ajcollins15 | Sputnikmusic

	Eidola Eviscerate Eidola finds themselves navigating a transitional phase in their musical journey with their fifth album. While the band still retains elements of their swancore roots, there's a noticeable shift towards a heavier emphasis on metalcore and djent guitars. While the signature swancore cleans remain, they are accompanied by evolving ideas that signal a departure from their previous sound. "Eviscerate" stands as a solid album that reflects this transition, albeit with some moments of uncertainty. Particularly in the latter half of the album, the band ventures into awkward progressive metal tropes that feel somewhat premature. However, despite thes	3.5 04.18.24
	Metz Up On Gravity Hill The Canadian band takes a bold step in a new direction, trading their raw sound for a more melodic and occasionally eccentric alternative rock vibe in "Up on Gravity Hill." While the album's second half may not leave as lasting an impression as the first, it showcases exciting new directions for a band that seemed to have plateaued in their raw and blistering noise rock and post-hardcore origins. This shift may not appeal to everyone, especially those averse to bands embracing a more "mainstream" sound. However, there's no denying the presence of memorable ideas throughout the album. It's an intriguing exploration that hints at promising deve	3.5 04.18.24
	Greyhaven Stereo Grief Greyhaven, the alternative metal and metalcore band, persist in their quest to establish a distinctive style for themselves, and they come close to achieving that on their latest EP, "Stereo Grief." While it may not be the most groundbreaking album in terms of originality, several tracks leave a lasting impression and evoke an adrenaline rush. Particularly noteworthy is when the band dives deep into the realm of soaring alternative metal vocals, as showcased in "The Welcome Party." Despite its familiarity, "Stereo Grief" offers moments of intensity and memorability that resonate with listeners, demonstrating Greyhaven's potential for growth w	3.5 04.18.24
	Northlane Mirror's Edge The latest EP from the long-standing Australian-based metalcore band sees them delving deeper into their djenty alternative metal and nu metal trajectory, which they've been carving out over their last two albums. "Mirror's Edge" exemplifies a band hitting the pinnacle of their creative journey. With intense and memorable djent guitars that pulse with energy, accompanied by soaring vocals and clever incorporation of electronic elements, the EP showcases the band's evolution and growth. It's truly exciting to witness the band's ongoing expansion of their sound, as they continue to push boundaries and explore new territories within the metalcor	4.0 04.18.24
	English Teacher This Could Be Texas The UK-based five-person band debuts with "This Could Be Texas," an album that heavily resonates with modern crank wave (modern post-punk) aesthetics. Despite this influence, the album holds significant promise for the band. Standout tracks like "Nearly Daffodils" and the anthemic "The World's Biggest Paving Slab" showcase the band's ability to fully embrace their post-punk inspirations. However, there are moments where the album's potential is clouded by questionable choices, such as the peculiar use of autotune in "The Best Tears of Your Life" and the lackluster closing track "Albert Road." Nonetheless, the band warrants attention as they n	3.5 04.18.24
	Nia Archives Silence is Loud With the rise of R&B and drum and bass artists like PinkPantheress, there's a noticeable resurgence in interest for the drum and bass scene. As a fervent supporter of this trend, I've eagerly awaited the debut album from Dehaney Hunt, also known as Nia Archives. "Silence Is Loud" stands out as a stellar example of how jungle and alt-pop can blend into a tongue-in-cheek masterpiece. This hypnotic and evolving drum and bass album brims with character, offering a glimpse into Dehaney's potential future endeavors. While the album may occasionally veer towards a singular tone, its overall presentation is undeniably exciting.	3.5 04.18.24
	Jade Bird Burn the Hard Drive In the latest EP from singer-songwriter Jade Bird, she further infuses her sound with alt-pop elements, which could potentially be an exciting evolution. However, "Burn the Hard Drive" falls short of capturing interest, as it constantly shifts styles across its five tracks. While I appreciate Jade's willingness to experiment with diverse styles, none of them seem to resonate as enduring choices for her future endeavors. Though the EP showcases Jade Bird's exploration of different musical avenues, it lacks cohesion and fails to leave a lasting impact. Fans may find it intriguing to witness her artistic experimentation, but "Burn the Hard Drive	2.0 04.18.24