Jesus and The Mary Chain returned with Damage and Joy.
Jesus and The Mary Chain are one of those bands that have a massive impact on many contemporary artists, although they have been absent for nearly two decades. Their summit was definitely Psychocandy, but their 2017 comeback material is not for the recycle bin. When you have a band which introduced sweet noise to the world of music, what can millenials expect besides the romance of the 80s, and the roots of shoegaze and noise pop? Who cares about millenials! These boys are in their 50s but they still offered full energy on Damage and Joy. Even though the sound is slightly polished, the core of Jesus and The Mary Chain is still there. The band was back this year to prove they still have that spark. Truth to be told, the album could have been more attractive. If they threw out 3 or 4 songs, I would consider this an epic return. Now it was just a solid comeback.
Quicksand returned with Interiors
Quicksand are pioneers of post hard core scene who dropped their third album Interiors after a twenty two years long hiatus. They have roots in New York hardcore scene from the end of 80s and beginning of the 90s. Their first two albums Slip (1993) and Manic Compression (1995) placed Quicksand in the same category with Fugazi and Helmet. Interiors is an upgrade to Manic Compression that sounds like a modern guitar rock album, rather than reiteration of the old style. They didn't rely on nostalgia to make a big comeback. Track titled Warm and Low is a proof that the band is still galvanized, and full of grit, and capable evidence of mixing melody with raw aesthetic of stoner rock and post hardcore. Interiors is a comeback album woven in dark guitar melodies and overall feeling of isolation. It delivered memories of the 90s guitar rock, and confirmed that Quicksand still deserve the status they gained in the 90s.
Kesha returned with Rainbow
Pop music industry is a battlefield where numerous females struggle to defend their integrity, both as women and as artists. One of the most obvious images that comes to mind is Britney Spears shaving her head back in 2007. A more recent case was the one with Kesha, when she found herself in predicament with the producer Dr.Luke. Kesha sued Dr.Luke for sexual abuse and requested from the court to give her legal permit to break the contract with his record label. Even though she didn’t succeed and simultaneously had to cope with eating disorder and being in public eye, Kesha returned with a triumphant third album after half a decade long hiatus. Rainbow offered raw vulnerably powerful Kesha, a girl who changed dollar sign for powerhouse interpretations. She sounds better than ever, and she is not afraid to experiment with Eagles of Death Metal and Ben Folds.Rainbow delivered many rise-like-a-phoenix anthems, including the title track Rainbow, we have a chance to witness an artist who is self-actualizing to her fullest potential. I was especially surprised about the melodic twist in the last section of the song, as it is the most indie moment Kesha has ever given us. However, Kesha still nurtures traces of her past corky identity, and that is particularly conspicuous in Godzilla where she sung about bringing the monster home to meet her mother. We should all be happy because of Kesha's return, no matter our music preferences.
Slowdive returned with Slowdive
Slowdive was a top-notch album that helped Slowdive make THE comeback of 2017. During the 90s, Slowdive were the most influential shoegaze band, with small discography that influenced numerous artists in the upcoming decades. They were on a pause for two decades. Their trademark sound, ethereal shoegaze sound with hypnotic dreampop melodies and moderately psychedelic guitars is back. Glad to hear the perfect interplay of two main vocals and placid beauty of their performances. There were no redundant moments, and the trove of tones awaited you on every step of the way. Some of the best moments of their big return are Star Roving, a promotional single that entices nostalgia, and Don’t Know Why, a track that moves from feral beginning to a more cordial condition.
