Record Parade debuts at Sounds From Nowhere, a weekly entry and quick-fire look at today’s best releases.

Albert Hammond Jr. – Francis Trouble

Albert Hammond Jr. returns for another solo effort. Unfortunately, even after his past victories with the stylistic-illness, Francis Trouble sounds as-if Hammond is itchy to return to his days as a Stroke. Ignoring this, Hammond creates 35-minutes of tingly, guitar-laden rock with songwriter’s precision. 6/10

Nap Eyes – I’m Bad Now

Haligonian foursome Nap Eyes return with their gorgeous third LP I’m Bad Now on Jagjaguwar. I’m Bad Now is a beauty on first-go, with Nigel Chapman‘s witty and smart lyrics and the band’s finest technical-slacker moves, however each re-listen somewhat reveals a new road Chapman travels, even if does feel restrained in telling. 8/10

David Byrne – American Utopia

The legendary David Byrne returns for his first solo album in 14 years, and while the album defiantly keeps Byrne’s quirky, musical sensibilities, it does lack consistency in sound. The latter half of the album is a tremendous listen, while the first feels choresome. If you like Byrne, American Utopia is for you, if you’re on the fence, American Utopia won’t drag you over. 7/10

Judas Priest – Firepower

Close to 50, Judas Priest have a catalogue full of more misses than hits, but Firepower is their best effort since 1990’s classic Painkiller. It’s a ferocious, sheer-attack in the game that Judas Priest helped master. It’s still their world, Firepower proves that Rob Halford & co. still can offer power. 7.5/10

Editors – Violence

Within their pitch-black indie disco saturated world, Editors continue to dance in their chaotic output, however in the real world it’s more like throwing everything at the wall in hope of something sticking, with very little sticking. 4/10

Young Fathers – Cocoa Sugar

Young Fathers return on Cocoa Sugar, their third album, and craft an uncompromising achievement. Without mistakablly effecting their sound, Young Fathers do the impossible in simplyfying it without hurting it. Cocoa Sugar sounds as-if Young Fathers on directly at the right place and time, understanding knowledge is power and the listener doesn’t need to know everything. It’s an almost perfect album, and one we’ll be shining graces on still in thirty years. 9/10

Ministry – AmeriKKKant

Uncle Al and co. have grown old on their fourteenth album, with a restrained speech on the times and the overt disappearence of their lightning-quick almost-tribal noise. Ministry don’t have much to offer that’s new, but it’s a solid album from a pioneering band with some shiny moments. 4.5/10

Next week will see releases by The Dean Ween Group, The Decembrists, Yo La Tengo, The Magic Gang, Stone Temple Pilots, Earthless and more. Check back for our reviews.