TV On The Radio followed up 'Return To Cookie Mountain' with an absolutely enticing, breathtaking, and brilliant album found in 'Dear Science.' Every weakness found in their previous works have been resolved. The output of 'Dear Science' is on another level and simply beyond comprehension. Tracks like "Halfway Home," "Family Tree," "DLZ," and "Golden Age" are only a few indie-rock masterpieces among the entire album. 'Dear Science' has the intangibles that is something to get excited about. Seriously, just get it already.
This year, The Dodos have caught on like a wildfire. Not often do I really say music has intangibles, but Vister is an exception to that rule. From "Walking" to "God," the ride twists and turns with eloquent vocals and a stripped down sound that is irresistible to deny. With the exception of "It's That Time Again," this album is incredible. The lyrics are beautiful and painful; going through a tumultuous love journey within a personal life experience. So many nooks and crannies to discover and explore with each listen between the little hints of electric guitar in "Fools" to the complete directional change in "Joe's Waltz," Vister is simply stunning. It's time to catch on.
Stars of the Lid produced a soundtrack of elegance. 'And Their Refinement Of The Decline' is a breathtaking, beautiful journey through ambient landscapes all packed within a double disc album. The overall atmosphere is nothing short of incredible. Whether it is the soft, brood cello tones in "Tippy's Demise" or the haunting piano strokes in "Humectez La Mouture," the mood is captured in a flash of brilliance. 'And Their Refinement Of The Decline' is intriguing, lush, captivating, and most importantly, unforgettable.
Somewhere within the home recordings of Grizzly Bear lurks an untouched comfort zone. Enter Grizzly Bear's latest release, Yellow House, which is a complex, cohesive, and cozy lo-fi indie-rock album. With haunting vocal harmonies paving the way, acoustic and electric guitars meticulously create a challenging, jaw-dropping record. Songs like "The Knife" and "On a Neck, On a Split" are prime examples of Grizzly Bear's unique style, which is something so dark, yet so beautiful. This is an album to remember for a long, long time.
