2014 First Quarter
The first quarter of 2014's standouts, not ranked or anything. |
| 1 |  | The Hotelier
Home, Like NoPlace Is There
(Emo / Indie) Extremely emotional release that pairs cathartic energy with poetic
lyrics and a catchy and accessible aesthetic that really sets it apart from others.
4.5/5 |
| 2 |  | Animals as Leaders
The Joy of Motion
(Progressive-Metal / Instrumental) Tosin is at it again with this solid release that
really ropes you in at times. Sometimes you just wish for less of the chugging, and
more of the lush atmosphere we know can be reached. 3.25/5 |
| 3 |  | Destrage
Are You Kidding Me? No
(Progressive-Metal / Metalcore) A very technical affair that is incredibly fun, but
doesn't seem to bring the emotion to make it anything more than an entertaining
jam. 3.5/5 |
| 4 |  | Chevelle
La Gargola
(Alternative / Metal) Chevelle creates their greatest album to date, which shows a
new maturity and virtuosity that has been dabbled in by the group, but never been
fully embraced. 4.25/5 |
| 5 |  | The Mire
Glass Cathedrals
(Post-Metal / Progressive) An extremely haunting and dense record that really
brings its own unique aura and sense of melody. Imagine a classic post-metal
group such as Neurosis playing with the elastic string tendencies of Meshuggah.
Really an enveloping listen. 4.5/5 |
| 6 |  | Thee Silver Mount Zion
Fuck Off Get Free We Pour Light On Everything
(Post-Rock / Experimental) TSMZ come at you with something that is the
culmination of all of the better things of their past attempts and still don't hit the
mark in full. A good album, but it really leaves you wishing it was something else.
3.5/5 |
| 7 |  | Locktender
Rodin
(Post-Metal / Hardcore) Locktender release what I believe could be the AOTY
front-runner. Mixing hardcore and post-metal/rock expertly with an intellectual
look at music to create a near perfect release that is as emotional as it is
intelligent. 5/5 |
| 8 |  | Cryptodira
An Unmarked Grave
(Progressive-Metal / Death-Metal) Technical, sprawling, and refined, Cryptodira are
on their game with this EP which shows their abilities to change tempo, time-
signature, and really flip songs upside-down. A great, small Prog-Death release.
4.25/5 |
| 9 |  | La Dispute
Rooms of the House
(Post-Hardcore / Emo) This release seems to be a bit polarizing as far as reception
goes, and for good reason, it's not for everyone (as is the band itself). The record
is interesting, and poetic, but does not achieve all it sets out to do, falling short on
the infrequent sung vocal lines. There is something here to appreciate though. 3/5 |
| 10 |  | The Kindred
Life in Lucidity
(Progressive Metal/Rock) After a name change, a complete and total revamping of
sound happened to this group. The metalcore influence is nearly erased entirely,
and this record dazzles technically, yet remains accessible and has some incredibly
noteworthy pieces to behold. 4/5 |
| 11 |  | Mogwai
Rave Tapes
(Post-Rock) The legends of post-rock fall flat here, failing to harness their abilities
and manifest them into something more enjoyable. Mogwai fans can appreciate it,
as can newcomers, but in retrospect, it is extremely disappointing to see such a
band head downhill. 2.75/5 |
| 12 |  | Cynic
Kindly Bent to Free Us
(Progressive-Rock/Metal) Disappointment is an understatement here. It is a shame
that a group who can release two seemingly perfect "classic" albums, and a very
strong EP would lose nearly all of their credibility. A jumbled prog-rock mess with a
few diamonds in the rough serves as Cynic's downfall. 2.5/5 |
| 13 |  | CHON
Woohoo!
(Progressive Rock / Instrumental) A very fun and jazzy release that is very
carefree and enjoyable. Somewhat surprising that the route was so loose, but i
think it's best for this group 3.5/5 |
| 14 |  | Roots and Ruins
Dunes
(Post-Rock/Metal) Shameless self-promo for my band..hahaha check it |
| 15 |  |
Hows 2014 been goin? |
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