrieved 27 June 2021.
  8. ↑ "The Charlatans to headline London festival". NME. 24 June 2008. Archived from the original on 13 February 2023. Retrieved 13 February 2023.
  9. 1 2 3 "Q&A: Charlotte Hatherley". Complete Music Update. 27 October 2009. Archived from the original on 27 June 2021. Retrieved 27 June 2021.
  10. 1 2 3 4 "Download Charlotte Hatherley - "Full Circle" from The 'Gum Drop". Stereogum . Archived from the original on 14 January 2010. Retrieved 27 June 2021.
  11. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Charlotte Hatherley (2009). New Worlds (sleeve). Little Sister Records. LSRL 007 CD.
  12. 1 2 "Preview: Charlotte Hatherley, The Duchess, York, September 19". York Press . 18 September 2009. Archived from the original on 26 June 2021. Retrieved 27 June 2021.
  13. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 O'Brien, Jon. "New Worlds - Charlotte Hatherley | Songs, Reviews, Credits". AllMusic. Archived from the original on 26 June 2021. Retrieved 26 June 2021.
  14. 1 2 Diver, Mike (2007). "Review of Charlotte Hatherley - New Worlds". BBC Music. Archived from the original on 30 June 2021. Retrieved 26 June 2021.
  15. 1 2 3 White, Lee (19 October 2009). "Charlotte Hatherley - New Worlds | Album Reviews". DIY . Archived from the original on 25 October 2009. Retrieved 26 June 2021.
  16. ↑ Lester, Paul (23 December 2017). "How prog is former Ash guitarist Charlotte Hatherley?". Louder . Archived from the original on 16 August 2021. Retrieved 27 June 2021.
  17. 1 2 3 4 Grillo, Andrew (26 October 2009). "Charlotte Hatherley – New Worlds". The Line of Best Fit . Archived from the original on 29 October 2009. Retrieved 26 June 2021.
  18. 1 2 3 Burgess, Andrew (19 October 2009). "Charlotte Hatherley – New Words | Album Reviews". musicOMH . Archived from the original on 7 December 2020. Retrieved 26 June 2021.
  19. 1 2 3 Watson, Gillian (18 September 2009). "Charlotte Hatherley - New Worlds". The Skinny . Archived from the original on 26 June 2021. Retrieved 26 June 2021.
  20. ↑ "Charlotte Hatherley joins Bat For Lashes". NME. 18 March 2009. Archived from the original on 22 June 2021. Retrieved 27 June 2021.
  21. ↑ Gregory, Jason (18 March 2009). "Charlotte Hatherley To Tour With Bat For Lashes". Gigwise. Archived from the original on 28 June 2021. Retrieved 27 June 2021.
  22. 1 2 3 "Charlotte Hatherley announces UK tour and ticket details". NME. 27 July 2009. Archived from the original on 22 June 2021. Retrieved 27 June 2021.
  23. ↑ "White - EP by Charlotte Hatherley". Apple Music. Archived from the original on 24 June 2021. Retrieved 26 June 2021.
  24. ↑ Charlotte Hatherley (2009). "White" (sleeve). Little Sister Records.
  25. ↑ "Alexander - Single by Charlotte Hatherley". Apple Music. Archived from the original on 24 June 2021. Retrieved 26 June 2021.
  26. ↑ Wilkinson, Matt (16 March 2010). "Charlotte Hatherley, James Yuill for Blissfields Festival 2010". NME. Archived from the original on 18 June 2021. Retrieved 27 June 2021.
  27. 1 2 "New Worlds by Charlotte Hatherley reviews". AnyDecentMusic?. Archived from the original on 26 June 2021. Retrieved 26 June 2021.
  28. 1 2 Lundy, Zeth (16 December 2009). "Charlotte Hatherley | New Worlds - CD Reviews". The Boston Phoenix . Archived from the original on 24 January 2023. Retrieved 26 June 2021.
  29. 1 2 Perpetua, Matthew (1 December 2009). "Charlotte Hatherley: New Worlds Album Review". Pitchfork . Archived from the original on 26 June 2021. Retrieved 26 June 2021.
  30. ↑ Grillo, Andrew (4 November 2009). "Reviews | Charlotte Hatherley". The Quietus . Archived from the original on 21 July 2012. Retrieved 26 June 2021.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.