Album Rating: 5.0

Get yourself into that early Jimmy Eat World circa Clarity mindset and you'll love this

butt v. boney race to the 50th rating who will win

don't forget 2 of the members from joliette are pretty much ancient sput users, I remember when their debut dropped a lot of folks here were losing their shit

just got thru my 1st spin, digging so far

the watery guitar tone on "Purple Envelope" is heavenly

EDIT: song has triggered out of body experience

Album Rating: 5.0

It's even better once you learn the lyrics

oh yeah - i put all the lyrics on genius a few days ago, and they're also available on our bandcamp page

Album Rating: 4.0

the quest for 50 rates

Album Rating: 5.0

Why does the "wolves formed in the rocks" line in the last song always give me chills

clearly because you’re a fellow Minnesota Timberwolves fan. Frick Jimmy Butler

Album Rating: 5.0

My interest in the NBA has come and gone throughout my life. When I was little I got into basketball because of MJ and the Bulls. Iverson and the Sixers followed, then there was a long gap before Curry and The Warriors recaptured my interest. I'm not committed enough to call myself a real fan of any team, but if I had to pick one I'd say the Sixers just because for most of my life they were my home team. I do fondly recall the Kevin Garnett days in Minnesota though; I'm glad he got a ring but I wish he didn't have to go to a superteam in Boston to get it.

Album Rating: 4.5

Man, this is such a lovely array of sounds. It's hitting me the same way Ants From Up There did earlier this year and by golly, I think it deserves just as much praise. I'm gonna be stuck on this for a bit, I know it.

Album Rating: 5.0

I got the promo for this on July 11th and I still haven't been able to put it down. I've listened to a handful of other albums for the first time over the past couple days, but even the stuff I've absolutely loved - like Imperial Triumphant and Lovedrug - hasn't managed to completely peel me away. I went right back to this on my morning commute today. This is exceedingly rare for me... I'm always about the next new release. I don't remember being this permanently spellbound in years. I don't even think I listened to my last three AOTY's this religiously. Would probably have to go back to mewithoutYou in 2018 for anything resembling this close of an attachment, and honestly I thought I wasn't capable of it anymore. New Anberlin EP tomorrow should provide the first real break in the obsession, but I fully expect to be listening to this album regularly for the remainder of 2022 and beyond.

Album Rating: 4.5

Yeah, this and the new Pool Kids are competing for my AOTY at the moment. Both are 5/5s though... absolutely wonderful records

Album Rating: 3.6

“I got the promo for this on July 11th and I still haven't been able to put it down.”



It’s hard to explain this feeling. But holy man can I relate

Album Rating: 4.0

itt: staffers humblebrag their promo privileges smh

Album Rating: 5.0

@koris: thanks for making me aware of pool kids, it looks like it's going to be awesome so I'm going to try to make time for it today



@gnocchi: in general, or with this specifically? I have to admit I was pleasantly surprised to see you enjoying this as much as your score indicates, considering it's not your usual scene. the main thing I love about this is how uplifting and inspiring it feels in spite of the obvious allusions to pain.



@anat: the bragging rights are the biggest perk besides getting the music itself =D

Album Rating: 3.6

@sowing, the general promo long play good time vibes. Those extra days/weeks before release for a record to ‘sink’ in either with a burn or immediacy.



I did make a comment about the low end and the bass guitar being a minor gripe (as well as mentioning what I would personally prefer to hear in its place) but mostly I’m mellowing out as I’m getting older and my listening practices are definitely shifting. For example I listen to a lot more jazz, folk, blues, flamenco than I used to. I’m also more willing to throw a pop album on for shits and giggles.

Tldr- this has some nice vibes and I would do this again.

Album Rating: 5.0

Yup for sure. It's always nice to have the luxury of time to process; it results in a clearer picture of the music at hand and a more nuanced take. I especially appreciate it for bands I love -- there's no worse feeling to me (in terms of reviewing music) than having to whip up something for an all-time favorite band. Of course, nobody is holding a gun to my head, but in terms of PR/social media/aggregate online critics, timing is of the essence.

Huge thanks to everyone who has listened, regardless of your opinion; this is outperforming our first record by a lot and y’all have made that possible