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Last Active 12-18-20 5:25 pm
Joined 11-01-16

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Average Rating: 3.39
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2024
St. Vincent All Born Screaming2.5
As someone who hasn't been particularly drawn to St. Vincent's music in the past, her latest album doesn't do much to change that sentiment. While she undeniably ventures into new sonic territories, such shifts have become somewhat expected from her. On "All Born Screaming," St. Vincent explores various shades of alternative and industrial rock, infused with her trademark art rock/pop sensibility. Despite moments of sass and expansiveness, the overall rock instrumentals on the album feel lacking in depth and inspiration. However, for those who appreciate edgy and refined rock music, this album may strike a chord, even if it doesn't personally resonate with me.
Justice Hyperdrama3.5
There's plenty to get excited about with the latest offering from the French duo Justice. Their fourth album, "Hyperdrama," stays true to the essence of a Justice production, delivering French electro rhythms that will keep you nodding your head from start to finish. What sets "Hyperdrama" apart from their previous works is the inclusion of various collaborators. With features from two members of Tame Impala and a closing contribution from Thundercat, it's evident that the duo sought to expand and challenge themselves. Tracks featuring these collaborations stand out as some of the album's strongest moments, complemented by equally compelling progressive electronic tracks in the latter half. However, the album's biggest drawback lies in the duo's tendency to lean heavily into their Daft Punk influences, which at times can overshadow the originality of their own sound.
Owen The Falls of Sioux3.5
Mike Kinsella, the lead singer of American Football, continues to impress with his indie
folk solo project, Owen. In his latest album, "The Falls of Sioux," he continues to refine
his atmospheric and dreamy style of folk instrumentals. While the album may feel somewhat
lacking in instrumental depth and could benefit from a thicker atmosphere, what is presented
is well-executed and thoughtfully arranged, resulting in an enjoyable listening experience.
While it may not leave a lasting impression, it serves as a solid addition to Mike's solo
catalog.
Lucy Rose This Ain't the Way You Go Out4.5
Lucy Rose's fifth album marks a significant departure from her traditional singer/songwriter folk style, delving instead into a jazzy and soulful direction. "This Ain't the Way You Go Out" presents a refreshing shift that I never realized I needed from Lucy. Whether it's the urgent cry for assistance in "Could You Help Me" or the soul-stirring "Sail Away," the album offers a diverse selection of focused tracks. If you're seeking bright and sophisticated pop music with a soulful twist, this album is definitely worth a listen.
SeeYouSpaceCowboy Coup de Grâce3.5
Prepare your eyeliner and fingerless black gloves because Seeyouspacecowboy, the mall emo revival band of the 2010s, is back with their third album, "Coup de grâce." This album serves as a continuation of the style and sound the band has been honing since their debut in 2019. It's a gripping, high-energy post-hardcore experience with hints of sasscore and mathcore that leave you craving more. However, compared to their sophomore release, "The Romance of Affliction," "Coup de grâce" feels slightly less exhilarating, particularly evident on tracks like "Lubricant Like Kerosene." Nevertheless, the album is skillfully executed and is sure to evoke a nostalgic rush of high school emotions.
Ekko Astral pink balloons3.5
The debut album from DC-based band Ekko Astral offers a blend of traditional concepts in the fusion of noisy post-hardcore and post-punk. However, what sets this band apart is their approach through a lens that's distinctly influenced by online culture, evident in tracks like "UWU Type Beat" and "Somewhere at the Bottom of the River Between L'enfant and Eastern Market." Setting aside these unique titles, "Pink Balloons" stands out in various aspects, particularly in its infusion of raw energy reminiscent of the classic DC hardcore scene. Drawing inspiration from the vibrant 80s and 90s DC hardcore and queercore scene, Ekko Astral showcases a youthful vigor that's both refreshing and authentic. While the album's conclusion may feel a bit awkward, the group exhibits a wealth of promising ideas. I'm eagerly anticipating their evolution and what the future holds for them.
Jade Bird Burn the Hard Drive2.0
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" ultimately feels disjointed and fails to establish a clear direction for her musical trajectory.
Nia Archives Silence is Loud3.5
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.
English Teacher This Could Be Texas3.5
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 navigate through these experimental phases, hinting at exciting developments to come.
Northlane Mirror's Edge4.0
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 metalcore genre.
Greyhaven Stereo Grief3.5
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 within their genre.
Metz Up On Gravity Hill3.5
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 developments for the band's future endeavors.
Eidola Eviscerate3.5
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 these missteps, the album remains a commendable effort and has the potential to grow on listeners with time.
Still House Plants If I don’t make it, I love u3.0
The UK-based experimental rock ensemble ventures into uncharted territory with their unique take on the genre. While the rock landscape often sees experimentation with soul influences, Still House Plants' approach on "If I Don't Make It, I Love U" is truly innovative. They blend Slint-style post-rock and math rock with lush, angelic soul vocals, infused with a hint of no-wave inspiration. The result is a captivating, albeit unconventional, fusion where the guitars sometimes seem to operate on a different wavelength from the vocals. This dissonance works to great effect on tracks like "M M M," where looping post-rock guitar chords elevate the vocals to new heights. However, there are moments, such as in "3scr3w3" or "Sticky," where the experiment feels stretched too thin. While the album presents an exciting concept in theory, it requires further refinement in execution.
Jane Weaver Love In Constant Spectacle2.5
Struggling to connect with the new Jane Weaver album. It often comes across as a less compelling version of a Sweet Trip record, particularly due to the amateurish execution of indietronica concepts throughout. While Jane's vocal delivery is engaging, the instrumentals feel rudimentary and lack depth, making it difficult to fully engage with the album. Moreover, the forgettable nature of the music leaves little lasting impression once the album concludes.
Katie Pruitt Mantras2.5
Pretty disappointed in the sophomore record from Katie Pruitt. While her debut, "Expectations," showcased simple yet heartfelt country singer/songwriter ballads, it was her remarkable and vibrant vocal prowess, coupled with a deep and introspective exploration of her Catholic upbringing within the LGBTQ+ community, that truly captivated listeners. However, "Mantras" seems to fall short of expectations, presenting a more rudimentary approach to country singer/songwriter music without the explosive and intense vocal performances anticipated. Though the album does offer some decent ideas, it lacks the same excitement and depth found in "Expectations."
Vegyn The Road To Hell Is Paved With Good Intentions3.5
Vegyn's latest album sees the electronic producer continuing his trend of collaborating with a diverse array of guests, seamlessly integrating them into his hypnotic and psychedelic electronic realm. "The Road to Hell Is Paved With Good Intentions" offers a simplistic yet entrancing fusion of electronic and neo-psychedelia, delving deep into the realms of downtempo and trip hop. The album truly shines when featuring artists like Lauren Auder and Ethan P. Flynn, who deliver standout performances. However, it falters when Vegyn revisits his somewhat bland IDM roots, particularly in the middle section. Despite this, the album remains an expansive and compelling listen from start to finish.
Bnny One Million Love Songs3.5
Definitely a promising stride forward for the quartet Bnny. Departing from the sluggish slowcore aesthetic of their debut, the band ventures into a more ethereal and atmospheric realm with "One Million Love Songs." While the album still occasionally succumbs to dull song progressions and underwhelming performances, there are captivating ideas peppered throughout its 27-minute runtime, ensuring an engaging listening experience.
Wisp (US) Pandora4.5
Wisp's debut EP offers a modern and dreamy take on shoegaze infused with elements of grunge and alternative metal. While the combination may seem increasingly common in today's music landscape, this release stands out with its captivating execution. Featuring heavily layered vocals atop dense and noisy grungy guitar chords, the EP delivers an immersive sonic experience. If you're drawn to this style, Wisp's offering is certainly worth exploring.
Lizzy McAlpine Older4.0
The fourth album from singer/songwriter Lizzy McAlpine presents a poignant exploration of aging and its implications. "Older" offers a simplistic yet heartfelt narrative, akin to recent releases in the girly folk genre, reminiscent of artists like Phoebe Bridgers, Clairo, and Lucy Dacus. If you appreciate emotionally resonant lyrics paired with expertly performed chamber pop and indie folk arrangements, then "Older" is a perfect fit for you. However, the album suffers from occasional disjointedness, particularly at the beginning, yet it still boasts some truly remarkable tracks.
Mount Kimbie The Sunset Violent3.5
"The Sunset Violent" sees one of the original innovators in the transition from classic dubstep to future garage continuing their evolution into the realm of rock. This new album explores a hazy and noisy fusion of post-punk and krautrock, resulting in a layered and textured listening experience. Every element is lush and surreal, particularly highlighted by the two features from King Krule, whose hazy vocals seamlessly blend with the instrumentals. However, "The Sunset Violent" falls short in comparison to a typical King Krule record, resembling more of a modern Low production style. While the album presents promising ideas, it feels somewhat underdeveloped, suggesting that the band could benefit from further exploration and refinement of their concepts.
Drahla angeltape4.5
The sophomore effort from the UK-based post-punk ensemble takes a refreshingly traditional approach amidst the surge of crank wave bands seeking to redefine and innovate within the post-punk genre. "Angeltape" is a cacophonous and densely layered art punk record, distinguished by its prominent use of saxophone, which adds a classic touch to its sonic landscapes. The album presents a truly captivating and intense listening experience, with undertones of dance-punk adding to its allure. Each track feels like a chaotic dance rave set against the backdrop of a horror movie, with a relentless pace that sweeps the listener along without pause. For those seeking a challenging yet compelling musical journey, "Angeltape" is a must-listen, particularly as the spring season approaches.
Vampire Weekend Only God Was Above Us3.0
"Only God Was Above Us" unabashedly embodies the quintessential Vampire Weekend style, which may prove challenging for those, like myself, who aren't particularly fond of their exaggerated indie aesthetic. Despite this, the album does offer some striking moments, such as the progressive pop energy of "Connect" or the exquisite beauty of "Pravda". However, I find it difficult to fully immerse myself in "Only God Was Above Us" from start to finish.
J. Cole Might Delete Later1.5
"Might Later," the latest mixtape from J. Cole, feels like that moment when you accidentally send a Snapchat to your ex or a friend, a message you never intended to share but ended up sending anyway. Credit must be given to J. Cole in one aspect: he confidently presents "Might Later" with savage ideas and gritty southern hip-hop beats. However, beneath the surface, "Might Later" disappoints, offering a weak and underwhelming collection of ideas accompanied by some of the most obnoxious and boastful lyrics I've encountered from an artist past his prime. Perhaps this mixtape caters to die-hard fans, but their fervor is beginning to resemble the zealousness of Kanye West fans.
Eunuchs Harbour Century4.0
There's much to admire in the sophomore release from the Australian band Eunuchs. "Harbour Century" is an eccentric and exhilarating avant-prog record that evokes a rush of emotions and experiences from start to finish. The opening track, "Magic Death Sea Nemesis," sets the tone with its ever-evolving structure and myriad ideas compressed into a six-minute song. The integration of jazz instrumentals and symphonic elements is particularly impressive, resonating not only on this track but throughout the entire record. However, the album's potential is somewhat hindered by a lengthy and awkward 17-minute spoken word piece. Additionally, the heavy influence of bands like Black Country, New Road, and Black Midi at various points can be distracting. Nonetheless, "Harbour Century" remains an exciting journey to embark on, especially for fans of the avant-garde scene.
Beyonce Cowboy Carter3.5
Beyoncé has been riding a creative wave lately. Her 2016 album, ?Lemonade,? marked a peak with its intricate blend of R&B, neo-soul, and pop aesthetics. Then came her 2022 dance-pop marvel, ?Renaissance,? where she delved into the various hues of house music, infusing them with her stunning R&B vocals. Now, we are presented with her latest endeavor, ?Cowboy Carter,? an album where Beyoncé ventures into her dream genres of country and country-pop. ?Cowboy Carter? emerges as the album she has always aspired to create, brimming with a vast array of ideas across its extensive runtime of over an hour and fifteen minutes. Here, listeners are treated to a rich tapestry of sounds, from classic stomp-and-holler country and contemporary country to a fusion of country-pop with R&B styles. Intriguingly, the album closes with fusions of bro-country with house and garage music?a blend we might not have realized we needed, yet it?s fascinating to witness. However, this brings me to the album's primary drawback: its length. ?Cowboy Carter? feels overly extended, with some ideas that might have been better left unreleased. The entire last 30 minutes, in particular, could have been omitted without loss. Moreover, certain features?such as the unexpected Post Malone collaboration?don't particularly enhance the album. Despite these criticisms, it?s clear that ?Cowboy Carter? is a passion project for Beyoncé, showcasing her having fun and experimenting with her craft. It's a testament to her versatility and creative spirit, even if it sometimes meanders a bit too far.
Kelly Moran Moves in the Field4.0
I've always had a soft spot for piano-led modern classical music, and Kelly Moran's latest album veers away from her usual post-minimal electronic fare to embrace an impressionistic style of modern classical music. This album whimsically transitions from movement to movement without missing a beat, encapsulating a sense of optimism that's both refreshing and needed. It suggests that no matter the challenges in life, brighter days are ahead. While the album could benefit from richer textures in places and not every track is memorable, certain pieces stand out with their ability to transport you. ?Moves in the Field,? for instance, takes you to a place that's sunny and bright.
Boundaries Death Is Little More2.5
The third album from the five-man band Boundaries continues to tap into the nostalgia for the early 2010s melodic metalcore style, a genre that surged in popularity towards the end of the Warped Tour era. "Death Is Little More" is by no means a poor effort; in fact, Boundaries are far from being a subpar band. They inject a significant amount of energy into a genre that has seen little action recently. However, the album leans so heavily into nostalgia that it borders on parody at times. This intense focus on recreating the sounds and sentiments of a bygone era can feel like pandering, overshadowing the band's genuine talent and potential to innovate within the genre. While "Death Is Little More" showcases Boundaries' capability to energize their musical landscape, it also leaves one wondering about the possibilities had they ventured beyond the familiar confines of nostalgia.
Julia Holter Something in the Room She Moves3.0
Glass Beams Mahal2.5
This up-and-coming Australian-based TikTok neo-psychedelic band showcases their ability to blend styles with a modern twist, particularly evident in their popular track "Mahal," which gained significant attention online. However, the remainder of their EP falls short, presenting a collection of underdeveloped tracks that seem to strive to replicate the success of "Mahal." There's potential in their incorporation of Hindi-style classical leads and progressions, hinting at a distinctive musical direction. Yet, to truly stand out, they must further cultivate and refine this fusion into their own unique sound.
SiR Heavy3.0
I've always been intrigued by SiR's potential, as his songs have a knack for being both memorable and exciting. I was among those who truly connected with the lo-fi charm of his 2018 album "November." However, his follow-up, "Chasing Summer," felt like a somewhat shallow attempt to chase the grandeur pursued by many artists on the TDE label. With his latest album, "Heavy," SiR explores a range of styles and ideas within contemporary R&B and neo-soul. At times, this experimentation proves refreshing and captivating, while at others, it leads to tracks like "Six Whole Days" that miss the mark. While there are undoubtedly solid ideas present, the album could benefit from some trimming and a more focused overall structure. Nevertheless, there are some great songs to be found here, making it a worthwhile listen for fans of the genre.
Elbow Audio Vertigo3.0
Elbow, the longstanding stalwarts of art and indie rock, present their latest album with a noticeable simplification of their sound. The album features emphatic and captivating art rock ballads, underscored by subtle progressive rock elements. While "Audio Vertigo" may not leave you speechless, it's remarkable that a band with over 20 years in the industry continues to produce exceptional rock music. Their ability to blend the essence of early indie music with modern elements is evident throughout the album. While some tracks showcase impressive linear builds, others may not leave a lasting impact. Nevertheless, Elbow's latest effort is worth exploring, even if it fades from memory once it concludes.
Empress Of For Your Consideration3.0
Lorely Rodriguez made a lasting impression with her previous EP, "Save Me," which showcased an experimental take on pop music, blending various shades of UK garage and bass. With her latest album, "For Your Consideration," she revisits this experimental territory on several tracks, reminiscent of her earlier work. However, alongside these standout moments, there are still some tracks that fall into the realm of uninspired pop and R&B blends that have become commonplace. Despite this mixed bag, Rodriguez's vocal prowess and knack for crafting interesting pop blends shine through, hinting at potential for future growth. Moving forward, it would be exciting to see her fully embrace her experimental side and push boundaries, rather than playing it safe as she does here.
Nourished By Time Catching Chickens3.5
Marcus Brown's project, Nourished by Time, presents a vision that stands out distinctly in the bedroom R&B and hypnagogic pop scene. It's a fusion unlike anything seen before, drawing parallels to acts like Blood Orange or Solange with their incorporation of "classical" elements, or Yves Tumor's intricate soul stylings. Fans of Clarence Clarity's redefinition of Y2K pop will also find resonance in Brown's music. His latest EP continues his reinterpretation of 80s and 90s R&B and soul, infusing them withd, almost psychedelic edits. The result is a captivating nostalgia trip, offering a unique experience for listeners. Despite some peculiar editing choices, such as abrupt song endings or disjointed cuts, the EP brims with promising ideas that leave one eagerly anticipating Marcus's next full-length album.
Barely Civil I’d Say I’m Not Fine2.0
Barely Civil's latest album seems to grapple with its identity. The opening of the album evokes a rush of easycore nostalgia reminiscent of bands like Four Year Strong. However, the band maintains their commitment to their Midwest emo aesthetic, resulting in an awkward juxtaposition that feels out of place. Furthermore, the album leans heavily into the emo sound of the late 2000s and early 2010s mall emo scene, which borders on feeling dated. While this nostalgic throwback may strike some listeners as amusing, it also underscores the album's struggle to find its footing in a contemporary musical landscape.
Blanket Ceremonia3.0
The third album from the UK-based post-metal and post-rock band marks a significant departure from their established formula. Instead, they venture into a simpler, sometimes haunting alternative metal and shoegaze style that aligns with current trends. However, the execution of this new direction is somewhat inconsistent, with the band occasionally stumbling except when they reintroduce elements of their familiar post-rock and post-metal aesthetics, as heard on the anthemic and dark track "A Sea of Bliss." While there are other standout moments on the album, its slow start detracts from the overall listening experience. Additionally, the band's adoption of certain elements reminiscent of Deftones feels neither here nor there, adding further complexity to the album's identity.
Cakes Da Killa Black Sheep3.5
Cakes da Killa, the enigmatic figure known for his boundary-pushing hip house, returns with another installment of queer-centric hip-hop music that captivates and challenges. While this new album may not match the sheer energy and diversity of his previous work, "Svengali," it maintains a strong sense of flow throughout, drawing listeners into its hypnotic groove. The album's expansive use of hip house creates an immersive experience that may prompt some listeners to question their own sexuality as they journey through its tracks. Despite its somewhat subdued nature compared to its predecessor, this album still possesses the power to get you moving and grooving around your house as you listen.
Medasin sounds4.5
Grant Nelson's recent musical offerings, particularly his latest album "sounds," showcase a remarkable evolution in his approach to nu jazz. From his previous album "Always in a Hurry" to this latest endeavor, he demonstrates a sophisticated and intricate ability to weave nu jazz into various forms and styles. With "sounds," his fourth album, Grant immerses himself fully in the ambient jazz realm, drawing inspiration from chamber jazz and new age textures. The result is a mesmerizing and meditative listening experience that transports listeners to another dimension. By collaborating with electronic producers, jazz musicians, and classical composers, Grant adds layers of depth and emotion to the already ethereal soundscape. This album transcends the confines of a simple ambient jazz record, subtly playing with ideas to create an intriguing and surreal sonic journey. Grant Nelson's "sounds" is nothing short of breathtaking, offering a captivating exploration of the boundaries of jazz and ambient music.
Matt Champion Mika's Laundry3.5
In his debut album, the ex-Brockhampton member, Matt, delivers a collection of diverse ideas. "Mika's Laundry" is predominantly characterized by contemporary alt-pop elements that captivate the listener. Particularly noteworthy is the first half, which features eccentric and thrilling R&B and indietronica tracks. However, as the album progresses past the halfway point, less engaging singer-songwriter tracks emerge, leaving one questioning Matt's artistic choices. Matt shines brightest when he croons over expansive and experimental instrumentals, brimming with brightness. Conversely, attempts at a more contemporary singer-songwriter and bedroom pop aesthetic fall short. Despite this, "Mika's Laundry" presents much promise for a debut album, offering listeners ample reason for excitement.
Herhums To Save Us All4.5
The sophomore album from South Korean folk artist Herhums is a collaborative effort with legendary songwriter and producer Mid-Air Thief, resulting in a breathtaking and ethereal psychedelic folk experience. Clocking in at just 26 minutes, this album manages to pack an emotional punch that resonates deeply with listeners. One of its most striking qualities is its ability to evoke a profound emotional response, reminiscent of the heartfelt and evocative folk records crafted by Ichiko Aoba. Despite the language barrier, Herhums' music speaks volumes, touching listeners' hearts and even bringing them to tears. Mid-Air Thief's production elevates the album to new heights, adding layers of depth to its simple and airy folk instrumentals. The result is a truly captivating folk album that transports listeners to another realm, making it essential listening for fans of atmospheric and ethereal folk music.
Tierra Whack World Wide Whack2.5
Tierra Whack has seemingly accomplished the impossible: crafting a full-length album of complete songs that feels more unfinished than her debut, comprised of 16 succinct one-minute tracks. "World Wide Whack" marks the sophomore effort from the Philadelphia-based rapper, reaffirming her ability to effortlessly flow over diverse beats while delivering thought-provoking lyrics. However, despite Whack's lyrical prowess, the album is plagued by lackluster and incomplete instrumentals that hinder its overall enjoyability. Tracks like "Chanel Pit" and "Shower Song" are marred by perplexingly amateurish YouTube-style beats, leaving listeners scratching their heads. While there are moments of well-crafted lyricism, there are also glaring inconsistencies. Ultimately, "World Wide Whack" falls short of expectations, signaling a misstep for Tierra Whack. Here's hoping she takes this as a learning experience and ventures into more ambitious and polished territory in the future.
Four Tet Three4.0
In his latest album, the esteemed UK electronic producer Kieran Hebden embarks on a journey of intricate simplicity, delivering a full-fledged downtempo experience. "Three" effortlessly intertwines the hypnotic allure of downtempo percussion with the captivating nuances of microhouse and the delicate textures of folktronica. Throughout its runtime, the album exudes a comforting warmth, akin to a blissful day at the beach. Each track radiates a sunny disposition, making it a delightful listen from start to finish. If you're seeking a musical escape that evokes feelings of warmth and joy, "Three" is certainly worth exploring, especially as spring begins to emerge from the clouds.
Sweet Pill Starchild4.0
Sweet Pill, the Philadelphia-based band, delivers a refreshing and exhilarating EP with "Starchild." Building upon the strengths of their debut album "Where the Heart Is," the band refines their sound, focusing on the best elements that resonate with listeners. While still embracing the essence of emo-pop and Midwest emo, "Starchild" showcases impeccable execution and musicianship throughout. For those craving a dose of lively emo music to kickstart their spring, this EP is a must-listen. Give it a spin and let the infectious energy of Sweet Pill set the tone for the season ahead.
Weston Super Maim See You Tomorrow Baby4.0
Weston Super Maim's sophomore album sees the Djent duo further refine their harrowing and energetic blend of mathcore and Djent. With a keen understanding of their craft, the band delivers infectious Djent guitar riffs that will have listeners jamming along from start to finish. Drawing inspiration from the glitchy electronic elements of bands like Frontierer and incorporating elements of modern deathcore, Weston Super Maim creates a dynamic and exhilarating mathcore experience. The result is a fun and energetic record that demands your attention, showcasing the duo's prowess in crafting compelling and memorable compositions within the genre.
Ariana Grande Eternal Sunshine3.5
When it comes to separating the art from the artist, there are only a handful of artists who pose a challenge for me, and Kanye West is one of them. However, Ariana Grande's situation is different. Despite the controversy surrounding her personal life, such as the "home wrecker" allegations, I find it easier to separate that from her music. In "Eternal Sunshine," Grande fully embraces the image she's cultivated recently, delivering expansive and energetic pop music. The album is characterized by bouncing, danceable tracks steeped in Y2K nostalgia, although it doesn't delve deeply into that theme. While the album can feel a bit corny at times, and its overall vibe may seem somewhat stale compared to current pop trends, Grande still showcases plenty of bite and promise as an engaging pop artist.
Bleachers Bleachers2.0
As Jack Antonoff solidifies his position as a top-tier producer in modern pop music, his solo work under the pseudonym Bleachers seems to lose its spark. Personally, I've never been a huge fan of Bleachers' Bob Dylan-inspired style, but previously, Jack injected his own twists into Heartland rock and pop rock genres. However, the self-titled album delivers bland and uninspired indie pop and rock instrumentals, coupled with cringeworthy alt-pop lyrics from a nearly 40-year-old married man. It's unclear what direction Jack is aiming for with his music, but he might consider either abandoning the Bleachers concept entirely or exploring entirely new avenues, as the current output falls short of expectations.
Kim Gordon The Collective3.5
Kim Gordon stands out as an intriguing figure in the realm of industrial and experimental music. Throughout her career, she's been brimming with innovative ideas, yet often constrained by the sense that her work resembles a diluted version of others'. Her fourth album, "The Collective," maintains this pattern. It exudes a grimy, dark ambiance, evoking the atmosphere of a wet and sticky alley in NYC. However, the album falls short of pushing boundaries. While it possesses the intriguing and intense production style reminiscent of recent Low albums, as well as the experimental hip-hop elements found in projects like Injury Reserve, it also channels the content and substance of a Sophie record. Gordon's work seems saturated with her influences, which isn't necessarily negative, but leaves me yearning for something more distinctively unique. Nevertheless, "The Collective" offers a harrowing and challenging listening experience, especially recommended for fans of the aforementioned artists.
GosT Prophecy2.0
James Lollar's latest album, "Prophecy," is undeniably haunting and grim, yet it falls short of delivering a truly immersive experience. Instead, it comes across as a shallow and at times grating dark synth record, relying too heavily on emulating the sounds of 80s horror sci-fi movies rather than forging its own expansive and enriching sonic landscape. While the album certainly boasts edge and bite, each track tends to blend together, lacking differentiation from one another. It's intriguing to note that while "Prophecy" isn't a full-fledged EBM project, it shares many of the same shortcomings that plagued modern EDM and dubstep during the mid-2010s: overly simplistic and bland beats and production.
Slow Hollows Bullhead3.0
Slow Hollows' latest record sees the LA-based band revisiting the successful sound they cultivated in 2015, characterized by heavy-hitting and booming slacker rock and indie rock vibes. While the album draws influence from indie rock legends like The National, the group strives to carve out a unique and straightforward musical style. However, "Bullhead" falls short of reaching the heights it aspires to. Many songs feel unfinished or too brief to leave a lasting impact. Nonetheless, I remain eager to see what direction the band takes next, given the inherent enjoyment in their style.
Moor Mother The Great Bailout3.0
The newest album from one of the greatest names in the underground hip hop scene is both intriguing and somewhat superficial. moor mother's music has traversed various genres, from experimental, industrial, and abstract hip hop to side projects in jazz and even noise rock. However, on "The Great Bailout," she delves into an electroacoustic direction with undertones of experimental hip hop and poetry. While everything seems like it should coalesce, nothing quite comes together as expected. I find enjoyment in the listening experience, but it tends to fade from memory once it's over. Additionally, the two 9-minute tracks on the album feel overly lengthy without offering sufficiently interesting ideas to sustain their duration.
Homeshake CD Wallet3.5
Peter Sagar?s newest album under the HOMESHAKE name feels like a pretty grand divergence from what he has been doing on his last few releases. We still get a heavy dose of simplistic and booming indie jams that are low key and emotional. However, on ?CD Wallet? we see Peter kind of dip his toe into the experimental slacker rock side and even tries his hand at doing a small King Krule style of rock music. There is definitely a lot to love here, but the 9 minute closer really detracts from the rest of the simplistic and easy going stuff.
Tomato Flower No3.0
In many ways, the debut album from the indie rock and math pop outfit feels like a budding set of ideas that could develop into an expansive and exciting career. The band plays around with some very raw and rough-sounding math pop ideas. However, the band leans a bit too heavily into being such huge fans of Sweet Trip, which can be extremely distracting, especially considering Sweet Trip's more neo-psychedelic direction as of late.
samlrc A Lonely Sinner4.5
Post-rock is a challenging genre to master, and in recent years, it has arguably become one of the most stagnant within the rock scene. Despite its breakout over two decades ago, there's been a lack of truly innovative or groundbreaking ideas infused into it. However, on Samantha Rodrigues da Cruz's fourth album under the moniker "samlrc," there's a notable departure from their initial breakcore and drum and bass influences. Instead, they plunge headfirst into internet-infused post-rock, and the result, "A Lonely Sinner," feels remarkably revolutionary and expansive. "A Lonely Sinner" is an intricate album that explores themes of strength and growth from the perspective of a sheep striving to reach its full potential. Each track contributes to this emotional journey, crafting a grand sonic landscape that defines the essence of the album. From the haunting post-rock melodies of "Philautia" to the ever-evolving darkness and post-metal elements of "Storge," each piece is imbued with an indietronica and shoegaze aesthetic that adds depth and expansiveness to the overall experience. This album stands out as one of the most compelling post-rock releases in recent memory, showcasing samlrc's ability to push boundaries within the genre. It leaves listeners eagerly anticipating what artistic ventures lie ahead for this talented musician.
Makari Wave Machine3.5
I've openly praised the evolution of many post-hardcore bands as they venture into alternative rock, pop rock, or synthpop territory. When done with sincerity and skill, it can result in something truly compelling. The sophomore album from the Orlando-based band exemplifies this transition as they depart from their swancore roots to deliver a full-fledged alternative rock experience in "Wave Machine." This album is a testament to the band's versatility and ability to embrace new sonic landscapes while maintaining a high level of energy and enjoyment. The lead singer's powerful vocals command attention, backed by a cohesive and proficient band lineup. While "Wave Machine" may not break new ground in terms of originality, its charm and replay value are undeniable, making it a worthwhile addition to any music collection.
Jean Dawson Boohoo4.0
Jean Dawson's latest EP reaffirms his potential to become one of the most intriguing figures in the realm of popular bedroom R&B. He possesses a remarkable knack for crafting captivating and expansive pop and R&B tunes, fearlessly dabbling in a variety of styles and sounds. With this release, we witness a darker facet of his music that has yet to be explored, hinting at intriguing possibilities for future sonic directions. While there's a noticeable influence from Kanye West, Dawson confidently forges his own path on these tracks, showcasing his distinct artistic vision.
Gum.mp3 Black Life, Red Planet4.0
"Black Life, Red Planet" offers a seemingly simple electronic experience with a surprising depth of grooves and bouncy production. While primarily rooted in the jazzstep and footwork framework, the album fearlessly ventures into other genres as well. From the ethereal and spacey jazzstep vibes of the opening track "Spacey" to the infectious and hypnotic acid house finale of "Colors". If you're looking to kick off your summer with some head-bopping beats, this album is a must-listen. Its eclectic blend of sounds promises to captivate and energize listeners seeking a refreshing musical journey.
ScHoolboy Q Blue Lips3.5
Quincy Hanley's sixth album stands out as his strongest effort to date. He showcases a remarkable ability to craft intricate and diverse beats, all while demonstrating his evolving skills as an MC. The lyrics are as focused as they've ever been, adding depth to the album. However, its biggest flaw lies in its potpourri-like approach. "Blue Lips" constantly shifts its identity, traversing through jazz rap, west coast hip hop, industrial hip hop, trap rap, and various other styles of hip hop. While Quincy's experimentation is commendable, one hopes that he'll eventually hone in on a style and sound that truly suits him. Additionally, the album's first half is characterized by constant beat changes, giving the impression of unfinished tracks hastily mashed together. Nonetheless, it's undoubtedly a step forward for ScHoolboy Q, and I look forward to witnessing his continued exploration in the future.
Faye Webster Underdressed At The Symphony2.5
The first three tracks of "Undressed at the Symphony" start off strong, with the added interest of a collaboration with Lil Yachty on the fourth track. However, the album takes a significant dip in quality thereafter. Faye Webster, known for her soft indie rock aesthetic and poignant lyrics on love and lust, maintains this style throughout. Yet, after "Lego Ring," the album falters with some awkward ideas. Examples include the unnecessary auto-tune on "Feeling Good Today," lackluster utilization of lounge music in "Lifetime," and the uninspired indie jam of "He Loves Me Yeah!" (again, marred by awkward auto-tune). These issues persist until the album's end. It's disappointing, as Faye Webster demonstrates strong songwriting and intriguing ideas, but they often lack direction or substance. Hopefully, these experimental missteps are refined or dropped altogether in future releases.
Yard Act Where's My Utopia?3.5
The sophomore album from UK-based band Yard Act continues their exploration of various shades of post-punk and alternative dance styles. "Where's My Utopia" takes a different approach from the expansion seen in other UK post-punk bands leading the charge in the crank wave genre. Yard Act opts for a more classic approach, drawing inspiration from Talking Heads with their dance-punk and art punk instrumentals. Each track exudes bounce and charm. However, the album could benefit from honing in more on a singular sound, particularly when the lead singer veers into spoken word or rap territory, as heard on the track "Blackpool Illuminations". Nonetheless, I'm eager to see what this band continues to accomplish in the future.
Jacob Collier Djesse Vol. 42.0
Jacob Collier remains an enigma in the realm of pop music. As a jazz-trained musician and former theater enthusiast who gained popularity through YouTube, he has always exhibited a plethora of ideas and promise in his music. However, he often struggles to reconcile his intricate and grand concepts with the expectations of a mainstream audience. Despite this, Collier's charm shines through in subtle moments within his music, and "Djesse Vol. 4" is no exception. The opening track, "100,000 Voices," is a dense and dynamic progressive pop masterpiece that traverses various musical styles and ideas. Unfortunately, beyond this standout track, the album becomes somewhat of a snooze fest. Each subsequent track attempts to shoehorn complex instrumental ideas into the confines of a millennial pop anthem, resulting in a collection that feels out of touch with the modern era. While "Djesse Vol. 4" may be Collier's most accessible album to date, it also sacrifices much of what makes him unique and interesting.
Mannequin Pussy I Got Heaven3.5
Mannequin Pussy's latest offering, "I Got Heaven," marks a significant evolution for the band, showcasing their ability to fuse hardcore punk with indie rock into a dynamic and unique sound. The album resonates particularly with Gen Z through its lyrics, while the production quality nods to the revered noise pop and power pop bands of the late '90s and early 2000s. This blend of modern sensibilities with a respectful homage to musical predecessors is a standout feature of Mannequin Pussy's work, offering a compelling listening experience that feels both fresh and familiar. Despite its strengths, the album occasionally grapples with a sense of inconsistency, presenting a "two-faced" nature in its execution. Nevertheless, "I Got Heaven" emerges as a vibrant and invigorating record, reinforcing Mannequin Pussy's growing reputation for crafting engaging and forward-thinking music.
Mini Trees Burn Out3.5
Mini Trees' latest EP, "Burn Out," further cements the artist's knack for blending captivating indie music with modern electronic flair, elevating the bedroom pop aesthetic to new heights. The EP's catchy, sensational tracks stand out against the backdrop of 2010's indie music, showcasing a sophisticated use of electronic undertones that breathe fresh life into the genre. The anticipation for how "Burn Out" might evolve into a full-fledged, impactful sophomore album is palpable, hinting at the potential for even more innovative and engaging music from Mini Trees in the future. This release not only builds on the artist's established sound but also promises exciting developments for her musical trajectory.
Everything Everything Mountainhead4.0
The latest album from the long-standing progressive pop icons Everything Everything maintains their signature blend of diverse pop music styles. "Mountainhead" feels like the true successor to the groundbreaking 2015 album "Get to Heaven," featuring infectious song structures and a consistent vibe throughout. While the album occasionally feels lengthy and includes some cringeworthy alt-pop elements, its overall pacing and vibe are exceptionally well-crafted. If you're looking for danceable and sensational pop music to usher in the spring season, "Mountainhead" is definitely worth a spin.
Daniel Herskedal A Single Sunbeam2.0
Daniel Herskedal's latest album, a fusion of experimental jazz and ambient sounds, certainly possesses a captivating presence and vibe while it plays. However, once the album concludes, I find myself struggling to recall the music I just listened to. While this approach may resonate with some listeners as a defining characteristic of ambient and jazzy new age albums, I personally prefer a bit more substance in my ambient music. As a result, I find it challenging to fully connect with Herskedal's offering.
Halfway Line Halfway Line3.0
The debut EP shows promise, but it falls short in terms of carving out a distinct direction. It echoes the sounds of many modern post-rock bands, employing shoegaze guitar tones and ethereal dream pop aesthetics. While "Halfway Line" is enjoyable in the moment, it struggles to leave a lasting impression with repeated listens.
Squarepusher Dostrotime4.0
Despite my broad appreciation for drum and bass and breakcore, I've never found much intrigue in the works of the electronic producer Squarepusher. His distinctive fusion of nu jazz, acid jazz, and the intense rhythms of drill and bass has failed to captivate me. However, there's something undeniably compelling about his latest album, "Dostrotime." From the outset, the album envelops listeners in hypnotic and evolving drill and bass compositions, enriched by expansive jazz instrumentals. It evokes a sense of listening to a timeless Amon Tobin record, with its seamless fusion of elements. What's particularly striking is the album's avoidance of darkness; instead, it embraces bright and dynamic textures. While the album's length and occasional interludes may be off-putting, "Dostrotime" remains an exhilarating offering from Squarepusher.
Amaro Freitas Y'Y4.5
In his fourth studio album, Brazilian pianist and jazz composer Amaro Freitas demonstrates the dedication to his craft, resulting in one of the most captivating jazz albums I've encountered in quite some time. The album effortlessly oscillates between darkness and whimsy, exemplified by tracks like the harrowing "Dança dos martelos," where chilling piano slams evoke an immersive experience akin to sitting inside the instrument itself. Conversely, the closing track "Encantados" showcases a delightful ensemble of flute, grooving bass, and hypnotic drums melding seamlessly with Freitas's whimsical piano, creating an ethereal and joyous jazz piece. "Y?Y" is an expansive and immersive journey through jazz, embracing post-minimal and post-bop elements with enthusiasm and finesse. For jazz enthusiasts disheartened by the lack of truly captivating releases, this album is a breath of fresh air. Dive in and let its dynamic compositions sweep you away.
Hannah Frances Keeper of the Shepherd4.5
Hannah Frances' third album, hailing from Chicago, showcases her unwavering commitment to crafting anthemic and intricately progressive folk, interwoven with poignant singer-songwriter elements that linger long after the final notes fade. "Kepler of the Shepherd" serves as a masterclass in lyrical storytelling, skillfully juxtaposing themes of melancholy with instrumentals that exude hopefulness and brightness. Each track possesses an undeniable charm, compelling listeners to revisit the album time and again in search of deeper understanding. With a runtime of 37 minutes, be prepared for a journey that prompts introspection and contemplation of one's own existence.
Hammok Look How Long Lasting Everything Is Moving Forward4.0
The debut album from the Norway-based post-hardcore outfit proves that noisy production can coexist harmoniously with tight and intricate performances, drawing listeners back for repeated listens. The band showcases a diverse range of ideas throughout the record, whether it's the mathcore stylings of tracks like "Eat You Alive" or the incorporation of shoegaze and dream pop guitars on "Brainrotdesperation." There's a wealth of intriguing concepts here, and one can only anticipate how the band will further develop them on future releases.
Allie X Girl With No Face2.5
The latest album from synthpop and alt-pop sensation Allie X marks a significant departure from her previously playful and straightforward sound, embracing a harsher and more brash style of synthpop influenced by genres like post-punk (such as coldwave) and industrial-infused EDM (like Hi-NRG). "Girl With No Face" presents a dance-pop and synthpop experience that feels reminiscent of stepping into a gothic nightclub. Each track exudes a haunting edge, cultivating a nocturnal and nihilistic atmosphere. While many listeners are captivated by the album's intensity, I personally find it stylistically stagnant, lacking the depth and darkness I believe it could have explored further. There's a persistent feeling that Allie X could have pushed this style to much greater and darker depths.
MGMT Loss of Life4.0
Upon my initial listen, "Loss Of Life" didn't quite resonate with me. The somewhat traditional psychedelic elements, which the band had utilized in the past, weren't particularly appealing to me, and that sentiment hadn't shifted. However, with each subsequent listen, my appreciation for the album has grown. The band's fifth studio release demonstrates a progression in their ever-evolving psychedelic sound, delving into more linear and understated musical landscapes. "Loss Of Life" serves as an existential narrative, shedding light on the overlooked individuals in the United States, and the subtlety of the music reflects this theme. I recommend giving it a chance and exercising patience, because once it clicks, it's difficult to forget its impact.
A Burial At Sea (UK) Close to Home3.5
If you're a fan of the post-rock and math rock stylings of And So I Watch You From Afar, then you'll feel right at home with the sophomore release from A Burial At Sea. "Close to Home" offers an anthemic and intricate approach to post-rock, guiding listeners through grandiose passages filled with memorable moments. The incorporation of horns and saxophone adds a unique depth to several tracks. However, the album often treads too closely to familiar territory explored by bands that have previously delved into the post-rock and math rock combination, such as the aforementioned ASIWYFA and Slint.
Jazmin Bean Traumatic Livelihood3.0
The sophomore record from Jazmin Bean presents some solid ideas. Shedding the somewhat cringy trap metal and alternative metal elements in favor of anthemic and angelic chamber pop and indie pop brings a newfound depth to the tracks. The album flows seamlessly, with few dull moments to be found. However, my main gripe is its struggle to stand out amidst the multitude of albums in this style from the 2000s. The anthemic and early 2000s production on "Traumatic Livelihood" struggles to distinguish itself from bands like Oasis or Porcupine Tree. Nonetheless, it was a risk worth taking for Jazmin Bean, and I eagerly anticipate their future endeavors.
acloudyskye There Must Be Something Here3.5
The fourth album from emerging indietronica artist acloudyskye marks a departure from his melodic dubstep roots, which characterized his earlier work, in favor of a fusion of indie rock and indietronica. While these ideas began to emerge on his third album, "What Do You Want!", he still retained elements of anthemic and dynamic dubstep melodies. "There Must Be Something Here" aligns more closely with the post-emo genre, incorporating wonky and distorted bedroom aesthetics to craft a hazy and lush soundscape. In many ways, acloudyskye draws heavy influence from Porter Robinson's recent album, yet he molds it into his own sound by infusing it with heavily used post-rock guitar tones and progressions. However, I feel that this album doesn't fully come together as cohesively as it could have. Given more time, there's potential for a more unique and expansive sound, but for now, I still appreciate what has been presented.
Rafael Toral Spectral Evolution3.5
When listening to this single track, nearly 45 minutes in duration, one can appreciate the plethora of cool electroacoustic ideas at play. Whether emanating from the saxophone, guitar, flute, or other manipulated live instruments, the album exudes a playful exploration of sounds and concepts. However, my primary critique lies in the intermittent drone sections preceding the electronic manipulations, which tend to feel dragging. Nevertheless, the album maintains its vibes throughout, and the execution is commendable.
Laetitia Sadier Rooting For Love4.5
Renowned French musician Lætitia Sadier continues to captivate audiences with her enchanting and mesmerizing pop music, now under her own name. As a member of Stereolab, Sadier has established herself as a prominent figure in the music scene, and her latest offering, "Rooting for Love," solidifies her place as a solo artist. The album effortlessly reaches the same heights as her work with Stereolab, while infusing it with her own distinct French flair, evident in the incorporation of French pop music aesthetics throughout many tracks. If you appreciate classic 70s pop music with a modern experimental twist, "Rooting for Love" is a must-listen that promises to enchant and delight.
Erika de Casier Still2.0
In previous releases from the experimental R&B artist, we were treated to a lively blend of drum and bass or UK garage/bass backing instrumentals, contributing to a vibrant and energetic R&B sound. However, on Erika's latest album, we see her veer towards a downtempo sound reminiscent of Kelela or even SZA. While this shift thrives in certain areas, such as the rich and atmospheric track "Home Alone," for the most part, it comes across as shallow and uninspiring. The energetic instrumentals that previously complemented Erika's singing now take center stage, and I'm not convinced that her subtle singing style meshes well with these upfront instrumentals, at least not with the ones she has created here.
William Doyle Springs Eternal2.5
Indie artist William Doyle presents his latest album, "Springs Eternal." While the execution of its art pop and indie rock aesthetics surpasses his previous work, the overall result feels stale and underwhelming. "Springs Eternal" harbors some promising ideas, but fails to fully develop them. For instance, the synthwave and post-minimal style of "A Long Life" stands out but feels out of place within this art pop album. Similarly, "Soft to the Touch" features a lengthy progressive pop track with commendable guitar instrumentation, marred by an overproduced drum fill that leaves one questioning Doyle's intentions. Overall, the album feels disjointed, leaving listeners uncertain of Doyle's artistic direction.
Ihsahn Ihsahn1.5
I find myself struggling to grasp the appeal of this band. Hailing from Norway, this progressive and symphonic black metal outfit delivers another installment of the sound they've cultivated over nearly two decades. Personally, I find that the black metal elements clash with the triumphant and grand symphonic and progressive metal passages. The black metal screams seem to detract from the genuine beauty of the instrumentals. In my opinion, a band like this would benefit from transitioning into a purely instrumental ensemble, as the instrumentals are exceptionally orchestrated and performed. The screaming vocals only serve to disrupt the listening experience.
IDLES TANGK2.5
I can perceive the vision that IDLES intends for their new sonic direction. The UK-based post-punk and noise rock ensemble has witnessed their recent releases evolve into a more mainstream-friendly sound, a departure from their earlier work like "Brutalism" in 2017, leading to the somewhat shallow "Crawler" in 2021. With the emergence and advancements in crank wave, the band appears eager to infuse their sound with more alternative vibes, as evident in their latest album "TANGK." This album predominantly features alternative rock undertones intertwined with elements of art punk and dance-punk. Overall, the album feels as hit or miss as their last two releases. While standout tracks like "Gift Horse" and "Dancer" (leaning more towards dance-punk) impress, others such as "A Gospel" and "Jungle" leave me perplexed, questioning how they made it through the initial edits of the album.
Quadeca SCRAPYARD4.0
Quadeca has been on quite the artistic streak lately, and his latest mixtape, featuring various leftover tracks from his last two albums as well as some from his upcoming release, demonstrates that even these leftovers can be remarkable. "SCRAPYARD" exhibits a continuation of the futuristic and expansive bedroom sound that Quadeca has been experimenting with since his 2021 album "From Me to You." The album is filled with breathtaking performances, production, and ideas, making it hard to believe these are just leftover tracks. For instance, "Easier" is a bossa nova-inspired folktronia track, "Way Too Many Friends" revolves around a boom bap beat, and "Texas Blue" presents an expansive and evolving chamber and progressive pop sound. However, what truly sets this mixtape apart is the sheer variety of influences Quadeca explores. From Black Country New Road to post-emo acts, we witness a wide array of ideas being played with, leaving me eagerly anticipating what Ben's new album cycle will bring.
Friko Where We've Been, Where We Go from Here4.5
The debut album from Chicago-based band Friko shows a significant promise in crafting noisy and expansive indie rock. Much of the album embraces the noisy and grand style reminiscent of 2000s indie rock anthems, such as those by Neutral Milk Hotel and The Microphones. The combination of bittersweet lyrics with anthemic instrumentals creates a potent listening experience. "Where we've been, Where we go from here" particularly brings to mind the promise demonstrated by Remo Drive on their own debut album many years ago, albeit without the overt emo influence. Overall, Friko delivers an anthemic and breathtaking indie album that has the potential to become one of my favorites of the year.
Grandaddy Blu Wav3.5
Grandaddy continues their resurgence with a psychedelic pop record heavily influenced by MGMT, incorporating elements of indie pop and alt-country. "Blu Wav" offers an atmospheric listening experience that both soothes the soul and evokes feelings of loneliness. While it has its highlights and maintains a solid vibe from start to finish, it may not leave you completely awestruck.
ZOMBIESHARK! Die Laughing.4.0
Zombieshark, the cybergrind outfit, continues their journey of exploration and innovation with their latest album, "Die Laughing." Featuring blistering and in-your-face mathcore and cybergrind elements throughout, the album offers a relentless listening experience from start to finish. What sets it apart is the incorporation of post-breakcore elements, blending rich and atmospheric breakbeats to create a captivating and immersive sonic landscape. This fusion of elements, reminiscent of my favorite album from last year by fromjoy, intrigues me, leaving me curious about the potential for further experimentation and exploration.
Terrace Martin Her Thoughts2.5
This EP features a collection of well-known covers transformed into smooth jazz instrumentals. While it succeeds in some instances, its overall appeal might be limited to those frequenting upscale coffee shops or bars. For others, hearing familiar songs reimagined as smooth jazz may feel somewhat odd. Terrace Martin's recent output, including this project, seems to lack depth, leaving one to wonder about the inspiration behind it.
Helado Negro Phasor4.5
In 2019, Helado Negro mesmerized audiences with "Thus Is How You Smile," a groundbreaking evolution of his signature mellow and psychedelic sound, honed over a decade. He had long lingered in the comfortable embrace of chillwave and synthpop indietronica, only breaking free with this aforementioned record, leaving many curious about his next move. "Far In," his subsequent release, delved deeper into ethereal realms, incorporating more ambient elements than ever before. Yet, despite its initial allure, the album seemed to lack depth upon closer inspection. However, with his latest offering, "Phasor," Helado Negro not only builds upon the groundwork laid in "Far In" but also refines it. While still delivering the soothing warmth characteristic of his previous works, "Phasor" stands out for its diverse array of ideas, seamlessly woven together to create a truly captivating listening experience.
Brittany Howard What Now4.5
The second album from the rising soul sensation Brittany Howard (formerly of Alabama Shakes fame) marks a significant departure from her debut in 2019. From the very first notes of the opening track, "Earth Signs," there's an unmistakable drive to craft an ethereal and rhythmically rich soul experience. While firmly rooted in the psychedelic soul tradition, Howard's work here feels like a bold step toward the realm of ambient soul, akin to the evolution of psychedelic folk into ambient folk. Throughout the album, intricate and evolving drones weave through the tracks, creating a cohesive thread that ties together the eclectic nature of "What Now." Howard fearlessly explores a spectrum of genres, from traditional funk rock in "Another Day" to the pulsating beats of deep house in "Prove It to You." What becomes evident is her deliberate focus on cultivating the essence of ambient soul in the album's first half before embarking on further experimentation in the latter part. Yet, despite these diverse explorations, "What Now" coalesces seamlessly, delivering an enthralling and thought-provoking listening journey.
Shygirl Club Shy4.5
The latest EP from Experimental hip hop artist Shygirl marks a departure into a more accessible musical territory compared to her recent releases, yet manages to retain the essence of what makes her captivating. Aptly titled "Club Shy," the EP comprises six infectious house and dance-pop tracks tailor-made for summer club settings. Brimming with hypnotic rhythms and sensuality, Shygirl delivers a mesmerizing take on house music, albeit infused with more classic house beats. It's a refreshing direction for Blane to explore, maintaining her signature style while embracing a new sonic landscape.
Dizzee Rascal Don't Take it Personal3.5
It's surprising how Dizzee Rascal seemed to slip from our collective memory, considering he was once the face of UK-based grime artists. With his groundbreaking fusion of futuristic flair and aggressive UK hip hop, rapping over the pulsating rhythms of grime, he set the standard for what the genre could achieve. Despite his initial meteoric rise following his 2003 debut album, Dizzee Rascal has continued to release music steadily, with "Don't Take It Personal" marking his latest endeavor. While the album does suffer from excessive length, it still delivers an infectious energy that makes for an enjoyable listening experience from start to finish. It's fascinating to witness Dizzee Rascal's ongoing contribution to the realm of UK hip hop, maintaining those distinctive grime undertones. Here's hoping he remains a fixture on our radar well into the future.
Chelsea Wolfe She Reaches Out to She Reaches Out to She3.5
Chelsea Wolfe's latest album sees her returning to her darkwave roots, albeit with a subtle twist. This time around, she delves into the realm of trip hop on several tracks, a move that feels both natural and inevitable given her flirtations with the genre over the years. In "She Reaches Out to She Reaches Out to She," Chelsea plunges headfirst into trip hop territory, crafting atmospheric compositions punctuated by rhythmic drum fills. Despite this departure, the album retains the timeless ethereal and haunting charm that defines Chelsea's music, evoking a sense of foreboding throughout many of its tracks. However, a recurring issue that persists, as with many of her previous releases, is the tendency for the album to become somewhat one-dimensional after the halfway mark. Additionally, certain tracks, such as the glitchy "Eyes Like Nightshade," raise questions about their cohesion within the overall album narrative. Nonetheless, the album offers a solid listening experience that immerses you in its haunting atmosphere, even when Halloween is far from sight (at the time of its release).
Little Simz Drop 74.0
While many were captivated by Little Simz's previous releases, I found myself less enthralled, with the more popular one being my least favorite. Thus, my anticipation for her next move was somewhat tempered. However, with her ongoing "Drop" EP series, Little Simz ventures into new territory, incorporating elements of UK garage and EDM that have played a significant role in shaping the UK hip hop scene. Although the EP may lack depth, its foundation is built upon solid ideas that ignite a dance-worthy journey from start to finish.
Panda Rosa To Fire Clay3.5
The Australian-based electronic artist continues to immerse listeners in rich nostalgia through hypnotic electronic progressions and various samples, including late 90s and early 2000s TV commercials. "To Fire Clay" serves as both an ode to the recent past and an exploration of its resurgence today, effectively capturing the essence of nostalgia. However, the album's length and occasional one-dimensional sound detract from its overall impact. Despite this, its jamming and fun style make it difficult not to vibe with during its 50-minute duration.
Asian Glow Unwired Detour3.5
The latest mixtape/album from the prominent post-emo artist, Asian Glow, offers a compelling blend of noisy indie haze that characterizes much of the contemporary emo music scene. What sets this release apart from Asian Glow's previous work is the remarkable focus exhibited throughout the tracks, striking a balance between complexity and accessibility. Previously, Asian Glow seemed on the brink of greatness but occasionally faltered under the weight of overly intricate ideas. However, this release showcases a newfound clarity and direction, making it a joyous listening experience. Anticipation builds for what Asian Glow will bring to the table in future endeavors.
bulletsbetweentongues The Lights Never Lie4.0
Immersive and unapologetically raw, this metalcore and screamo offering wastes no time in delivering its visceral impact. Clocking in at a mere 20 minutes, the album relentlessly assaults your eardrums with ferocious riffs and blistering screams, leaving you brimming with adrenaline and ready to break through walls. While the brevity of the experience may leave you craving more, it serves as a tantalizing glimpse into the band's potential. One can't help but anticipate the exciting directions this group will explore in the future.
The Last Dinner Party Prelude to Ecstasy3.5
The inaugural album from the London-based, five-women-led ensemble, The Last Dinner Party, unveils a compelling collection of indie pop anthems that seamlessly blend the modern production and lyrical sensibilities of the contemporary alternative pop generation. This eclectic band draws inspiration from a diverse range of influences, infusing their music with the danceable and progressive pop elements reminiscent of ABBA, subtle Glam pop undertones reminiscent of Roxy Music, and a variety of shades echoing artists like Kate Bush and others from the 80s pop era. Despite these influences, The Last Dinner Party manages to carve out a unique sonic identity, standing out with their distinctive sound and exceptionally witty and "progressive" lyrical content. While the album shines in bringing a fresh perspective to a somewhat dormant glam pop sound, there are some areas where the band could refine their approach, particularly in crafting a consistent lineup of standout tracks from start to finish. Nevertheless, the album injects a new vitality and charm into the somewhat stagnant realm of glam pop.
L Devine Digital Heartifacts2.5
A surge of alt-pop artists has emerged, facing the challenge of differentiating themselves within the expansive genre, and L Devine's debut album finds itself navigating through this landscape. The album reflects a noticeable influence from Olivia Rodrigo, making it somewhat challenging to discern L Devine's distinct artistic identity. While there is potential and intrigue in the artist's work, it becomes evident that the forthcoming releases will be crucial in honing and defining a unique sound that sets L Devine apart within the alt-pop milieu.
Persefone Lingua Ignota: Part I2.0
The metal band hailing from Andorra persists in a trend of uncertainty regarding their musical identity. Recent releases have seen them treading the familiar path of progressive and melodic death metal, and the latest EP follows suit. While not inherently subpar, it fails to contribute anything novel to these well-established genres. The listening experience, though not objectionable, tends to be somewhat forgettable, with the music easily passing through one ear and out the other without leaving a lasting impact.
Plantoid Terrapath4.0
The inaugural album from the British psychedelic and progressive jazz-rock ensemble delivers a spellbinding and expansive journey within the realm of rock. It's fascinating to witness the surge of innovation and expansion in the progressive rock scene, particularly in the resurgence of neo-prog, where many acts revisit the "classic" psychedelic sounds of the 70s and 80s. Plantoid firmly establishes itself as a noteworthy player in this progressive rock revolution, showcasing their prowess in crafting an evocative sonic experience. Anticipation builds for their future endeavors as they contribute to the genre's evolving landscape. Despite the album's overall excellence, there's a notable struggle with "Terrapath" in its ability to leave a lasting imprint from start to finish. While it creates a captivating vibe during playback, it tends to fade into the background once it concludes. However, amidst this, the album boasts stellar tracks, particularly when the band hits its stride and delves into a groovy musical exploration. The potential showcased by Plantoid leaves an exciting prospect for their future artistic endeavors.
Tha God Fahim Supreme Dump Legend: Soul Cook Saga4.0
Boom bap continues to assert its dominance in the underground scene, and Tha God Fahim's latest album exemplifies his ability to craft an elegant, no-frills boom bap experience with the assistance of producer Cookin Soul. Fahim embarked on a mission to deliver a concise and direct boom bap album, and he undeniably succeeded. Each track on the album is memorable, leaving a lasting impression that beckons listeners to return for subsequent listens. While it may not completely knock your socks off, it unquestionably stands out as a highlight of the year in the realm of boom bap thus far.
Caligula's Horse Charcoal Grace3.5
If you've been following Caligula?s Horse as long as I have, you probably have a good idea of what to expect here. "Charcoal Grace" sticks to the band's familiar blend of progressive rock and metal, a style they consistently alternate between. Despite this, the band continues to create songs that are captivating and engaging, ensuring a consistently stellar album listening experience. "Charcoal Grace" follows suit, providing another solid and enjoyable listening experience. However, for me, the band would need to make more significant changes to their style to create a perfect album at this point.
The Smile Wall of Eyes2.5
Just like the debut album from Thom York?s new band The Smile, ?Wall of Eyes? comes across as a somewhat diminished iteration of what many of us Radiohead fans have come to love. The sophomore album unmistakably channels a more experimental vibe, but with the heavy underpinnings of ?In Rainbows.? While this could be exciting in many ways, it's challenging not to be somewhat distracted by that sensation. Despite this, there are elements and aspects that I genuinely enjoy, such as the experimental drone closer in "Under Our Pillows" or even the pop melodies reminiscent of Father John Misty in "Friend of a Friend." However, I struggle to discern a distinct vision beyond Thom Yorke playing Radiohead-esque music without embodying the essence of Radiohead, which, frankly, is a source of annoyance for me.
Goth Babe Lola2.0
In theory, Goth Babe's music should be enticing, but in practice, his debut album appears inconsistent and one-dimensional. A significant portion of "Lola" seems to inhabit a space reminiscent of an imitation George Clanton vibe, lacking the compelling ideas that make George Clanton exceptional. "Lola" is essentially a vibe album, struggling to diversify its atmosphere from track to track.
Katy Kirby Blue Raspberry4.0
Katy's latest album showcases a diverse array of influences and ideas, culminating in a genuinely emotional and powerful singer/songwriter record. From the Fiona Apple-inspired "Hand to Hand" to the brutally honest and affectionate "Blue Raspberry," this album gradually takes your mental state to a place of profound love-lust. While the album may exhibit some two-faced moments, and the intense tracks at the very end might be a bit overwhelming, it remains a lyrically dense and genuinely breathtaking listening experience.
Ty Segall Three Bells3.5
An interesting comparison arises between the latest Tyler Segall album and Daniel Rossen's recent solo release, "You Belong There." Both records adopt an experimental progressive rock vibe to define their style. They feature evolving and inventive classic progressive rock melodies and delve into cryptic lyrics about modern society. "Three Bells" stands out as a breath of fresh air for the somewhat stuttering garage punk artists from California. Tyler infuses a progressive and experimental tint into his noisy garage rock and psychedelic vibe, making the album undeniably enjoyable. However, the record's major drawback is its significant length. It could have benefited from a more concise arrangement, especially with tracks blending together towards the end.
Olhava Sacrifice2.5
The bedroom black metal act returns, persisting in the heavily atmospheric and nuanced style of blackgaze and new age ambient music, similar to what they presented on 2020's "Ladoga" and 2022's "Reborn." The album features fifteen-plus-minute blackgaze tracks interspersed with five-plus-minute ambient interludes. While the band demonstrates a clear mastery of their craft, much of this style seems to be a rehash of their previous work, albeit with increased one-dimensionality. The group appears to be losing momentum, and one can only hope for a change in direction in the future.
Courting New Last Name2.5
Not quite sure what the UK-based crank wave band had in mind when creating their sophomore record. Courting veers away from their crank wave roots, delving straight into a 2000s-style Indietronica and post-punk revival sound, which unfortunately doesn't do justice to the band. Additionally, the vocal editing on this record is downright annoying. That being said, if you're a fan of the 1975, you might find this somewhat appealing, as it dabbles in similar ideas. Despite the missteps, it's evident that the band had fun making the album, and there are a few memorable moments scattered throughout.
Kill The Thrill Autophagie3.5
The return album from the early 90s and 2000s industrial rock and metal band proves they still have their musical prowess. Despite keeping it relatively simple with a fusion of post-rock and industrial rock, the progressions and ideas showcased in this album are consistently solid from start to finish. The instrumental arrangements are well thought out and expertly performed, contributing to a cohesive and engaging listening experience. However, it's worth noting that the album, while enjoyable, is noticeably lengthy. Nevertheless, it holds considerable staying power for me and serves as an excellent background album.
Tapir! The Pilgrim, Their God and The King Of My Decrepit Mountain4.0
The UK-based bedroom folk ensemble unveils a luminous and promising future for the expansive experimental folk scene through their inaugural album, "The Pilgrim, Their God, and the King of My Decrepit Mountain." Divided into three acts, seamlessly amalgamating their previous two EPs and culminating in a final act, the album presents a cohesive narrative that effortlessly flows. Each act encapsulates riveting instrumentals and innovative concepts, showcasing the depth of their artistic expression. Nevertheless, within each act, a standout track emerges alongside two others that may be perceived as mere filler. Act One, "The Pilgrim," introduces the grooving and progressive masterpiece, "On a Grassy Knoll, We'll Bow Together." Act Two, "Their God," features the haunting and crank wave-inspired "Gymnopédie," while the concluding Act, "The King of My Decrepit Mountain," boasts the transformative closing opus, "Mountain Song." In its entirety, Tapir's debut album is expansive and dynamic, marked by exceptional songwriting. However, there is room for improvement in crafting a more holistic listening experience to elevate their work to greater heights.
Twin Tribes Pendulum2.5
The band's third album maintains their exploration of darkwave and coldwave concepts, but for enthusiasts of these genres seeking innovation and excitement, this release may not fully satisfy. "Pendulum" offers a pleasant listening experience, particularly suited for accompanying the chill of winter days with its ominous atmosphere. However, the album's ideas fail to ignite inspiration or offer much in terms of originality. Once the album concludes, the memory of its content quickly fades, lacking the compelling drive to warrant repeated listens.
Fabiano do Nascimento and Sam Gendel The Room3.5
The collaborative album from saxophonist Sam Gendel and classical guitarist Fabiano de Nascimento offers a light and whimsical listening experience. While the album occasionally feels one-dimensional and stagnant, its airy quality consistently engages both the heart and the ears. It's worth a listen, especially if you're new to classical guitar music.
chazaiya Wake up and smell the petrichor3.5
Chazaiya, an enigmatic Australian producer, presents a new album that stays true to their signature style of hazy, instrumental, and lo-fi hip hop production. For those familiar with the realm of "rainy hip hop" beats on platforms like YouTube, the album offers a familiar yet refreshing experience. However, "Wake up and smell the petrichor" distinguishes itself with beats and ideas that are more nuanced and sophisticated compared to the typical fare found online. Drawing from a diverse array of soul and R&B tracks spanning decades, Chazaiya weaves together a tapestry of sounds that make for a delightful and buoyant listening experience.
Charlotte Sands can we start over?3.5
There's much to appreciate in Charlotte Sands' debut album, blending elements of the 2000s radio pop-punk scene undergoing a rebrand, akin to artists like Olivia Rodrigo. Not only that, but the album also incorporates a substantial dose of the rapidly emerging alt-pop genre-z style. "Can We Start Over?" stands out as a lively and emotionally charged rock record, seamlessly weaving through awe-inspiring pop-rock and punk ideas. It may verge on being a bit corny at times, but let's be honest ? what gen-z pop music isn't?
Glass Beach plastic death3.5
The post-emo band undergoes a significant change in style and sound from their previous work. Much of the raw and emotional post-emo aesthetic has been replaced, offering a raging and progressive indie rock anthem of a record. Drawing inspiration from the 90s indie scene, especially in terms of progressions and overall atmosphere, the album unfolds as a long and winding journey. It encapsulates everything you would desire from a modern indie record; however, when you peel away most of the layers, the album feels somewhat shallow. While all the ingredients for a great listening experience are present, the record struggles to fully resonate with me. Nonetheless, it's a breathtaking concept from glass beach, and I eagerly anticipate what they have in store for the future.
Viva Belgrado Cancionero de los Cielos4.5
2024 is kicking off with remarkable strength, and the latest Viva Belgrado album is truly something to behold. 'Cancionero de los cielos' may not reinvent the wheel in terms of the alternative rock and post-hardcore fusion, and the band wears their influences on their sleeves to some extent. However, every element presented on this album is meticulously crafted, performed, and produced, evoking a flood of emotions. It serves as a journey through themes of love and passion. Despite my limited proficiency in Spanish, the heart and soul behind each track are palpable. If you have any affinity for melodic and anthemic post-hardcore, especially with a shoegaze twist towards the end of the album, this is undoubtedly worth a listen.
SENTRIES Snow as a Metaphor for Death4.5
There are numerous positive aspects to glean from the sophomore release by SENTRIES. Firstly, the band extensively explores various facets of noise rock, whether it's the slacker and post-punk-leaning 'How Many Fools Can I Kill Today?' or the full-fledged industrial techno vibes of 'Entity/Selector.' Surprisingly, there's even an alternative rock track later in the record reminiscent of Radiohead. Undoubtedly, the band ventured into a myriad of ideas, and for the most part, it paid off. 'Snow as a Metaphor for Death' emerges as an energetic and blistering noise rock record, fearlessly experimenting with different styles.
Cowboy Sadness Selected Jambient Works Vol. 14.0
The debut album from the three-piece post-rock ambient jamband introduces a bright and shimmering style of instrumental rock music, interwoven with lush and rich atmospheric drones. The cover of ?Selected Jambient Works Vol. 1? depicts a serene and dry field at dawn, evoking an empty yet warm atmosphere. This imagery aptly mirrors the album's sound?a warm and welcoming collection of post-rock melodies seamlessly melded with ambient drones in the background. It?s definitely worth a listen if you're seeking to vibe out for an hour or so.
Crizin da Z.O. Acelero3.5
The third installment from the Brazilian rapper and producer collective, known for their genre-blending and energetic sound, continues to showcase their prowess in seamlessly blending various styles of Brazilian pop, electronic music, avant-rap, and other electronic genres such as deconstructed club and techno. The four-member group presents a dynamic and ever-evolving array of tracks in their latest release, "Acelero," where each composition exudes a lively and exuberant quality from the outset to its culmination. However, my primary critique lies in the sensation that some tracks fall short of fully captivating my attention. While the album undeniably grabs the listener's ears and pulls them in from the very start, it struggles to sustain this engagement throughout its entire duration. Despite this, "Acelero" remains an engaging and enjoyable listening experience from beginning to end.
Kali Uchis Orquídeas3.5
Kali Uchis' latest album explores a return to Latin pop and delves into genres such as Reggaetón. She continues to captivate audiences with her lush and highly atmospheric R&B vocals. The addition of sensual Spanish lyrics woven throughout the album creates a danceable and effortlessly enjoyable listening experience. However, the album does exhibit a degree of one-dimensionality, particularly with its heavy emphasis on Reggaetón across most tracks. While it provides a great listening experience in the moment, it falls slightly short of my high expectations for her.
Marika Hackman Big Sigh3.5
Marika's latest album continues her witty and immersive style as an anthemic singer/songwriter. The 36-minute record packs a punch with clever lyrics that may leave you twisting your head in admiration. While the album leans a bit towards the bland side for my personal taste, it presents a plethora of great ideas that are worth revisiting. The boisterous and playful indie folk instrumentals, complemented by light chamber instrumentation and occasional piano ballads, add an extra layer of charm to the overall experience.
Bill Ryder-Jones Iechyd Da3.5
Bill continues to delve into his heartfelt and melancholic singer/songwriter style, a path he has been treading for quite some time now. Henry possesses a remarkable ability to infuse a profound sense of depression and sadness into his music, despite the brightness of some of the instrumentals. While the album may become a bit of a slog at points, there are numerous positive aspects to glean from both the album and Henry's music in general. It might not secure a spot as the best album of 2024, but it undeniably offers an enjoyable listening experience for the time being.
Casey How to Disappear3.5
If you have a penchant for classic-sounding emo music from the 2000s, the latest Casey record, 'How To Disappear,' will make you feel right at home. By no stretch of the imagination is this album particularly original; it unabashedly wears its influences on its sleeves, drawing from bands like Brand New, Modest Mouse, Sunny Day, La Dispute, and more. However, the tracks are memorable and will immerse you in those mid-winter feelings, if that's what you're seeking.
Folly Group Down There!3.5
The debut album from the latest crank wave artist, although I believe they haven't quite fully embraced the genre yet, exhibits a significant amount of potential. To fully capitalize on this potential, they need to refine their style and sound, which currently comes across as a potpourri amidst the broader post-punk landscape. This is particularly evident in the substantial influence of Talking Heads that permeates many of the tracks, notably on the standout 'Strange Neighbor' (even though it's my favorite song by far). Overall, 'Down There!' presents itself as a solid debut album, but it would benefit greatly from carving out a more distinct identity of its own.
Massa Nera/Quiet Fear Quatro vientos // Cinco soles4.0
Two US-based screamo and post-rock bands collaborate to deliver a truly stellar dual album. Reviewing such albums is often challenging due to the inherent separation in the creative process between two distinct bands or artists. However, the seamless interplay between the two groups on each track creates a cohesive experience, as if they united to produce a singular, unified album. From start to finish, the relentless screamo energy persists, enhanced by the ethereal use of post-rock instrumentals at strategic moments. It undeniably stands as a robust screamo record for the year. My primary critique lies in the production, which can feel a bit dense at times, particularly when attempting to amplify the bass beyond its natural capacity.
Orkun A. Archaic3.5
The Turkish-based ambient producer persists in creating their impressionist-based ambient music, which evokes a warm and bright atmosphere even in the midst of bitter cold. The compositions on 'Archaic' are simple yet exude elegance and nuance, captivating listeners from start to finish. This cheerful ambient project strikes a balance, not overstaying its welcome, though it does face the challenge of distinguishing itself prominently within the genre.
Hauntologist Hollow3.5
Debut album from the collaborative effort of drummer ?Darkside? and vocalist, guitarist, and producer ?The Fall? shows a bright potential of making heavy and thick black metal that strays away from even the most typical in the post-metal and black metal styles. Much of ?Hollow? reminds me of the output from Panopticon, especially with the light use of neofolk instrumentals on several tracks. The duo is definitely building out the landscape for their sound and I really cannot wait to see what that turns into.
Marlon DuBois .3.5
This exudes the same pretentious energy as when Loathe released 'The Things They Believe' back in 2021. An artist not typically recognized for ambient production emerges with a pure ambient new age album, and much like the Loathe record, 'period' stands out as an exceptionally well-crafted and produced ambient piece. The entire composition exudes serenity and presents a plethora of intriguing textures. While the depth might feel a bit lacking, Marlon truly embraced the challenge of creating something distinct. Credit is due to them for venturing into uncharted territory.
Skee Mask C3.5
Credit is due to Skee Mask for having this much leftover material from his back catalog, marking his third album of unreleased music. This is especially impressive considering he continues to generate solid ideas for a genre as simple as ambient and minimal techno. Each presentation in small batches provides a captivating listening experience. The sound design effectively evokes a sense of coldness and solitude, aligning perfectly with the desired ambiance for techno. However, like much of Skee Mask's recent work, this album is noticeably lengthy. With nearly an hour of material, it's possible to tire of the techno aesthetic after a while.
Yo (SK) Hopetrain to Universe3.0
There's undoubtedly much to appreciate in the debut album from South Korean-based artist Yo. 'Hopetrain to Universe' unfolds as a winding and ever-evolving art rock record, featuring multiple movements even within a single track. Many of these different ideas on individual tracks are solid. However, the way the album comes together leaves much to be desired. Everything here seems a bit chaotic, whether it's the awkward production and editing or the use of dead space in tracks for transitioning ideas. I eagerly anticipate witnessing the artist's future work, but for now, there's a need for some general structural refinement.

2023
Full of Hell and Nothing When No Birds Sang3.0
When sitting through this album one massive thing is apparent: the two bands, I don?t think, had any idea on how to fuze their sounds together. ?When No Birds Sang? is a very two-faced listened-to experience from track to track. The album starts with a brooding and blistering sludge metal track, which then leads into a dreamy and atmospheric dream pop track. This again continues to go like this for 6 tracks until by the end you wonder why the bands even decided to call this a collaborative album and not just a split album. The presence of collaboration is there, especially by the end of the album, but man I don?t like when bands do this. Still, the tracks on here are solid and will get you in your feelings if you?re not careful.
Plini Mirage4.0
Australian-based guitarist comes through with another jammy and ethereal style of progressive rock and djent guitars with his sophisticated use of jazz progressions. Although his fits in the same structure as it always does. It?s always a nice change of pace from a lot of heaviness we see from modern djent. The EP is simple and you?ll be jamming out for 25 minutes.
Unprocessed ...And Everything In Between3.5
I was not expecting the German-based progressive metal band to show such a diverse change-up. Unprocessed has always been plagued with being such an uninspired band. They have always tried to be like someone else and although this idea still somewhat holds on their fifth album ?...and everything in between?, it just feels a little different. They are leaning more into the meme side of overproduction with blast beats that are edited to sound overly produced or synthesizer work to keep you guessing what?s next. The band is pulling a lot of inspiration from Polyphia and Jason Richardson (ex-Chelsea Grin and Born of Osiris member), but there feels to be something budding here and I hope they continue to explore that.
Within Destruction Rebirth4.0
I like my modern Deathcore to sound like an absolute meme and this new Within Destruction has everything you could ever want from an absolute on-slot of a joke deathcore release. From the insane pig squealing screams at the end of ?Fallen Omen? and ?Ethereal Wrath? or even the impossible kick drum beats on most of this album. But the playing is intense, the ideas are amazing, and it?s all presented in a lovely EP.
Yukika Time-Lapse4.5
Simple yet sophisticated city pop EP from the stunning YUKIKA. It is hard to even emphasize how lush and shimmery ?Time-Lapse? is. From the opening guitar and ethereal city pop synthesizers on ?How To Love? with that infectious saxophone blaring you know exactly what you?re getting into. It?s short and sweet, but everything is textured and written so damn well that it?s easy to see the enjoyment. Great listen for the coming spring season.
Panopticon The Rime of Memory4.0
Austin is back with his newest record under the Panopticon name and just like with all his other releases in this vein, it?s some of the strongest ideas in the modern black metal scene ever. The way he can create such harrowing beauty and texture for such a one-dimensional style of music always puts me in awe. Austin focuses a lot more on the black metal side this time around, however on each of the five main tracks there is a heavy focus on one intricate style of Americana instrumentation. Whether that be the lush guitar and string start of ?Winter?s Ghost? or the haunting use of a triangle on ?Cedar Skeletons?. This album will have to jamming for the full hour it?s on. My biggest complaint still holds from previous releases where the pacing of tracks can be a bit awkward to the point of tracks being too long.
Fawn Limbs and Nadja Vestigial Spectra2.5
The newest album from the well-established underground avant-metal and mathcore band Fawn Limbs sees the band collaborating from an established doom metal band Nadja. In many ways, this is a heavy and intricate use of mathcore, death metal, and of course droning doom metal. However much of this album feels like it can never quite be several things at once. Some tracks are heavily focused on the blistering death metal and mathcore while other tracks are a full focus of doom and drone metal. I just have a hard time putting all that into the idea here.
Danny Brown Quaranta3.5
I want to start by saying the lyricism on the sixth solo album from Detroit rapper Danny Brown is probably his most blunt and direct set to date. He doesn?t beat around the bush with his self-reflection on the last 40 years of life and music. Plus the first six tracks show a real ability to create experimental abstract hip hop beats. Bringing in legendary underground rapper Quelle Chris and Chris Keys as well as Kassa Overall leads to a lot of expansive and interesting instrumental backdrops over Danny?s heart-wrenching lyrics. However, the last five tracks (other than maybe ?Celibate?) are some of the most boring styles of abstract hip hop. I have never been a fan of the overly simple abstract hip hop scene that has come up since MIKE and Earl Sweatshirt blew up the scene several years ago. Overall ?Quaranta? is Danny?s most lyrically blunt record to date and there are some truly amazing beats on here, but he seems to lose focus on the instrumentals in the back half leaving to very weak set of closing tracks.
Earthside Let The Truth Speak4.5
Eight years in the making; Earthside?s sophomore record ?Let the Truth Speak? is everything I have wanted to hear from the band, but nothing more. From the very beginning of this record you know what you are in for. Expansive and evolving progressive metal with the band?s signature symphonic orchestration has made the band who they are. Plus the use of post-rock atmospheres and builds continues to allow for even more explosive highs when the band goes for it. Take the monumental single ?Let the Truth Speak? with its angelic vocals by TesseracT lead singer Daniel Tompkins and continually evolving strings and metal guitars leading to a passionate and inspiring track. Plus the band even takes some risks like jamming ?The Lesser Evil? by bringing in soul legend Larry Braggs of the Temptations and meme saxophonist Sam Gendel of clowncore. ?Let the Truth Speak? is a continuation of the band?s huge sound and I am all for it, no matter how campy the style can be at times. Hopefully, we don?t have to wait as long for a new album, but genius takes time.
Julie Byrne With Laugh Cry Laugh Julie Byrne With Laugh Cry Laugh3.0
Ambient folk and new age artist Julie Byrne released a collaboration EP with her indie folk band Laugh Cry Laugh. In many ways, you can sense they are working through the collaborative kinks. Much of this four-song EP sits in a simple indie and contemporary folk bag with a new-age classical closer that feels more at home for Julie. I hope to see this band branch into its own unique sound, but for now, we are left wondering how the group will grow.
Frost Children Hearth Room3.5
The second album for the duo of 2023 sees them drastically redirect their blistering and bright hyperpop sound for a more subtle and indie rock direction. ?Hearth Room? is a simple indie and post-emo record that very much relies on the songwriting ability in which the duo shows off some great writing abilities. Won?t blow your mind, especially for how much influence they are taking from acts like glass beach, but there are a lot of memorable moments here.
TEMIC Terror Management Theory2.5
The debut album from the progressive metal band definitely shows some promise, but this album is a bit too goofy to sit through. All the 80s synthesizer work makes me question what vibe the band is entirely going for. Plus the constant change up in a single song can be a bit jarring. Overall it?s an average progressive metal record that has some promise with more focus on ideas and progressions.
Texas in July Without Reason3.5
Deathcore band Texas In July makes a return after a nearly 10-year hiatus in which they keep it nice and simple. ?Without Reason? is a heavy-hitting and passionate set of djenty deathcore which most people would expect from the band. The playing is well executed, the performances are heavy and passionate, and everything comes together in a nice little package. Won?t blow anyone away by any means, but definitely enjoyable while it?s on.
Wind Walkers What If I Break?3.0
If you followed the post-hardcore movement of warp tour in the 2010s then this will sound very familiar. The sophomore album from the Massachusetts-based band shows off the ability to make modern post-hardcore jams that one would expect from Polyphia, if not to the distraction point. But ?What If I Break?? Is fine for what it is. It?s enjoyable while it?s on but completely forgettable when it?s off.
Blockhead The Aux3.5
Upon the first few listens the newest album from one of the biggest names in underground rap production continues to show a great ability of morphing hypnotic beats over eclectic rappers. ?The Aux? starts as strong as any abstract hip hop album could with mesmerizing and looping jazz rap beats. Plus the first few features kill it, whether that be Billy Woods, Aesop Rock, or Quelle Chris. However, the flaws start to poke through the more you listen to it. Not every rapper on here sounds as good as others. Blockhead tried to incorporate everyone?s rap style, however, it failed when the artist was not a very good rapper. For example ?God is Busy? is such a bland Earl Sweatshirt clone it?s uncanny. ?Hater Porn? feels like a low-level Griselda track, and don?t even get me started with an awkward closer with Danny Brown. Overall it?s still a solid vibe and has a lot of decent ideas throughout, but has a hard time sticking the landing with how bland some artists are on here.
Material Girl Izumi Hazuki End of Days3.5
Rap and rock have always had a turbulent relationship. The third album from Material Girl sees them revolve their sound away from the more sound collage style of hip hop and more into things like experimental rock and folktronica. The ideas are definitely all here however, I feel there needs to be more time to sit with them. Material Girl definitely has a clear vision of what they want this rap and rock album to sound like. However, Everything comes off as a mangled, massive point with a lot of clashing instrumental pallets over subdued vocals.
Last Dinosaurs RYU4.5
This indie record exudes a lighthearted, fun, and bright energy that, while not entirely original, boasts infectious grooves and captivating vocals. Its appeal is so undeniable that I find myself listening to it on repeat without getting tired. Give it a try; you won't be disappointed while it's playing.
PinkPantheress Heaven Knows3.5
The debut album from the RnB and drum and bass underground darling is a lot of what you would expect from her. Hypotonic drums, mesmerizing vocals, and sterling production. On top of that, there are some quality features from Kelela and Central Cee. With that said this album is a bit stale and one-dimensional. There are several tracks that feel like other tracks, leaving you wanting some more diversity. Her breakout EP felt so much more focused and narrowed compared to this. Gemma has come a long way and I can?t wait to see what she builds into the future because she is still one of the most promising experimental R&B artists out there, just needs more time to marinate.
Kevin Abstract Blanket2.0
The first release for Kevin Abstract since the breakup of his rap boyband BROCKHAMPTON and it?s easy to tell he is trying to reestablish himself as a solo musician. Much of ?Blanket? is a somber and quiet set of indie rock and bedroom pop tracks that feel like a very modern take on alt-pop. The album is simple and easy on the ears, however, there is nothing all that memorable about it. With time Kevin can build on this sound and make it his own, but for now ?Blanket? is a mess which is to be expected.
Tkay Maidza Sweet Justice3.5
Tkay Maidza?s newest album after her blow-up with the 2020 stellar second installment of her EP series ?Last Year Was Weird? shows her trying to reach the same highs as that EP but without the comfort of a short listening experience of an EP. ?Sweet Justice? is an amalgamation of ideas that she has been known for up to this point. From the chillstep influences on the intro track ?Love and Other Drugs?, the 2000?s neo-soul glimmer of ?Won One?, or the hybrid trap bass of ?Free Throws?, Tkay gives you a lot of different styles. This is where the biggest flaws are, ?Sweet Justice? is a hot mess stylistically. She seems to be throwing everything at the wall and seeing what sticks. This listening experience is solid from front to back, but the execution leaves me wanting more. Plus the amount of influences she is wearing on her sleeves can be a bit distracting.
The Alchemist Flying High, Part 24.0
A huge improvement on the first installment earlier this year of the ?Flying High? EP series from legendary producer the Alchemist. The features brought in feel established over their representative beats, and even Alan himself shows off his rapping ability on the opening track ?Turkish Link?. The beats are all that you would expect from the beat maker with jazzy hypnotic drums and horns over the hazy style well-known by Alan.
Drop Nineteens Hard Light3.5
After a lengthy breakup, some of the original members of the 90s shoegaze group Drop Nineteens came together to release their third album ?Hard Light? and I have to say they kind of kindled that classic 90s shoegaze and garage rock sound they established on their 1992 album ?Delaware?. ?Hard Light? won?t wow you by any stretch of the imagination, especially because the modern rebrand of shoegaze is infinitely more interesting than this more classic sound. But it is a light, airy, and above all else memorable album.
Spiritbox The Fear of Fear3.0
I have always found Spiritbox to be way more interesting on paper than in actuality. Much of their modern rendition of 90s alternative metal can sometimes come off as janky and uninspired. However, where the band always excels is when they release singles. ?The Fear of Fears? lead-up single was harrowing and jaw-dropping alternative metal and metalcore tracks that will have to want to get back into the mosh pit. However, the other tracks on this EP leave me wanting more. I believe there is a great set of tracks that the band could create, but for now, I will just continue to wait for that day.
Silent Planet Superbloom4.0
The newest album continues to show their dominance of the atmospheric metalcore scene that we have now seen starting to catch on in the underground. ?SUPERBLOOM? though sees the band branch more into alternative and industrial metal that we have not seen the band do in the past. Without a doubt, they execute this idea with flying colors, but it does feel like they left a lot on the bones here. I think the band could absolutely execute a much stronger style here and I think the closing title track shows that ability off perfectly. I can?t wait to see how the band builds off this because this leaves me very excited about what they have for the future.
Matmos Return to Archive3.0
Like with all Matmos projects the ideas sound cooler than they actually are. If you have never heard of the electronic production trio, their gimmick is they tie one hand behind their back with every release. The hindrance they put on themselves with this new album is they use only samples from a research-based recording studio whose research was on recording all-natural samples. From animals and insects to human bodily sounds. ?Return to Archive? has a focused idea in which the groups focus on rhythmic techno-inspired progressions with these very abstract samples. However, I wish the group would have gone for a more ambient or sound college idea than trying to create these abstract rhythms and grooves from the samples. I just have a hard time sitting through this without being bored. Every track kind of feels the same as the last. The only difference is on the 13-minute title track in which they do exactly that. A more sound collage and ambient that progressed nicely from one sample to the next.
Reverend Kristin Michael Hayter SAVED!3.5
The newest album for Kristin sees her continue on the path of her last album ?Sinner Get Ready? (under her established Lingua Ignota pseudonym) with its harrowingly dark and experimental style of gospel and hymn music. Much of ?SAVED!? is laced with heavy catholic imagery, but with a continued dark undertone to make your religious friends question themselves. With that being said ?SAVED!? feels like a significantly weaker record than ?Sinner Get Ready?, many of the tracks don?t really go far enough with their style. Kristin seems to want to keep the experimental vibe with the various tracks using warped tape recordings or broken instruments. However, I just wish most of the tracks would take that even further and do more of what ?Sinner Get Ready? did. Still, it?s an expansive listen from front to back and you should definitely give it a listen for something a bit different.
The Callous Daoboys God Smiles Upon the Callous Daoboys5.0
Ohh hell ya, this new Callous Daoboys EP might be one of the most spastic and expansive mathcore records in the modern era. The way the band experiments with these glitches that cut in and out from various other sounds (whether that be a breakbeat drum fill, a saxophone, a TV sample, the list is endless). I cannot wait to see what the band has instore with a new full-length album, because they put a lot of hard word into this and it definitely shows.
Sampha LAHAI4.5
After well over 5 years we finally got the sophomore album from the very promising UK-based RnB artist Sampha. ?Lahai? is very much a continuation of the R&B-styled UK bass and art pop that Sampha started with on his debut album. However, unlike his debut album, I think the focus and drive for consistency drives this album well above the last. Take the very opening track ?Stereo Colour Cloud? with its UK bass drums laced with this lush rhythmic piano progression. This slowly builds into a future garage-style track reminiscent of the early dubstep days of the UK. Or take the track ?What If You Hypnotize Me?? with its future garage backbeat that slowly builds over Sampha?s singing. This is a closely matriculated record that weaves in and out of various UK styles. With that being said there are some small lowlights. Mainly the three-track progression in the middle: ?Satellite Business?, ?Jonathan L. Seagull?, and ?Inclination Compass?. The more simplistic singer/songwriter aesthetic does not work well with Sampha?s vocals. Still, this is a really excellent album and well worth the long wait.
Barry Can't Swim When Will We Land?2.0
It?s deep house music with a small use on various tracks of organic house. So on the surface, this should be a subtle but vibe-filled listening experience. However, the debut album from the outside house producer sees him completely scrap the more experimental twists he was known for on his EPs for a very bland and one-dimensional house record. Nothing about this album is all that original and it takes a lot of power just to finish it. Hoping for him to return to the underground house style he was known for before.
Maria BC Spike Field3.5
In the one year since her debut album ?Hyaline,? you can sense a true sense of progression in Maria?s sonic ideas and structure. Everything on ?Spike Field? is more focused and has a much richer sense of ambiance and texture. But, with that said for an ambient folk record with a heavy leaning on post-rock and indie folk I wish she pushed this idea further. There are some great examples on this album of rich and expansive-sounding ambient folk tracks like on the opening track ?Amber? with the guitars subtle build laced over booming drones that eventually overtake the track. Or even on the post-rock ballad of ?Return To Sender? or ?Daydrinker?. But this album has several tracks that dip into other areas of folk and singer/songwriter that I don?t think Maria is all that good at. For example the really awkward psychedelic folk track of ?Mercury? nothing fits together and it comes off as extremely awkward. Or even the odd piano lead closer to ?Spike Field?. Still the experimentation on tracks like ?Lacuna? and even the aforementioned ?Spike Field? do add a lot to the experience. Overall Maria is still showing a lot of promise and I hope to see her continue to build on these ideas.
Family Dynamics Service4.0
I am breaking my rule here by reviewing this Family Dynamics one and only release. ?Service? was originally composed and bootleg released way back in late 2012. However, the band was extremely obscure and the bootleg copy became lost to time. 11 years later someone has put ?Service? onto streaming services and Bandcamp for purchasing. Family Dynamics was a ?supergroup? created by the original drummer of At the Drive-In. Much of this album sits in an Avant-garde style of folk music akin to that of Ryan?s other obscure band ?Stars Like Fleas?. Right from the opening strums of ?Questions (Invocation),? you can sense the huge amount of Fleet Foxes' influence this album took. This album is equally abstract and mystical as it is warm and cozy. ?Service? swims in its own atmosphere much like many famous Swans records. But it also isn?t afraid to add textured freak folk melodies here and there. The band really just let it fly on this album and it sure is a magical listen from front to back. We will never know what could have been, but at least we got to see something as unique as this be released.
Sun June Bad Dream Jaguar4.0
The Texas-based band continues to develop its indie style with their most unique and atmospheric record yet. ?Bad Dream Jaguar? is a simple set of indie pop and folk tracks that weave in a lot of ambient textures with Americana guitar riffs or synthesizers. The album might be simple on the ears, but it packs a solid punch from front to back.
Troye Sivan Something to Give Each Other3.0
Even with a slightly above-average album from the Australian native Troye Sivan, there are a lot of positives to take away from the album. For one the single ?Rush? could be the best single he has ever released to date. Plus he continues to flex his slight experimentation on the 2-step and future garage burner of ?Got Me Started?. However, unlike the singles, this album is a bit of a letdown. Whether it comes from the bland synthpop and alternative RnB track of ?One of Your Girls? or the extremely one-dimensional ?Still Got It?. But even those there are some diamonds like funky and raw ?In My Room? or the deep house trigger of ?Honey?. Overall it might be a letdown, but it still shows that Troye is ready to try a lot of different ideas.
L'Rain I Killed Your Dog2.5
The third album from Taja Cheek is another evolution from her wonky and detailed style of neo-soul and neo-psychedelia. Half the album is these lengthy and integral styles of art pop, post-rock, and soul music to melt your mind. However, the other half of the album is these random interlude snippets of sound collage and experimentation that add absolutely nothing to the album. Together this album feels and sounds like a mess with inconsistent structures and constant builds into nothing. It?s a vibe while on, but utterly forgettable when over.
Boygenius the rest3.0
The sad girl trio of Julien Baker, Lucy Dacus, and Phoebe Bridgers come back with their sophomore EP in which we see a continuation of their somber and heartbreaking style of indie folk and singer/songwriter. In many ways, these do feel like b-sides from the trio?s debut album ?the record? with its disjointed listening experience and how solo each track sounds. The group doesn?t really present a boygenius EP as they do a set of singles from each artist's back catalog. Still, it?s an emotional and campy listen for all those sad girl-fall vibes.
Jamila Woods Water Made Us3.5
There is a lot of spark and enthusiasm being portrayed out of this third record by Jamila Woods. Her music has never redefined anything when it comes to soup and RnB, but it?s always been her performances and instrumental palate that have raised her above her contemporaries, in which we continue to see this on ?Water Made Us?. There is so much heart and drive right from the start that doesn?t slow down other than on a few slow-burning tracks here and there. With that said this album is not going to blow anyone away and that?s fine. It sits in its lane and does a great job with what it wants to be.
Holly Humberstone Paint My Bedroom Black3.0
It?s definitely a very solid debut album from Holly, especially after the amount of growth she has shown on her last EP. However, on a full album, you can hear a lot of the influences she is working with and it can be extremely distracting. Whether it be the somber style of Frank Ocean on ?Superbloodmoon?, the Phoebe Bridgers or Lucy Dacus underpinnings of ?Ghost Me?, the small Taylor Swift influence on ?Antichrist?, or the Lorde influence on ?Flatlining?. Still, most of the album is a fun listening experience from front to back and there is still a lot of great promise here.
Crosses Goodnight, God Bless, I Love U, Delete.2.5
The lead singer of Deftones comes through with his second album under the pseudonym Crosses, and just like with his 2014 album under the name nothing about the album feels as bold as you would want it to be for such an array of styles. Much of the album sits between the haunting style of darkwave and electro-industrial but tries to bring in too many alt-pop and synthpop progressions that make this such a dry listen. Don?t get me wrong there are a lot of awesome ideas on here like the El-P feature on ?Big Youth? or the various heavy-hitting deconstructed club banger of ?Invisible Hands?. But it?s hard to get through this whole thing without feeling underwhelmed.
Blue October Spinning the Truth Around (Part II)2.0
I feel like Blue October is too old at this point in their lives to be trying to make ?young? people music. To have a 47-year-old Justin singing about longing for love from his middle school sweetheart feels a little tacky if you don?t ask me. But moving on to the newest Blue October album feels like they are pulling at the lowest common denominator of alt-pop and alternative rock to try and corral any new fans they can. But for a band that has not been relevant since the early 2000s that?s kind of pulling at strings. Much of the album has these overlay-long and lifeless alternative rock triggers that go nowhere. Other than a handful of highlights here and there, this just doesn?t seem like it?s worth anyone?s time.
The Drums Jonny4.0
There are not many straight indie albums that can grab me in the modern era like this new Drums record has. This album is just filled to the brim with light and fluttery indie bops. From the various indie surf vibes like ?Obvious? and ?I Want It All?. Or maybe you want some indietronica waves to bop your head to tracks like ?I?m Still Scared? or ?Dying?. Hell, there are even some well-crafted post-punk and post-punk revival tracks by the end of the album like ?Plastic Envelope? and ?Obvious?. This record is filled with charm and energy that few modern-day indie albums can bring. It feels like a great amalgamation of indie styles new and old coming together in such a bright way. With that said the album is a bit dry in spots, especially on some of the more jangle pop-leaning tracks. Plus it is far too long by the end with various tracks going on for far too long.
Helena Deland Goodnight Summerland3.0
The sophomore album from Helena strips back her sound even further to focus on atmospheric and meditative folk and singer/songwriter music. Take the mellow and yet haunting ?Roadflower? with its cutting low note piano cord that cuts right through the lush and playful folk guitar melody Helena is singing over. Or take the sunny and bright ?Spring Bug? with its playful guitar lick and drum beat to tap your foot too. The album slowly evolves as you listen from light and playful to a sinister and dark folk listen. However, the more playful sound is significantly better than the darker tracks on the back end. I have a hard time getting through the back end of this album because of that.
Avenade Our Raging God Unknown to Us4.5
The third album from Matt Hawkins (probably best known for his No Agreements supergroup) under the noise rock pseudonym sees Matt continue to expand upon and experiment with the noisy undertones of rock music, whether that comes from noise rock or shoegaze and the aggressive nature of genres like alternative metal and post-hardcore. ORGUTU is an intricate listening experience that can take one a few tries to get settled into, but once you get used to the noise and blistering ideas you will be shown how innovative this album is. Each track is laced with some classic 90s recording haze that has become popular with punk music. But each track weaves in and out of various styles as mentioned above. Whether that be the ever-grooving alternative and stoner metal style of ?Prism? or the droning metal style of ?Myasthenia?, or even the use of ambiance on the 17-minute monster of ?Separations, or the Grim in Four Acts?. Avenade asks a lot from its listener, but you will be shown what true modern alternative metal could and should sound like.
Svalbard The Weight of the Mask3.0
The fourth solo album sees the UK band continue to do what they have been doing for the past 8+ years. Harrowing and fast-paced black metal style instrumentals with emotional screamo lyrics with various bits of post-metal thrown in from time to time. Nothing about the bands? style has evolved from their inception, which was great at first but is now starting to dwindle in appeal. The band desperately needs to innovate its sound if it ever plans to be something better in the future. With that said it?s a solid listen while it?s on, just feels like ideas they have always been doing.
Sufjan Stevens Javelin4.0
Sufjan Stevens returns with a return to his personal side with ?Javelin? in which we get that lush and every glowing indie folk and singer/songwriter that he presented on ?Carrie and Lowell?. I will make it clear I was not and am still not much of a fan of ?Carrie and Lowell?. Everything felt too one-dimensional and slow resulting in a hard listen regardless of the lyrical content. ?Javelin? on the other hand incorporates a much stronger sense of atmosphere and presence making for a much better listening experience from front to back. Those somewhat spacey chamber instrumentals and synthesizer work he presented on ?Planetarium? return here but with a much smaller scale, which is nice because that album can be a challenge to sit through if you?re not ready for it. With that said this album still has some boring components in the middle half that could have been either extended or removed overall. Still, this is one of the most focused short albums from Sufjan in a long time so definitely give it a listen.
Omar Apollo Live For Me2.0
An extremely strong start with an emotional and potent bedroom RnB track akin to Frank Ocean. But then the quality dips drastically into bland Frank Ocean praise on the following three tracks, which leave you scratching your head about what happened. The first album carries this score so hard it?s not even funny.
Slauson Malone EXCELSIOR3.5
When ?EXCELSIOR? hits it hits really hard and well. Take the well-rounded jazz track of ?Half-Life? with its building indie rock guitar into a post-rock ragger by the end. Or take the dub-inspired ?No!? With its booming bass that gets your head going. When Slauson focuses on well-rounded and properly executed tracks this album sores. However, just as is the case with all of Slauson?s releases, there are so many underwhelming and underperformed ideas that leave you wondering why it?s even here. There are so many 2 minute or less tracks that feel more like demo ideas at their best. Slauson has come a long way from their bombastic origins in Standing on the Corner, however, they continue to be unable to get back to the charm that was that group. It still has a definite vibe while on, just has so many random low moments.
Dorian Electra Fanfare3.5
Definitely a step up in quality and sound from past Dorian releases, but it still suffers from the corniest and bombastic style fusions that have plagued their music since ?Flamboyant?. You will be present with bright and hypnotic bubblegum bass-style production over various shades of industrial rock and metal, EDM, and electropop. The lyrics contain the usual flamboyant positivity one would expect from a Dorian release so at least they are not straying too far. But overall as a listening experience ?Fanfare? is an exciting step forward into the theatrics I have wanted their music to be, but it still has a lot of head-scratching moments leaving me wanting more.
KANGA Under Glass3.5
The third album from the LA-based duo continues to show a futurepop-leaning synthpop and darkwave album with its thick atmosphere and 80s futuristic style. The album is a perfect vibe for when you want to just feel like you?re racing in a DeLorean of the future. The band continues to paint themselves into a corner with how one-dimensional this style is, but hey it?s solid when it?s on and the ideas are solid to maybe keep you coming back once in and awhile.
Timber Timbre Lovage2.0
The newest album from the long-standing folk and Americana band continues to see a watered-down and phones-on style they have been producing on their last few releases. From start to finish you will be given some theatrical Americana with Arctic Monkey style indie-ism and awkward vocals.
Truth Club Running From the Chase3.5
The band?s sophomore album is a continuation of their slow-building style of indie rock and post-punk with emo lyrics. Without a doubt, the album has that raw energy that I am always looking for when it comes to post-punk, plus the tracks are all memorable in their own unique way. The biggest problem is various tracks have such a slowcore leaning to them that it can completely distract from the rest of the album.
Oneohtrix Point Never Again3.0
The newest album from the legendary and ever-evolving Daniel Lopatin shows a fusion of the progressive electronic styles of ?Magic Oneohtrix Point Never? and the experimentation of his trip threat early 2010 albums. However, he also brings in a heavy dose of chamber orchestration and manipulation across the board. With this heavy use of manipulation and experimentation, you can hear the constant mix bag this album brings sonically. Many tracks on here lack substance while other tracks completely miss the mark. But many of the tracks do have a subtle but expansive set of electronic progressions mixed with chamber orchestration to keep your ears peaked. Overall I never know what to expect from OPN and there is definitely a great album here, just not sure what was presented in that album.
Code Orange The Above3.5
Code Orange could go down as one of the most hated alternative metal bands in the modern era, and many times I have never quite seen the hate. The band, for the most part, comes out with explosive and energetic metalcore and alternative metal that isn?t too far from the hay-day of these genres. This is especially the case on their newest album ?The Above?, with various heavy alternative metal bangers with various nu metal, metalcore, and even some alternative rock tracks thrown in at various points. Is it going to blow your socks off, absolutely not. But, it does house a lot of classic ideas that we have not seen in a long time and it all comes through with their unique style. Metal heads are just going to hate I think.
pulses. It Wasn't Supposed To Be Like This3.5
The third album from the Virginia-based swancore band sees them continue their evolution of danceable and groovy post-hardcore. In many ways, they have proven to be more interesting than the recent set of DGD albums. With booming and fun-sounding hardcore music that draws a fine line between annoying and amazing. However, this album is all over the place in ideas. They constantly switch between various shades of swancore and math pop to mutant disco and dance-punk. Plus, there are various features brought in that brings their own style whether it be rap metal or ska. It?s a decent album, but it can be all over the place on a full listen.
Thank You, I'm Sorry Growing In Strange Places1.5
?Growing in Strange Places? is an even worse brand of Brand New?s style of emo and indie rock that I honestly would rather listen to Brand New, and I?m not a fan of that band at all. The indie instrumentals are bland, the singing is uninspired, and the emotion is lifeless. Really nothing about this album is memorable other than a few key drum highlights here and there.
Steven Wilson The Harmony Codex4.0
There is a lot to take away from the newest Steven Wilson album. For one he continues to branch away from his own brand of art pop/rock and progressive rock. He started this progression on his last full-length album ?The Future Bites? in which we saw him experiment with progressive pop and synthpop. Here we see him go back to his early progressive electronic music like on his one band ?No-Man? or pseudonym ?Altamont?. From the opening minutes of ?Inclination? with its syncopated drums glitchy away across a dark drone backdrop you know you?re in for a much different listen than what he has been known for a while. To me, this is a welcome change because he really fumbled the ball on the newest Porcupine Tree record. ?The Harmony Codex? is a winding and artist piece of electronic and rock music not to far off from a Thome York. My biggest flaw is the random 10-minute ambient piece that sticks out like a sore thumb. It?s a fine piece of ambient music, but it feels so random and draws a lot of life out of the album.
Matana Roberts COIN COIN CHAPTER 5: In The Garden...2.0
The avant-garde jazz composer comes through with her newest addition to the long-running ?Coin Coin? projects. It continues the spiritual poetry reading and avant-garde jazz passages that Matana has been known for up to this point. However, unlike past releases, this album feels disjointed and unbalanced. There are many times when a song barely develops and just ends abruptly going into a new song. Other times tracks go on for far too long with no end in sight. It?s just a mess to sit through and enjoy, especially by the end where I am beyond the avant-garde and free jazz noodling that plagues many tracks here.
Armand Hammer We Buy Diabetic Test Strips4.0
By far the best Armand Hammer project the duo has released. ?We Buy Diabetic Test Strips? doesn?t suffer from a lot of the common pitfalls of abstract hip hop that the duo themselves have been in violation of. It has those classic low-key and hypnotic vibes that you would come to expect, but the instrumentals are diverse and intricate enough to leave each track as an individual experience. Plus the diverse set of producers brought in leave you with a satisfaction that not many abstract hip hop albums can do. My biggest downside is the project can still be a bit long, and there are still a handful of tracks that run the plague of typical abstract hip hop trends. But, overall, a very solid release for the duo.
Abadir Ison3.5
The Egyptian producer comes through with his newest album where he continues to experiment with classic Egyptian music like Coptic music and Bellydance music. Everything comes together in this deconstructed club and epic collage way that makes for an intense and ever-building bombardment of sound. Can the album come off as flat in spots, absolutely, but a lot of great ideas are presented here. Abadir continues to be an experimental electronic artist mastermind when it comes to playing with a lot of unique ideas and putting them together in an explosive way.
Flooding Silhouette Machine2.5
The sophomore record from the three-person slowcore and post-hardcore act continues to see them evolve their brooding and haunting heavy slowcore vibe. However, just like with their last album, I always feel like other acts from the 90s and 2000s have done this style significantly better. All the ideas are present for a great record, but nothing feels all that gratifying which is essential when it comes to amazing slowcore and post-rock. The screaming adds a lot of texture, but I also feel they focused too much on trying to be like sudo sludge metal more than classic post-rock.
CHAI Chai2.5
The fourth album from the four-women Japanese group sees them continue to water down their brand of synthy dance music. Ever since the band's dance-punk debut album in 2017, they keep releasing more watered-down versions and here we see probably the base of that sound. With simplistic and somewhat unmemorable dance and synth funk cuts that really question what the band was doing. Don?t get me wrong, there are some interesting ideas here and there just like there always are. Like on the groovy and heavenly ?I Can't Organizeeee?, but the whole album is just a slog to sit through.
underscores Wallsocket3.5
The sophomore record from April sees them continue to explore wonky and sometimes outlandish fusions of indie rock and electronic music. ?Wallsocket? brings a lot more to the table with the dropping of the awkward hyperpop vocals laced over the heavy indie rock instrumentals. April?s voice feels a lot cleaner over less edited vocals. On top of that, they have several singer/songwriter tracks on here to bring their voice front and center. With that said, ?Wallsocket? still has a slew of awkward and low moments laced throughout the way to long run time. Hoping to see this cleaned up because this sophomore album is much stronger in ideas and flow than the debut album.
Kylie Minogue Tension2.5
The newest album from the long-standing disco artist sees a return to her origins with soaring pop dance melodies and hooks that really don?t sound all that unique or original in the current landscape of nu-disco. There are a lot of similarities here to the bombastic disco sound she made in her early career and even at that time her music was fairly bland. I was expecting more after such a huge upswing in experimentation on her last album, but alas going back into her safe zone.
TesseracT War of Being3.0
On the band?s fifth album, they seem to be reaching into the progressive metal and rock bucket they started with back on their 2011 debut album. Since that time the band has not strayed a whole lot from their djent-filled progressive metal with a mix of post-metal ambiance. However, for me, this new album feels as stale as their 2018 album was. Most of the album is the same thing over and over again, which is fine in small chunks but as a whole listening experience, this falls kind of flat.
Baroness Stone3.0
The long-standing stoner and sludge metal outfit somewhat bounced back with their sixth album after an abysmal 2019 stoner rock album. They return to their heavy psychedelic metal vibes here and it works out decently well. Plus the small inclusion on various tracks of post-hardcore I think adds a whole lot of punch that the band really has not had in a long time. I?m still not the biggest fan of the band overall but the simplistic use of sludge and stoner metal guitar riffs makes for a pleasant listening experience.
Alan Palomo World of Hassle4.5
The Neon Indian comes through with a new pseudonym in which he drastically shifts his sound outside his more traditional chillwave style for a much heavier influence from 80s sophisti-pop and house music (as well as city pop in tracks like ?La madrileña?). In many ways, if you are at all a fan of Ginger Root, then you will feel right at home. The airy and heavy saxophone on every track balances out the rhythmic and hypnotic house grooves that back each track. On top of that the range of vocals from Alan adds even more groove to this already groovy album. I can understand where there is hate with an album like this, it?s very campy and has a lot of 80s-isms that many people will find annoying. But something about it just vibes from front to back (infinitely more than his Neon Indian music).
Shakey Graves Movie of the Week3.5
It?s definitely a solid indie folk and folk pop record. There are a lot of memorable tracks on here, however, the biggest distraction for me is the heavy Beck influence on many of these tracks. It can almost be so distracting that I have forgotten that I?m not listening to Beck.
Corinne Bailey Rae Black Rainbows3.5
There are definitely a lot of risks Corinne takes on her new album. For one she takes a leap into various shades of art pop and jazz music. Whether that comes from straight vocal jazz ballads like ?Peach Velvet Sky? or with avant-grade saxophone and drums on ?Black Rainbow?. But not only that she also grabs at some heavy-sounding garage rock revival like ?Erasure? and ?New York Transit Queen?. With that, she also pulls off some expansive and encompassing straight art pop and rock tracks like on ?Earthlings?. However, with all this experimentation and risk comes a potpourri effect making the listening experience really disjointed at points. Still, this is definitely a step in many new directions for Corinne and I can?t wait to see what she does in the future because she is playing with a lot here.
Sextile Push3.5
There might not be anything revolutionary when it comes to this synth and dance punk record, but the breath of styles and ideas helps carry it. Whether that comes from the hardcore breaks on ?Crassy Mel?, on top of the heavy synthesizer used. Or the big beat laced ?New York? you will get a wide array of hardcore electronics and experimental punk styles.
Ruby Haunt Between Heavens3.5
Victor Pakpour and Wyatt Ininns continue down their moody dream pop and synthpop aesthetic that they have been building upon since their 2015 debut. In many ways, their music is a comfort album. It?s a light and airy set of tracks backed by some moody and ?edgy? slowcore lyrics. My biggest problem is that their sound is starting to run its course after 8 consecutive albums of basically the same thing. I wish they would expand more on each release, but hey they are extremely consistent and that?s something.
World's End Girlfriend Resistance & The Blessing4.5
It?s very rare for a nearly 2 and a half hour album to be as captivating and intense of a listen. Well, this new album from a Japanese-based composer and producer creates a challenging yet enchanting album from front to back that ebbs and flows through various forms of neoclassical, post-rock, sound collage, and breakcore. It?s hard to fully digest this album in one listen and in many ways, this album is crafted to be digestible in multiple sittings. However, even then this record is a perfect thing to put on when you want a theatrical and enchanting album to listen to. My biggest highlight comes at the end in which they manipulate the classic Ave Maria song into a haunting and chilling sound collage piece that is hard to top. Overall it?s a challenging listen and could turn a lot of people away, however, there is a lot of greatness here that people deserve to experience.
Olivia Rodrigo Guts3.5
There are a lot of positives to take away from the sophomore album from Olivia Rodrigo. For one she continues to grow the energetic and modern-sounding pop style that she instantiated on her debut album two years ago. There is a wide ray of genres and styles being put on display here. From the post-punk revival introduction song ?all-american bitch? to the pop punk and alt-pop rager of ?bad idea right?, and the passionate anti-build of ?vampire?. Not only that but Olivia is growing into her own unique style that she can continue to build off of into the future. Still, the more singer/songwriter tracks don?t work very well in the back half, I would rather see her continue to develop the angst punk styles she is playing with. Overall though it?s a great sophomore record that grows her brand further, which is amazing to see for gen-z pop music.
James Blake Playing Robots Into Heaven2.5
A huge change for the long-standing post-dubstep artist. James Blake has been growing his emotional and potent style of post-dubstep and future garage music for some time now, however on his past few releases he has gone more commercial than in his early years. However, on a recent EP and in recent interviews he has talked about wanting to go back to his roots, and ?Playing Robots Into Heaven? is exactly that. A simple yet dark future garage record that feels as much like his debut album as it does his early DJ sets. However, I have never been a fan of James' early work in which the vocals always came off as bland or too simple. We see a lot of those issues on his new album. Most of this album is a very simple and bland taste of future garage, which has slowly become one of my favorite styles of garage music. There just doesn?t seem to be a lot of effort put into this record, whether that comes from awkward minimal techno ?Big Hammer? or the micro sound title track ending. There is just not a lot of interest here.
Tinashe BB/ANG3L4.5
I continue to love this trajectory for the LA-based RnB artist. She continues to drive in her own lane with lush and perfectly executed garage-style RnB.
V Layover4.0
The debut solo EP from the BTS member shows a continued ability from the BTS members to make lush and intoxicating RnB music without needing all the members to bog each other down. ?Layover? is a jazzy and bright RnB album that shows off the hazy and sexy vocals of Kim, and why in many ways he can outshine most of his BTS members. It comes in and lays you down on a soft bed, before sending you off with an emotional closer. Great way to send summer off.
Anjimile The King3.5
The newest album from the Boston-based singer/songwriter continues to show development and evolution, while still suffering from the constant fluctuations that Anjimile has been known for most of his records. ?The King? is more of his haunting and experimental style of avant-folk and art pop than one would come to expect from him. From the industrial-inspired ?Animals? to the psychedelic progression of ?Harley? you will be given a wide pallet of folk styles. Overall, it?s a very solid listening experience, but it still has a potpourri issue with constant fluctuations in styles that can make it a bit jarring. I think if he stayed to one style his albums would come out excellent, but for now, we still get a lot of great songs.
Irreversible Entanglements Protect Your Light2.5
It?s definitely a fine album while it?s on, especially with the more free jazz-leaning instrumentals that wash through on every track. However, the Moor Mother-led jazz group continues to be plagued by the inability to make interesting songs to listen to. When this album is over, I have completely forgotten what I just listened to because of how lifeless the instrumentals can be at times. Plus, the awkward slam poetry readings that Moor Mother presents really don?t add much other than a distraction. Not too into this album, but Moor Mother is still one of the greatest genre-pushing artists out there.
Roisin Murphy Hit Parade4.0
I started this album not very happy with the way it sounded. Everything felt one-dimensional and bland when it came to this art pop and house fusion. However, as I have listened to it more and more the growing appeal of this record becomes apparent. ?Hit Parade? is the most focused record Róisín Murphy has ever come out with in the longstanding disco career. Long gone are those disco-infused influences and incomes of various shades of deep house. Whether it comes from natural instrumentation like on ?CooCool? or on the more outsider house-leaning tracks like ?You Knew? you are given a wide array of house styles. DJ Koze really adds his unique sense of influence to these tracks, which helps lend a dense amount of layering to Róisín Murphy's vocals. Still the end of this album sort of fizzles into what I call overall bland house music, which diverts the listening experience for sure. Overall, though ?Hit Parade? is as it is advertised, filled with house hits for all those who love deep house.
Puma Blue Holy Waters4.0
When the sophomore album from bedroom RnB artist Puma Blue was announced I was extremely excited for how much I have come to love his debut album. The subtleties of music have always made for an emotional and airy listening experience. Luckily enough he continues to make atmospheric and soul-sucking RnB music again on his sophomore album. Pulling from a lot of different artists from King Krule to classic 90s experimental RnB artists you will get a wide array of ideas and styles. But above all else is the heavy use of jazzy horns and drum fills (more so here than on his debut). The first four tracks on this record are a perfect balance of moody atmosphere and progressive downtempo melodies to get you hooked. Plus the last three tracks close everything out so nicely. It is the middle part of the album that suffers the most here, however. With dull ideas that fizzle into nothing I wish Puma left these out or played with the ideas some more. Still, a great listening experience from front to back and will be on heavy rotation for the rest of the year.
Slowdive Everything is Alive3.0
This is a win in my book for Slowdive. The fifth album, the second in their comeback, shows that they still can make slow-paced and spacy-sounding dream pop, without sacrificing what they have always been known for; shoegaze guitars. All their past releases have had the same issue, one-dimensional and campy ideas that always felt shallow and boring. That issue still plagues this new album, but maybe with my growing age, this sound is growing on me. But I still have a hard time sitting through this album without wanting to fall asleep. In spurts however this a soothing and low-key dream pop and post-rock album. Don?t have to think too hard while this is on.
The Spirit Of The Beehive I’m So Lucky4.5
The newest EP from the Phili-based band continues to show that they are one of the most exciting and explorative psychedelic bands of the modern area. I will be the first to say I have never loved ?classic? psychedelic music and I especially don?t like the modern rebrand of the genre. So when bands like SOTB continue to make experimental and noisy-sounding psychedelic music I will always pay attention. Here the band goes more into a post-punk direction which I think works really well for the band. Would love to see them continue to expand on this into styles like art punk, dance punk, and even synth punk. I think their neo-psychedelic style could fit nicely over those more artistic styles.
Tiny Skulls Songs From Some Depressing Movie2.5
The ideas are all there; an anthemic and building indie rock record with positive lyricism. However, nothing about this album other than the last few tracks is all that interesting. As soon as the album is over, I completely forget what I just listened to. I believe this stems from an issue with interesting structures and ideas. Everything presented here feels ripped right out of the worst indie rock scene of the 2000s but with modern production. It feels like Arcade Fire or any other number of 2000s indie bands could have made this album. Still, I think the band can grow and build into a solid and interesting sound if they come up with a more interesting and memorable idea of indie music?maybe Indietronica and heartland rock?
Aviations Luminaria2.5
Normally progressive metal and djent records like this would be right up my ally. But, I am having a really hard time connecting with the third album from the Boston-based band. Maybe it?s the obvious amount of ?noodly prog nonsense? that they are using from track to track. Or maybe it?s the somewhat lazy-sounding performances across the board. It?s not a terrible album when you have it on in the background, but as soon as I start focusing on it I get extremely bored with it quickly. Pretty sad because I know a lot of people have had high hopes for this band, but they continue to never stick for me. May they stick the landing on the next one.
Sprain The Lamb As Effigy4.5
It?s hard to put into words the sonic on-slot one experiences while listening to this sophomore record from Spain. Whether it be the bombastic and noisy no wave passages on the opening track and ?We Think So Ill Of You?. Or maybe it?s the post-rock and experimental nature of the various ten-minute tracks. Or even the barn-burning noise and drone passages that are laced throughout the two 24+ minute tracks. ?The Lamb Of Effigy? is an experimental masterclass of how to use various shades of rock music and minimalism to create a bombastic and sometimes challenging listening experience, that only bands like Swans have been able to put forward. However, that is my one criticism of this record. The amount of Swan's praise going on from the band's massive discography is pretty potent. Whether it be the band's noisy rock outfits early on in their career or their experimental post-rock stuff from their 2010s area, there is a lot of Swans influence. This is perfectly fine and this is an exceptional album, but it can be distracting at times.
Jeff Rosenstock HELLMODE3.0
I completely get the hype for an album like this. It?s much of the same energetic and anthemic style of punk and power pop one has come to love from Jeff. For the first half of this record, as well as the closer, you get exactly that. Explosive and intricate lyrics over the same bombastic punk instrumentals keep you dancing through the end of summer. However, this album dumpster dive is with its singer/songwriter elements near the mid-to-late half of the album. Jeff absolutely should not be strumming an acoustic guitar at any point since his singing ability is not all that interesting. Not only that but the two or three songs that incorporate more of a noise rock element also sound extremely awkward when you listen to them (especially on ?Soft Living?). Overall, this is a solid listen for the first half and then slowly becomes a pain to sit through until you finally get to the grand closer ?3 Summers?.
Holding Absence The Noble Art of Self-Destruction3.5
The UK-based band builds off of their sophomore record with ?The Noble Art of Self Destruction? being an emotional and soaring alternative emo record. There are still patches of post-hardcore thrown in throughout the record, but they seem to have found footing in this more emotional 2000s sound that is going around right now with alternative rock and metal. Although the album has some great highlights, the third album seems like they are already running out of steam. This style died for a reason back in the mid-2000s and they are kind of showing that off here. With cringy emo lyrics that feel outdated and performances that can stray too bland. Still, this is a solid release and I hope the band can continue to evolve this sound. But clean it up and maybe bring in some other influences.
Asking Alexandria Where Do We Go from Here?2.5
?Where Do We Go From Here??, the ninth studio album from the UK-based band, asks the question many of us have been asking for the last 15+ years. Seriously, where do we (i.e., Asking Alexandria) go from here? Well, the answer is still not doing alternative metal. They do bring in a heavier metalcore sound that they would have done back in the day, but this band always lived in the meme, space in the late 2000s. It was a perfect space for them. As they have continued to adventure past that they sound more and more awkward, with this ninth album being the same. Overall, it?s a mess of an album with tracks that go all over the place, some highlights, some low lights, and nothing that stands out as amazing.
Toro Y Moi Sandhills1.5
Ya let?s not ever make an alt-country and indie folk album again Chazwick. It doesn?t fit your style and you really don?t do the genre any justice here.
Des Rocs Dream Machine2.5
I don?t think I have ever seen such a huge amount of Muse and The Killers influences on a single project. The sophomore record from the solo project of Danny Rocco sees him depart from his more noisy debut album to create a completely hard rock and alternative rock project (akin to those bland 2010 albums bands would put out that my college radio station would play). Honestly, there is nothing bad about this album, but there is also nothing memorable, other than the closing track. The anthemic nature of the record can be a distraction from the bland writing and performances.
The Armed Perfect Saviors3.0
I continue to want this band to be great. Through the years and sonic change-ups, they have evolved a lot. But one thing that constantly plagues their music is the complete inability to make a good-sounding back half. It?s interesting to see this issue continue to plague them even back in their mathcore days. On the band's fifth album, they start off extremely strong with noisy and energetic post-hardcore, which builds into a noisy and experimental art rock track. But as soon as the band moves away from this it starts to go downhill fast. When they start playing around with alternative dance and new rave, things fall apart. By the end of the album, you get an indie rock piece that feels so out of place that you question what you just listened to. Overall ?Perfect Saviors? starts like all their records, expansive and energetic, but falls apart roughly halfway through until by the end you question what the band was thinking.
Spellling Spellling and the Mystery School2.0
I?ll die on my hill that Chrystia Cabral is one of the most interesting Bjork clones out there, but she makes a lot of the same mistakes that modern Bjork records make. The fourth album sees Chrystia continue down her haunting and anthemic style of avant-pop. But the issue that I always have with her music is that the vocals never fit the instrumentals. Her evolving vocal delivery should sound so beautiful over a complete chamber pop album or even a synthpop album. However, she chooses this dark and haunting style, which deserves a low vocal range, which she does not do. Overall the fourth album does not move the needle for me on how much I don?t get the hype of Spellling, but hey maybe one day it will click with me.
The Word Alive Hard Reset2.5
Hard reset indeed, was it the reset the band needed; no. I fell off the Word Alice bandwagon many years ago when I realized there were many better metalcore bands. However, the singles leading up to this new album gave me hope that maybe the band could nail a rebound. However, what they present on their newest album is as sloppy is many of their albums have come to be through the years.
lowheaven collapse3.5
Definitely a solid start for the new band with its brutal post-metal guitar riffs and harrowing screamo lyrics and vocals. But everything does feel shallow at points and the EP does not feel very complete when it?s over. Post-metal needs a lot of time to develop and the group is not developing things well. Hopefully, in the future they give a grand and intense debut album because the ideas and styles are there, they just need to narrow their focus some more.
Asia Menor Enola Gay3.5
The debut album from the Chile-based band shows an artistic art punk direction that they can continue to play with for a long time. ?Enola Gay? from front to back is an ebb and flow of art punk mixed with shades of post-hardcore, noise rock, post-rock, and math rock. In many ways, they are taking the torch from the heavy rebrand of post-punk with the post-Brexit genre. However, with that comparison comes a lot of waiting, and this album is nowhere near a lot of the top modern post-punk bands out there right now. Several tracks don?t have a lot of presence to them, and the overly long last two songs make the album drag out for much longer than it needed to be. Still, the energy and ideas are all present on this debut and I can?t wait to see the band continue to play with everything.
Earl Sweatshirt and The Alchemist Voir Dire3.0
It?s an Earl Sweatshirt record, it?s slow-paced and somewhat uninspired abstract hip hop that any stoner would be pleased to put on. Something about the Alchemists beats even feels as phones in as this brand of abstract hip hop has been famous for. It?s a vibe when it?s on for a while, but by the end, I?m about over it.
Quavo Rocket Power3.0
One of the three Migos released his third solo record, and it actually has a lot of staying power for such a simple-sounding trap record. Trap has never been my cup of tea, since it?s boom while I was an undergrad. However, the wave of Migos at the time was undeniable since they had a top ability to hit you over the head with trap bangers. However, most of the Migos members? solo material was always a bland and lifeless trap album that would plague the genre for the last decade. ?Rocket Power? main strength is the production, the beats, and the progressions from track to track really make for an enjoyable listen from front to back. With a wide array of producers Quavo gets the most out of them and their beats. Plus, there is a sense of exploration on these tracks which is a welcome addition. With that said, ?Rocket Power? is too long and bloated when you really sit down to listen to it (which makes sense trap music has never been an album-centric genre). So, come and go through the record as you please.
Mick Jenkins The Patience4.0
Finally, Mick Jenkins makes an excellent rap record. The Chicago-based rapper released his fourth album which sees him continue down this conscious boom bap style of music he started to play around with in his 2021 album. ?The Patience? sees a tight track list with hypnotic beats, and well-performed rapping. Plus, there are a lot of witty bars from Jayson, which we really have not seen before. The biggest drawback is that by the end of the album, I kind of wish there was more to some of the tracks. Many of these tracks suffer from what a lot of abstract hip hop has, overly simplistic and short tracks that don?t have a lot of substance to them. Still ?The Patience? feels like a Jayson project he has wanted to fully make and I am really glad to see it is finally here. Hopefully, he is able to continue driving this sound forward through his career.
Cautious Clay KARPEH4.0
Joshua Karpeh?s sophomore album sees him bouncing back after a below-average debut album. In 2019 he dropped one of my favorite bedroom RnB projects I had heard up until that point. However, he could not follow it up on his debut because of how much he leaned into basic alternative RnB tropes. However, on ?KARPEH? he diverts from his roots and comes through with a jazzy art pop and bedroom RnB project that shows a bright creative vision from front to back. From the blaring horn on ?The Tide Is My Witness? to the somewhat math rock guitar work on ?Glass Face?, you will be shown a wide array of styles and ideas. Although the album is to cluttered, there is a lot of ideas that I look forward to seeing Joshua smoothing out into the future.
Genesis Owusu Struggler3.5
Kofi?s debut album in 2021 could go down as one of the greatest debut albums of the modern era. It was such a detailed and expansive record that fused various shades of post-punk and hip hop on top of it being a concept album talking about depression. So, the hype for his sophomore album was huge when he started to announce stuff over a year ago. To say ?Struggler? is a dip in quality is an understatement. The caveat is that this record is still well crafted and executed, but everything here seems like a trial of ideas. Kofi goes headfirst into dance and synth punk, so he is experimenting with a lot of ideas here and it shows. Many tracks feel somewhat sloppy and executed somewhat poorly. But when he nails the sound, he really nails it. Overall, there is more positive than negative, but I think there is a lot of growth going to occur from now to whenever he drops his next record.
Me oh myriorama Iris4.0
With the rise of JPEGMAFIA, and therefore a revamp of glitch hop, there was bound to be some JPEGMAFIA clones, and it?s hard not to see the huge influence Peggy had on Me oh myriorama. From the deconstructed glitching that starts the album on ?Automaton?. Me oh myriorama still has a lot of unique ideas thrown in that make ?Iris? stand out from Peggy. The first is the fact that this is a much denser-sounding style of hip hop (more akin to Death Grips). There are a lot of noisy and clashing electronic ideas coming through. Plus, the flow of the album is a lot more tied together, which makes for a grand listening experience. Overall ?Iris? is a great experimental hip hop album that gives me a lot of confidence that the style Peggy has been driving can be branched off of.
Hail the Sun Divine Inner Tension3.5
I think the rein that Hail the Sun had over the swancore sound is starting to crumble. The band?s sixth studio record shows a lot of the same ideas and sounds they have been showing for the last decade. For many, this is perfectly fine, but I think the sound is starting to get rather stale at this point. ?Divine Inner Tension? just feels like something they have already released before?if not released five times. However, you can tell they are trying to get back to the same highs as 2014?s ?Wake?. Overall, the album is solid while it?s on, but if they continue down this path, I will grow more and more bored with the sound they have been known for so many years.
Jungle Volcano2.0
I have always held out hope that the duo could finally produce a consistently strong album. Sadly ?Volcano?, the duo?s fourth album, is the least interesting yet. On all the duo?s past releases, there were always heavy highlights in the tracklist. However, they also were all plagued by dull moments as well. So, some really high highs with some really low lows and not a lot in between. Although the band?s third album ?Loving in Stereo? showed a steady consistency of mostly above-average tracks with some highlights. ?Volcano? is mostly forgettable other than maybe ?I?ve Been in Love?, because of the Channel Tres feature, and Holding On?, because of its hypnotic baseline. Overall, the album is a dull set of below-average tracks which is hard to see from the duo since they still could have the potential for something great; ?Volcano? is not it thought.
Noname Sundial2.0
Obviously, the antisemitic lyrics by Jay Electronica make this a tough album to review, especially for the political/heady pedestal Noname seems to hold herself at this point in her career. Taking that out, this is a huge dip in quality from her 2018 debut and 2016 debut EP. ?Sundial? feels like a rushed and uninspired-sounding conscious hip hop and jazz rap album in which she tries too hard to make heady points that all fall flat. There are many times she contradicts herself in the album, let alone in old interviews with her. Plus, the jazz instruments all feel like weak b-sides from her last few projects. Overall, this is a tough album to get through, let alone it is completely forgettable when it is over.
Reason Porches3.5
In many ways, this third record from the TDE artist shows a huge growth in lyricism and instrumentals. However, it suffers from being way too long. There are a lot of solid ideas through the near-hour run-time. Plus, for the most part, the songs keep you engaged and interested. However, this record is still way too long for its own good. Hoping to see REASON continue to hone his craft like this and create an even better album in the future.
Move Black Radical Love4.0
Soul Glo?s 2022 ?Diapora Problems? seems to be having a powerful wave of importance for BLM-style hardcore hacks. The debut album from ?Move (BHC)? might be a simple and classic-sounding beatdown record, but its energy, messaging, and experimentation make for truly inspiring and jaw-dropping listening. For the 26-minute runtime you will be hit over the head with angry screamed vocals and classic guitar beatdown riffs. It feels like such a hypnotic listen that you cannot really stop bobbing your head the whole time. Really excited to see what this Boston band does in the future because they have laid down a great framework.
Cunabula The Weight Of Sleep1.5
I got to stop listening to post-metal albums like this because man I cannot sit through this without being utterly bored within the first 10-15 minutes. If you like classic and harrowing sounding post-metal with overly long song structures then give this a go, but for me, this is just so forgettable.
Lawrence English & Lea Bertucci Chthonic4.0
A dense and haunting dark ambient project that perfectly uses the ocean waves and wind to make a dense wall of sound that constantly crashes into the haunting synthesizers and drones being used. ?Chthonic? is as beautiful to listen to as it is creepy. It sounds like you are running away from a monster on the beach at midnight as they grow ever closer to you. The sounds of the waves grow more intense as they come. Great listen to get yourself into the fall season.
To Kill Achilles Recovery4.5
The five-man hardcore band comes back with their third album, and I have to say they have really stepped up their music-writing ability. The amount of emotional and harrowing lyricism on top of the energetic and melodic hardcore instrumentals is something I have not seen from the hardcore seen in a long time. From the absolutely soul-crushing loss of a child on ?Blue? to the intensely beautiful and emotional nature of the closing track, there are a lot of positives to take away from this. If you love classic melodic hardcore, this is not that. But, if you like some clean-sounding but still extremely enchanting and emotional hardcore then you should really give this a try.
Kings Kaleidoscope Kings Kaleidoscope3.0
The Washington-based CCM group continues to show that you can make explosive and fun-sounding praise music without using all the tacky sounds that have plagued the genre for the last 20+ years. Kings Kaleidoscope has always approached CCM from a significantly different angle than any other band in that they actually try to make expansive, if not experimental, pop music for even people like me to enjoy. The first half of this record is what you would come to expect from the band. Math pop and jazz rock instrumentation with sorting vocals keep you engaged from front to back. This even accumulates to 90s alternative rock throwback on ?Radiant Reason?. However, after the halfway mark this album dips into a lot of common CCM-isms that I haven?t really heard them ever do before. They try this more singer/songwriter approach that definitely does not work well for the band. I hope that in the future the band can keep on the path they have been building in the past because they really make some fun and jazzy pop music for all people to enjoy.
Art School Girlfriend Soft Landing2.5
The sophomore record from Polly Mackey sees a continuation of her atmospheric and somewhat haunting style of pop music. However now she brings in more elements of downtempo and even aspects of drum and bass to fill in the empty void with some more hypnotic drum fills. However, I don?t think it adds any more nuance to the already somewhat bland style that Polly has been working with. Every time this album comes on I wish for some more atmosphere or more interesting vocal performances. Everything feels somewhat lazy and monotonous. Still, the album is cool when it?s on, I just wish it brought more to the table as it went on.
Humanity's Last Breath Ashen3.0
It?s heavy, it?s in your face, it?s filled with deathcore memes, and it?s kind of bland. I?ve been a really big fan of this new style of deathcore. The band?s third album felt fresh, energetic, and angry. However, on the band?s fourth album, it feels like they are digging themselves into a hole. There are still a lot of fun songs on here. But you have to take it in chunks. This album loses stream very quickly, so You have to pace it. Overall, the band still has it, they just need to regroup and come up with some better ideas.
Holy Wave Five of Cups3.0
It?s light, it?s airy, and it?s completely forgettable when it?s over (while being fine when it?s on). If you like Tame Impalas' early work then you will probably find this okay, but it is kind of bowing down to Tame Impala. Chill album, but has a hard time sticking for me.
BAMBII Infinity Club3.0
Kristen Azan comes through with her debut EP and I have to say there are some real positives here. From the UK bass and dancehall vibes laced throughout on top of her lush vocals. However, she will need a lot to distinguish herself from the dozens of other RnB artists right now doing this more experimental kind of RnB of UK Garage.
Cowgirl Clue Rodeo Star3.5
It?s definitely a style of music you won?t really ever see again. The first few tracks are what you would expect from a dance-pop and UK garage-sounding track. With booming drum fills and hypnotic dance grooves. However, as you move through the album the more country it becomes, which is definitely an idea to have. Not sure it always works but it?s a cool idea. Overall the sophomore album from the group shows a continued ability to experiment with many different shades of electronic music.
The Maine The Maine3.5
Long-standing pop rock band actually bounces back after a long string of bland releases. The band's self-titled album might be corny to many, but as I age, there are a lot of great ideas on here to dance along to for the summer time. It might not be for everyone, but for me, it?s a solid pop rock record that can stick in your head from start to finish.
Bojockey Bojockey4.0
The debut album from the new UK-based folk artist creates a passionate and bright-sounding indie folk album that could go toe-to-toe with many of the greats in the indie folk scene. The self-titled album is airy and light but hits heavy with dense lyrical topics and yet bright acoustic guitar strumming. Although the album is a bit short and it can have some more dry moments here and there, most of the album from front to back is captivating and memorable. If you are at all a fan of Ben Howard mixed with Judah and the Lion then you need to listen to this.
Travis Scott Utopia3.5
The long-awaited album from Travis Scott is finally here and there are a lot of positives we can take away from it. The continuation of his unique psychedelic trap brand shines through on many of the tracks here. Not only that but the use of industrial hip hop and many other elements of experimental hip hop makes for a varied listen. Travis Scott really has come a long way with his style and he is showing that off in full force. There are some heavy-hitting highlights like the bouncy and bassy ?MODERN JAM?, the rich and atmospheric ?CIRCUS MAXIMUS?, and the grimy and dense ?Lost Forever?. However, what makes these tracks stand out is the features that are brought in (among others). My problem with Travis Scott continues to plague him, he is too much like Kanye West. From the rapping to the production, everything feels like something Kanye has already done. With that said UTOPIA is a much better version of what Donda wanted to be, so there is that. Overall though it?s a really solid listen and the whole album is well-crafted and executed. It just doesn?t deserve the AOTY conversations it?s been getting from hip hop heads because it fails to be anything I would expect from the current change in the hip hop sound.
Georgia Euphoric2.5
Not sure what made Georgia go away from here somewhat experimental pop style to produce a full synthpop album, but it was not exactly the move. There are some solid songs on here and really nothing here is bad. But nothing about this album is all that memorable, and by the end, I have forgotten everything I just heard. Still, it?s fine when it?s one and there are a few highlights that are fun while they are on.
Aphex Twin Blackbox Life Recorder 21f / In A Room7 F7602.0
Renowned IDM artist comes through with his first set of material in five years?and it?s a below-average breakbeat and atmospheric techno record. I have never really been into the Aphex Twin hype other than his most coveted classics, and this continues to show why. Richard has always felt like recently he doesn?t really know what he wants his music to sound like or be like. It?s always a bland accumulation of ideas he has been doing for the last 30 years. Overall it?s fine when it?s on, but it?s forgettable when it?s over.
Carly Rae Jepsen The Loveliest Time3.5
Just as good as the last record with a lot of the same problems in that it has a hard time standing out from other great JRP projects. She continues to dazzle us with bright and shimmery synthpop and dance-pop which all one can ask for from the real queen of modern pop music. It?s a fun listen while it?s on, but by the end, it kind of falls apart with less memorable songs as the beginning.
Madeline Kenney A New Reality Mind4.0
The evolution of Madeline?s music has been amazing to see because she continues to be an adventures pop artist with emotional and melancholy instrumentals and lyrics. On her fourth album, we see an even more steep exploration into various shades of dream pop and ambient pop. She has really built a unique sound that any fan of experimental pop music should give her and her new album a try.
Jessy Lanza Love Hallucination3.0
In many ways, Jessy Lanza is what I always dreamed Kelela would and could be. However, Jessy suffers from the same problems Kelela has had her whole career; one-dimensionality. The biggest positive of this Jessy project of a Kelela project is that it is not bogged down by an hour run-time. The 33-minute and change length of Jessy?s fourth album is a much more enjoyable and digestible run-time than anything Kelela has done. But still, there feels like everything here is a paired comparison to the classics in the UK bass genre. Experimental RnB deserves a heavy boost in this area and I know Jessy can be one of them. She continues to evolve her sound and grow, but not always in the best ways. Will continue to keep an eye out though.
The Clientele I Am Not There Anymore4.0
The UK-based band might not release music very often, but whenever they do you know you?re in for a light and energetic little pop and rock record. Although the album is very much in line with everything they have produced up to this point, it continues to dazzle from start to finish. Plus the inclusion of dark and minimal piano-driven interludes adds a lot of intensity when it needs to be there. Nifty little record from the long-standing band and hope to see them continue to experiment with piano and spoken word passages.
BORNS Suddenly4.5
Yep, I really enjoy this new BØRNS EP, and it comes down to being an energetic and fun-sounding rock record with funky and bouncy grooves across the board. I really enjoy this more Father John Misty style from Garrett, I think it fits his higher register vocal style better than the heavy electropop style he came onto the scene with.
George Clanton Ooh Rap I Ya4.0
Another outstanding album from the vaporwave guru himself. George Clanton bounces back after a side dip with 311?s guitarist Nick Hexum. Here we see George continue down the path that he builds on Slides, with hypnotic and chill vaporwave style aesthetics with his signature dreamy vocals. Although the album feels not as expansive or revolutionary as Slides, it still goes down as one of the best modern chillwave albums. Plus the highlights on here are absolutely mesmerizing when they come on.
TURQUOISEDEATH Se Bueno2.5
There are a lot of interesting things presented on ?Se Bueno?. From the rich atmosphere and builds of post rock to the energetic and chaotic nature of drum and bass. However, nothing on here really stands out as being all that memorable. The ideas are certainly there but everything feels dull when you put it all together. Still, there is a lot of ideas I look forward to seeing in the future from this artist, but for now, all we can do is wait
iANO What Will We See4.0
There are a ton of positive points to take away from this sonic change-up for Chris McCracken. Chris has always had the ideas of an atmospheric and isolated singer/songwriter. However, his somewhat goofy use of hypnogogic pop and HexD has continually plagued his music. ?What Will We See? sees a huge shift into various shades of electronics and progressive music, in the same vein Thome York has always done with his solo material. The downtempo and trip-hop-infused ?Prodigal? gives you the first taste of what you?re in for. This builds into a post-minimal passage on ?Wander into Dust? with airy and bright piano-laced pop melodies (kind of like Sondre Lerche). From there we get a light atmospheric folk track with a hypnotic guitar loop. By the end of the album, we get a monstrous 33-minute closure that weaves in and out of various progressive electronic and pop landscapes to tie everything together. Altogether ?What Will We See? is an adventurous and atmospheric gem of a record that people should hear if they want a campy-sounding album. However, the album does suffer from losing me in the middle half, plus the 8-minute-long drone piece at the end of the closing track really doesn?t seem necessary.
Fleshvessel Yearning: Promethean Fates Sealed2.5
The debut album from the Illinois-based avant-garde death metal band sees them advance more into symphonic progressive metal and avant-garde metal while striping back the heavier death metal ideas they had on their debut EP in 2020. The four lengthy tracks are spaced out by full modern classical vignettes to help cleanse the palate. However, that is one of the biggest problems I have with the album. Each vignette adds nothing to the album other than to serve as a distraction from the listening experience. However, the other flaw with this album is the lack of ideas and engagement. Most of this album feels okay when you are listening to it, but the band is constantly going through various sound changes mid-song, which leaves you confused about what happened. The ideas are all there, but they are jumbled together haphazardly and with no structure. Hopefully, the band can clean this up, because many of the passages are intriguing to see.
NewJeans Get Up5.0
The sophomore EP from the Korean group continues to show that modern UK garage and RnB can be amazing when it is done well. From front to back, you are given hypnotic garage drums with lush and sensual sounding RnB vocals to keep you coming back. For how short the EP is, it really packs a punch all the way through and will have you pressing repeat as soon as it?s over. Frankly this is a perfect modern UK garage listening experience and therefore it is getting a perfect score.
Paris Texas Mid Air3.0
Huh, is definitely an attempt to be great. Paris Texas?s second full-length album is a bold attempt to make a modern rap-rock album, and although there are many times where they fall well short of that, there are some extremely memorable and exciting ideas here. It?s tough when Genesis Owusu came out with such a stellar version of that exact thing two years ago. Still, the group has a lot of promise and can have an adventurous-sounding album. Like the dancehall ?Sean-Jared? or the post-punk guitar work of ?Bullet Man?. Overall there is a lot of promise here, and I will continue to explore the group in the future, but for now, there is still a lot of work that needs to be done.
ODESZA and Yellow House Flaws in Our Design3.5
ODESZA has never been my favorite electronic artist to gain fame while I was in high school. However, his newest EP feels like a very stripped-back version of chillwave. It is very reminiscent of those mid-2010s tropical house pop albums that blew up but didn't try to bog you down with obnoxious vocals and presentation. It?s not a fancy EP by any stretch of the imagination, but it has a lot of presence to keep you coming back. There is a lot of weird Tame Impala influence that is hard to shake, but otherwise a strong vibe for the summer season.
Nas Magic 22.0
In many ways, this new record from Nas feels like a bunch of low-rate b-sides from his stellar 2022 record KS3. Because of that listening to this from front to back is underwhelming and by the end, I would much rather listen to his better modern releases. Don?t get me wrong there are some solid ideas here and there that could be solid singles, but the whole album is rather dull.
Nathanael Larochette Old Growth3.0
It?s not every day that I come across a classical guitar album that holds as much presence as this new Nathanael album does. Nathanael Larochette, better known for his dark folk act Musk Ox, comes through with a simple and stripped-down album simply made up of acoustic guitar melodies akin to classical guitar work of the late 1700 throughout the 1800 in Spain. It?s simple, breezy, and easy to put on in the background while you wander around. With that said the album is rather shallow to listen to from front to back and by the end you are ready for something a little more engaging. Still a solid listen from front to back.
Johnny Booth Moments Elsewhere4.0
The third album from the Andrew Herman lead band really takes a step forward in production and energy. ?Moments Elsewhere? is a heavy and somewhat wrap core style of metalcore that has not been done this well in many years. Each track is brutally heavy and performances are extremely memorable from top to bottom. Although the album can feel one-dimensional once you hit the middle. The way it closes out is very well done. Overall it?s an exciting album for the metalcore scene to have something this memorable while also being over-the-top exciting.
leroy Grave Robbing3.0
If you like fast-paced and constantly evolving mashup music then you will probably like this. However, for most people, this is just too much to sit through without having ear fatigue. Even while lifting to this album at about the halfway mark, it is way too much to sit through. In small bursts though, the newest album from leroy is an intense and revolving sound of hardcore EDM and mashup.
Disclosure Alchemy4.5
The London brothers, somewhat, strip back their bombastic EDM sound by doing a full release with no guest rappers, producers, or vocalists. ?Alchemy? sounds and feels like a freeing experience for the duo with how expansive and sometimes innovative the house grooves can get. They are definitely pulling from a wide array of house and funky artists and sub-genres. I love the use of double beats, one drum beat and another bass beat, to create a lush and hypnotic-sounding tracklist. Everything here is memorable and will have you coming back for more every time. My biggest complaint is that the two interludes don?t add anything, and the last two tracks before the heavy closure could have used some more exploring since they end as soon as they get going. Overall, though ?Alchemy? is a well-paced and bouncy house album for the mid-summer heat.
Mahalia IRL3.0
For whatever reason I listen to a lot of RnB throughout the year (significantly more than you would imagine). So, it?s hard to find something good in the trash. With the influx of SZA clones out there today, it makes it even harder (especially since I don?t find SZA all that good either). Mahalia has always been one of the better SZA clones out there because of the breadth of instrumental pallets. However, on her third album, she sticks to a typical contemporary RnB formula that many in her lane have done. She performed it all extremely well, with stunning performances and great features. However, it can be a stale listening experience once you come to the end. Still, most of what is here is above average and a good listening experience when it?s on. Just doesn?t stick with me when it?s over.
PVRIS EVERGREEN2.5
It?s a PVRIS record, if you like anthemic and boisterous sounding alternative rock, with a heavy tint of alt-pop then you will probably enjoy this (especially if you have liked their last few). But the band has always had a really rough time trying to stick out from the rest of the pack. Especially when it comes to the current landscape of alt-pop. PVRIS has never been one to understand its own brand of alternative music, and this new album is not adding anything new to that conclusion. But the music itself is run-of-the-mill alternative pop, which anyone who has been following the genre probably will get right away.
Chamber (USA) A Love to Kill For2.5
Classic mathcore that doesn?t innovate at all on the formula that Dillinger Escape Plan did for two decades is not a mathcore album for me. It?s a very mid-sounding record, from front to back with nothing that makes it stand out from the rest of the pack. The positives are that the recording is solid and everything sounds well mixed together, but still, it has a hard time sticking out.
Fallstar Sacred Mirrors1.5
Well, it starts off okay, but the more this album goes into rap metal and nu metal the worse it gets. Plus, by the end, I am so over the bland production that it?s hard to finish it. The fifth album from the Oregon-based band is exactly what metalcore does not need right now. Holds way too much hold on the 2015 warp core sound that I loved in high school. But I?m 26 now, it?s just not a sound I want anymore, and no one else does.
Voyager Fearless in Love4.0
The band?s newest album sees them continue to explore the heavy parts of progressive metal and djent but having heavenly and 80s feeling synthpop. This is a rather niche genre that many people won?t appreciate, but if you are at all a fan of VOLA, who I believe does this style much better, then you will enjoy this. The heavy djent guitars and the lush synth work make you constantly feel like you?re at an 80s dance club, but a modern progressive metal band was playing it all. It won?t be for everyone, but I find it a great listening experience.
Abriction Interstates2.5
The newest album from the long-standing hyperpop artist sees them diving further into the post-emo scene with a long-winded, and most of the time uninspired, post rock and emo record. Everything presented here is perfectly fine for what it is, but it takes ages for anything interesting to happen. Post rock has never been my full cup of tea and this is exactly why. Overly long songs that build to nothing, on top of the extremely bland haze of shoegaze. I think Abriction can do something amazing, but they need to focus more on creating tracks that actually build into triumphant ideas.
Temple Of Angels Endless Pursuit4.5
The ethereal rockers from Texas come through with their absolutely stunning debut album that seamlessly blends the atmospheric ethereal wave style synths with jangly pop music and gothic rock lyricism. There really is not a dull moment on here with breathtaking performances across the whole thing. Especially when the female lead singer comes through with ethereal vocals to break up the very dense and almost depressing synth work. Take the track ?When the Shadow Smiles Back? which oozes with memorable vocal hooks and guitar work that runs across your ears perfectly. Overall, a breathtaking debut album that all should enjoy if you are at all a modern rock fan.
Local Natives Time Will Wait For No One1.5
It?s indie music for sure. Sounds like some of the shit we would have played on our college radio station that I would have turned the speakers down so I wouldn?t have to listen to it. But, overall it is a run of the mill, non-innovative-sounding indie album that has a hard time landing anything new/innovative in the current landscape of indie music.
Julie Byrne The Greater Wings4.5
It should come as no surprise that the sound of atmospheric and raw-sounding folk music is something I have come to cherish. Julie Byrne?s new album sees her bring in a wide range of ambient and drone musicians to help produce this gorgeous singer/songwriter album. The album starts out with some classic-sounding chamber folk with ?The Greater Wings?. Its simplistic guitar progression backed over her harrowing and angelic-sounding vocals. This leads into another cheery and bright chamber folk ?Portrait of a Clear Day?, with another mesmerizing guitar progression. From there we get an almost slowcore-sounding piano piece that builds into a devastating chamber pop and new age classic piece very similar to Julia Holter?s last album. But then the ambient and new age elements really start to come in on ?Summer Glass?, with angelic and mesmerizing drones and synthesizers. Leading into a charming new age ambient interlude. This all leads into the best single on here with ?Lightning Come Up From the Ground? with its gorgeous use of guitar and ambient drones to create such an angelic and atmospheric piece of music. This continues on for the rest of the album with a soul-crushing finish on ?Death Is the Diamond?. Julie Byrne's vision on her fourth album shows that the passion for new styles of atmospheric folk music should never be rushed, because when they come out well, they really hit home. The biggest negative I have is that ?Flare? and ?Conversation Is a Flowstate? are weaker tracks than the rest of the album.
Little Dragon Slugs of Love3.5
The long-standing Swedish electronic outfit comes through with a pretty large diverge from their classic electronic-sounding neo-soul. Here we see the group playing with alternative RnB, whether that be from the classic style or with the inclusion of alt-pop sounding instrumentals, in a fun and bright way. ?Slugs of Love? might not be the most interesting-sounding album the group has ever put out, but I think there is a lot of solid-sounding songs that are playful and energetic. Glad to see the band continuing to explore new styles, and hope they can continue to play with this into the future.
Gus Dapperton Henge3.0
Gus?s debut album was one that really resonated with me for some reason. It was one of the earlier showings of the newest wave of alt-pop that sounded fun and energetic. But also had to charm and experiment with a new-sounding indie record. His sophomore album, however, felt like a complete dip into annoying alt-pop that many artists at the time had been doing. But it is nice to see on his third album, ?Henge? he comes back to that unique and fun-sounding alt-pop and bedroom pop, with an interesting focus on synthpop. Whether it be the bouncy sounding ?The Stranger? or the mesmerizing track with BENEE, ?Don?t Let Me Down?. The album might be shallow and suffers from some uninspired moments, but it?s a fun-sounding summer record.
Alice Phoebe Lou Shelter4.0
Alice Matthew?s newest album continues to show her ability to make memorable and bright-sounding soft-rock music. ?Shelter? is an easy-sounding record that potent lyricism and ever-memorable guitar passages keep you coming back for more. Plus, the brief run-time of this record really allows you to enjoy the subtlety of it all without being bogged down by filler tracks that probably shouldn?t be there. In many ways, if you are a fan of the lighthearted nature of the modern contemporary folk scene then you will be right at home with this album. Definitely give it a go!
Lauren Bousfield Salesforce2.0
Not sure why I chose to review this. Lauren?s music has never resonated with me because it feels like a complete mashup of various great styles that always comes together extremely clumsily. Don?t get me wrong there are definite highlights on here, especially the second track featuring Ada Rook, on top of the use of chamber piano in places that gives a sense of breath. But when the heavy amount of noise and blistering breakcore drums in it can always be too much.
Chepang Swatta3.5
Sometimes there isn?t a lot you can say other than an album is really good. The third album from the NYC-based grindcore band continues to see the band's unique blend of blistering grindcore with abstract avant-grade metal elements in the form of free jazz and post-metal. The album starts with classic grindcore, but it eventually evolves into avant-grade metal as it gets into the core of the album with various features from several renowned jazz musicians and metal musicians. Then the album ends with some unique styles of cybergrind. Overall it?s a really intense and explosive listen, although by the end the amount of ear fatigue is really strong. So only listen to this every so often.
Approaching Mountains Ley4.0
An atmospheric and dreamy ambient album that perfectly blends a lot of unique styles of folk music together to make something bigger than I even think the composer originally thought it would be. With drones that pierce right through your soul and progressions that can bring someone to tears, there are not many emotional ambient albums like this out there. The biggest downside is that it can be a bit one-dimensional at points that can be a bit distracting.
The Japanese House In the End It Always Does3.0
I was really looking forward to the new Amber record because of how lush and adventurous her 2019 debut album, ?Good at Falling?, was. However, on her sophomore album, she strips a lot of the ambient and synth-based ideas she has to go for a full alt-pop and indietronica record, reminiscent of the early 2010s indie boom. Simplistic and sometimes enchanting guitar words backing her brash lyricism, it has the formula to be great. But several tracks on here completely derail the listening experience by either being underwhelming or flat-out boring. Still, there are more positive tracks than there are negative ones, therefore making for an overall above-average listening experience. Just wish she would go back to her more experimental side with various shades of pop music.
Dwellings Little Gardens3.0
The duo?s debut album in 2018 was one of the only albums that felt like it was breathing new life into the dying swancore style. It was extremely energetic and memorable, making it easy to put on and scream your head off to a set of tracks. The band?s sophomore album feels like a step into the more typical swancore style that many early listeners will know. Noodly guitar work, passionate vocals (both screams and singing), and progressive structures. But everything feels staler than it was on their debut. It?s still a pretty solid swancore record that could go toe-to-toe with the greats, but it is missing that bite that was their last time.
Nothing But Thieves Dead Club City3.5
I will be the first to say the mid-2000s hype for this band was so overblown. I remember working at my college radio station playing at least two or three singles from their debut self-titled as well as 2017?s ?Broken Machine? per hour. Their brand of alternative rock always felt forced and bland. On the band?s fourth album, they continue their alternative rock style that many indie radio stations would be happy to play. From new wave jams of ?Welcome to DCC?, the indie pop anthem of ?Overcome? and ?Tomorrow is Closed?, and even some hard rock influences on later tracks. As I have grown older, I can maybe appreciate this style more and this is overall a fun and easy listening experience with some really memorable highs. But the lows on here are extremely low making it a rough outing by the end. Overall, a really solid fourth album from the long-standing alternative rock band.
The Alchemist Flying High2.0
It?s abstract hip hop from one of the longest-running producers of abstract hip hop. If you like a slow and lumbering hip hop style then you will love this, otherwise, if you like some more energy than this will not be for you, just like me. I can see the heavy appeal in production like this, but man these tracks can really just be forgotten as soon as they are over, which has always been my problem with abstract hip hop.
Loma Prieta Last3.5
If you like a very classic noisy screamo album, then this new album by Loma Prieta is exactly what you would want. It?s got harrowing and energetic instrumentals and screams, backed by this hazy and lo-fi aesthetic that you don?t hear very often in this clean production music landscape we are in. Although the album is a bit shallow in its points and can be very one-dimensional, the inclusion of post-rock atmosphere and guitar works adds a lot of much-needed texture to the album. The band continues to show that you can make some impressive and breathtaking screamo music in the 2020s, just wish they had a little bit of originality to them in this day and age.
Anberlin Convinced4.0
Anberlin is definitely making a strong comeback into the alternative rock fray with another set of extremely memorable and harrowing-sounding rock tracks. With a heavy emphasis on synthpop/dream pop on top of the continual use of post-hardcore/alternative metal to add a bit of needed weight to this record. Although the EP does have a rough-ish second track, all the other tracks will have you coming back over and over again. Gives me a lot of hope for a resurgence of melodic and heavenly-sounding post-hardcore and alternative rock.
death's dynamic shroud After Angel4.0
Vaporwave has never sounded so revolutionary and explosive as it does right now. I have not been much of a fan of the current glitchy nature of Death?s music in their last few releases. However, the newest set of tracks from three personal bands shows that they can still create memorable and catchy pop ideas laced with the classic underpinnings that come from vapor and its subsequent genres like vaporwave, utopian virtual, dreampunk, and mallsoft (among others). The album can still have some dry moments on it that leave you wanting to skip it, but overall, most of the tracks here are expansive and explosive without going too far into the meme that comes with vaporwave music.
grouptherapy. I Was Mature for My Age, But I Was Still a Child4.5
With the departure of Brockhampton (even after their initial Trilogy series), we have not had an outstanding alternative hip hop group. Well, Grouptherapy could fill those shoes with the band?s third album being a complete blast of a listening experience. From start to finish you will be given a wide array of hip hop and RnB styles which makes them stand out even more than Brockhampton. Plus, for how stellar of a listening experience this is, the group has a lot of room to fill. There is a lot of excitement for this band and it?s well deserved. A great listening experience.
Swans The Beggar4.5
The two-disk, two-hour long, sixteenth full-length album from the longstanding experimental rock band, Swans, shows that the band still has it after an underwhelming last album. If you are new to swans, this is definitely not the place to start, but then again nothing is probably a good place to start with them (you just have to do it). ?The Beggar? is a fusion of a lot of the gothic experimental folk music that they did during the late 80s to late ?90s (i.e., ?White Light From the Mouth of Infinity? or ?The Great Annihilator?) with their more long-winded and expansive post-rock ambient drones of their 2010?s discography (i.e., ?To Be Kind? or ?The Seer?). It really is to put into words the scope of ?The Beggar?, the opening building guitar work on ?The Parasite? is haunting and off-putting like an A24 horror movie. The angelic and droning choral of ?Michael is Done? is the picture-perfect feeling of eternal life. On top of the 43-minute, multi-phased, goliath of ?The Begger Lover (Three)?. ?The Beggar? is a constant ebb-and-flow of angelic highs and hauntingly dark lows. With the sound design feels right at home with what the band has been known for, but everything comes together so well that it is hard to see the band remove anything from it. It might be two hours long, but it goes by in the blink of an eye and you will be coming back for seconds as soon as it?s over.
Geese 3D Country3.5
The sophomore album from the young group of punk rockers evolves their art-punk sound into southern and indie rock. ?3D Country? is an explosive and booming Southern rock album that takes a lot of hints from the booming Southern rock genre of the 2000s. There is a lot of energy here and the band continues to show that they have the capacity to make memorable punk music. But they have a hard time sticking the landing on this album. They throw a lot of different ideas at the wall on this album, and I am not sure they all land. A lot of solid ideas and I think they have tapped into a unique style of punk and southern rock here, but a lot needs to be flushed out.
Off Road Minivan May This Keep You Safe From Harm3.0
The sophomore album from Off Road Minivan, led by Fit For A King frontman Ryan O?Leary continues to show promise for a heavy combination of post-hardcore, pop punk, and alternative rock. However much of this album sits in the constant shadow of many of the big-time alternative rock and post-hardcore bands of the 2000s. Ryan has always been a really solid vocalist and brings a lot of energy, but I am never sure if this secondary band of his will ever achieve much since they have a hard time sounding unique. Still, the energy and ideas are present and it's an above-average listening experience if you want to give it a try.
Valley Lost in Translation2.5
Well, at least it?s good to know that the ideas of the 1975 are equally as inconsistent for those who are trying to imitate it. Valley?s third album shows they will continue to make their 1975 sounding alt-pop and new-wave music, but they miss a lot of the appeal of the 1975. Making some monstrous-sounding singles that make you keep coming back no matter how horrible the album is. Overall, it?s an average listening experience with a decent starting few tracks but loses steam quickly and never picks it back up.
Cory Hanson Western Cum3.5
The newest album from the country rockers continues to see them expand upon their style. ?Western Cum? is everything you come to expect from the LA band, sprawling and rocking country and indie music with a nice tint of psychedelic (if not garage) rock. The heavy use of expansive psychedelic guitar chords and grooves makes for an enthralling listening experience. Still, the album kind of shows its hand right away and doesn?t stray away from that until the progressive rock banger ?Driving Through Heaven?. If you are a fan of Lynard Skynyrd, then you should definitely give this band a go.
King Krule Space Heavy3.5
King Krule?s fourth album is exactly what you would expect it to sound like, which is nothing amazing and horrible. ?Space Heavy? has the hazy and psychedelic nature that fans, like me, have come to love and appreciate with Archy?s music. Continuing with his lush Elvis-inspired vocals and trance-like post-punk and jazz-rock guitars and saxophone. However, this album feels fairly lifeless when you fully listen to it. The intrusive and angry lyricism is there, but everything feels less euphoric and blander. Still, there are a lot of extremely solid ideas on here as always, and extremely memorable tracks like ?Hamburgerphobia? and ?Seagirl?.
Sigur Ros ÃTTA3.5
It?s been a while since we got a true Sigur Rós album, nearly 10 years in fact. With the group delving into many other side and solo projects no one knew if we would ever get another one. Well with the release of ?ÁTTA? we can lay to rest the band is not going anywhere. In many ways, this feels right at home with the somber and bright-sounding instrumentals over angelic and atmospheric vocals. But this also shows a divergence away from their post-rock backdropping for full orchestral arrangements. With soaring strings and intense piano backing harrowing and heartbreaking vocals. The album feels and sounds like a Sigur Rós album one would expect from them and this both helps and hinders the band. It?s a marvel to listen to and really can put you in your feels if you listen to this sad. But it can also make you feel light and airy as if on a cloud. It?s a truly spacious and expansive listening experience. But it can be extremely tedious sounding over time and the pallet of the album does leave you wanting more. I wish the band played with ambient electronics more than just bright chamber orchestration. Still, it?s a great return for the band, and hoping to see them build this into the future.
AVKRVST The Approbation3.5
A lot of promise from the new progressive rock outfit from Norway encompassing various artists from other bands. The smooth changes from heavy progressive metal to light and airy progressive rock bring back a lot of fond memories of a lot of the early 2010 prog bands that band jumped onto the scene. This band also gives me a lot of Our Oceans with the vocals and general post-rock sounding guitar work on the mellow sides of the album. Although the album is a tad bland and needs a lot of work to make it stand out from others in the genre, there is definitely something here and I hope to see more in the future.
Home Is Where The Whaler3.0
The sophomore album from the post-emo/2nd wave emo revival band sees them continue to expand upon their folky and Midwest emo blend but seem to slip farther into somewhat boring territory. ?The Whaler? has a lot of the same folky guitars and devastating Midwest emo lyrics you have come to expect from the band. But most of the album leans a little too much into the indie folk and indie rock side of things that do not really meld well with the band. When they diverge more into folky screamo, and folk punk is when things shine through more. Overall, it?s not a bad album by any means, but it could be a lot more memorable.
Sarmat Determined To Strike4.5
The debut album from the NYC band shows a huge amount of potential in making both slamming death metal laced with intricate and enthralling avant-garde metal. The use of saxophone over these blistering and raw blast beats really creates an intricate listening experience. It?s hard not to listen to this album and think how talented the musicianship is from each instrument. Everything comes together in a nice 30-plus-minute package, and nothing overstays its welcome. Great metal project for the year.
Lanayah I'm Picking Lights in a Field2.5
It?s a post-metal album that has a lot of the same overly long and boring song structures that bore me to death. If you?re a fan of length and intricate guitar passages then you will probably enjoy this. Otherwise, you are better off with other post-metal albums.
Big Time Rush Another Life2.0
It?s interesting to see a children?s music act coming back after 10 years to try and make music as adults. In some respects, it actually has some decent-sounding millennial pop. However, with the huge fall in this style of pop music and the rise of k-pop (which has always just been a modernized version of that), it?s tough to get into this. It starts off okay and then slowly becomes annoying by the end of the listen. There is definitely something here, but the four-man group really needs to look in the mirror and modernize if they want to stand out.
Youth Lagoon Heaven Is a Junkyard4.5
After many listen the simple appeal of Trevor Powers?s fourth album under the Youth Lagoon pseudonym is what makes me keep coming back for more. The simple indie and bedroom pop aesthetics allow for a light charm that many modern albums in this style have lost. For such an adventurous electronic career under his actual name, he is able to clean up everything for a bright and shimmery listening experience on ?Heaven Is a Junkyard?. He continues to strip away the lo-fi quality of his early work as he makes everything airy and simple, which works extremely well on here. The album is not going to blow you away on first listens, but like many of the great modern indie projects, the simplicity of it will have you coming back for more.
Amaarae Fountain Baby4.0
Ama Genfi really comes through with an innovative yet sexy-sounding sophomore album. ?Fountain Baby? pulls from various shades of afrobeat and RnB to create a memorable and sensual listening experience. Tracks feel thick and juicy without feeling producers or bogged down. Although the album is a big one-dimensional at times and feels like a mess by the end. Everything just flows too well together, and every track is catchy and bouncy. Great listen for the start of the summer if you want some hazy and sexy sounding RnB.
Christine and the Queens Paranoia, Angels, True Love1.5
Woof, this new Christine and the Queens album is definitely something I didn?t expect she would do. And ever evolving and expansive avant-pop album that brings in a lot of modern alt-pop aesthetics while also driving in various shades of 90s trip hop, 80s synthpop, and atmospheric styles of ambient pop. In many ways, you have to admire the risk she is taking on this album because of the stylistic ideas she is presenting. On top of the near hour and a half run time. But she fails to nail almost anything in this album. Everything here either is excruciatingly boring or annoyingly derivative. I can kind of see why people are loving this album, but for me, this album is extremely tedious and goes nowhere sonically. Let alone the constant back-and-forth lyrical content.
Squid O Monolith4.0
The UK-based post-Brexit band finally releases their sophomore album after the breathtaking and innovative rebrand of post-punk: ?Bright Green Field?. Squid has an interesting juxtaposition in the grander landscape of the post-Brexit scene with obviously heavy hitters BCNR taking the internet by storm the last few years. On top of the brash and bombastic nature of Black Midi. In many ways, Squid stays in the same vein as their debut. With experimental rock tracks that constantly ebb and flow from fast-paced dance/art punk to light and building post-rock. There is a lot of love on this album and the way every track builds into a triumphant orchestration of guitars and drums. It?s not all perfect though, especially by the end of the album the band spins its progressive wheels too much plus the auto-tune on ?Siphon Song? is extremely degrading to the ears. Overall though the band tries their best to stick out and expand their sound in an innovative and explorative way.
Godflesh Purge1.5
The long-standing UK-based industrial metal outfit continues down the path of breakbeat and dub-backed industrial/sludge metal that they started on their 2017 album ?Post Self?. In many ways, this album is exactly the same as that one with hypnotic and steady drum patterns backing these single words/phrases the lead singer is screaming about. On paper, this idea should work, but just like with their 2017 album, this is such a boring slog to sit through. After the first track, you have pretty much heard what you are going to hear. Wish the band would go back to their post-metal roots and give up on this because it?s just not working.
fromis_9 Unlock My World3.5
The debut album from K-Pop artist fromis_9 feels like it is trailing in the light of NewJeans, but there is still a fun and light nature that the group brings that the latter might be missing. ?Unlock My World? is a dance-pop based K-pop record that balances around a lot of different styles of drum and bass. From the Futuristic bass sounds of ?In the Mirror? and ?Attitude?, to the 2-step bass lines of ?What I Want?, there is a lot of interesting experimentation. Plus the light layer of RnB singing styles that help carry everything is a great tough. Overall it?s a fun album that might slip out of people's sights due to the rise of NewJeans, but any fan of experimental K-pop should give this a try.
Foo Fighters But Here We Are3.0
The 11th album from the long-standing alternative rock and post-grunge gurus Foo Fighters sees the band finally going back to what made them so famous just under 30 years ago. ?But Here We Are? feels like a celebration for the band and an expectation that they will never sound hip and modern, which is perfectly fine with me and those listening to this. Is this album perfect, absolutely not. Is this album any good, maybe? Is this album a return to form, sometimes above-and-beyond yes and other times no, but it feels as energized as they have ever founded in 15+ years? The opening tracks ?Rescued? and ?Under You?, plus ?But Here We Are? feel like a true call back to the hard-hitting ragers they would have made on TCATS. While other tracks like ?Hearing Voices? feels like an intricate and smooth sounding track they would have done later on and always failed. Plus, they explore new styles like ?Show Me How? with its shoegaze-style guitars and female vocals. Or even the progressive banger of ?The Teacher?. Most of the other tracks are forgettable and probably could be skipped. But the highs on this album really are high which is something we haven?t seen from the band in nearly 25 years.
Avenged Sevenfold Life Is But a Dream...4.0
Beach Fossils Bunny2.5
Kind of sad that I am not loving this new Beach Fossils record. 2017?s ?Somersault? still holds as one of my favorite indie records of that year and regularly gets played on my turntable. But I feel this band suffers from whatever album you heard first will be your favorite and anything else will sound like their last. The band kind of drives through a lot of that same surfy indie rock that gets stale pretty fast. Although the album is not too long and the vibe is very strong for a lazy summer day, nothing here is all that memorable.
Tigercub The Perfume of Decay3.0
Although not the most resonating album when it comes to noisy and angry-sounding alternative rock and stoner rock. There is a lot of energy on here that many modern albums in this style can lose out on. In many ways, this is a noisy and more energetic take on Royal Blood, which in turn makes them a wanna-be White Stripes clone. This is fine because there are some solid instrumentals and ideas here. It?s a fun album when it?s on, but pretty much forgotten when it?s off.
Einar Solberg 163.5
The debut album from the long-standing lead singer of the progressive metal outfit Leprous showcases Einar?s impressive vocal chops and expansive classical instrumentation. However, this album is heavily bookended by greatness with most of the pages being meandering and somewhat lifeless progressive pop. When Einar goes with what he is most comfortable with, progressive rock and metal, he is absolutely mind-blowing. Like on the tracks ?Grotto? and ?Splitting the Soul?. While even on the opening track ?16? and the closer ?The Glass Is Empty? we see a heavy hand of impressive chamber orchestration over progressive rock guitars and drums. However, when this album leans more into progressive pop everything falls apart and kind of builds into nothing. Tracks like ?Home? are a very awkward Indietronica lead Ben Levin track, ?Blue Light? feels like a very weak dream pop VOLA sounding track with the lead singer from that band as a feature, and even ?Remember Me? is just a bland pop song. Overall, the impressive bits here are extremely impressive and the way the album starts and ends is extremely impressive and mesmerizing. But most of the middle is very bland and forgettable.
Pupil Slicer Blossom4.5
The sophomore outing from the three-man UK band showcases a real step forward in their sound. Although the band stays within their very classic and mellow sounding mathcore and post-hardcore with charged-up lyricism. The way in which everything comes together and the band adventures out from what they were doing on their debut is infinitely better than what they did on their debut. On the band?s debut, all the mathcore bombardment got stale very quickly and made for a sludge fest to get through. But on ?Blossom? they change through various shades of progressive metal, alternative metal, blackgaze, and screamo. On top of that, they incorporate a rich ambiance to help add a lot of needed texture. Overall, this is a breathtaking and politically charged sophomore album from the band that helps them stand out above what they were doing before.
McKinley Dixon Beloved! Paradise! Jazz!?3.5
There is a lot to love from this sophomore McKinley Dixon album, but there is also a small dip in quality from his bombastic debut a few years ago. The jazz rap album has booming and sophisticated jazz instrumentals that have that modern jazz-rap flair of a TPAB or an Avantdale Bowling Club, but it has the energetic and fast-paced rapping of a JID. However, the breath of the track list really tracks feel like he is getting into a flow with Tracks ending as fast as they start. Overall, it?s still a really enchanting and promising record that continues to build McKinley?s sound to extreme heights, just needs some more tuning in the future.
Knower Knower Forever4.5
Louis Cole and Genevieve Artadi return after a solo career hiatus for both, in which we see a continuation of the electro-funk sound but now with a heavy step more into nu jazz. The whole album is laced in this hazy lo-go recording style that Louis Cole has been known for on his solo material (as well as clowncore meme band). But what makes this album stand out from many in this hazy nu jazz style is just how intense and memorable almost every track is. The smashing horns on ?I?m The President? with its solo piano chopping through at the end. Or maybe the groovy drums and bass progressions on ?Nightmare? is what you want. Everything is groovy and bouncy to keep you coming back over and over again. My only negative is that ?Ride That Dolphin? and ?It Will Get Real? are small steps in quality from the rest of the album and the interlude closer is really awkward. Overall, though this is an extremely fun album from the two avant-pop innovators.
Adjy June Songs Vol. 13.5
The newest outing from the six-person band sees a more focused set of indie rock tracks that feel just like their last record, but also have a hard time being all that memorable when you get past halfway. The EP is an easy-going and simple listening experience that has a lot of Midwest emo vibes going on at the start. But once the album dives more into alt-country indie folk is when they sort of lose me. Still, it is above average when it comes to these styles and what is here is pretty solid.
OLTH every day is sOmeOne's speciaL day3.5
If you like classic emoviolence with screams that sound like a bat, then you will definitely enjoy this album. There is a lot of solid playing and the use of post-rock guitar melodies here and there adds some needed depth. Overall, it?s not a mind-blowing screamo record, but it does have a lot of classic raw screamo energy that we are seeing pop back up.
Water From Your Eyes Everyone's Crushed3.0
There is a lot to enjoy about this new album from the duo Nate Amos and Rachel Brown. Everyone?s Crushed has that experimental bite and charm that many new rock records seem to lack. Plus, the constant change from more artistic instrumentation to psychedelic haze feels well-placed. However, this album suffers from being a rather dry listening experience that is very unmemorable. It is definitely fine when it is on, and even tracks like ?Barley? and ?True Life? have an unsettling nature to them to keep you engaged, but most of what is presented here is not all that interesting. Plus, it just ends out of nowhere which is a bit jarring.
Clark Sus Dog3.5
Christopher Clark?s newest album shows a steady new direction from the long-standing IDM producer. Here we see a large transition of his electronic underpinnings to be the backing of various singing and vocal performances. In many ways, if you are a fan of the recent solo material by Thom Yorke then you will find this very much in line with that. Atmospheric and hypnotic electronics back lush and angelic vocals from Clark. Overall, it?s a solid release and definitely has a strong vibe, but most of the album falls apart from being one-dimensional the longer you sit with it. But hoping to see him continue on this track and experiment more with his own vocals.
Gia Margaret Romantic Piano4.0
Chicago native Gia Margaret sees a continual evolution from her dreamy pop sound on her debut. Romantic Piano is an ambient and field recording piece with various shades of piano classical music helping to tie everything together. Most of the vocals she has been doing are completely gone (other than on ?City Song?. For such a short album, this packs a real emotional punch. The subtle use of guitar here and there helps to add more texture to the already textured-filled listening experience as well. Everything here is beautifully arranged and performed to give a cohesive listening experience. If you like lighthearted yet emotionally haunting ambient classical pieces, then you need to give this a go.
Phoxjaw notverynicecream3.0
In many ways, the UK band?s sophomore LP is a significant step forward in sound and style. The addition of noise rock guitar tones adds a lot of texture that was somewhat lacking on their debut. This is especially potent on the various post-hardcore tracks. However, this album suffers from the same problem as the debut in that when the band drops the noisy and loud post-hardcore or noise rock to go full alternative rock it all falls apart. The bulk of the middle of this album is filled with boring and dated alternative rock tracks that haven?t sounded good in 20-plus years. Overall Notverynicecream is a step forward in stylistic ideas (especially with I divergence from their obvious influences on their debut) but fails to drop the same inconsistency issues that plagued the last album.
Nenagenix Lo más cercano a caer4.0
The debut album from the Argentinean-based band shows that alternative rock and post-hardcore fusion can continue to work if you execute everything really well. The five-person group has always had a niche for explosive and energetic-sounding alternative rock, with hints of aggressive shoegaze and riot-girl influences. However on ?Lo más cercano a caer? they keep that aggression but put an even heavier hand into the shoegaze bucket with bits of dream pop thrown in. Everything from the anthemic and memorable opener to the Paramore influence banger of ?Asfixia?, there is something for all those craving 90s heavy alternative rock. Although the album is a bit short, and there is a dip in quality in the middle, there is a lot to love here.
Saya Gray QWERTY4.5
When ?19 Masters? came out last year there was a huge amount of promise from Saya since she was pulling from a wide array of folk music and avant-garde music. Its intricate and constantly evolving door of ideas makes for a fun and head-turning listening experience. My only problem is the fact of some boring tracks near the back end, and the use of extremely brief interludes constantly would jar your listening experience. So, on her new EP here we see an evolution away from her folk underpinnings on ?19 Masters? to go for a full-blown avant-pop approach with various styles of art pop, glitch pop, indie pop/folk, and pop rock. Everything here is well crafted and fits well together for a full 17-minute listening experience. My only downside is that the album does dull out in the middle, but not enough to lose you. Overall, a very exciting evolution for Saya, and cannot wait to see what she does with this new experimental pop direction.
cero e o3.5
The fifth album from the Japanese-based band shows a continuation of their unique blends of psychedelic music and various shades of pop music. Take the light indie pop ballad opener ?Epigraph? which gets into a really jagged and memorable art and jazz pop track. Everything here is well presented and performed. My biggest complaint is that everything does have a hard time landing with me, making this not all that memorable. But when it is on there are a lot of interesting ideas to keep you engaged.
Sleep Token Take Me Back to Eden2.5
The UK duo continues to show how explorative they are in their third album while also continuing to have the same problems that have plagued them since their 2019 debut. ?Take Me Back to Eden? is the expansive and shiny style of RnB, art pop, and various shades of alternative metal that the band has been known for. With some huge highlights on here like the multi phases ?They Summing? and the modern trip hop and RnB showings on ?Aqua Regia?, it?s hard not to be excited about the band. But there are also huge lows on here that I wish the band never did. Overall, this does produce and prove they can make a great sounding single when they stick within the confines of metal music. But when they move out of that box, they can make damn awkward and boarding-sounding pop and RnB crossovers. Maybe the band will amount to something amazing, but for now, they shall always live in the shadow of those that have been able to do the pop-metal crossover better: VOLA to name one.
Kesha Gag Order2.5
Kesha expresses a whole lot of powerful and personal things that she has been dealing with, especially when it comes to her career and depression post her hay-day. So, the negative comments are not directed toward that. With that said, this album is her most experimental yet, but none of those experiments come off well done or are all that interesting. There are many times while listening when a certain song just sounds like a weaker version of someone else. ?Peace & Quiet? feels like a Beyonce track, ?Hate Me Harder? feels like a shallow Lorde track, and ?Only Love Can Save Us Now? feels like a Charlie XCX track. However, there are some really decent ideas here like on the two opening tracks that build into each other and even the closer ?Happy? Is a really emotional and positive way to close. Overall, this is an underwhelming album, but it does show a positive new direction for Kesha that leads to more exploration and experimentation with various pop, folk, and electronic styles.
KAYTRAMINE Kaytraminé3.0
The duo of KAYTRANADA and Aminé come together for a pop rap album for the summer. Overall, the album definitely has a perfect hazy vibe for the summer, but it also is extremely dry and one-dimensional when you get through half of it. Every song sounds like the last so by the end you are pretty over the vibe. Still, in small spirits, this is a fun little rap project to have for the summer.
The Ocean Holocene2.0
Never quite understood the hype of the German mega progressive metal band and that continues on their newest album. Everything about their music has always felt like a very dry and safe style of classic progressive metal music that has been dead for many years. Nothing about their new album stands out above anything else the band has put out, and they really have a hard time standing out from any of the juggernauts of the 90s and 2000s progressive metal.
The Amity Affliction Not Without My Ghosts3.5
2012?s ?Chasing Ghosts? was probably the biggest release for me when I was a high school student. There was a lot of change going around me at the time and something about the blistering and emotional lyricism paired with the heavy instrumentals resonated with me. However, through the years and as I have aged the band has suffered big time from that release. The use of alternative rock and pop punk never sounded very good for the band and by the last few releases I had written the band off. So, when I saw the band was releasing their 8th studio full-length, I was not exactly excited. However, the band seems to be returning to form on ?Not Without My Ghosts?. With heavy metalcore and harrowing post-hardcore screams over very djent style guitar riffs the band feels as energetic and emotional as they ever have. It is a perfect album, no, not at all. Everything here is fairly one-dimensional plus the back half is nowhere near as strong as the top half. But for me and probably many long terms fans it?s amazing to see the band go back to what they were originally known for.
The Acacia Strain Failure Will Follow1.5
The man who is in charge of this band should sit them down and tell them never to make a doom metal album ever again. The band?s second half of the dual album series shows the band diving into an entirely new area of extreme metal where they take on doom metal and even post-metal. However, the group really shows that they have no idea what they are doing from the awkward instrumental change-ups to the off-putting production choices on the vocals. Plus, the inclusion of some pretty well-deserved names in the sludge and doom-metal genre also makes me think I should just listen to them instead. Overall, it?s an awkward listening experience that will have you bored or angry (if not both), turning it off after the first 10-minute track is over.
The Acacia Strain Step Into The Light3.5
The first half of the newest dual album from the Massachusetts-based band is a heavy dose of what you come to expect from the band. Deathcore and sludge metal with even some bits of grindcore thrown in. However, unlike in the past, the band produces some of the most memorable and harrowing-sounding music. From sludgy and blistering opener to the fast-paced and hair-raising speed of ?CHAIN?. But what really sets this album apart from their past is that it is brief, to the point, and leaves you with a sense of satisfaction when you?re done. Still, the album is nowhere near as powerful or memorable as many of the great deathcore albums are on top of the fact it?s not as funny as many of the over-the-top post-deathcore bands we have seen. Overall, it?s a great little album that would have a hard time standing out, but isolating it leaves a great impression.
Midwife and Vyva Melinkolya Orbweaving3.5
Madeline Johnston (i.e., Midwife) and the three-man Vyva Melinkolya come together to produce a thick and atmospheric slowcore record. Although much of what is presented here has a hard time sticking out from their past releases, let alone the huge Grouper influence, there is still a lighthearted, yet heavy, charm to how everything comes together. Harrowing vocals over hazy and noisy guitars allow for a constant at-edge feeling. Overall, not a band album, but has a hard time standing out from others, plus it?s not all that memorable the more you listen to it.
Omnerod The Amensal Rise2.5
Way way way way way way way way way way way way way way way way way way way way way way way way way way way way way way way way way way way way way way way way way way way way way way way way way way way way way way way way way way way way way way way way way way way way way way way way way way way way way way way way way way way way way way way way way way way way way way way way way way way way way way way way way way way way way way way way way way way way way way way way way way way way way way way way way way way way way way way way way way way way way way way too long. The progressive metal and avant-grade metal elements show a lot of interesting experimentation, but the sludge fest this takes me to finish is worse than a half marathon.
Soulkeeper Holy Design2.5
When Frontierer dropped their 2021 record it brought a whole new meaning to glitchy mathcore, by actually using glitch-style edits in the music. It was a refreshing take on the somewhat stale style of mathcore that DEP created decades ago. Soulkeeper?s debut album is a decent start to hopefully a great career. There are a lot of interesting and intense ideas presented here. Plus it?s tied together in a short little package. However, nothing here feels all that original and the band needs to find their own footing, which I think they can do if they take the ideas on the opening track ?Holy Design?.
IDK F653.0
I?m not really sure why so many people are hitting on this new IDK record. There are a lot of solid, jazz rap and pop rap aesthetics that leave your body grooving. However, I do understand there are way too many interludes, as well as one monster is a seven-minute slog fast that really doesn?t need to be on here. There are some solid features here and there, but there are also some dry features as well. Overall IDK still is above average MC when it comes to jazzy and slightly conscious hip-hop, but there are definitely better artists in the space still, I always look forward to seeing what he has in store on new releases.
Conway the Machine Won't He Do It2.0
The newest Conway record continues to die the constant ebbs-and-flows he can go through. ?WON?T HE DO IT? sees the Griselda member drive more into the mainstream style of book bap and lose a lot of the energy that many of us have come to love from Griselda's release. Plus, this record doesn?t help me from continuing to think that Conway is the weakest member in the group and the label. Overall, the album is too long, and the performances feel phoned-in and bland.
$uicideboy$ Yin Yang Tapes: Spring Season (1989-1990)3.5
The rise of Phonk and Memphis rap continues to be one of the more exciting areas of underground hip hop to follow. This new EP from the duo continues to see them explore these dark and harrowing rap styles. I know I?m the only one to say I think it?s really well-made. Memorable instrumentals and great hazy performances keep you coming back for the 10-minute EP.
SBTRKT The Rat Road2.5
Aaron Jerome?s third full-length album comes nearly 10 years after his disappointing sophomore release back in 2014. Although in some respects, he fails to return back to what made him so special in 2010 there are some good and even memorable tracks on here. Bring in LEILAH, the newer experimental RnB artist, as a whole lot of depth and nuance that many of the other features fail in comparison. However, many of these tracks feel like interludes or unfinished demos from his last record. Overall, everything feels like a potpourri of electronic and R&B styles that most of the time don?t land, but there are some highlights here and there throughout, leaving a somewhat memorable impression on you when you finish listening.
Panchiko Failed at Math(s)3.5
Over 20 years ago the band released their forward-thinking and boundary-pushing ?Kicking Cars? EP. The fusion of indie and trip hop was fairly revolutionary in 2001 so many people looked forward to seeing what the band would do on their debut album. Well 22 years later we finally have it and overall, it?s pretty solid. In many ways, I think the band going for a more indietronica direction helps to modernize their style. But there is a ton of Radiohead-ism that can be extremely distracting. Plus, the production reeks of 2000s issues. Like the vocals can almost feel washed out and lead to bleeding issues with the backing vocals. Overall, it?s still a memorable listen and a lot to love. Just wish the band had some more original ideas to give.
Billy Woods and Kenny Segal Maps4.0
The second album from the underground MC Billy Woods and producer Kenny Segal sees a continuation of their jazzy and eclectic rap sound. For most of my reviewing career thus far I?ve never been a big Billy Woods fan because he can come off as very stale. However, on his newest album, maybe I finally understand the true appeal of his unique blend of left-field hip hop. There are so many memorable bars, features, and instrumentals that I will continue to keep coming back to months after this release. The only downside I have is that several times the instrumentals can?t get a bit stale as well as very heavy and poetic. Lyricism can cause Billy Woods to constantly stumble through many of the progressions, leaving a lot of awkward pauses, and cadence switches.
Death Goals A Garden of Dead Flowers4.0
Not every day anymore you get some angry and memorable screamo music, but this sophomore record by Harry Bailey and William Taylor is exactly what you want when it comes to screamo and metalcore fusions. Every track is a fast-paced and emotional rollercoaster that keeps you on the edge of your seat for the whole 29-minute listening experience. Although there are some dry spots here and there everything here is presented with a perfect sense of energy and emotion. Really one of the more memorable screamo records to come out in the last few years.
Jeromes Dream The Gray In Between4.0
The four-man screamo band bounces back into form in their signed album Post their long 20-year hiatus from 2001-2019. On ?The Gray In Between? we see their loud noise rock blend with harrowing and heartbreaking screamo/emoviolence lyricism. This album is a true onslaught of sound, but there are several post-rock interludes to give your ears a break. My biggest complaint with this album is something I had a huge problem with their 2000 debut in which the guitars can sometimes almost be ear-piercingly too loud. I?m not sure if they saturated the recording, but the guitarist can almost swallow the entire waveform. Still, there is a lot to love about this new album from the band and hopefully, it shows a continuation of this heartbreaking and angry-sounding screamo.
Monika Roscher Bigband Witchy Activities and the Maple Death4.5
The big band act run by Monika Roscher shows the true ability to have experimental jazz instrumentation with bombastic and artistic pop vocals. The album runs through various phases of instrumental pallets, but the overall ideas across everything are expansive and breathtaking. Although the album can get lost in its own grandiosity it still shows a true ability of being a big band album first laced with soaring pop melodies.
forest spirit, sun on your back forest spirit, sun on your back4.0
Post-emo continues to shine every single time I come across it and the debut album from Noah shows that once again. If you are at all a fan of glass beach or Lobsterfight then you need to give this album a try. Extremely noisy and lo-fi-sounding rock music with trademark heartbreaking lyricism. Although the album can cause ear fatigue with how raw the recording can get at points (especially on subsequent listens) the amount of exploration and style this album portrays easily makes it a highlight for the year. Hopefully, Noah can clean up the production a bit to make everything less washed out, but it has a great start for hopefully an illustrious career.
Jessie Ware That! Feels Good!4.0
Jessie Ware does it again with bright and groovy disco music for the modern era to get down and boogie. Plus, she brings in a lot more classic soul and funk styles that were not seen on her last full-length album. However, with all that said it?s extremely hard not to compare this record to that one. One of the major things I am missing on this new album that was presented on ?What?s Your Pleasure? is the extremely catchy and instantly memorable hooks and instrumentals. There are some tracks on here that are solid while they are on, but I completely forget when the album is off. Therefore, in many ways, it seems she but off more than she could chew on this one. I very much hope she continues to explore these classic disco, soul, and funk vibes she creates, but I think there needs to be a more seamless collection of tracks.
Jack Harlow Jackman2.5
Honestly, I would give this a 3 if it wasn?t for the line about him being the best rapper since Eminem. Especially because in my stupid opinion Eminem is not the best white rapper is, El-P is. But overall, it?s a significant increase in quality from Jack, but it also sounds like a weaker version of a Kanye West record with a bit of a J. Cole delivery. Above average, while it?s on, but the brevity of it all makes it a pretty forgettable album once it?s over. The beats don?t add anything that Kanye hasn?t done before, and the rapping is one-dimensional as you would come to expect from Jack.
Indigo De Souza All of This Will End4.5
Something that has been lacking from indie music the last few years (other than extremely recently with the energy in Gen-Z pop music) is angst, energy, and bite. When 2017?s ?Powerplant? by Girlpool came out there was a breath of new life into what kind of energy could exist in indie music that we have not seen in years. This new album from the NC-based band really shows all the above-mentioned attributes as well as a true sense of fun and passion. The stylistic blend of raw slacker rock with the energy of indie rock adds so much texture and life to this new album. Not only that but the incorporation of country guitars and horns also adds an even more explosive and fun sound. I cannot recommend this album enough to those looking for a fun indie album for summer.
Yune Pinku BABYLON IX3.0
Another solid little progressive breaks EP from the London-based artist in which she drives forward with her hypnotic drum style but laces it over more house beats and progressions. Although the album is not as expansive and mesmerizing as her 2022 EP, there are still some things to build off for the future here.
Zoon (CAN) Bekka Ma'iingan3.5
The sophomore album from Zoon continues to explore this extremely rich and washed-out shoegaze and dream pop aesthetics. However, now we see them explore them with an even heavier focus on ambient and even some small bits of jazz. Although, just like with the last album, it is a fairly short and somewhat one-dimensional listening experience there is still a lot to love. If you?re at all a fan of Beach House or others in that lane, then you might want to check Zoon out.
Overgrow This All Will End2.5
Definitely above average when it comes to modern-day indie emo music, but there is also not much here that is all that memorable and revolutionary. The shoegaze guitars do add a lot of needed texture, but that is really the only memorable part. Just has a hard time standing out from the many Midwest emo revival bands going around right now.
Spotlights Alchemy for the Dead3.0
There is a lot to love from this fourth Spotlights record. There are hypnotizing and heavy stoner metal guitar licks on top of these alternative metal underpinnings that are becoming more and more famous. Plus, the use of long-winding and progressive post-metal adds a lot of nuances that probably would leave the record dry without it. However, this record is beyond one-dimensional. After about 20 minutes you pretty much have heard everything, you are going to hear. Therefore, it is a fine album while it is on, but you can pretty much move on when you?re done with it.
fromjoy fromjoy4.5
Many times, when you see a band do such extreme versions of genre fusions you can see a real mixed bag. However, the sophomore album from the Texas band sees them branch even farther past their already unique blend of breakcore and metalcore/mathcore. On the self-titled album, you will be given blistering and ever-evolving mathcore beats and screams, but every so often you get those thick atmospheric walls, not too far off from the post-metalcore style I have grown accustomed to too. However, once you get into the later parts of the album you are given various shades of vaporwave. Whether it comes from dreampunk or from mallsoft you will be given a wide array of styles. Plus, it?s not like the band produces a two-faced album. Everything comes together so seamlessly, and the blending can be rather enchanting. Overall, it is a very unique style of metalcore and in many ways could be seen as the most extreme version of what post-metalcore could be. My biggest complaint is that the shortness of everything can leave you wanting so much more. But I will be keeping my eyes out for this band.
Yaeji With A Hammer2.5
A hot mess ? is the best way to describe this sophomore album (or I guess debut if you don?t count her mixtape thing a few years ago). Much of this new album is filled with these somewhat abstract and glitchy electronic melodies that have a hard time sounding coherent or enjoyable. Although there are beautiful spots of chamber instrumentation or features that add a lot of nuance to this cluttered album. Plus, Yaeji?s vocals are sometimes extremely beautiful. However much of the album just feels underwritten, performed, or both. A mixed overall bag of ideas that sometimes come through beautiful but other times comes out annoying.
Ran Cap Duoi Collective *14.0
When first listening to this new album from the Vietnamese electronic group your first instinct is to compare it to others in this super wonky and eclectic style of epic collage. However, there is something so unique in the way the band creates rich and enchanting atmospheres laced over these chaotic and clustered synthesizer passages. Take ?untitled 2? as an example in which get rich vocal drones, but you can sense the urge for the wonky and spastic synthesizers to burst out and create a noise wall. The group constantly has this interplay of chaos and peace that it?s hard not to be enlightened while listening. However, there are still some downsides here especially when it comes to h the brevity of it all and how various ideas just end out of nowhere.
Beach House Become1.5
I am not a beach house fan and continue not to be a fan. Just as overly long and boring as their last album. Plus, the simplistic style the band is playing with continues to be as bland as neo-psychedelia can get. But hey people love them so knock yourself out.
Enter Shikari A Kiss For The Whole World2.5
When ?Nothing Is True & Everything Is Possible? came out several years ago I was probably one of the few that found a true beauty to the record. The way it paired alternative rock elements with its signature use of synthesizers really made for a unique listen I have not heard in a long time. Through the years that record continues to hold a special place in my heart, especially with its lyricism and eclectic style. However, I am having a harder time seeing those same qualities with their newest album ?A Kiss for the Whole World?. Although many of the same ideas are utilized on the new album, much of the energy and bite is completely missing on here. They trade out a lot of the soaring choruses and ideas for more transcode breakdowns that we haven?t seen from the band in several years. It?s weird to see the band go back to its roots with this, but maybe it was for a reason. However, I don?t see the reason and I am having a lot of mixed feelings for this new album.
Everything But the Girl Fuse3.0
The long-standing sophisti-pop, later turn electronic duo is back after 20+ years of not releasing music. On their last two albums before this new album, we saw the group dive head first into the downtempo and clubhouse trends that were dominating the late 90s scene and it came with great success. The vocals from Ben Watt and Tracy Thorn always came together so well with the hypnotic and looping house/DnB-style production. On ?Fuse? the band continues this elegant and beautiful style of RnB vocals, but now they dive more into the UK garage and bass scene. However, there is quite a bit of rust that the duo needs to brush off because many tracks on here are a bit rough. There are some breathtaking ideas on here, but they really do need some time to get everything back together. But still a decent little listen when you give it a go.
Swizz Beatz Hip Hop 50 22.0
It?s hard to top someone like DJ Premier when it comes to revolutionary and classic sounding east coast hip hop. On this second insolvent of Hip Hop 50, we see long-standing producer Swizz Beatz taking a stamp at it and the difference is extremely palpable. Awkward and one-dimensional sounding beats with these clique early 2000s styles that sound more out of place than ever in 2023. There are some really solid features from Nas and Benny the Butcher, and even the Lil Wayne feature is solid. But there are also some extremely weak features like Jay Electronica and Lil Durk. Everything here feels old and out of date and therefore might as well wait for the third installment.
Grave Pleasures Plagueboys2.0
The third album from the band sees them dropping their deathrock origins to focus more on new wave and post-punk. Although the haunting gothic rock ideas are still present much of this record sounds awkward and uninspired. Most of the tracks have no bite to them until the last two tracks come in. But by then I am well over the album and ready to move on. If you like coldwave as much as I do, then maybe look elsewhere because this feels bland for most of the album.
Alfa Mist Variables3.0
The UK-based producer and rapper come through with another helping of his fast-paced jazz fusion. However, now we see more involvement in rap (instead of more poetry) and even in neo-soul. This leads both to a somewhat engaging listen, while also being a bit too all over the place for my liking. There are some solid moments on here and when the jazz fusion comes in it comes in hard, like on the opening track and ?The Gist?. But when Alfa Mist strays from that bombastic formula it comes up dry and boring. Still some solid ideas here, just wish it felt more fleshed out and consistent.
As Everything Unfolds Ultraviolet2.5
With the evolution and rebranding of alternative metal, we are seeing more and more copycat bands coming out, which is what has killed every metal genre. The sophomore record from UK-based As Everything Unfolds, feels like an Evanescence copy-and-paste with modern-day Spirit Box-ism that makes it a rather uninspired listening experience. Plus, the amount of ear fatigue I am experiencing from this album is something I didn?t think could be possible. Overall, it?s an average listening experience that grows old as you go through the record.
Brand of Sacrifice Between Death and Dreams4.5
Post-deathcore is what I am calling this new style of deathcore and everyone out there is going to like it. Brand of Sacrifice came through with another ragging and explosive deathcore album that feels as futurist as their last two full-length albums. But they continue to show an evolution into being as wonky and experimental with the sound as probably most fans would want. The electronic incorporations always come off as exceptional. Adding even more fuel to the chaos that maybe some people won?t want. But for me, and I think for others that have wanted to hear a fresh new deathcore sound, this is a perfect snippet of what that style is like.
Nourished By Time Erotic Probiotic 24.0
Since the inception of bedroom RnB back in the early 2010s by Frank Ocean, I don?t think I have hated a genre more. Something about the style has always been dry and boring to me (even Frank Ocean is not all that interesting to me; sorry not sorry). But this debut album from Marcus Brown feels like a refreshing and more explosive version of bedroom RnB (more akin to Blood Orange or Solange). With the use of synthpop and 80s freestyle evening movement over the raw and sometimes hazy production of hypnagogic pop, there?s a lot of love and enjoyment from this new album. Although the album can?t be a bit long in points and loses focus, without a doubt this breathes new life into a genre I?ve always hated.
Portrayal of Guilt Devil Music3.5
Portrayal of Guilt changed direction pretty drastically away from their somewhat legendary screamo and black metal style to create a double album in which part 1 is a black metal record and the second half is a chamber music orchestration of part 1. although the album is a bit disjointed because of it and I personally find the experimentation of the chamber music to be more enjoyable than the harrowing black metal. But still, the brevity of each part and the overall experience really is top-notch. With punishing and harrowing black metal in the first half you?ll have your head spinning. While the second half sees the guitars and drums replaced with strings and brass instrumentals that add a lot of texture to everything. Definitely a cool listen and can?t wait to see what they evolve into with this.
Dinner Party Enigmatic Society1.5
The sophomore EP from the four-piece jazz supergroup is more of the same but somehow dumbs it down even further. My biggest complaint about the Dinner Party has been none of the legendary styles of jazz music really come through any of the artists. Instead, we get a muted and derivative-sounding neo-soul and jazz record. But this record goes one step further by being even more boring and one-dimensional I am shocked by the collective genius that is the members all work on this. It?s fine while it?s on but man there is nothing memorable about this and I honestly hope the artists separate because I would much rather hear their solo work than whatever they are attempting to do with Dinner Party.
Waterparks Intellectual Property2.5
Is there a lot of hate for the Texas-based band that is unwarranted; yes. Is there is a lot of overhyping for the band too; yes. The band?s newest album continues to show its unique(ish) blend of rock/punk and electronics. However, they continue to come up with both some interesting and found-sounding styles, like the opener ?St*rfucker? and ?Ritual?. However, there are quite a few derivative-sounding alternative/pop rock instrumentals that really died 15 years ago. I have always thought the band had a lot of interesting ideas here and there laced with extremely boring ideas for the rest of the release. In many ways, they are a watered-down Enter Shikari, without coming from the metalcore scene. Still, I will listen because maybe they can pull it off with power and energy.
Angel Olsen Forever Means3.0
The last two full-length releases from Angel Olsen have not exactly been my favorite. Both fail at really being all that entertaining to listen to by crossing the road too far into being ?art music? for sad people. However, on her new EP, I see her coming back to form with more interesting and textured instrumentals. Like the jazz instrumentals and more booming drums on the opener and ?Time Bandits?, respectively l. Plus the closer also has a good amount of energy to it which I have not heard from her in a long time. However, this album still suffers from sounding stale and somewhat uninspired across its short run time. Fine while it?s on, but not all the memorable.
Black Thought and El Michels Affair Glorious Game3.5
Another new record from the Roots member Black Thought continues to show he still got it even with his half-century age. The east coast hip hop filled rhythms and conscious hip hop bars cross your ears smoother than soul music in the 80s. Although the album is one-note and misses a lot of energy I hope from modern-day boom bap, it does celebrate a long history that he has achieved through his career. Plus, the sampling is pretty solid across the album so that is a nice bonus.
Kara Jackson Why Does the Earth Give Us People to Love?4.5
This might come down, in the end, to actually not being one of my favorite records because of the slow-burning nature of the album. But the poetic debut from Illinois-based folk singer/songwriter shows a huge amount of depth as well as intricate experimentation when it comes to modern-day contemporary folk. Through my listening of the album two contrasting singer/songwriter genres come to mind. The intricate and poetic style of Joni Mitchell, Elliott Smith, and Bob Dylan contemporary folk. While also being a somewhat pandering (in a good way) styling of a Mount Eerie, Bill Callahan, and even to some degree Mark Kozelek post-singer/songwriter. However, this all accumulates in a detailed and ambitious debut album from Kara that really is unique. With the bright strings over this dense lyricism on relationships, heartbreak, sexuality, and love. It makes for a rounded experience that will have you coming back for more. Especially on more ambient passages later on in the second half. Although there is a lot to play around with in the future, a truly breathtaking start from an upcoming artist that I hope to hear from again soon.
Petite Noir MotherFather3.0
The Belgium-born artist comes through with another helping of artistic post-punk and afrobeat music that feels like more of a step sideways then it does a step forward. There have always been some very enjoyable elements to a Petite Noir release. Whether it be the punchy and enchanting vocals and instrumentals or the experimentation that goes on from track to track. But there are also issues of tracks just not sounding as explorative or fun as others.
Frost Children SPEED RUN4.5
The duo?s fourth album continues its bombastic and eccentric style of electronic and pop music. ?Speed Run? in many ways is what I have always wanted 100 gecs to blossom into with their fusion of various shades of electronic music and the heavy use of hyperpop vocal edits. But the album feels like a continuous and cohesive listening experience. Although the back half of the record could be stronger, everything here is enjoyable and blistering, which makes for a fun way to start the summer/spring.
Nerver/Chat Pile Brothers In Christ3.0
I have always hated reviewing split EPs because most of the time one artist/band completely outshines the other. This is again the case with this new split EP from Nerver and Chat Pile. The two leading singers from Nerver feel like a weaker and more derivative form of Chat Pile, without the witty lyricism. While the two Chat Pile singles on the back half fell like b-sides from their debut album. This is not entirely a bad thing since their debut album brings back a heavy and noisy style of sludge metal that we have not seen in several decades. Therefore, it is not bad to listen by any means. But you would do better by just listening to the debut album from Chat Pile.
GoGo Penguin Everything Is Going to Be OK3.0
It is sad for me to see this band become more and more derivative through the years. Through the years the nu jazz vignette of the band has always been of interest. The intricate use of standup bass and drums combine for a truly mesmerizing and bright experience. However much of this new album, although those elements are still there, feels dry and out of season. I wish the band would kind of move into new realms of ideas to invigorate their sound. But for now, we have a decent helping of the same thing we have gotten in the last few releases.
Dodheimsgard Black Medium Current2.0
If you really love the classic sounds of post-metal and black metal, then you will find this new Dødheimsgard record really good. But for me and what I want from post-metal (mainly the shoegaze scene) this is a fairly uninspired listening experience. On several of my listens, I completely forget what I just heard or as soon as it?s over, I have no idea or remembrance of the record. Although the electronic and even synthpop interludes, and/or catch-your-breath moments and a lot of interesting ideas the overall metal sound really is bland and unforgettable.
Fennesz/Ozmotic Senzatempo4.0
It?s interesting to see Fennesz, one of the bigger names in underground ambient music, still going after all these years of producing mediocre albums. He teams up with another smaller duo of electroacoustic artists to create a tranquil and atmospheric ambient project not too far off from what Fennesz was doing in the late 90s and early 2000s. If you are a fan of Tim Hecker, then you really need to give this album a try because there is a lot of stylistic overlap. The booming and progressive drones add a lot of triumph and power to the already stochastic and linear-sounding glitches and noise. Overall, the second half is really where this album shines through since everything accumulates to such a grand and enchanting finish. But the first half has a lot of interesting textures to it that it is an overall enjoyable and memorable listening experience.
Magdalena Bay mini mix Vol. 34.5
The duo continues to be one of the most exciting and adventurous pop acts in modern music. With a much different approach to style and sound than a lot of gen z and other pop music right now, but with a very similar home. Magdalena Bay return with their third mixtape EP in which we see a continuation of synthpop, electropop, and sophisti-pop. These are all styles being used today, but they approach it in a lighthearted and playful manner rather than the dark and angry manure we are seeing from others. Both are great, but I continue to love the energy and breeziness that comes from a Magdalena Bay release, and this is a condensed and fun-sounding one at that.
Fire! Orchestra Echoes4.0
Was actually surprised to find this new Fire! Orchestra album so be such an engaging record for how long it is; nearly 2 hours in length. The fifth album from the Sweden 28-member experimental big band group comes through with another helping of expansive and enchanting jazz music. There are a lot of creative twists in turns. From the bouncy and fun ECHOES tracks that have a lot of jazz fusion, free jazz, and various shades of spiritual jazz woven through their average 12-14 minute run time. But then there are also more experimental and avant-grade short passages in between the ECHOES tracks that feel much darker. Although the album can have a problem with odd vocal additions that really don?t add anything, the instrumentals and layout of everything are extremely enjoyable. Any fan of modern experimental jazz should give this a listen.
midxna control is an illusion4.5
I can believe that the post-breakcore genre is an extremely niche style of music for those that do not want a rich atmosphere with heavy-hitting breakcore/drum-and-bass style drums pummeling you from every angle. But what midxna creates on their debut mini-LP is something that only the likes of Sewerslvt have been able to do for the genre. For 26 minutes, you will be shown extremely textured and rich ambient drones that feel equally as ethereal as they do haunt. On top of the fast-paced and hypnotic drum and bass drums. Everything comes together in such an intricate yet carefree way that it?s easy to just get sucked in upon listening. Overall, this is a somewhat silly choice to review and highlight, but I review things I enjoy and I thoroughly enjoy this record for what it is and wants to produce.
Rezzett Meant Like This3.5
Another solid outside house album from the UK-based techno producer. I have really come to love this hazy style of techno music that has been coming out of the underground electronic scene and ?Meant Like This? Is exactly that. Hypnotic and hazy samples to create house-style beats backed by various shades of techno and bass-style music. Although the album can be rather one-note the more you get into it there is a lot to love here without a doubt.
Tim Hecker No Highs3.5
Tim Hecker was the very first ambient artist I fell in love with many years ago. Through the years it has become apparent why I believe he is the best ambient and drone musician out there: textured simplicity. Throughout his long discovery, there is a constant theme of these laced drones with a lot of texture to them. From his early years of glitchy ambiance to then going deeper into electroacoustic and other areas but that texture always remained. However, this might be the first Tim Hecker record that feels like it lacks that signature texture I have always loved about his music. The last few albums for him have been a dip in quality, but here we see him diving back into what would seem more of a traditional sound for him. So, in some ways, it?s an intriguing return to form, but in others feels as hollow sounding as his last few releases.
Covet catharsis3.0
Yvette Young continues to be an impressive and forward-thinking guitarist and her third album with her band continues to show the prowess she has with a guitar. However, I feel like the band is running out of ideas for this new album. Everything feels like what they have been doing the last 9-ish years, plus the mastering of this album is all over the place with instruments clashing with each other or completely swallowing others. Plus, the amount of distortion on the guitar is extremely distracting from anything else on here. Overall, the band still bands some solid noodly sounding math rock with that post-rock ting, but it really has a hard time standing out from others in this vein, let alone the band's past releases.
Ellie Goulding Higher Than Heaven3.5
Never thought I would see the day that Ellie Goulding actually makes a solid-sounding Electropop album. ?Higher Than Heaven? is a really impressive feat for the long-standing melodic dubstep and electropop artist. No more are the soaring and bombastic dubstep beats. Now we see nu-disco and synthpop style beats over her lush vocals. Although the album does feel like a lower version than some of the best in this style, by no means is it a bad album and I am one to amend her for doing something so adventurous.
Blondshell Blondshell3.5
Alternative rock has not sounded this intense in probably 20 years?I am all for it. Alternative rock (and indie rock for that matter) has had an extremely long, and at this point annoying, life span. From its early inception in the 80s, to its popularity in the 90s, and then to its mainstream appeal of the 2000s (leading to its downfall in the 2010s), the genre has seen a lot of things come across it. But one thing that always seemed to appear through the decades is the loss of energy and bite that the genre really started off with. Although this debut album from Blondshell is not breaking the mold at all, she is pulling from a lot of what made the genre so innovative back in the day. Plus, the melding with the intricacies of indie rock adds more to the fire. A fun-sounding and lighthearted (but aggressive) alternative rock album that will give you a run for your money.
Cub Sport Jesus at the Gay Bar3.5
As I patiently wait for the new Troye Sivan record to come out the fifth album from the Australian-based band will do very nicely as a way to fill the void. Just like I said in my review 3 years ago Troye?s divergent EP, Cub Sport showcases a showing and fusion of classic deep house and synthpop aesthetics (popular in the Australian club scene). Although the album might be a bit too simple for the sum it continues to be another reason why I am really seeing a big turnaround in modern pop music with such exploration and experimentation from these up-and-coming artists. Breathtaking and hypnotic beats over lush and dazzling vocals really make for a fun listening experience.
Fire-Toolz I am upset because I see something that is not the4.0
Another extremely wacky and experimental electronic and metal record from one of the world's wackiest producers out there, Angel Marcloid. Although this new album feels very much like what they have been putting out with their last full-length monster album and EP from last year. There are still a lot of bombastic and strange genre fusions only Angel could ever create. Can?t wait to see what they produce next in the future because I will continually come back for more of the futuristic utopian nightmare that is Fire-Toolz music.
HMLTD The Worm5.0
The UK-based band finally did it, they created the perfect album they have been building towards since their wacky-sounding post-punk debut EP in 2018. ?The Worm? really shares nothing with what their debut album and EP were reaching for, but the band pivot their sound to new heights with boisterous vocals, enchanting progressive instrumentals, and a focus on theatrics. The Rock opera record shares a lot in common with what has made the best in the genre stand out, while also pulling from true greats in the styles of progressive rock music. All of this is accumulated in a tight and neat package of 9 songs, just over 40 minutes that will have you coming back over and over to the deceiver who is ?the worm?, why are these people worshipping it, and what happens when you kill it. A true masterclass of what you can do with theatrical lyricism and punchy rock instrumentals that keep you engaged from start to finish.
ISON Stars & Embers4.0
Post-rock still can be one of my least favorite genres because of how utterly boring it can sound. As I have grown older, however, the appeal of post-rock has become more apparent with the subtle buildups to such grand instrumental layouts being top of the list of why I like post-rock now. On this third record from the Swedish duo, we see a continuation of their ethereal and long-winding post-rock-laced space ambient drones that teleport you to another universe. The lush vocal contrasts as well really create an even more angelic experience; like being taken by a superior alien race to serene planets of beautiful landscapes. Although the album can be campy at times, it still has such an infectious quality to it that really keeps me coming back.
Bruiser and Bicycle Holy Red Wagon4.0
If you like the somewhat experimental nature that the Beach Boys brought back in the 60s with progressive pop, then you will probably want to listen to Bruiser & Bicycle. The neo-psychedelic laced pop tracks that have are constantly building with sunny and looping guitar chords. On top of the fun and bright lyrics that will have you bouncing your head constantly as the album goes on. The biggest downside here is that the sound can get a bit stale once you pass the halfway mark. For being just over an hour in length the band could have probably cut out the last few tracks and made this a 30-minute summer ragger. But what we have is extremely fun and bright, especially the first few tracks.
Daniel Caesar NEVER ENOUGH4.0
I could see this album continuing to grow on me through the months since there are some true bangers on here. But for now, it is definitely Daniel Caesar?s best album to date; smooth and hypnotic neo-soul and RnB vocals laced over classic bedroom pop/indie style beats a la Frank Ocean. Although there are some tracks here and there that are nowhere near as strong as others, it is an overall enjoyable listening experience. If the record was not as long as it is, it would be a much better listening experience. But for now, it is still a lush and sensual record when it wants to be an emotionally heart-pumping record when it wants to be.
Medasin Always in a Hurry4.5
I?ve been one of the firm lovers of Grant Nelson's future bass style. It has a bright and shimmering quality to it that few other artists in the style could do. But on his third album we see Grant diverting heavily from this heavy electronic style to embark on a nu jazz album. But don?t get it twisted, his bright use of electronics is still here with heavy synthesizer/ambient work on many tracks. From the heavy drum fills of the intro track to the moody and rich closer, there is a constant back and forth with this natural nu jazz drumming and synthetic ambiance. Great little album and I can?t wait to see what he continues to do in the future.
Boygenius the record3.5
The debut album from the sad girl trio of Phoebe Bridgers, Julien Baker, and Lucy Dacus might not be anywhere near as strong as their solo outings but is still a strong showing of what their brand of sadcore can sound like when done well. There really is nothing special about the record other than the names of those who made it, but it does have some really tracks like the indie rock ragger of ?$20? and ?Not Strong Enough?, plus the quintessential sadcore sounds of ?Revolution 0?, ?We?re In Love?, etc. the biggest problem is that many of the songs are solo performances in which they all sound like b-sides from their last albums so it?s hard to find much from the trio coming together.
Larry June and The Alchemist The Great Escape2.5
It?s tough to not find small snippets of greatness with this new album from Larry and legendary producer the Alchemist. Much of the album is laced in this hazy and jazzy-sounding drumless style that has become very popular as of late. However, it also can come off as very lazy at points and the overall length of the project can leave you pretty bored by the end. So, in small snippets, it?s a strong hip-hop vibe, but as a whole listening experience, it can be a bit tiring.
London Brew London Brew2.0
Bitches Brew is one of the most legendary jazz fusion records to ever come out at the tail end of Miles Davis?s legendary career, and I have never found it to be that appealing. It?s part of the extremely experimental and avant-grade stages of Miles's career that has always been a bit of a wash for me when I try to listen to it. Therefore, when a group of UK jazz musicians grouped together to create an homage to this legendary album, they had tall shoes to fill, but not for me, and in many ways, this album holds the same flaw I find with Bitches Brew. Overly long tracks that really have a hard time distinguishing themselves from others, sound palates that can get lost in the shuffle of ?trying-to-be-experimental?, and above all else an overall boring listen. Look, this style of jazz music has never been my thing and therefore you should still give this a try if you love early jazz fusion, but for me, it?s an easy skip.
Damien Jurado Sometimes You Hurt the Ones You Hate3.5
Damien Jurado has had a very successful career of bordering the line between the post-singer/songwriter ramblings and enchanting contemporary folk without really being in either of them. The simplistic and easy listening of his music continues on his new 8-song LP that really continues to highlight his ability to make short tracks that really resonate with the listener. There is nothing over the top or explosive about this record, just simple and to-the-point folky singer/songwriter tracks that will have you bobbing your head the whole time.
The Ongoing Concept Again3.5
One of the more underappreciated post-hardcore bands comes through with their fourth album in which it seems they have done re-imaginations of several popular tracks from their last three albums and two EPs. Although it can come off as a bit tacky at points, a lot of heaviness and appeal are still present here. Not to say the band is anywhere near what they used to be like in their ?Saloon? and ?Handmade? eras, but the band still has the energy and presence.
Matt Elliott The End of Days3.0
The long-standing avant-folk artist comes through with another installment of his hauntingly charming brand of folk music he has perfected through the years. With that being said there is equally as much to love about this record as there is to hate. The long and winding folk progressions can get rather tiresome and only when more chamber instrumentation comes in does it feel a lot brighter and textured. But there is a hypnotic nature to guitar plucking that really comes through right off the bat with the opening track. Plus, the very hushed delivery of Matt adds to that sleepy hypnotism. But someone can take it too far and maybe I will fall asleep. But overall, the album is a lot of nothing and can be washed out by your memory when it?s over.
chini.png El d​í​a libre de Polux3.5
Shit, no one told me Sweet Trip came out with a new album?wait a minute this isn?t a long-standing California-based dream pop act?rAll jokes aside this is a pretty solid art rock and pop album that pulls a lot of Sweet Trip in its progressions and overall instrumental pallets. The debut album from the Chilean duo shows off a lot of potentials and promise for something even more unique and ambitious in the future. All the elements are here for something great, so I really look forward to what they have.
Liturgy 936963.5
Liturgy comes back with another helping of avant-grade black metal with their usual abstract post-minimalism, classical, and glitch style that the band has been building for years. Although on the one hand, this is obviously a very artistic and adventurous album that fills my avant-grade brain cells to the max. But on the other end, it?s overly long and at times too complex to really understand. Definitely could be a grower with time, but I have a hard time being engaged the whole time it?s on. Still, there is a lot to love with this record and the ebbs-and-flows of black metal, post-minimalism totalism, and classical music allow for a constantly evolving door of styles. So, there is definitely something here to sink your teeth into, just maybe in bite-size increments.
Caroline Rose The Art of Forgetting3.5
Caroline Rose still comes through with some of the most interesting ideas when it comes to pop music but can easily lose focus here and there. On her new album, she explores more folk and psychedelic instrumentation with her tongue-in-cheek lyricism. But it can come off flat or underwhelming in a few of the middle tracks. But other tracks like the opener and ?Jill Says? are extremely lush and progressive-sounding pop songs and it?s always great to see what she does with them. I continue to hope she will blossom into a truly amazing pop artist, but she still has some artistic hurdles to jump over before that?s possible.
Lucinda Chua YIAN3.0
All the elements of a great album are present on the debut album by Lucinda. Rich atmosphere which lush vocals and serene chamber orchestration create a truly breathtaking array of color and substance. However, in practice, this album does not come together all that well. Tracks often fall flat or under-delivers. Plus, the vibe of the album can be one-dimensional. I hope to see this style flushed out more from her in the future because there definitely is something great present here.
Ne Obliviscaris Exul1.5
Long-standing progressive death metal and symphonic metal fusion band come through with another album that sounds like all their other albums. I get it if you love this style and band, but it really just feels like everything they have put out to this point, but the tracks can drone on for far too long and loose substance pretty quickly.
The HIRS Collective We're Still Here4.5
The long-standing Philadelphia grindcore act comes through one of their most slaying record to date with blistering screams, drums, and guitars to keep your eardrums pummeling the whole time. Plus, the features brought in on this record are so well incorporated and allow for various styles and genres to come together. From emo legends like Frank Iero (MCR) and Anthony Green (Circa Survive) to noise and drone acts like Melt-Banana and Chip King (the Body). There really is nothing about this record that is bad, it is just a very niche style and sound. But if you are into being beaten with sound this is definitely a great record to put on.
Lana Del Rey Did You Know That There's a Tunnel Under Ocean Blvd4.0
I am one to say since the release of NFR way back in 2019 Lana had not revolutionized and pigeon-hold herself into the very cryptic and romanticized sort of pop and alt-pop. This was obvious with the subpar Chemtrails and Blue Banister in 2020 and 2021 respectively. So, I and I think many fans were anxious to see what she would do on what seemed like a refresh for her. Well, I can say she definitely reaches the same level of NFR with extremely potent lyricism and mesmerizing instrumentals/performances. But there is more filter on this record that really could have been left off and given the same effect. Plus, the spoken word interludes really come off awkward for someone like Lana (let alone who those speakers are). But Lana continues to be a polarizing and intense singer in the pop landscape and this new album really feels like a return to mesmerizing form.
JPEGMAFIA and Danny Brown Scaring the Hoes4.5
I?m always pessimistic when it comes to full-length collaborative records because it seems more times than not that the things that make the individual artists great can really get lost when they try to work together. However, I am extremely surprised at how seamless the combo of JPEGMAFIA and Danny Brown is. The number of ideas that come together on this new record really shows off both the eclectic rapping style of Danny Brown and the bombastic sound design of JPEGMAFIA. Every track has a slew of those abstract samples from JPEGMAFIA and the witty one-lines from Danny, it?s hard not to find this an extremely enjoyable record.
Fall Out Boy So Much (For) Stardust3.5
For the last ten-plus years, the long-standing pop punk/rock and emo band has been chasing that sugary sweet pop sound to continue to grow their success. However, for fans of those early years, the band got further and further away from what made them so great back in the early to mid-2000s. Well, the band continues to push for that chart-topping sound, but with the new wave of gen-z pop music, the band sees themselves going back a little bit towards their old sound. It?s not a total go-back, but there are a lot of elements on this brand-new album that feel like a classic FOB track. Like the intro track and ?I Am My Own Muse?. So Much (For) Stardust might not be an incredible record, even for the band, but it has a lot of building pieces that could help the band get into the minds of new and old fans alike.
Black Country, New Road Live at Bush Hall4.0
I was one of the not-so-lucky fans of BC,NR to really not be a fan of their sophomore record. On dozens of times, I have gone back to see if I will get the hype from other fans, but it just never clicked with me, and I believe I finally know why. ?Ant From Up There? was a revolutionary set of ideas and sounds for the rock genre that came off as extremely dry and underwhelming for what I wanted from the band. However, what is interesting is that on the band?s new live album in which all new songs are performed with the sudden departure of their lead singer, there seems to be a real passion to turn the style of AFUT into an even more exciting and intimate listening experience. Something about the live setting and the constant swelling between jazz and chamber and rock music really adds a deeper level that I never got from the former. With this praise I still find this album to be weaker than the band?s insane post-punk debut. But I understand the band does not want to do the post-Brexit style anymore and is trying for a more theatrical and grand sound. But this live album really feels like the sound is clicking and I hope to see them progress further with this.
Endless, Nameless Living Without3.5
The debut album from the five-piece Denver-based band pulls from an interesting part of post-hardcore and math rock. In many ways, if you are a fan of swancore then you will feel right at home with ?Living Without?, with its noodly math rock guitars backed by melodic and high-range vocals. However, it seems to pull from a lot of the pre-swancore styles that would eventually build into the genre when DGD came onto the scene. Bands like The Speed of Sound in Seawater, TTNG, and even early The Fall of Troy all come to mind. But the band does come from a modern angle with the use of noise rock and even sasscore at times. It?s a cool album and a very interesting band that could become a grease band with more time. The album suffers from being too long and dragging on by the end. But overall, a compelling little album.
Andrea Due In Color3.0
The sophomore record from the Italian breakbeat artist sees a continuation of his rich ambient textures laced over bouncy and deep breakbeat drums. Although the record is pretty when it is on, it is pretty forgettable when you are done with it. Each track really blends into the last and after 30 minutes of everything I get pretty tired of it. Wish there was more variation here and at points transitioned into some more techno-style ideas. Still not a bad album by any means, just could be a lot more memorable.
Blank Gloss Cornered3.0
Although a slow-burning ambient and post-rock record with classical leanings, it can be at times a bit to slow and at times extremely emotional and moving. It?s tough to fully digest this record because when it?s off it?s really off and hard to listen to, but when it?s on it?s extremely engaging and fulfilling. Overall an above-average ambient classical fusion, but wish it was just overall more engaging across the board, rather than just in spurts.
M83 Fantasy3.5
The long-standing French band seems to come back to what really made them blow up with progressive electronics dipped in that sweet synthpop style and post-rock guitar works. In many ways, because of this, it is a solid little record that will definitely put you into a vibe. However, the album is overly long and I do prefer the small bits of experimentation on tracks like ?Fantasy?, ?Kool Nut?, and even ?Oceans Niagara?. I see why the band on their last album turned more towards instrumental music, but they never really did it well. These tracks showcase a better representation of progressive electronic and Indietronica/post-rock that feels fresh. Hoping for the band to really branch into new heights after this record.
100 Gecs 10,000 gecs2.5
Got to give the hyperpop sensation 100 gecs a lot of credit for being the closest to making hyperpop and rock/punk music sounds okay together. The alternative rock feel of ?757? and the ska punk style of ?Frog on the Floor? are really things I didn?t expect. But there are also a lot of huge miss steps on other tracks that I really wish I could un-hear. But still, the duo makes some of the most experimental pop music out there and they will always hold a special place in my heart.
Unknown Mortal Orchestra V1.5
I am reminded why this band is not very good. Overly long, overly simplistic, and relies too heavily on a vibe that really never gets to me. Maybe this style of psychedelic soup and hypnagogic pop isn?t my thing, but I would rather this record be 40 minutes shorter, had a set of strong soul vibes, and just sounded more energetic. Everything feels so low-key that it?s hard to even feel like the band was trying. The only saving grace is the opening track and ?Weekend Run?.
Yves Tumor Praise a Lord Who Chews, But Does Not Consume...3.0
The newest album from Yves Tumor builds off of the Neo-psychedelic sound they had created on their ?Heaven to a Tortured Mind? record in 2020 as well as the post-punk and art rock styles of their 2021 ?The Asymptotical World EP?. However, for me as great as this record is overall it does fail to pull me in and bash me over the head like the EP did and has a hard time fully grasping me across the run time as the LP did. It still has its moments, but everything feels a bit too cluttered and inconsistent to really make it stand out from others.
Invent Animate Heavener4.5
Maybe, just maybe, post-metalcore is completely revitalizing the warp tour metalcore sound I learned to love so early on in high school. Being past 25 now has led me to really fall out of love with the genre, with some minor exceptions. However, I have really come to appreciate these heavy atmospheric metalcore bands that have been coming out in the last few years. Although this album doesn?t hold a candle to the likes of Rolo Tomassi and their unique style of post-metalcore, but it has those extremely rich and mesmerizing synthesizers that pair so well with the extreme aggression of Invent Animates style. Maybe it?s a basic pick but this album rocks harder than any other re-hash metalcore band from the 2010s.
Entropia (PL) Total3.5
Definitely a solid atmospheric sludge and black metal record with some metalcore leanings in the vocals and general guitar progressions. Although the album can get a little stale at points, the vibe is pretty great, and the overall performances are solid especially for a genre as of late that sees a lot of bands phoning it in.
Tomo-Nakaguchi The Long Night In Winter Light4.5
A haunting yet bright portrayal of snow and snow storms is created on this new Tomo-Nakaguchi record. We are given some rich and elegant chamber instrumentation with piano and strings, but it is embedded in these new age and ambient drone textures that really give you the feeling of vast empty white space as you traverse this snowy landscape. Something that really makes TLNiWL so good is the extreme emotions that are created from it. The waves of happiness and emptiness that come in and go really make for a full-body listening experience and I cannot praise this album enough for having that. Give it a go if you want to be able to zone out and meditate on general existential things you may be going through.
Twice Ready to Be2.5
Don?t get me wrong, TWICE is probably the second largest K-pop act behind BTS, but the biggest problem with K-pop that I have always had is two things. One was that K-pop was always filling a void in the pop mainstream during the mid-to-late 2010s and early 2020s while pop was desperately finding a new sound. Therefore, it always sounded like an Americanized version of what more classic K-pop sounded like. Since the advent and evolution of the last year of gen-z pop music, K-pop seems to be dying faster and faster and this new EP from the group continues to show that dying of ideas. Secondly, K-pop always had a sound problem in that everyone all sounded the same and TWICE was never different. This new EP sounds like everything else they and those copying them have done. I wish K-pop would go through a revolution of its sound because they are still trying to knock at the same door they have been the last 10-plus years.
Conway The Machine & Jae Skeese Pain Provided Profit3.0
A solid, although pretty flat-sounding Conway project in the boom bap revival style that we have come to expect from the Griselda boys.
Periphery Periphery V: Djent is Not a Genre4.0
It is kind of funny how on the most recent Haken release ?Fauna? I went into how this brand of progressive metal might be starting to get stale with me. However, this new Periphery album might have completely taken that point away because the long-standing Djent band continues to push out explosive and memorizing progressive metalcore with that heavy and meme-filled djent style guitars. Honestly, if it wasn?t for the weird cooldown track in ?Silhouette?, this would easily be a higher score. I am also glad to see the band pulling a little from what made their very early records such a highlight for me with more focus on melodic guitars than just the brutality they have been working with. ?Periphery V? might not be the most groundbreaking record for the genre and even for the band, but it continues to show how consistent this band is year after year.
Lonnie Holley Oh Me Oh My3.5
There is definitely a lot to love and find interesting from the long-standing artist and soul singer Lonnie Holley. One of the best parts of this record is the way all the features are incorporated and really allow each of them to play to their strengths. From the abstract and haunting Moor Mother features to the very folksy style of Bon Iver. Although the album can lose itself from time to time, the lyrical focus and heavy ambiance of the album really create a great vibe.
Dispirited Spirits The Redshift Blues4.5
Not many times do I come across a more classic style emo record that hits this damn hard, but there is something so enchanting and mesmerizing by this sophomore Dispirited Spirits record. The heavy use of space rock revival on top of the intricate guitar work and heart-wrenching lyricism really makes my college heart sing with praise. Plus, the performances across this record are incredibly beautiful and complex. I can understand people may find this to be another emo project, but the way they border between the modern post-emo aesthetic and power with the more classic styles of Midwest emo and emo-pop. Please give this a try if you want some incredibly passionate, ethereal, and space-y-sounding emo music.
Alice Longyu Gao Let's Hope Heteros Fail, Learn, and Retire4.5
I will continue to preach it, gen-z pop music is an infinitely more interesting, textured, and in-spots experimental set of ideas than the last few big waves of pop music have ever seen. Alice Longju Gao's sophomore EP is a much more dark, eclectic, and noisy set of pop bangers with its hyperpop vocal edits and trap metal and industrial hip hop underpinnings. Plus, the very potent and explosive lyrics really make for a fun EP listening experience. If you are like me and you are fully enjoying the exploration in the Tik Tok/gen-z pop scene, please give this a listen.
TDK ÐемеÑта3.5
It?s tough to review avant-prog records now with the explosion of Black Midi in the last few years. However, this Bulgarian-based band comes through with some very solid jazz rock and avant-prog/brutal prog ideas that might come off as commonplace for the style but still has some extremely harrowing and dark moments across the record. I do like the more-metal tint that an album like this has over more ?classic? avant-prog records do, plus the longer songs really adds a lot of bits that also classics in the genre can be missing. Still, the record can be a bit bland at points and some of the interlude ideas can also be a bit boring, overall, a solid little record.
Masego Masego3.0
For a record that starts off with some super strong alternative RnB ideas, this record flames out pretty quickly into more derivative ideas. I really wanted this record to have more of the chamber instrument ideas that he showed on the opening few tracks. Still, there are some sensual and emotional RnB tracks littered throughout the record and it?s really not a horrible album, just wished it kept the power that the start had.
slowthai UGLY4.5
The British rapper's third album is by far the best album he has released and it?s not even close. ?UGLY? is an introspective and self-reflection of what has been going on around his mental health and other such ideas. It is laced through these explosive post-punk and alternative rock instrumentals with his signature rapping style. Although the album might alienate long-time fans of his brash UK hip hop style, overall it still has all those potent and symbolic lyricism and rapping that fans have come to love. Truly a breathtaking piece of art that people need to listen to when they get a chance.
Kali Uchis Red Moon in Venus4.5
I have always found Kali?s style of RnB to be the perfect blend of sensual, atmospheric, and beautiful. On her third album, she continues this evolution and style with some more sexy and psychedelic RnB/soul tracks that really get you bobbing your head along. From the chillwave and psychedelic soul breakup track of ?I Wish You Roses? to the more synth funk and Minneapolis sound of ?Endlessly? there really is a diverse yet focused set of styles and sounds. She has slowly become one of my favorite modern RnB artists by far and I really hope she keeps up with this.
Weval Remember3.0
A hypnotic and pulsating microhouse and Indietronica record that several times loses me in its somewhat bland progressions, but at other times is an atmospheric and mesmerizing showcasing of what these two genres are really capable of being when paired together. Also, the record feels a bit too long for my tastes and several of the tracks can go on far too long. It?s tough to judge any microhouse when Jon Hopkins really polarized the genre several years ago and this is obviously trying to be like that.
Constant Smiles Kenneth Anger2.5
I have a really fond relationship with darkwave and it?s not every year that one comes out, let alone dazzles me. However, this new Constant Smiles record continues to show that he is not exactly the best at creating memorable and original darkwave music. Don?t get me wrong there are some fun songs on here like the opener ?Finding Ways?, but everything on this record starts to blend together after a while and I have a hard time really finishing any of it.
Haken Fauna3.0
I?m not going to lie but I am slowly becoming numb to these modern progressive metal and rock bands that are all starting to blend together. In college I couldn?t get enough of Haken, Caligula?s Horse, Thank You Scientists, etc. but with the stagnation, it feels in the genre and as my pallet moves towards other things this new Haken record just sounds so derivative and stale. Don?t get me wrong in spurts this is a heady and heavy-hitting progressive record but it?s just hard to find much in here that I would ever come back to.
Kate NV Wow2.5
It?s definitely a cute and spring-sounding record, but it also has nothing all that memorable on here other than a solid vibe all around. I have always wanted to love Kate NV?s music, but it?s always a bit too out there even for me to fully appreciate and vibe with.
Xiu Xiu Ignore Grief4.0
By far Xiu Xiu?s best album and it is entirely because Jamie?s very haunting and thick signing fits so nicely over these extremely brash and dirty post-industrial/death industrial style instrumentals. I have never been a Xiu Xiu fan because of this issue, Jamie?s vocals are always a sore thumb issue in their long-standing experimental style of art pop. This was especially potent on their last album in which the features continued to outshine Jamie since they had a stronger ability to adapt to the instrumentals. But now we see a truly breathtaking piece of music that fits his style of music and I don?t know if I will ever see them do this again. So I shall enjoy every bit of this album from them.
terraplana olhar pra trás4.5
There really is not a lot you can?t love about this sudo-classic sounding shoegaze debut record from the Brazilian-based band. It has that ethereal and rich-sounding guitar tones on top of some deep and emotional performances akin to Slowcore. Plus, the super dreamy synthesizers that come in during various tracks really adds a huge richness that many modern shoegaze artists have been missing. I can understand where people may find this to be too much like My Bloody Valentine, but I have come to love the more modern production and less focus on super noisy guitar tones than what came about during the very early years of shoegaze. A must listen if you are a fan of the genre for sure.
U.S. Girls Bless This Mess2.0
The new record from Meg Remy feels like a big step down from not only her exceptional 2018 ?In A Poem Unlimited?, but even the simplistic soul style of her last record ?Heavy Light?. ?Bless This Mess? feels and sounds like a complete mess of a record with all these cluttered and conflicting styles of disco, electropop, and pop soul. On top of it, most of the singing on here can be rather rough and can be out of tune which is weird for a Meg record. I still believe she can bounce back, with all the stylistic changes she has presented through the years, but for now, we are kind of stuck with this record.
Algiers Shook4.5
?Shook? really feels like a return to greatness that the band had bottled on their 2017 breakout record ?The Underside of Power? but even pushes the post-punk and post-industrial concepts into more hip-hop styles than the more gospel and soul ideas they had been doing. Not to say those influences are gone, because the lead singer of the band still brings that very spiritual delivery when he contributes, but it?s the features that add the true depth to the record that felt missing on past releases. From underground hip hop legends like Billy Woods and Backxwash, to avant-folk phenom Nadah el Shazly. Everything is still housed within the general idea that the band has built but everything feels more expanded upon and realized than ever before. Not sure how the band can continue this style, but I would imagine they will continue to come up with some funky fusions.
Gorillaz Cracker Island3.5
The digital four-piece band Gorillaz continues to die harder and harder as mastermind Damon Albarn continues to evolve his longstanding style into a new age. I get it, people have not been too happy with the last few Gorillaz releases other than 2020?s ?Song Machine?, but ?Cracker Island? is actually a light and fun-sounding pop record that continues to incorporate features extremely well. People seem to have a hard time moving on that the 2000s style that Gorillaz build is just not something Damon wants to do anymore and he shouldn?t. Overall though ?Cracker Island? has some truly simple and memorable tracks on here that long-time fans might have a problem with, but if you can disconnect yourself from their past, it?s a solid record.
Shame (UK) Food For Worms3.5
Another very solid post-punk outing from the London-based band. For me it?s somewhat of the band's response to the post-Brexit sound that has been swarming the indie scene the last few years and although it is nowhere near as expansive or enchanting as a Black Country New Road or as clustered and avant-garde as Black Midi, it is on the same level as someone like a Squid in which there are some raw and harrowing post-punk riffs, but the use of post-hardcore on tracks as well as art rock/punk helps create a sense of creativity and uniqueness that I always felt was missing on past releases. This record still suffers from a lot of classic post-punk problems of being too one-dimensional at points (plus it loses steam later on), but it?s a fun listen.
Logic College Park4.0
I have thoroughly enjoyed the last few releases from Logic, with its heavier focus on boom bap and as well as incorporating features in a much more seamless way. Bobby continues on his hot streak with another strong helping of east coast hip hop bangers on ?College Park?. The biggest downfall on here is the sketch comedy bits that are not as cleverly utilized on this record as they were on the last. Logic continues to sound like he is just having a lot of fun with this new era of his and that is amazing to hear.
Meemo Comma Loverboy3.0
Not a bad drum and bass record by any means and the incorporation of footwork and jungle with its textures does add some variety, but it does feel like a typical 90s drum and bass record that you would find on those 2 hour YouTube compilations.
Model/Actriz Dogsbody4.0
Not every day do you get something so jagged and so beautiful at the same time. The debut album from the Boston 4-man noise rock band continues what they had built on their three albums in 2016 and 2017, but adds a much heavier dose of these danceable post-industrial drums. However, nothing about the album is really that danceable with off-putting synthesizers in the classic no-wave style. Overall it is polarizing listening and maybe that isn?t great most of the time, but when it hits it hits super hard. Especially when the more melodic singing style comes in on tracks like ?Divers? and ?Sleepless?.
Heinali Kyiv Eternal3.5
A lighthearted and visceral listening experience from the Ukrainian ambient producer. The use of both city landscape field recordings and forest/bird recordings adds a lot of depth and texture to the cyclical drones and synthesizer work. Although The album can get a bit stale at points when the album is on it teleports you to an altered state of mind.
Otay:onii Dream Hacker3.0
It?s weird because I definitely think Lane Shi Otayonii is coming around and treating a wholly unique sound style for themselves, but I feel like this record is a step down from 2021?s ?Míng Míng?. For some reason, everything on here feels either unfinished/underwriter or overwritten and way too long. Don?t get me wrong there are some truly breathtaking and haunting tracks on here especially when Lane Shi?a vocals split throw the jagged sound design. But there are some pretty dull and unforgettable moments on here as well.
MAXO (L.A) Even God Has a Sense of Humor4.0
Abstract hip hop might be the most annoying genre to be out there in the current underground hip hop space, but every year there is one album that sounds infinitely better than a lot of the more ?popular? rappers sound. Maxo?s new album might be that for me this year. With heady and atmospheric instrumentals, an album-length that isn?t overly long and tiring, plus solid rapping across the board with that slurry but hypnotic delivery. The instrumentals though are really what carry the record for me with the sloppy drum sounds and synthesizer chimes throughout the record-keeping me engaged.
Skrillex Don’t Get Too Close3.0
The second record from the producer is definitely going in a more mainstream direction with a lot more rap and generally brighter textures and at first, it is pretty solid but as it goes on the worse it gets! For how short the record it is impressive that Skrillex makes the whole thing sound the same once you get past the first three-to-four tracks. Nothing here is all that offensive to me, but it overall loses me the more I dig into it.
Khotin Release Spirit2.5
A slow-paced and atmospheric ambient house and downtempo record that has a hard time keeping me engaged the whole time because of how bland things can get at points. But it still has a great vibe the other times and can be a nice way to relax after a long day.
Skrillex Quest for Fire4.5
What a return for the long-standing electronic producer on a dark and energetic EDM album. ?Quest for Fire? has a true list of longstanding, deep, and up-and-coming producers and rappers on many of the tracks and they all meld together so well that it?s amazing to see that happen in 2023. Skrillex does such a splendid job of balancing the experimentation of the record with the modern-day pop of EDM that it really keeps you coming back for more. Could really see many of these tracks being played on a small dark dance floor/rave.
Pile All Fiction1.5
I have never really found this art rock and post-hardcore fusion to be all that interesting, but something about this new Pile album is even worse than normal with it?s an extremely winding and progressive instrumental structure that really never reaches anything. On top of the fact that nothing about the album is memorable in the slightest. I have listened to this several times now (even while running) and I can?t remember a damn thing about it.
Graphic Nature A Mind Waiting to Die4.5
I don?t think I have heard nu metal sounding this explosive and exciting in several decades to this point. The UK band?s debut album really shows a true sense of classic nu metal aggression with the modern production style. Plus, the incorporation of drum and bass/breakcore drums also adds a lot of distinguishing qualities from several other modern nu metal bands. There is a lot of promise from the band and I cannot wait to see what they do with this style in the future because there is still a lot of meat on the bone for the band to play with.
Celestaphone Paper Cut From the Obit3.5
The eighth album from the California-based MC really shows a strong progression into jazz rap and jazz-funk. The soaring saxophone and the hypnotic bass lines add so much texture. Plus, the abstract and conscious rapping makes you come back for more every time you listen. However, there is a problem with one dimensionality when you go through 50+ minutes of music. Everything starts to bleed together. Once you get past the halfway mark. There is still a lot to appreciate and be hopeful for an even stronger listening experience on the next release.
Caroline Polachek Desire, I Want To Turn Into You2.5
To be honest, I don?t want to get screamed at by fans of Caroline, so I will leave it at that I have never been a fan of her specific art pop and avant-pop style because of the potpourri nature of it and this album is all the same. There are some highlights on here like the new age ?Crude Drawing Of An Angle?, the atmospheric drum and bass of ?Fly To You?, and the alt-pop ragger of ?Pretty In Possible?. But there are also some insufferable pop tracks like ?Bunny Is A Rider?, ?Blood And Butter?, and ?Smoke?. Also, the Latin pop track ?Sunset? is extremely embarrassing of a Latin pop track and Latin Americans should be scolding her for doing a piss poor job of doing this beautiful style. Also, the back-half slow ballads really make the record drag on. Overall, not my favorite but I am not a fan of hers to begin with so take what I say with a grain of salt.
Kelela Raven3.0
I was beyond excited for the new Kelela record to drop because of the innovation and exploration she achieved on her debut album in 2017. Although that record took me some time to digest and grasp, it did eventually become a long-standing favorite for me. On her sophomore album, I might be hoping the same thing occurs because it is a somewhat underwhelming record. The minimalism and heady atmosphere could be enchanting and all-encompassing for some, but for me most of the simplistic and minimalist drones/synthesizer patches add really nothing to the lush and angelic vocal delivery Kelela has always been known for. I find the album to be a bit hard to sit through, especially with the back end being swarmed by these very ambient and slow-paced tracks. The more danceable and breakbeat tracks are where this album does shine though and overall, it still is an enjoyable listen. Just feels a bit shallow for my tastes.
Paramore This Is Why4.0
The artistic arch of Paramore is probably one of the most interesting ones to really come out of modern-day music and it feels like the new album from the long-standing band continues to show that they really known how to make some stellar sounding rock music. ?This Is Why? is another divergent in their style even from their synthpop roots embellished on their last record in which the band tackles a pretty dead genre in post-punk revival. In all honesty post-punk revival has never been a favorite of mine, but there are the obvious highlights and Paramore might have overtaken much of those. The sixth album is an alternative rock and post-punk tribute that no one was asking for but glad to see it. I doubt the band will continue down this road, but it?s incredible to see the energy and overall aesthetic get such a victory lap.
Liv.e Girl In The Half Pearl3.5
A solid and experimental neo-soul record that on some levels is a bit chaotic but on other levels has a lot of incredible and groundbreaking ideas. There has been a lot of experimentation and expansion of RnB the last decade, but not as much has been done with soul music and I don?t know why since this sophomore album from Olivia is a spectacle of fusing various styles of electronic and soul together to achieve a real melting pot.
Amber Arcades Barefoot On Diamond Road2.5
Annelotte, the Netherlands-based pop artist, continues to be a run-of-the-mill indie and art pop artist that has a very hard time separating herself from those few dozen who have monopolized the genre for the last few decades. There are some decent song structures and ideas, but overall, it is a bland and one-dimensional record.
Tennis Pollen3.5
Never been the biggest fan of the bedroom pop brand that Tennis has been known for up to this point, but the heavier focus on soft rock and even small bits of sophisti-pop make for a much brighter, expansive, and sunny listening experience than on past albums. There are still some hick-ups throughout and by the end I am pretty over the style, but it starts off strong and breezes by you as you listen.
Two Shell lil spirits2.0
A lot of strong elements are present on this new EP from the London-based producer, but half the time they don?t come together all that well and can be extremely boring. Most of the vibe of the album is also extremely stale at this point in their career. But if you want some simple and bouncy glitch pop and UK bass then give this EP a listen.
Rebecca Black Let Her Burn4.0
You can make fun of Rebecca Black all you want, but her music comeback is truly something spectacular. On her debut album finally, under her own power, she is flourishing with these alt-pop and various shades of dance-/electropop without over-saturating you. I can see where people may find this to be bland, but I am all aboard the gen-z pop trends and Rebecca Black is making some unique ideas within that style.
RAYE My 21st Century Blues3.5
For such a dud of a week, the debut album from UK-based artist Rachel Keen showcases a lot of potential for what could be an expansive and measuring career fusing the likes of RnB/soul with some grimy UK-style beats and bars. ?My 21st Century Blues? is a heartfelt and conscious record that showcases Rachel?s ability to both sing as well as rap which goes a long way in today's landscape of popular music. With that said you can definitely find some dull moments on here, especially on the back half of the record with some of the more one-dimensional tracks like ?Ice Cream Man? being a fairly dry RnB track, ?Flip a Switch? being a bland pop rap track, and even the last three tracks on the album in which Rachel runs out of steam. But there are some true highlights and memorable moments littered throughout the album and I cannot wait to see what she does with this set of ideas.
Young Fathers Heavy Heavy2.0
One thing has been and always will be true for the three-man group hailing from the UK, they really know how to fuse a lot of genres and ideas together into a unique and seamless set of tracks that is up there with the likes of King Krule, Moses Sumney, Frank Ocean, Nnamdi, and even Genesis Owusu. Everything comes together so well that it?s like the genre of young fathers is its own idea. However, the main flaw with this new album that has always plagued the band is the utter mess of a record it comes off as. ?Heavy Heavy? is probably meant to sound cluttered, but for me most of the tracks here sound rushed, underperformed, or underwriter (if not all these). Take ?Drum? a progressive and expansive track, but the drums feel stale and stagnate by the end of the track (even with the buildup that goes on), or the very dry ambient pop and neo-gospel track of ?Tell Somebody? where the same idea runs over and over again. Overall, it?s a rough experience, on top of the fact that nothing on here is memorable for me which is weird for how unique this record sounds. Will continue to wish for more from the band, but I think at this point I know what they are.
Fvnerals Let the Earth Be Silent1.5
Not sure what I was expecting, it is definitely a funeral drone metal record with those extremely rich and haunting dark ambient synthesizers to keep you spooked the whole time. Expect this album just feels like a complete blur when you put it on. None of the textures or progressions capture me in any way, plus everything feels so similar when you go from track to track.
Vylet Pony Carousel4.5
I am not and never will be a My Little Pony fan, but whatever they put in the water of that show for such incredible and explosive music to come out of artist Vylet Pony is something to behold. ?Carousel? is the newest album from Zelda and it continues to build on what made their 2021 album so special: intricate and expansive design (both sonically and lyrically), being able to layer various electronic and pop genres (from EDM to art/glitch pop and even hard rock), and an explorative sonic landscape to keep you guessing around every corner. As you listen through ?Carousel? you can really experience the Carousel that is life and something about the record hits more at home than it probably should. Art pop and EDM should get fused together more often I think.
$UICIDEBOY$ & Shakewell SHAMELESS $UICIDE4.0
Rage is actually a pretty interesting style of trap rap that has been emerging from the southern hip hop scene, and this new EP from $uicideboy$ continues to showcase he works really well with the other artists he brings in. Heavy hitting beats over simplistic and sample-heavy trap beats make for a fun listen for the 18 minutes the EP is on.
Mette Henriette Drifting4.5
I love me some good ECM style jazz, but sometimes it can be a bit one-dimensional and bland if it doesn?t have a solid foundation or progression. But this sophomore album from a Norwegian-born saxophone player really has a sense of presence, atmosphere, and emotion that very few modern jazz albums have. I want my jazz to have such an uprooting connection with me that it can turn my emotions whenever it wants, and ?Drifting? absolutely does that. From the sweeping and breezy opening to more somber and haunting piano cuts like ?Oversoar,? it?s hard not to be swept through several emotions at once.
$quib Micros3.5
There is a lot to love about this new LP/EP from the NJ duo. From the fast-paced and eclectic best choices to the somber and somewhat playful lyricism. But there is a lot heavy amount of JPEGMAFIA influence that is hard to work around in spots. Also, the overall brevity of everything here leaves a lot to be desired. Still, the fun-sounding and glitchy production adds a lot of needed bite to the project I can?t wait to see what they do into the future.
Guitar Fight from Fooly Cooly Drought3.5
Give me easycore any day of the week during the dawn of spring and I will enjoy it. A straightforward EP from the heavy-hitting Nintendcore band continuing to show that fun-sounding emo and post-hardcore style of easycore.
BRUIT Apologie du temps perdu, Vol. 13.5
An interesting little ambient EP from the very exciting up-and-coming post-rock and neoclassical band from France. Although the album is a tad muted and really lacks a set of interesting ideas and progressions, there is a calming sense of dread laced within the three 8-ish minute tracks. Plus, the use of chamber instrumentation and manipulation really adds a nice layer of depth to the drones.
Ruhail Qaisar Fatima4.5
Dark ambient has a long and foreboding history behind it (mainly in video games/movies, but there are some great dark ambient releases out there), but one of the areas I have always been shocked not to see more use is with death industrial style of music. Not to say they don?t go hand in hand, since they obviously do with the way the sonic landscapes typically come together. But there never seemed to be a haunting drone recorded backing the very spoken word and death metal style vocals. ?Fatima? is a breath of fresh air when it comes to these styles with the use of samples and manipulated sound collage to create a real sense of urgency and panic. Really my only complaint is the cat-licking sample on the back half of ?Daily Hunger? really gets to me after a while. A perfect backdrop for playing any FromSoft game.
Ice Spice Like..?3.5
There seems to be a lot of drill resurgence as of late and this debut EP from Ice Spice is honestly a pretty solid sample-based drill project. Although the album might be a little shallow on the surface the beats and overall energy on the EP are extremely solid and the tracks are all pretty memorable across the 13-minute run time.
The Murder Capital Gigi's Recovery3.5
On the Ireland based bands sophomore record, they continue their post-punk revival sound with energetic and progressive instrumentals and vocals. Tracks like ?Crying? have such a great progression and sound to them that it?s hard not to keep coming back to it, especially when it comes to the very Radiohead guitar tones. However, that is the album's biggest drawback, most of the album feels like an ?In Rainbows? b-side track. Not to say that doing what ?In Rainbows? was doing is a bad thing, it is probably Radiohead?s greatest album, but it can be very distracting.
Mac DeMarco Five Easy Hot Dogs2.5
It is not a bad album when it comes to soft and easy instrumental rock music, however, it is not what I and most people really wanted when it came to a new Mac DeMarco record. I myself have never been a huge fan of his music, but still, I would think there would be some more exploration on an instrumental project then bland and stale-sounding soft rock pieces.
Biig Piig Bubblegum3.5
Energetic, fun, and bouncy alt-pop EP with which the use of synthesizers and bass grooves makes this a really enchanting listen from front to back. Another addition to the ever-growing conclusion I have that gen z pop music is impressively more fun sounding than the millennial pop sound I grew up on.
Lapsley Cautionary Tales of Youth3.5
Been a pretty big fan of what Holly Fletcher has been able to create with her different approaches to pop music on her three albums. ?Cautionary Tales of Youth? sees some more electronic exploration with the use of 2-step style breakbeat instrumentals as well as some UK/future garage elements that add a great deal of hypnotic depth to the tracklist. Although the album is far from perfect and overall is not as explorative as her 2020 album ?Through Water?, there is a lot to like and look forward to on future releases.
Panda Rosa Burned Car Highway Light Volcanic1.5
In the first few minutes of this two-hour monster, you are presented with a whimsical and experimental psychedelic record that dabbles in many different ideas in the plunderphonics camp. However, as you dive deeper and deeper into this album the more you realize how utterly boring a listen like this can be. The sonic backdrop becomes extremely stale as you go through the record. Plus, everything comes together so messily that it is hard to take it all that seriously. Overall, it is an overly long, overly complicated, and overly cluttered record that I hope I never have to listen to again.
LCY /Y\4.5
The new EP from the UK-based artist continues to see the experimental and loud styling of experimental RnB/pop music that they have been known for. Some really explosive jungle-style breakbeat as well as some groovy and hardcore 2-step over these rich ambient synthesizers and drones makes for a fun and enticing listen from front to back.
Ryuichi Sakamoto 123.5
Long-standing Japanese film scorer and ambient producer comes through with another slow-paced and enchanting ambient classical piece that uses a lot of the same textures and sounds across the whole LP, but presents them in different ways or styles. It is a very calming and soothing record to listen to and if you need something to calm your mind this could be the thing to go to. Still, the album is a bit too long and the ideas do run thin eventually.
Tujiko Noriko Crépuscule I & II3.0
This new record from the longstanding experimental pop artist sees a somewhat drastic shift in ideas and aesthetics where instead of more lush and bouncy pop music we are getting a minimal, grand, and somewhat haunting ambient electroacoustic record. There are vocal passages here and there that do have a more ambient pop aesthetic, but for the most part, this is a long and winding ambient record in which we are given various different sonic textures and styles. The album starts more hypnotic and light and as the record progresses the more spastic and dark it gets. Although the album is interesting the overall length of the project can be too much for the somewhat bland ideas presented, plus the singing can really distract you from the rest of the pieces when it is there.
Wildes Other Words Fail Me3.0
For whatever reason the one record that reminds me of Ella Walker?s debut album under the name WILDES is that of the most recent Ethel Cain record. Ella presents extremely emotional and somewhat slow paced lyricism over these wistful and sometimes lush instrumentals. However were Ethel Cain out-classes Ella is in the overall execution and presentation of everything. "Preacher?s Daughter? perfectly executes the constant building into impressive apexes of both emotion and sonic ideas. ?Other Words Fail Me? is a bit bland on the instrumental front for many of the tracks and therefore the emotion kind of falls flat once you sit through the whole thing. There are strong moments like on the soft rock opener of ?Women in Love? and even on the slow burning ?Restless?. But overall, the album has a hard time holding my attention with it?s lackluster ideas and execution.
Takashi Kokubo and Andrea Esperti Music For A Cosmic Garden4.5
By far one of the best ambient albums, I have heard in a very long time. The starry nature of it all on top of the use of rich saxophone makes for such an enchanting and enthralling listening experience. From the opening track all way to the very end there is not a full moment on here. If you are at all familiar with Sufjan Stevens mega project detailing the planets then you will know where this is going. I was always a huge fan of that record because it was one of the few space ambient projects that didn?t feel forced or overly bland. Here we get a lot of the same atmosphere but without all the strange singing. You really just have to strap yourself in and let it go for the full hour and fourteen minutes.
The Canyon Observer Figura4.0
A huge change-up from the six-man Slovenia-based band as they go head first in the depths of avant-grade metal. The third album sees a winding progression that is not all that uncommon from others in the genre but the way in which the band balances everything is a true sight to see. Not many metal bands can achieve the harmony needed for atmospheric sludge metal to work with the abstraction and haunting dark ambient elements of ?Kri? or the absolute pummeling you get on ?Kri??. Although at points I wish the band had a bit more ideas to fill the void, there is something truly breathing when it comes to experimental music on this album.
Asian Glow and sonhos tomam conta dreamglow3.0
In many ways, this new collaboration from the two bigger names in the post-emo scene sounds a bit too much like both of the artist's last two records in 2022 but fused together. Even to the point where there are melodies and chord progressions that feel ripped right out of their last LPs. Not to say the record is bad because there is still that hazy and noisy style of shoegaze that I (and many others) have grown to love from this post-emo scene. Wish they had made someone more original and allowed them to push each other more.
Beatriz Ferreyra Senderos de luz y sombras3.5
One of the more classic/developmental composers in the experimental electronic space and on her newest LP we see an interesting set of field recordings and instrumental manipulations to achieve a dark and haunting interpretation of space and astrophysical properties. The Argentinian-based producer is one of the early partners of the musical research group known as GRM and they were some of the earliest creators and explorers of the musique concrete genre in the 50/the 60s. Although the album does feel dry in spots and loses steam by the end, the progressions and sound design all feel top-notch and really make you feel like you're exploring a desolate and horrifying distant planet in which anywhere you turn you will find a terrible monster.
Kinoteki Dawn of the Final Hour3.5
Definitely a step up from their last few releases in which on DOTFH we see a potpourri of various breakbeat and drum and bass genres coming together to make an explosive and enticing listen from front to back. I think this style for Kinoteki is a much better one than the more house style they had been doing in their early years. Also some really solid sampling and sound manipulation across the record to create hypnotic and mesmerizing sonic landscapes.
Metaroom Oxidized Archive3.0
The California-based producer's debut album does have some spots of interest across the 26-minute run time of ?Oxidized Archive?, however much of the record does have a distracting amount of early Iglooghost influence which takes a lot away from the above original ideas. Still, there is a lot to develop from on a record like this and I hope to see that development through the years from Fredi.
Fireworks Higher Lonely Power2.5
Sounds a lot better the first time you hear it and then from there this record sounds blander and blander the more times you listen to it. The fourth album from the seven-man Michigan feels like a step in the wrong direction in terms of there more big sound they have been developing through the years, don?t get me wrong there are spots on here like ?I Want to Start a Religion With You? that still have it, but there is a lot of average if not boring sounding ideas on here.
Jadu Heart Derealised1.5
I feel like the duo continues to grow more and more stale sounding as they release new music. ?Derealised? is a one-dimensional and uninspired neo-psychedelic and indie pop record that is not trying too hard to impress you, but it falls so far below what I want from these genres I have a hard time sitting through it. Tracks either drone on for too long, instrumentals feel bland and tacky, or the vocals feel last minute or barely thought out.

2022
Little Simz No Thank You4.0
A surprise release from one of (if not the one) the greatest female rappers out there Little Simz shows off a continuation of her chamber/orchestral backing of UK hip hop beats with emotional and political lyricism. In all honesty, I find this new album better than the last album because of the length and how instrumentally everything seems to come together a lot better and not as all over the place as her last record. I still find the album to be a bit one-dimensional when it?s all said and done but it still shows off a great sense of presence and lyricism.
SZA S.O.S.1.5
I am one of the few people out there that was not sucking SZA?s dick back in 2017 when she released CTRL. It was a decent RnB release with a lot of decent ideas but the album was blotted and suffered from sounding both one-dimensional and to convoluted. But some how SZA doubles down with this on her new (and probably last) album SOS, an extremely bloated and pretty bland RnB project that tries to do everything it can to appease the lowest common denominator. Almost nothing on here is memorable and I pretty much forget what the album sounds like as soon as it?s over. It?s sad because SZA always had potential but for me, there are way better artists out there right now doing what SZA could never do.
Leland Whitty Anyhow4.0
A solid and bright nu jazz record (from the BADBADNOTGOOD saxophone, flute, clarinet, viola, violin, and guitar player) dabbling in that chamber/ECM style jazz that several composers have been doing. Although the album seems a bit short and loses ideas pretty quickly, it is still a really fun listen from front to back and has a lot of great springtime vibes to help get you through the cold of the winter season.
RM Indigo3.5
A solid little EP/LP from the BTS member with some pretty solid features from various artists across the rap spectrum. The biggest problem is that the album does feel and sound very one-dimensional and a lot of the time the feature can outshine him on the vocal and rapping delivery.
brakence hypochondriac4.0
Randall has been slowly building into his unique blend and style of post-emo in which we finally see the peak of something truly great. ?Hypochondriac? is a diverse and expansive emo rap and Midwest emo project with a heavy dose of glitch pop and digicore in which we get explosive deliveries and some harrowing beats and switch-ups that any fan of the newer style of rap can really appreciate. The lyrics can be tough?awkward at times, but for me, the instrumentals and the overall feel make up for that awkwardness and make it a more tongue-in-cheek feeling.
Jakey Romcom3.5
?This is the sound of letting go? might be the best way to describe this debut album/EP from long-time video-essayist YouTuber Jacob Christensen (i.e., nakey jakey). Every since the COVID pandemic happen jakey has been dealing with a lot more than he probably leads us onto with the complete drop off in videos, announcements of music with no music to come, and especially the supposed release of this album way back in February. ROMCOM seems more like an acceptance and a final moving on from all the pain and hurt he has been experiencing really since he started his YouTube channel and accumulated over the last few years. Jakey has always been a truly innovative YouTube talent and had a lot of promise in his music and with this debut EP/album you can tell the potential is still there. ?Drive Off a Bridge? showcases some tight sampling of that chanting sorority video and various video game samples which it carries over to the more lowkey ?Like Totally Freak Me Out?. Plus ?Survival Horror? might be the best track he has released with ?Reeboks Or the Nikes? not too far behind. However not all is sunshine and rainbows since ?Every Day? is a pretty underwhelming and underwritten track and ?Tommy Hanks? has some very annoying audio edits. Plus, the closer ?Fat Head? feels out of place. With that said I think it is incredible to finally have the album that he says mentioned: ?Reeboks Or the Nikes?, which he has been working on since 2016. Hopefully, he can finally feel a chapter close, and he can move forward and gain better control of his mental health.
Brockhampton TM4.0
Not sure what the hate is for this second album and probably a swan song from the short-lived boy band. Yes, it feels like b-sides when it comes down to it but there are some truly breathtaking tracks on here and it feels a lot like the charm and execution the group had on their debut trilogy back in 2017. The band might have had a turbulent relationship but I would say the way they are closing out everything feels a lot stronger on this album than on ?The Family?. A breath of instrumental pallets and ideas and Kevin?s singing across this LP is way more impressive than ever before.
Phony Ppl Euphonyus2.0
Nowhere near as exciting and jazzy as their sophomore outing in 2018. The group's third album feels like a much more watered-down and bland neo-soul project with some uninspired features littered throughout the end of the project. There might be some decent tracks near the beginning but by the end, I am about over the sound and ready to move on. Singing is still really strong from Elbee Thrie but nothing else compliments his stunning soul delivery all that well.
Royksopp Profound Mysteries III3.5
Progressive electronics can be a tricky genre to execute because if you make it too slow then it can be extremely tedious, make it too enveloping then you get lost, and so on. With the third installment in the Profound Mysteries series we see a continuation of what the duo has been doing but with more focus on these building and grand progressive elements of the very downtempo style beats and synthesizers. To me, it?s a much better idea than the last two outings and keeps you well-engaged from start to finish. There are some still moments and not all the features add much, but there are some breathtaking tracks on here with some really unique spacy ideas throughout.
Anna Mieke Theatre3.5
It has become more and more apparent how hard it is to get really good contemporary folk music anymore. With only a few artists out there really doing it and doing it at a high level, Anna is one of them and I have to say she builds off of the emotional debut to come through with a more atmospheric and poetic sophomore album. Although I find the album to be a bit of Ben Howard influences at points it still has a lot to love and a lot to look forward to in your future.
Weyes Blood And in the Darkness, Hearts Aglow3.0
Natalie Laura Mering has come a long way since her avant-garde days back in the 2000s and since then had become one of the cornerstones of modern-day pop music. In a lot of ways, she kind of is what Taylor Swift fans think Taylor Swift's music is with Weyes Blood having poetic and enchanting lyricism, grandiose instrumentals, and lush and expansive singing ability. However, for me, she has always had the pieces for greatness but can never seem to get there. For such pretty and grand instrumentals and excellent singing ability you would think she could make something amazing but nothing ever comes together all that well for me. There are some true highlights here and there but I have a hard time fully getting through this record without falling asleep.
Fousheé sofCORE3.5
What a change-up from her debut album in which she goes alternative RnB to full-on punk and not just one style of punk either. On ?softCORE? we get a potpourri of punk genres from classic riot grrrrl and pop punk vibes on the intro track ?simmer down?, digital hardcore and RnB fusion on ?bored? and ?I?m fine?, to post-punk and synth-punk of ?scream my name?. What is most impressive of the seamlessness between RnB vocals and punk aesthetics across the board. The biggest flaw here though is half the album does feel unfinished or half-baked since many of the tracks are extremely short and don?t go anywhere. Plus, the two rap songs (one with Lil Uzi Vert) are really awkward. Still a really cool set of ideas and very excited to see what for what she does next.
Ruby Haunt Cures For Opposites3.5
Brockhampton The Family3.0
I don?t think I ever really saw how much hatred accrued in the last few months for the short-lived rap collective led by Kevin Abstract. Brockhampton broke out with a turbulent and expansive trilogy in their 2017 saturation series and from there they seemed to stumble through trying to achieve that sound again and then all the drama with past members and then the inevitable fallout. However, for an album created to fulfill the end of a toxic contract and partnership, there are actually some interesting ideas on here for what is an obviously half-backed set of ideas.
Epica The Alchemy Project3.0
Long-time symphonic metal dad rockers are back with a new collaboration EP from a wide breadth of artists across the rock and metal space. Although I find the album to hold a lot of the overly bombastic sounds that can get annoying after a while that has plagued their albums for most of their career, the EP does breathe some new life into the band since they are allowing themselves to delve into a lot of different styles you might not hear from them.
Nas King's Disease III4.5
I feel like I have been waiting for Nas to finally drop something this consistent, this booming, and this explosive since he made his comeback a few years ago with his Kanye-produced record. I have not been a fan of the Kings Disease series thus far with an overly long and bland first installment and a lot of the same issues in the second. But here we see a reflective and expansive boom bap/east coast hip hop record with some smashing production that feels like classic Nas from the late 90s/early 2000s. I still find the album to be a bit too long, but all the songs are bangers when you really give it a go.
Colin Stetson Chimaera I3.0
A slow-paced and haunting ambient drone piece that has some solid builds and progressions but feels too dull and emotionless to really get me excited to listen to it. Feels like the boring ambient drone pieces you would find in a bland block-buster horror movie or video game.
Jambinai Apparition3.0
The final song on this record is an emotional and encompassing post-rock masterpiece, however, the rest of the album does not build into anything special that I would hope for from a post-rock record and the ideas here, although interesting, can be bland in spots.
Gold Panda The Work2.5
A soothing and light downtempo album that completely leaves my mind once it is done. Some of the progression and ideas are solid but nothing on here is memorable and it can be a slog fest once you get to the halfway mark.
Action/Adventure Imposter Syndrome2.5
As much as I love easycore as a genre this is very average when it comes to the very niche pop punk offshoot. Just sounds like Four Years Strong, but with more generic guitar licks and drum fills. Still has some decent tracks here and there, but overall, just an average listen.
Drowse Wane into It3.5
Have been following Kyle Bates's music for some time now and one of the biggest reasons I have always found it extremely emotional and potent music so appealing is how thick and dense his instrumentals can be with noisy drones, shoegazing guitars, and rich ambient synthesizers. On his fifth record, he continues down this path but seems to be more influenced by the likes of post-rock than what he has done on his past releases. The thickness is toned down for more spacie and richer synth leads and guitar ballads. Although I do not find this album as fulfilling as his past, the ideas are all here for a great record into the future. But, glad to see Kyle continuing to experiment with his sound and style.
Quadeca I Didn't Mean to Haunt You4.5
Anna Of The North Crazy Life3.5
A solid outing from the Australian native duo when it comes to their synthpop and alt-pop sound, however, the album does have an ebb and flow of solid and below-average tracks that make it an inconsistent listen from front to back.
Dayseeker Dark Sun3.5
A new era seems to be shaking up for the 5-piece California band in which they continue to strip their post-hardcore roots and go for a more alternative and synthpop sound over their very emotional and expressive vocals/lyrics. Although the album had a few dull moments here and there with more time I think the band could really encapsulate this style. Still, some really solid highlights throughout the album, and of course, the very potent lyrics will get any mall emo fan riled up.
First Aid Kit Palomino2.0
I am having a pretty hard time finding the bite and energy that the duo held on their last few releases. Everything feels a little to clean and perfect for what I expect from the folk-pop act.
Turnover Myself in the Way3.0
Honestly, it?s a breath of fresh air to see the emo-pop band continue to evolve past their roots and build into something new and more interesting. Is this new album the one that does that fully, no? There influences on this album run extremely obvious, but the ideas are here, and the instrumentals are there. It needs better production and more cohesive writing but I think the band can really get that if they keep it up.
Daniel Avery Ultra Truth4.0
If you are like me and you love atmospheric drum and bass and break core then you will find this album exceptionally great with its thick atmospheric drones and mesmerizing drumbeats. If you don?t then you won?t like this, easy as that.
Boldy James and Futurewave Mr. Ten082.5
Boom bap in theory should be one of the most versatile genres out there because it can theoretically pull instrumentals from any genre of music therefore it makes sense that we have seen a huge boom in the use of drumless production where everything gets stripped to its most basic elements. However, this new Boldy James project might be a perfect example of why drumless doesn?t have a long life because in the last 5 years we have pretty much heard the same thing from all drumless artists. Not that the album is bad, it?s just average. There are some string highlights when the use of strings and horns comes in heavy, but the overall flow of the album is boring and one-dimensional. I hope that Griselda's boom-bap revival sees a divergence from this style because it?s really not that interesting.
Last Dinosaurs From Mexico with Love3.5
The Australia-based, five-man band come through with another set of bubbly and sunny indie pop with that sweat neo-psychedelic tint that might not make this all that original but it is very fun while it is on.
Special Interest Endure2.0
It?s tough to call an album like this awkward based on the heavy amount of no wave and post-punk influences an album like this has. On the surface, the instrumentals and ideas are all there and coming together quite well, but the vocals over it need a lot of work for some reason. The RnB-ish vocal delivery is extremely cool for the genres mentioned above but something about how it all comes together is just, awkward. With more time I think the band will come through with something great but for now, we get an average release.
R.A.P. Ferreira 5 to the Eye with Stars3.5
The philosophical rapper is back with four albums under his new pseudonym and he continues to be one of the most consistent rappers in the abstract hip hop space, but it might be his weakest yet. Not that the album is bad at all because it?s not it has some solid jazz rap instrumentals and cryptic lyrics, but it is so short and feels slightly unfinished for the most part.
Joji Smithereens2.5
Joji continues to take steps forward however this album is obviously plagued by underwritten and rushed ideas because most of these are extremely short or end out if nowhere making this sound very unfinished. Still, the highlights here are great and I think with more time something spectacular can come out of this new era for Joji.
Romare Fantasy3.0
It?s a solid little house and UK bass plus some techno Flare here and there but overall, the album is pretty flat and can be one-dimensional when you really take a listen. Still, there are mesmerizing moments across the board so a decent listen if you like more classic club house music.
La Femme Teatro Lúcido2.5
The French-based band looks to take influences from a culturally different area in Latin music and sometimes this record can be good but in other ways, it can be a mess. The album is more of a potpourri of styles and it?s tough to see the overall direction the band wanted this to sound like.
Julien Chang The Sale1.0
Releases like this are extremely hard to review because I am actually shocked there isn?t a lawsuit on this album because it sounds exactly like Tame Impala, to the point where the vocals are manipulated in such a way to mimic the Kevin delivery he has been famous for. It?s not a bad sound but holy Jesus this is copy-paste Tame Impala and therefore I give it a 1?
Backxwash HIS HAPPINESS SHALL COME FIRST...4.5
This is the album I have been waiting for from Backxwash. For some reason, none of her other releases really wowed me and they either came from bland delivery or one-dimensional production. However, her third album out of this series culminates in the best-sounding production, ideas, and experimentation. Plus, the lyricisms feel the most potent on this album compared to the previous. Truly a great piece of horrorcore and industrial music.
Polyphia Remember That You Will Die3.0
Definitely a step down from their last, but it still has some fun and explosive tracks on here for anyone that has ever wanted their math rock to sound ?hip?. There are a lot of good ideas on here but most of them fall flat once you invest in the record. With more time I think they could really execute this EDM trap and math rock fusion.
Smino Luv 4 Rent3.5
Might be Smino?s best release yet with some of his best beats and samples. I still find the more RnB/soul parts to be a bit bland at places but the diversity in the track list makes this a fun and simple little listen.
Royal and the Serpent Happiness is an Inside Job3.5
Not sure what the hate is with this new EP, like yea it?s very Poppy sounding, but the punky attitude and energetic vocals are better than one would expect. Do I wish it sounded a bit more unique, sure, but for an EP there is nothing wrong with this.
Junior Boys Waiting Game4.5
I could see why some people would not like this new album from the Canadian duo. It?s an extremely slow and minimal take on sophisti-pop which inherently makes this a paced listen. But after many listen to the album the absolute beauty of the whole thing comes from the minor progressions and plucking piano keys that lace everything in this warm blanket of ambient drones. The experimentation of synthesizers and glitching loops is a great paring over the very sparse and droning drones. It is a truly breathtaking listen if you have the time to piece it together.
Cakes Da Killa Svengali4.0
House music has had a great deal of explosion, again, with the likes of Drake and Beyoncé coming through with their versions and although Rashard?s album is not as expansive as Beyoncé?s it is still really enticing and enchanting listen from front to back. There is some weird pacing throughout, like really short tracks that feel unfinished or interludes that don?t feel needed. But, the album is exciting and shows what club-house music has always been about and continues to be about.
Westside Gunn 103.5
Although the m the new album from Westside is still a great showing of what great Buffalo boom bap can sound like, it doesn?t hit the same highs as his last album in which he was really showing off his MC ability. Here we get more of Westside being a DJ to various big-name rappers and some underground abstract hip hop artists. Still has some solid highlights, but there are some pretty underwhelming parts throughout, and the first two songs really should not have been put on the album.
Taylor Swift Midnights2.5
Well, it?s finally that time to review another new Taylor Swift album and to be Frank the album is above average in many aspects but a huge step backward in most areas that she brought to in her last two albums. After re-listening to ?folklore? and ?evermore? there was a reminder of what made the former so spectacular and the latter a strong folk album and it?s simply that it felt the most personal and expansive Taylor has ever sounded. The folk instrumentals highlight her singing and complement the very poetic and detailed her lyricisms can be. However, on this new album, the very minimal alt-pop production and style really does not fit her vocal style. Most of these tracks all blend together with these pretty annoying trap high hats and random indietronica synthesizers blazing in for a few seconds and leaving. Plus the same drone is backing all these tracks which is fine in places but it sometimes tries to make itself known by becoming louder. Still there are highlights on here like I personally enjoy the opening track, I enjoy the change-up in ?Vigilante shit? (even though the lyrics are extremely gauche) and even the more potent synthesizers on ?Midnight Rain? are more realized than on other tracks. It just seemed like Taylor took a huge step forward on the last two records I?m confused about why she sonically went back to this pop sound that does not inherently work for her anymore.
Carly Rae Jepsen The Loneliest Time3.5
Long-standing pop icon Carly Rae Jepsen is finally back with her fifth album after what some people have posited as the greatest back-to-back pop albums of all time with her 2015s ?E·MO·TION? and 2019s ?Dedicated?. On this new album, we get more of the same which is inherently not a bad thing, but there are some duds on here and fewer true highlights than in her past albums, which honestly is to be expected most artists have a hard time pulling off one spectacular record let alone three in a row. Still a really solid listen from front to back and will have to dance around your apartment, or public whatever you want to do. Also, the closer is the best disco track to come out this year, hands down.
Arctic Monkeys The Car1.5
I think Mr. Mellon man himself has reviewed this album quite well. The instrumental backdrops are exciting and expansive, building in the sonic landscape of the band's last outing but allowing the chamber instrumentation to breathe and expand with the rock instrumentals. However, the singing on here falls so far flat that it?s hard to take the album seriously. The David Bowie influence is extremely potent, but where David?s delivery worked over his moody art pop, for whatever reason Alex Turner?s vocals feel forced or crooning for way too much of the project. The opening track is really the only palatable song and the rest is pretty unforgettable and/or skippable.
Armani Caesar THE LIZ 24.0
A pretty outstanding and explosive Griselda boom bap revival record that really showcases Armani Caesars grimy and dirty gangsta rap style. The beats are all extremely solid with Westside Gunn based production and her nasty flow over them. The only downside is that it does fit pretty heavily into the Griselda sound so it can be a bit one-dimensional, but man I really enjoy listening to this album.
Brutus (BE) Unison Life3.5
Pummeling and burying post-hardcore album with a lot of the modern elements of post-metal thrown in to add a lot of rich atmosphere and aggression (seems in line with some of the modern post-metalcore stuff). Nothing to breathtaking but warrants a good listen if you are a fan of aggressive instrumentals and classic(ish) punk-style vocals.
Nick Hakim Cometa3.0
After a debut and sophomore outing that breathed in a lot of fresh new life into the stagnant genre of psychedelic soul, Nick Hakim slows things down even more and focuses on hazy and lo-fi production (very similar to that of Tyler the Creators 2019 ?Igor?). On the surface, it?s a hypnotic and psychedelic slur of melodies and styles so what is there not to love? But I find the album to be a pretty boring expansion to the very intricate lyricism seen in his last album and the brash instrumentals of his debut. I imagine Nick will bounce back with some great music in the future, but for now not totally enthralled with this new album.
Dawn Richard and Spencer Zahn Pigments4.0
Other than the fact that I wish there was more flowing between tracks and the instrumentals fit better with the vocal tracks, this is a stellar outing for the two artists to come together and create such a whimsical and bright ECM style vocal jazz album with a nice ambiance of ambient pop thrown in here and there. The droning strings and horns really adds a lot of needed texture and depth as well.
God Alone (IRE) ETC2.5
Abrasive, loud, and noisy are all great words to describe this new God Alone record, but it is also one-dimensional, tedious, and uninspired since it feels like a pretty classic post-rock-inspired math rock album with aggressive screamo-esk style vocals. It?s fine for what it is but there is nothing on here that really wows me.
Loyle Carner Hugo4.0
A short, but conscious explosion of self-reflection and up bringing for the British artists. Loyle has always had the capacity to create a detail and fun listen and he finally does it on this new album. Definitely take a listen if you like the classic Uk hip hop as well as the bleak nature of slowthai lyrics, without the fast-paced nature of his music.
The Soft Pink Truth Is It Going to Get Any Deeper Than This?3.0
A concept such as this is no surprise from one of the members of the long standing duo, Matmos in which Drew Daniel explores what it truly means for deep house to be ?deep?. As a tangible word, there are many things we think of when hearing the word deep, but in terms of music, the list is a lot smaller. So Drew explores this idea with deep house in which we get a batch of tracks exploring various ideas of how to make house ?deep?. From disco-infused base lines to IDM-style repetitions. But the album does have a lot of flaws in that it drones on far too long and it feels like most of the tracks overlap too much to make it a really unique listen. There are some true highlights here, but I get pretty bored with the album by the end.
Burial Streetlands2.5
Burial has always had a real eye for creating these extremely angelic yet dystopian sounds that it?s extremely easy to envision a movie or TV show scene being created from the music. Like with this new EP it sounds like the distance of something horrible about to unfold but you are peacefully waiting for it to come and enjoying the current bliss of it all. With that being said this new EP is not exactly potent enough to keep it going on in the background. The extremely subtle progressions make for a very lackluster apex when it does come. Plus I have a hard time getting through some of the very slow progressions, to begin with.
PVA Blush2.0
The three-person London-based band is here with their debut album and its fusion of some classic dance-punk vibes with futuristic future pop synthesizers and production. However, for me, I have a hard time finding this album so interesting to listen to. Most of the album is composed of the same synthesized drums and synthesizers with a trance-like atmosphere throughout but the vocals can be boring, and the overall vibe is equally as boring. I wish the album took more influence from the great darkwave bands and found the same-ish idea.
The 1975 Being Funny In A Foreign Language3.0
Most consistent album to date from the band but at the cost of the extremely one-dimensional and boring soft rock slow ballads are complete skips when they come on and it doesn?t help that they are all at the very end making me basically end the album after ?I?m In Love With You?.
Lucrecia Dalt ¡Ay!3.0
A solid dark jazz album that also can be extremely boring and to slow-paced at points making it a pretty awkward listen for the most part.
Brian Eno Foreverandevernomore3.5
A warm and tranquil yet sparse and dense ambient pop album that continues to showcase the over 50-year prowess that is Brian Eno. I am and never have been a Brian Eno fan but he really comes to throw with some thick and building electronics here to keep you listening.
Bilmuri Goblin Hours3.0
Same as the last which is really exciting and fun swancore but Bilmuri has always had a real ability to fuse genres that really don?t seem like they should go together plus he is one of the few musicians to seamlessly pull off the electronic pop and post-hardcore sound with seamless ease.
Lorna Shore Pain Remains1.0
Come on people, deathcore died for a reason and it?s bullshit like this that did it. Overly produced, one-dimensional, and extremely cocky symphonic deathcore that can?t touch a toe to the greats and doesn?t have enough of the bombastic and over-the-top nature of modern deathcore. This is more of old heads wanting a ?classic? deathcore album but forgetting that there is a lot better out there today.
Birds in Row Gris Klein3.5
Raw and explosive throwback post-hardcore that shares more in common with the early emo-core bands of the 90s and their use of post-hardcore than what one thinks of today. I still find the album to get pretty stale after the 25-minute mark hits with how exhausting this can get but there are pretty solid cool-downs thrown in here and there to help keep the mind at ease.
Skullcrusher Quiet the Room4.5
Emotionally driving, dreamy folk instrumentals, and haunting ambient drones that can really cause you to stop and think about who you are and what you are doing. Perfect for a long walk outside as the cold air comes in and the seasons are changing as well as a late-night silent listen as you contemplate your life. A breathtaking showing of ambiance and atmosphere clashing with one another.
Boston Manor Datura2.5
Nowhere near as good as their last effort but I admire the band for trying something new here with some more electropop ideas and esthetics but it does not always stick all that well.
Bill Callahan YTI⅃AƎЯ3.0
If you are a long-standing fan of the poetic banter that Bill has been known for the last decade then you will feel right at home on his new record. For me, it?s a bit too one-dimensional for the most part and I have a hard time getting through some of the more subdued tracks. But there are some true highlights here with some rich ambient work.
Louis Cole Quality Over Opinion4.0
If it wasn?t for the last two tracks and the overall pacing of the album this brand-new Louis Cole record would be absolutely outstanding! A synthpop album wearing between various other styles of pop music with some pretty witty lyricism littered throughout. It?s funny to think how I discovered his music from his absolutely absurd side project clown core, but man I?m glad to have discovered him at all.
Ninos del Cerro Suave Pendiente2.0
I see the appeal of a band, and album, like this. It is a very mellow and light neo-psychedelic album with some winding and interesting instrumentals over some solid singing. However, this holds a lot of the same flaws I had with the most recent Sweet Trip record, but this is ten-fold. The album is extremely one-dimensional and drones on far too long for what is presented here. Every track sounds like the last and that droning mellow shoegaze guitar eventually becomes ear numbing leaving me skipping the end of the album since I am over it.
Fire-Toolz I will not use the body's eyes today.4.5
On the new EP from Angel we see a lot of interesting progressions, but not in terms of adding more to the sound (I think Angel has already achieved one of the most interesting hodgepodge of styles in their last album). It more stems from the cohesive fusions of the genres coming together and feels more intricate and tighter than it did on the last album. Everything still feels as clustered and serene as it did, but everything feels even more tightly out together and executed.
Willow Smith COPINGMECHANISM4.0
There are a lot of things you could say about what Willow is doing on this album, but regardless, if you love or hate it you must give her the credit, she deserves for doubling down on the metal and heavier rock sounds she is playing with. No, it?s not original but neither is Poppy and many of us have gone down to say what Poppy has done for metal is special; Willow might be right there with her. Pop and metal have always toyed with each other for decades and we are seeing some of it really coming to form here and if it wasn?t for some more boring tracks near the back end, I would say it?s a spectacular album.
Easy Life Maybe in Another Life...2.5
It?s okay for what it is, light and easy indie and bedroom pop with some dabbling into other avenues of the bedroom pop scene, but overall, this album is entirely too long for being mostly filled with average to below-average tracks. As you sit through the album it becomes very apparent how stale some of the sounds, he is playing with can get with an album-length like this.
NNAMDI Please Have A Seat4.0
Been following Nnamdi Ogbonnaya through several releases now and it?s impressive to see the amount of evolution from him and his band because what they have been able to achieve through the years is really something no one else has shown: fusing math rock/pop and experimental hip hop. On his new album, however, we see another evolution into art rap and indietronica on top of those genres and it really comes through with a breathtaking and emotional project. The progression of tracks as the album goes along is top notch and there is a lot of energy and time put into these tracks.
Jean Dawson CHAOS NOW*3.5
Jean Dawson is really the only one right now producing some of the most unique and interesting rock/indie and rap fusions and once again he shows that off here on his sophomore album. I myself still am not huge on his raping and singing ability but there are some real highlights on here that anyone should be listening to.
Counterparts A Eulogy for Those Still Here2.5
Counterparts is a perfect example of a classic metalcore band trying to cling onto those old-school fans that really cannot except the fact that metalcore in this vein really as not sounded good for many years (especially with the advent of post-metalcore and the resurgence of mathcore and sasscore). It?s not a bad album, but it is completely overhyped by the old-head metalcore fans that will do anything for those blistering and melodic guitar tones and drum-fill breakdowns.
Gilla Band Most Normal4.5
The four-man Irish band sure has come a long way from their over-the-top and explosive debut album that had poor production to their great production sophomore album but lose that explosiveness. On their third album they really figure things out and it?s a great example of using your influences to create a uniquely you experience. Glitchy and noisy no wave with intricate punk and experimental rock elements that will have you listening repeatedly to fully digest it all.
Open Mike Eagle Component System With The Auto Reverse3.5
I still am not the biggest fan of the pretty bland nature of most Open Mike Eagle projects, but this new one is a return to abstract and conscious hip hop greatness he has been known for, for many years now. Solid beats and great features from many great underground rap artists.
Keiji Haino and Sumac Into This Juvenile Apocalypse Our Golden Blood...2.5
Look I can really appreciate an album like this for how experimental and extremely challenging a concept free improvisation metal is, but I also do not enjoy listening to it, so I will just slap a mid rating and call it a day.
Alvvays Blue Rev4.0
An explosive, intense, and more or less classic indie project that strays just enough from the 2000s and 2010s formula and makes a noisy and expansive project dipping into everything from noise pop to twee pop. To me, this is the definitive 2020s indie project and until then will stand for a while.
Grip 5 & a Fuck You3.0
Not a bad hardcore and southern hip hop album, but it also has a hard time standing out from others like it. But the Atlanta rapper does have some pretty solid ideas and strong flows that keep me wanting to come back for more.
Yeah Yeah Yeahs Cool It Down3.0
A little under ten years ago was the last time this NYC-based band come through with their most underwhelming album to date. On their rebound album, they kindle a little of what they used to have back in the early to mid-2000s: fun and explosive alternative dance. Not the greatest album in the world but it is a fun album for the most part that does not try too hard.
Shygirl Nymph3.5
Let me start by saying that Blane Muise?s debut album is extremely good, especially for someone as explorative in the UK hip hop space as her. ?Nymph? is really a continuation of her stellar two EPs in 2018 and 2020, however something about this album feels a lot less expansive and explosive than those two EPs. A lot of the experimentation feels less explorative, the production can grow pretty stale at points, and the album as a whole feels pretty one-dimensional for what I would expect from Shygirl. Still, there are some great highlights on here like the Arca-led production on ?Come for Me?, the tongue and cheek ?Coochie? and the chillwave/2-step influenced ?Heaven?.
The Bad Plus The Bad Plus (2022)2.0
The long-time running sextet from Minneapolis comes through with more of the same jazz fusions and post-bop they have been known for the last few releases and although the album is fine, it is forgettable and not all that interesting to sit through. Today there are a lot more interesting ideas coming out of jazz (Sons of Kemet, The Comet is Coming, Floating Points, Kamasi Washington, and even fusions into hip hop with BADBADNOTGOOD and metal with Neptunian Maximalism) it?s hard not to think about how you would rather be listening to those.
Within Destruction Lotus4.0
I really am enjoying this refreshing rebirth of overly produced deathcore that borderlines into meme territory and this new Within Destruction album really might be the best one this year. The incorporation of trap metal and other small hip hop fusions makes this an intriguing listen. My only downfall with an album like this is that it does not exactly have a good flow to it because it constantly is flipping between heavy synths and heavy deathcore.
Avantdale Bowling Club TREES3.0
Tom Scott?s self-titled debut album was a great album showing off a much more mellow and slow-paced jazz rap album in the same style as TPAB by Kendrick or ?Care for Me? by Saba. I for a while was interested to see how Tom approached a sophomore album because of how intricate and intense his debut was, well ?TREES? feels even more low-key than the last however that does not work in the favor of Tom. This is because Tom, for all intense and purposes, is a one-dimensional rapper. He made up for that on his debut with intricate jazz orchestration, however, that is mostly gone on ?TREES? leaving you really take in his drab delivery and somewhat corny lyrics. There are still some highlights here, but overall I have a hard time finishing this.
Mamaleek Diner Coffee2.0
As much as this experimental jazz metal album is interesting and brings a lot of cool and interesting ideas together the overall slow pacing and slog fest this is to get through really turns me away from it almost immediately. Nothing here is really that gratifying when it picks up and the random screams add absolutely nothing to the album.
Darko (US) Oni4.0
The sophomore album might not be as explosive as their debut album, but they continue to show what modern deathcore can sound like when you throw all conventions and strictly stick to a formula of over-production to the point of being a meme on top of playing some of the most intense and over the top deathcore as possible. My biggest gripe here is the times the band slows things down do not pan out all that much because at the end of the day the band is not meant to be playing these slow alternative metal-style ballads.
Courting Guitar Music3.5
In the current landscape of post-Brexit post-punk there is a slim margin for this more classic post-punk sound, but somehow Courting come through with an explosive, energetic, and glitchy take on the post-punk sound. It?s weird to see indietronica rarely get fused with post-punk let alone glitch pop/rock so the band really has a step up there. I still think this album falls flat several times and they do kind of fit into that classic post-punk formula that is pretty dry up to this point, but overall, a great debut that I hope to see flushed out into the future.
James and the Shame Human Overboard3.5
Honestly, it?s extremely impressive that Rhett comes through with an introspective and fun-sounding country album coming from someone who there whose career has been all about comedy and stupidity. This debut album from Rhett might not be the most explosive country album and it does share a lot of similarities to the likes of Sturgill Simpson, but it?s a contemporary country album that does not hold back in its potent lyrics and intricate instrumentals.
KEN mode Null2.5
Explosively one-dimensional, experimentally stale, emotionally lackluster, and energetically flat could all beat way to explain this new album from noise rock legends KEN mode. Not that this album isn?t good, but nothing about this new album is all that originally or memorable. It pairs in comparison to the classics and even fails to capture some of the explosiveness of modern noise rock and metal fusion. I get a lot of people like this, but I think if you listen to enough noise rock in your life you will kind of realize how one-dimensional and bland this album is. Still, there are some decent ideas here and there to keep it somewhat interesting.
Blackstarkids Cyberkiss3.5
If you are one of the 99/100 people who are infatuated with Kid Cudi?s early work then you will find yourself right at home with this trio. The new album sees them doing their Brockhampton indie rap thing and doing it really well. There are some really energetic and explosive songs and it?s a reminder that bedroom/indie rap is one of the more exciting styles to come out of the Oddfuture lane. Although it?s not revolutionary and the interludes are a head-scratcher, the banging songs, and the one-track feature beabadoobee is a truly great punk rap fusion that no one has really accomplished well. Also, yes, I am the 1% who finds Kid Cudi?s music to be extremely overrated (I grew up in those early years).
The Comet Is Coming Hyper-Dimensional Expansion Beam4.0
The Comet Is Coming continues to build their nu jazz sound with more progressive electronic and British dance music influence that really creates an intricate and dense listening experience. The saxophone all over this album will have your mind spinning and that?s all I could ever ask for when it comes to modern jazz. I still think their style of jazz can be one-dimensional at times and not all the tracks here feel as flushed out as others. Still a really solid outing from the trio.
Beth Orton Weather Alive4.0
Deeply moving, emotional, and instrumentally potent/robust however I can?t really see myself every coming back to an album like this because of how one-dimensional the singing is and how overall lackluster the ambient pop instrumentals can be at times.
The Mars Volta The Mars Volta1.5
It?s tough to come in and say I was not extremely disappointed in this new Mars Volta album. One of the most legendary modern progressive rock bands had such a strong ability to produce explosive and intricate progressive rock bangers with some lush experimentation from areas Latin rock and others. They took the ideas of the classic 70s prong bands and expanded upon them. With the band coming back over ten years later I never expected them to try and recapture that sound and style and to be honest the one positive of this new album is exactly that, the band seems to be trying to find new footing for a new sound. But damn is this album boring, one-dimensional, and lacking in energy. The whole album just feels like a drag of a listens and I have a hard time finding any stand-out tracks other than maybe the first two singles that were released. Overall, this is not a good album from the band, but I hope it?s a step into a better and new sound.
Destrage So much. Too much.3.5
The Italian band has been at it for quite a few years now and they have always been a very consistent, albeit one-dimensional, progressive djent band. This new album continues to see them doing their mathcore style djent and alternative metal and overall it is a solid album. Great progressions, great ideas, and great playing all around. Just as always though I just wish the band would stop making their albums feel like a drag to sit through by the end of the listening experience.
Kai Whiston Quiet as Kept, F.O.G.4.5
For many years now I wanted to see Kai expand into something that didn?t sound like a copy and paste of Iglooghost (and a worse version at that) and finally on the Bristol native's fifth album that expansive and intricate growth is displayed with explosive yet experimental EDM style bangers that do not fall into the bland tendencies of your typical music festival EDM project.
Ka Woeful Studies3.0
Out of the two albums released by New York-based artists, this is the better of the two, but just like with the other album this still is a one-dimensional rap album with some interesting samples/production but I can?t get around how bored KA sounds (at least compared to last albums by him). I have never loved this sleepy abstract hip hop sound so if you like that then you will like this.
Ka Languish Arts2.5
Out of the two albums released by the New York-based artists that houses better instrumentals but even more sleepy rapping that I have a really hard time sitting through. By the end of the 28 minutes, I am basically asleep and ready for anything else.
Ari Lennox age/sex/location2.5
Ari Lennox is one of the more talented singers when it comes to the classic sensual soul and RnB music, however, it?s tough to sit through this whole album without falling asleep. What is here is fine for the genre, but it has a hard time sticking out from anyone else in this style.
Oliver Sim Hideous Bastard2.5
The album starts off strong but slowly becomes more and more derivative as it goes along. There is a lot of potentials here because of how thick the atmosphere is all over the album and he has a truly breathtaking voice. But he needs some more time to really distinguish himself from all the other alt-pop artists out there.
Sudan Archives Natural Brown Prom Queen3.5
On her sophomore album Brittney Parks branches farther into art pop and takes on more of a life of her own. Although the album of Frank Ocean's influence can be extremely distracting, overall, this is a really great album showcasing a natural-born experimental RnB artist. With more time and effort, she can really come into her own and develop her own sound, but for now, just have to keep listening to this banger of an album.
Highly Suspect The Midnight Demon Club1.5
Pretty obvious hard rock that doesn?t try too hard to distinguish itself from the greats. It also doesn?t help that the lyrics can be extremely cringy at points. There are a few highlights throughout but overall, it?s a weak listening experience.
Ginger Root Nisemono4.5
A truly spectacular EP in which the long-time hypnagogic pop artists continue down their hazy and psychedelic pop sound but incorporate more elements of jazz and classical music. Although short and I hope this leads to a new album in the near future, it does pack a punch.
Holy Fawn Dimensional Bleed4.5
Post-Rock obviously has a long and dense history coming from all over the rock and metal worlds. Holy Fawn takes the same approach that acts like ?Grouper? and Sigur Ros? took a decade ago and two decades ago respectively. However, they also add that extremely rich sense of shoegaze and black metal screams that one would find on an early Deafheaven project. But moving on ?Dimensional Bleed? is a dense and extremely harrowing listen from front to back that will have you on the edge of your seat the whole listen. The stark contrast between the harrowing black metal screams and the extremely thick ambient drones makes for a very claustrophobic but uplifting listen. If you enjoy a lot of the dense post-metalcore that has been popping up the last few years you will really enjoy this.
Madison Cunningham Revealer4.0
I love me a simple yet powerful singer/songwriter album that brings in a lot of chamber and art rock/pop ideas to keep the tracks bopping all the way through. There really is nothing wrong with the album other than it kind of sounds like anything else out there in this style. But still, a really light and fun album that any fan of singer/songwriter art pop will love.
Sampa the Great As Above, So Below3.5
The Australian-based artist is back with her sophomore album, and it is a lot of the same ideas as her debut but much more condensed and focused on more afroswing than on full conscious hip hop and trap. Most of the tracks here are solid but the pacing and ideas can be a bit stale after a while. Still, I appreciate the brevity of everything and focus on detail. Continue to look forward to what she does next.
The Garden Horseshit On Route 664.0
I?ll really never forget when I first heard The Garden, with their 2018 album ?Mirror Might Steal Your Charm? and at the time it was one of the most explosive and experimental punk albums I had ever really heard. I remember thinking how wild it is to hear art punk and post-punk sound like that. Well, years later and to be honest there still is not a band out there who is doing what the duo is doing. Their new album is just as explosive and intricate as their previous, but they keep the tracks short and sweet making for an easy listen when you need it. Not only that but the way the band continues to incorporate electronic elements like synth-punk and drum and bass are beyond incredible. My only gripe is that the last two tracks are nowhere near as enjoyable as the rest of the album making for a weak-ish closer. Otherwise, a really incredible listen.
The Callous Daoboys Celebrity Therapist4.5
When it comes to the Callous Daoboys there is really no one like them out there right now. Mathcore has had a lot of revolution the last few years and in a lot of ways you can say they are the apex of the blistering cluster-fuck of a mathcore genre. This album is a long time coming for the band and it shows off the avant-grade nature the band has been building for the last few years. A great addition to a really odd genre.
Oceans Ate Alaska Disparity4.0
Five years later and one of the early adopters of the new glitchy mathcore sound comes through with their new blistering metalcore and deathcore album that continues to show an experimentation with electronics (here being a lo-fi hip-hop incorporation). Without a doubt the band step down a small bit on this album from their 2017 album but I think the band continues to show that they can make a completely unique listening experience. I just wish the fusions whereas sound and seamless as they were on their 2017 record. Here they more feel like a cheap add on for no reason, other than on the track ?Empty Space? and maybe ?Hallucinogen?. It?s tough to know what the band will do next and when they will release but I hope they can continue to experiment with these sounds for mathcore and push the genre further, at least for themselves.
EDEN ICYMI4.0
We finally have gotten the Eden project I have believed he could achieve since his debut in 2018. Eden has always had a great ability to create these thick and intricate alternative RnB moments, but his albums had been plagued with overly long tracks on overly long albums, but now with a quick and intense 38 minutes we see these thick Indietronica and glitch pop instrumentals over some breathtaking vocals.
Kenny Beats Louie4.0
The last handful of years as seen the quick rise for the man-of-many-hats, Kenny Beats and it?s for good reason. He has risen through the ranks as one of the greatest modern producers. On ?Louie? we see Kenny play around with some plunderphonics style instrumental hip hop beats and to be honest it is some extremely solid tracks. For such a short album he hits you over the head with a smorgasbord of samples and styles. If you like The Avalanches you will feel right at home with this album. That brings up my only negative the amount of Avalanches influence is quite distracting, but otherwise this is an extremely great record that covers a lot of bases. Hopefully this continues to grow Kenny Beats brand and he continues to see success into the far future!
Pomme Consolation3.5
A lighthearted and fun French singer/songwriter album that has a lot of solid ambient and indie folk elements to keep you coming back for more. Nothing too amazing but still a solid release.
Diamanda Galas Broken Gargoyles3.5
I have listened to a lot of avant-grade and experimental music throughout my nearly 5 years hobby of reviewing music and this new album from Diamanda is a whole new level of what great experimental music can sound like. The poetic lyrics, the wailing screams and grows of what I would imagine being angels and gargoyles fighting, and above all the extremely dense drones and industrial elements that play this all out. If you like a lot of early Julia Holter but with a much darker twist this album will be right up your alley.
Pianos Become the Teeth Drift3.5
Yes, this art rock and post-hardcore style are a bit dry at this point, but I have not heard it be this explosive and entertaining in a very long time, and for anyone that is a fan of that 2000s style you will feel right at home with this 3rd album from the band.
Sigh Shiki2.5
This is a perfectly average metal album that is overall too long and is a bit two-sided throughout making it a jumbled listening experience. There are some solid tracks but the overall pace and ear fatigue I get from the record makes it a tough album to fully get through.
Pantha Du Prince Garden Gaia1.5
I love me some ambient house but man is this album dry as all hell. The progressions feel bland, the new age synths and progressions feel uninspired, and the overall progressive nature of the album just comes off stale. Not a very enjoyable listen and one that most fans of ambient house should skip over.
Julia Jacklin Pre Pleasure4.0
When 2019?a ?Crushing? came out I was pretty lost on why people were raving about Julia?s music. However now on her 3rd album, I fully understand the appeal. If you liked a lot of the indie folk singer/songwriter stuff that came out a few years ago like Phoebe Bridgers, Claire?s latest album, Lucy Dacus, and of course the somber queen herself Lana Del Rey then you will really enjoy this album. The middle of the album is a small dip in quality but overall it?s a gloomy indie project that puts you into that anxious state of the unknown.
JID The Forever Story3.5
It?s interesting to see the huge amount of hype this album got for years after JID came out with, what I want to call, the DAMN that Kendrick Lamar could never make. ?DiCaprio 2? was a lowkey but explosive set of tracks with introspective bars with intricate and intricate wordplay while also having some heavy-hitting southern hardcore hip hop beats that all felt surreal to hear in 2018. Well, nearly five years later we get his third record, ?The Forever Story?, in which JID sonically does not know if he wants to double dip with that success or go down the more neo-soul path while continuing to refine and showcase his lyricism. TFS gives us the strongest outing yet of lyrics yet with some extremely detailed rhymes and flows. However, the sonic aspects of this album are a bit, rough. On the first few listens everything is pretty much a heavy-hitting banger except for ?Money? and ?Better Days? which are these extremely annoying beats and samples that make it hard to sit through (especially the extremely washed-out bass in ?Money?). But the more I have listened most of the neo-soul leaning tracks are a bit-to-be-desired. JID just does not sound very good over the soul style for me. Still tracks like ?Raydar?, ?Dance Now?, ?Crack Sandwich?, ?Can?t Punk Me?, ?Surround Sound?, and ?Bruddanem? are all extreme highlights and the current closer in ?Lauder Too? is a pretty solid track. Overall, it?s hard to say I was disappointed because most of the album is above solid or great, if not amazing, but there are some low-quality tracks and ideas that are really holding this back.
Demi Lovato Holy Fvck3.0
Although the new Demi Lovato album is too long as well as showcasing their influences on their sleeve, it is the most cohesive, interesting, and detailed album that Demi Lovato has really ever made in her whole career. Although I hope they move into different territories of sound and style I hope this is the start of a truly ?Demi Lovato? wanted sound. May this turn into an illustrious career.
Motorpsycho Ancient Astronauts3.0
Long-time progressive and psychedelic rock legends continue their streak of above-average rock music that has a hard time sticking out from the various dozens of albums in this style from the 60s, 70s, and rebrand of the 2010s. Plus the various random droning pieces that come and go really make this a tough listen to see what they really wanted this to be. Trust me the guitar with is being stellar, it?s just a somewhat bland this from front to back.
Why Bonnie 90 In November3.5
A very light and breezy indie rock project that is very reminiscent of Girlpool?s debut and sophomore record. Definitely bring back that more 90s and early 2000s indie sound tinted with dream pop esthetics. Definitely not the best thing in the world and it?s uninspired but still a really solid album from front to back.
Szun Waves Earth Patterns2.5
Ambient nu jazz that constantly feels like it?s building to something special but really only reaches a gratifying finish with the very first track. Maybe with more time, an album like this can grow but it really is not adding anything new to the genres of nu jazz and ambient music.
Dawnwalker House of Sand3.5
A fairly strong outing from the long-time progressive and post-metal London outfit, that has a great deal of building and gratifying apexes. However, the album comes off a bit stale in places and overall is a pretty common listen in this sludge metal-like post-metal scene.
nouns While of Unsound Mind4.5
I recently listened to the most influential and pivotal post-hardcore and punk record ?The Shape of Punk to Come? again, and I have to say there are a lot of similarities between them. Not necessarily in its sound, but in its ethos. This new album from Nouns shows an energetic, blistering, and explosive fifth-wave emo project that sounds just as groundbreaking as the aforementioned Refused album back in 1998. In a lot of ways, this album sounds like if you wanted a heavier version of Black Country New Road mixed with glassbeach. Glitchy and energetic screamo littered throughout with some truly incredible singing and editing. Must listen for anyone loving the fifth wave emo scene.
Royal Coda To Only a Few at First2.5
Ever since this supergroup started back in 2018 I have always had a very hard time reviewing them because of how much I want to like this band. It has some of the most talented artists from various influential and important modern swancore bands that have pushed the post-hardcore genre to its maxim. However, I think I finally know how to put into words why this band is so average for a swancore style, it?s because it?s trying to hard to pull from the post-hardcore and alternative/art rock movement that came about in the 90s and stayed constant throughout the 2000s. More specifically it brings in a lot of ?Modest Mouse?, ?Unwound?, and of course ?At the Drive-In?. For me this style and sound is so dry at this point I can?t really get into it anymore and this supergroup continues to drive this down our throats.
Sylvan Esso No Rules Sandy3.5
It?s interesting to see a band continue to push a sound even when a lot of people don?t exactly like it. The North Carolina duo of Amelia Randall Meath and Nick Sanborn are not your average alt-pop outfit or electropop outfit. This truly is some intense and progressive glitch pop music that you don?t see that often anymore. It obviously shares a lot with early Sweet Trip and even Thom Yorke?s solo material (if you squint really hard), but it also shares a lot with the likes of Bon Iver as well with the vocals and progressions. I can see what people have always disliked about the group, but I think this is an experimental joyride of a listen.
Young the Giant ACT II: EXILE2.5
Nowhere near as good as the first installment of their EP series, but the slower and softer jams are a nice change of pace from the more progressive elements of the last EP.
Hudson Mohawke Cry Sugar3.0
Although the sixth true new release from the UK-based artist is a grab-bag full of various electronic genres, sometimes the songs hit and other times the songs don?t hit. It very much is a hit or miss, but there are more hits than there are misses. Overall though the album does become pretty stale once you sit through the whole thing because of how long it is and how chaotic of a listen it is.
Tomu DJ Half Moon Bay2.5
Overall a pretty run-of-the-mill ambient house and downtempo album with a strong opener and a pretty explosive track in ?Bumpville?, but other than that it can be pretty middling to listen to.
Healing Potpourri Paradise2.5
I am a little hung up on the fourth album from the band because they continue to do the same sounds of MPB like easy listening with that psychedelic pop and soft rock twist. But their albums always start off strong and then slowly get more and more tedious to listen to. Paradise is no different and this band will continue to be average until they can get themselves out of this rut.
Kokoroko Could We Be More3.0
Honestly, this album would be much better if it wasn?t for swallowing production style. I don?t know what they were thinking by blowing the base up so much it makes everything sound so swelled into the mix because the base is fighting for a shining spot. Still, the UK-based octet flows and winds through some lush and psychedelic afrobeat style jazz rhythms and highlife brass instrumentation. The horns are really the highlight here all over the project. Remind me a lot of Kamasi Washington and the way he incorporates horns into his music.
Doechii She / Her / Black Bitch3.5
Honestly, this is a pretty bouncy and fun little pop rap EP that is a good way of closing out the summertime fun. Might not be mind-blowingly new, but it is lighthearted and brings in a lot of funky grooves to keep your hips swinging.
Chat Pile God's Country4.5
The debut album from the Oklahoma-based band is one of the strongest metal album debuts that I have heard in a long time. The diverse set of genres and styles all come together to create a grimy, intense, noisy, and chaotic listen. Take the opening track with its loud and blistering guitar leads over some classic sludge screams and howls. Or take the post punk shoegaze guitar riffs on ?Pamela? and sudo-talked vocals. On top of all that we also get some pretty intense and harrowing lyrics that slowly showcase someone diving deeper and deeper into their depression until an attempted suicide on the 9-minute slogfest of a closer. If you like those classic sludge metal sounds of Acid Bath with guitar work and production from Jesus Lizard then you will find yourself at home with this record. My biggest complaint is that ?I Don?t Care If I Burn? is an awkward spoken word and experimental piece that does not exactly translate to this record all that well.
Dance Gavin Dance Jackpot Juicer2.0
Beyonce Renaissance4.5
Beyoncé's true seventh album is nothing short of a groundbreaking modern pop album. It?s weird to say that because obviously house music has had a long history in pop music from the heavy use of tropical and festival house during the mid-2010s to the boom of deep house in the ?90s and early 2000s, but Beyoncé revolutionizes various styles of house for the 2022 rebranding of pop music. It?s no secret that in the last few years pop music has been trying to find a new sound and style. From the nu disco and dancehall rebrands of Dua Lipa (and others) to the obvious explosion of alt-pop and ambient pop with Billie Eilish (and others), the more lowkey and emotional indie folk and singer/songwriter of Phoebe Bridgers (and others), the small rebrand of pop punk with Olivia Rodrigo, and the exploration of hyperpop with Charlie XCX (and others). Beyoncé takes most of these genres and styles to the forefront of her new sound and style. Renaissance is an explosive, sexual, black, and explorative dance-pop, house, and contemporary RnB album that dives into various subgenres of these and more. For example, take the neoperrepo and afrobeat heavy-hitting opener in ?I?m That Girl?, then the deconstructed club banger of ?All Up In Your Mind?, or the funky house and nu-disco ?Virgo?s Groove?. But the album goes through these ideas and genres with a perfect balance of heavy hitting and smooth grooves without really losing a step, other than ?Break My Soul? and ?Plastic Off the Sofa?. I really have to say I can?t wait to see what these other installments will sound like if this is the first one.
DOMi & JD BECK NOT TiGHT2.5
A strong little nu jazz album that has a hard time being remembered once it is turned off. It?s fine when it is on and there are some really solid features from Thundercat and Anderson Paak, but overall, the album has a tough time standing out from the high majority of hip-hop-leaning jazz albums like this one.
Culprate αÏιθμός τέσσεÏα (Number Four)4.0
You don?t come across electronic albums that incorporate this much diversity in their IDM and folktronica sounds. This UK-based electronic producer really brings a lot to the table from the wonky drill and bass style ?The Psychology of James Bond? which has a lot of neo-psychedelic undertones to it. Or the very classy and simple rock jam of ?Fly?. There is a style and sound for everyone all over the album. My biggest problem with the album is that I think the ideas are a bit scattered throughout and I have a small tough experience getting through the whole thing. But overall a solid album and a new idea for the long-standing IDM genre.
schnozz Berdlycore Chapter Zero3.5
Just as good as the last album from this year but feels a little more in line with what I would expect from a more traditional mashup album. Therefore, making it a little harder to distinguish from others in this lane. But still a very solid, explosive, and fun mashup and EDM album that will really get you dancing the last few weeks of summer.
Asunojokei Island4.0
An extremely solid album that has a lot of what makes the greats of blackgaze and melodic hardcore sound the way they do. The harrowing black metal screams over the blissful and lush shoegaze-style guitars pair nicely with the overall melodic esthetic the Japanese band is going for. However, my biggest complaint with the album is how much the band wears their influences on their sleeves. Specifically, the shoegaze elements sound so close to kings of blackgaze ?Deafheaven? while the post-hardcore and melodic hardcore elements, especially the more spoken word bits, feel ripped right out of an ?envy? album. Still, this is a really solid album if you want that hardcore edge over your shoegaze guitars.
quinn quinn4.5
5th wave emo continues to show that it?s not really bound to a single genre and will be pulled farther and farther away from what most people understand emo as. But don?t get it twisted this sophomore album from Quinn Dupree is inherently a part of the post-emo b or internet emo scene. This is obviously not your everyday Rap album because half of the album are spoken word pieces that were randomly recorded in a kitchen or bathroom. But what makes this album shine is how Vulnerable yet protective the lyrics are on top of the very crude and brash the beats and samples can get. It?s an album that really needs a lot of listens to fully click and realize what quinn wants you to realize with this sudo-philosophical album about finding one?s love and identity.
Joey Badass 20003.5
Joey bada$$ continues to showcase his ability to create rich and detailed east coast hip hop beats and production with some great detail to lyrics here and there. However, the lyrics overall are what make this album a step down from past releases because Of how brandishes the bars are everywhere, and it just Doesn?t seem warranted when you really think about how long it?s been since we last heard from him. Still a solid release with some standout samples like the psychedelic and hazy Men I Trust sample in ?Show Me?.
Beach Bunny Emotional Creature1.0
Past EPs and her last album showcased an energetic, raw, and emotional Lili Trifilio that power pop and indie rock have not seen in many many years. This sophomore album feels like it has completely abandoned that for more typical Ideas and sounds that you l would hear from classic bands like Weezer and others, with the same flaws that made bands like Weezer and others completely die in the last decade.
Cuco Fantasy Gateway4.0
This might be a very unpopular idea but not only do I find Omar Banos good, but I think his bedroom pop aesthetics mixed with the synthpop and psychedelic pop production and style is one of the best out there right now. On Cuco?s fourth album it tells he has fully sharpened his style to feel as fun and summery as possible. A fun and explosive pop album that has no shortage of foot-tapping bongo drum lines and hazy synth leads.
Rico Nasty Las Ruinas3.0
This is the first mixtape from Maria where I think she is trying to not pigeonhole herself into one genre. For the last 5 years, we have seen here continue to try to achieve a heavy and dense trap metal album, but they always came up one-dimensional and derivative. However, on ?Las Ruinas? we see miss Rico Nasty diving headfirst into several areas of industrial hip hop and electric (from drum and bass to dancepop). Although the first half of the album of drum and bass cuts over these nasty and intense trap beats completely outshines the back half of more dancepop and pop rap melodies. Will be hoping she continues this experimentation into the future with a more condensed and diverse sophomore full-length album.
Imperial Triumphant Spirit of Ecstasy4.5
Still, one of the coolest and most unique black metal bands out there because they are able to fully fuse the blistering and haunting death metal backdrop with some wild and free avant-garde jazz passages. The new album is just as intense as the last, but they are really shining in the experimentation of other elements like electrons and saxophone.
Anthony Green Boom. Done.3.5
The Circa Survive lead singer and main brain come through with another solo project and I have to say out of all the swancore bands to have solo careers Anthony Green?s has always stood out because of how diverse and unique his albums can be and this new one is no different. Other than the obvious Arcade Fire influence the album is a light and fun indie album with some great horn parts throughout the listen.
Rafael Anton Irisarri Agitas Al Sol4.0
Although I find the album to be one step below his 2020 outing ?Peripeteia?, this new full-length is just as enveloping, sprawling, and mesmerizing as that record is. Definitely give it a listen if you want something to blanket yourself as you listen along.
Pool Kids Pool Kids3.5
The Florida-based band continues to expand their sound past their very repetitive and un-inspired debut album with more eclectic and diverse sounds and styles like the dream pop banger of ?Comes in Waves? or the indie rock burner of Swallow? there is a lot going on here. It?s not all great and perfect but I think we could see the band continue to evolve into their own style and sound and maybe we will get an even more explosive and original outing next time around.
Billie Eilish Guitar Songs2.5
For some extra tracks from Billie they kind of come off as just that, extra. ?The 30th? is a much stronger song then ?TV? but that difference is kind of meaningless since they are both pretty average singer/songwriter contemporary folk cuts. The building at the end of former track is what makes it stick out.
Ghais Guevara There Will Be No Super-Slave4.5
Jaja Gha'is Robinson's debut album under his new moniker, previously Jaja00 and it might go down as the best rap album this year. The lyricism from track to track could be as tight as a Kendrick Lamar track, but it is housed in more of a philosophical bases like a Milo (or Rap Ferraria) but has the heavy sampling you could see in a JPEGMAFIA album, without all the glitches and switches. Honestly, that is the best part of the album the pure amount of incredible sampling over explosive east coast hip hop drums. You really can?t go wrong with this album and it?s tough to find a flaw here, but the middle part of the album is a small tick down from the start and closer to the project.
Vladislav Delay Isoviha2.0
The opening track starts off with such an interesting warping of something you would hear out of a techno rave party. But after that doing this album falls into a very repetitive rut with very typical industrial beats being manipulated to hell where eventually the album just starts to wain on you. Missing the more power electronic elements he was known for earlier in his career.
Black Midi Hellfire4.5
The more I have listened to ?Hellfire? and last year's ?Cavalcade? the more obvious it has become how much they are supposed to be ?movie-like? and companion pieces, with the latter being a drama and the former being an action movie. However, I am not here to review both albums and how they relate, that will take many more listens. For now, ?Hellfire? is a continuation of the band's loud and extreme version of progressive rock and jazz rock. This album is somehow, even more, turned up to 11 in the abstractness than ?Cavalcade? was, and I love nearly even a minute of it. This album is also much more ?play/theatrical-like? than past releases which is an interesting dynamic to hear from the band. Although I might find ?Cavalcade? to be a much more complete listen, ?Hellfire? is a much stronger sonic album with the brutality of it. Out of all post-Brexit/new-wave post-punk bands, Black Midi is driving farther and farther from that style and it will be fascinating to see what they do next because I don?t know how long the band can sustain this sound.
beabadoobee Beatopia3.0
It?s interesting to see a lot more people gravitate towards the band's sophomore outing because this record falls in way more with common indie-ism than the band's debut. Overall the band's bite and the edge is absent, and in place is more volubility and nuance. I don?t find this new album to be bad, but most of the album is so average that it?s tough to really get into it. A few songs here and there showcase some solid indie bangers like ?See You Soon? and ?Tinkerbell is Overrated?. Also sonically this album is a hotpot of various indie-ism like the 1975, American Football, and others in the newer stem of indie.
Lizzo Special3.5
At first, I was kind of disappointed in this new Lizzo album but the more I listen to it the more it comes as a fun and bright summer album that allows Lizzo to explore who she is as a person and what fame has done to her. Although the instrumentals can sometimes fall flat here and there, and the lyrics are a bit shallow at points, the overall ideas are all there and that?s all I can ask for from one of the better pop artists.
Sabrina Carpenter Emails I Can't Send2.5
Umm, I kind of wish there was something better to say other than this is a very average pop album that takes a lot of Ariana Grande's influence, but that isn?t a bad thing since Ariana is one of the last remaining pop artists to be around.
Young the Giant ACT I: ORIGINS3.5
Never been a YtG fan, probably because as an undergrad working at the radio station their music was beyond overplayed. But I quite like this new art rock direction the band may be going down! Here is hoping.
J-Hope Jack In The Box3.0
It kind of reminds me of the great industrial hip hop artists from South Korea XXX, and that is the strongest compliment of this album/EP! It?s a decent little hardcore hip hop album that is neither here nor there but overall is a strong showing.
Working Men’s Club Fear Fear4.0
At first, I was not a fan of this new rave and cold wave project, but the more I have listened to it the more subtle everything gets and more fun it sounds. The use of synthesizers is so incredibly unique here that it?s hard not to bop your head along to most of the songs. There are some question marks here and there but overall, it?s a danceable album that feels as experimental as it is fun.
Kekal Envisaged3.0
Not a bad album by any means, but the album does come off as a bit goofy in the way it?s having these blistering blast beats with very thrashy guitar melodies and then you get some ambient techno thrown in here and there. On top of that, the production here is extremely shallow and everything other than the kick drum is fighting for sonic leverage.
Jason Richardson II2.0
On his debut album I was actually quite impressed with the number of influences and style the legendary guitarist went down but on his sophomore outside we see him kind of going down the extra noodly djent fused with random electronics that several djent and progressive metal bands did 5 years ago. It?s not exactly the best sound because he doesn?t really fuse them at all, just having one thing into another. Wish there was a more cohesive sound here, but alas can?t win them all.
Scarcity Aveilut4.0
Experimental black metal is becoming one of the better genres to be on the lookout for. This new album by the duo of composer Brendon Randell-Myers and black metal vocals of Pyrrhon come together to create an album that isn?t fully atmospheric black metal because the guitars are more in line with a drone metal project, but also isn?t avant-garde metal since it doesn?t share any of the jazz wonkery included in that genre. The graduating ebbs and flows of the guitar are what really sell the album for me and the eternal sense of death and isolation that continue to bring me back. My biggest negative is I wish this leaned heavier into something like black ambient, I think it would have made it sound that much for vial and depressing.
Satin Sheets St. Francis II3.5
For a chillwave album, this actually has a lot of great progressions and overall vibes to the album that does not grow stale like most chillwave albums. The use of samples for the very futuristic esthetics in utopian virtual adds a lot of needed depth throughout the tracks which are also enjoyable. My biggest complaint is several songs feel ripped right off of George Clanton?s 2018 ?Slide?. I mean don?t get me wrong ?Slide? is the greatest chillwave album ever created and probably one of the best vaporwave projects ever made so being influenced by something like that would make sense. It?s just the influence can be extremely distracting throughout the short listen. With more time I think Satin Sheets will produce a unique and fully original vibe, but for now, it?s a great album.
Brent Faiyaz WASTELAND4.0
Huh, well?I am perplexed by this new Brent Faiyaz. Great production, passionate vocals, intense themes, and a solid song list that might be long, but feels well crafted. Honestly, the only things I hate here are the length and unnecessary details included in the skits. Otherwise, some great songwriting, layouts, and overall experience for Mr. Chris.
Metric Formentera2.5
This new Metric album is a fresh new direction for the long-time indie rock band. We see their synthpop sound being added to a more alternative dance drive that many may find exciting, I find the album to be a mixed bag with some good and some bad. Nothing awful but boring all that memorable either.
Viagra Boys Cave World3.5
Dance-punk has always been one of those genres for me that I can never seem to get into, and past Viagra boys release were on that list. However, ?Cave World? feels more experimental and explosive than even some of the heavy hitters in dance punk. I would imagine there is some heavy Daughters influence laced between these songs with how songs and lyrics sort of come together. Overall, an interesting and intense listen, but there are still areas where I could deal without.
Tumi Mogorosi Group Theory: Black Music3.0
I find this new Tumi Mogorosi album to feel like a near carbon copy of the last few Kamari Washington albums, which is a great sound and style of modern jazz, but it?s hard to listen to this and not think of that album. The one thing this album has going for it over Kamasi?s last few releases is that it is much shorter in retrospect, but that also leaves this album feeling unfinished and shallow at points. Still not a bad spiritual jazz album, I just wish it didn?t sound so much like Kamasi Washington.
Wu-Lu Loggerhead4.0
Without a doubt, there is only one major flaw with this album and it?s the horrible mixing and audio engineering because the vocals are nearly inaudible over the instrumentals. If it wasn?t for that this sophomore outing from the Warp records product would be a near-perfect execution of post-punk energy and experimental hip-hop. It?s like if King Krule did more experimental rock and obviously rapped. A really interesting and futuristic take on these two genres.
Kali Malone Living Torch3.0
The drone project that dabbles in a lot of different classical and electronic experimentation ideas, is not a bad piece of music, but it is so hard to feel like the album is going anywhere. Not that ambient music really needs to feel like that, but when you bring in so many elements that she is bringing in you would think there would be a stronger focus on building and song structure.
Moor Mother Jazz Codes3.5
Moor Mother continues to flex her ability to do a lot of different genres and ideas. Although I tend to lean more towards her other projects that are much more experimental, her rap albums are always something when they do come out. ?Jazz Codes? to many is a much more consistent and realized project than last year?s ?Black Encyclopedia of the Air?, while for me the features, for the most part, are a really heavy deterrent from this project. Much of the features do not add anything to the very hypnotic and entrancing vibe this album puts off. For most of the project, I wish Moor Mother would just have had herself and let the instrumentals take me on their own journey, rather than using some pretty low-end abstract hip-hop artists. Still, a very solid album that any abstract hip-hop fan will enjoy.
The Dear Hunter Antimai4.0
The legendary progressive pop and rock group are finally back with a new extensive and probably the elaborate world that we can get lost in for the next 5-10 years. I have been very curious to see how the band would change after they finished the ?Acts? because I knew they would continue to diverge from their more post-hardcore roots. Now that we have the first installment it seems to be a more jazz fusion and new wave influence that brings a new slew of influences, the heaviest being Thank You, Scientist. Overall ?Antimai? is a detailed roadmap of the new world, showing the class system for the made-up world and it?s backed by some bouncy and powerful jazz fusion and progressive elements. It will be interesting to see their new album I guess being released next year to see how the story of this world divulges. My biggest grievance is with ?Patrol?, the synth piano cord in that track is extremely distracting and I more or less skip that track.
Wax Machine Hermit's Grove3.0
I would warrant a guess that most people who listen to this will make an obvious comparison to King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard, and that comparison is warranted because most of the listening experience is you comparing it to them. For someone like me who has a hard time sitting through most of KGLW's discography because of how convoluted their music comes across, this is a nice and short psychedelic rock album that really tries to just do the simple things. It?s nothing groundbreaking by any means but I do somehow prefer it to King Gizzard.
Greg Puciato Mirrorcell2.0
Honestly, I am pretty disappointed with this new Greg Puciato of The Dillinger Escape Plan, album. His debut solo album two years ago was a really enticing and intense darkwave album that felt like a fusion of the 90s alternative metal scene with the more modern darkwave scene seen. However, on his sophomore outing, he delves deeper into the alternative rock and metal scene and ditches those rich darkwave and shoegaze vibes that I loved so much. If it wasn?t for the banger of a track ?Lowered? this album probably would be much lower, but that single alone is something to return to.
GoGo Penguin Between Two Waves3.5
Ben Quad I'm Scared That's All There Is2.5
It?s tough to say that this is an average album because I have always loved this style of Midwest emo, but man this is so average. They are not exactly bringing anything new to the table of Midwest emo. But the band does have a lot of energy and spunk going on so maybe in the future they will be able to build into something more than just an obvious rip-off of bands like american football, Death Cab for Cutie, and others focusing more on noodly math rock and indie rock.
Emery Rub Some Dirt on It 3.5
Their last album in 2020 was not exactly my favorite release from them. However, Emery has always been a band that is either very solid or extremely bland from release to release. This new album from the band sees them coming back to form hitting us with that classic 2000s alternative emo sound that spurred mall-emo at that time. Nothing two ground-breaking here but still a really solid release.
Lupe Fiasco Drill Music in Zion4.0
For all the 2010s Lupe Fiasco tried a bit too hard to make these abstract and overall ambitious conscious hip hop albums that sheets came off awkward abbey tough to sit through. On his first album of this decade, he tones everything down and it comes off so much better. A much more consistent and enjoyable hip hop project from at one point the best conscious hip hop artist. Very much looking forward to seeing what he does in the future with his return to form.
Zola Jesus Arkhon2.0
I think the recent expansion and explosion of neoclassical darkwave and its mixture with genres like post-industrial and art pop make artists like Zola Jesus sounds blander than they might have originally sounded when she came out over a decade ago. Also for such a simple soundscape, the overall feel of the album comes off as cluttered and most of the tracks don?t come together all that well. Sadly I think Zola Jesus might need a drastic sound shift to bring her career back to the spotlight she once had.
Empress Of Save Me4.5
A truly exciting and new direction from an RnB artist who always felt like they could make something great but never could stick the landing for a full album. This EP shows a new house direction that?s refreshing and new.
Final Light Final Light2.5
James Kent of darksynth phenom Perturbator, and Johannes Persson of atmospheric sludge metals larges act Cult of Luna, come together to create a dark and harrowing synthwave and sludge metal outfit that might sound cool at first, but much of the issues I have with Cult of Luna plague this album. Tracks that drone on for far too long, even for atmospheric sludge metal. Passages that build pretty much to nowhere, and an overall vibe that loses its muster faster than a diamond in acid. It?s not a bad album by any means because James really creates some incredible synth backdrops that carry this album.
Goose (US) Dripfield3.0
On the band's third album they grow more into what has been making them more and more famous, delving deeper into indie and art rock esthetics over there very jam and jazz-rock esthetics that they are known for. Although the album comes off as a bit of a sonic mess, there are some really memorable tracks on here to bob your head to while you driving on a nice summer's day.
Day Wave Pastlife2.0
The dreamy and breezy aesthetic of Jackson Phillips? Day Wave is back with another album of soft indie bangers that are neither interesting nor memorable. These kinds of albums are not bad on the surface, but once you listen to them a few times the appeal goes away pretty quickly. Plus the loss of chillwave from this album really holds it back.
Porcupine Tree Closure/Continuation3.5
Don?t get me wrong I am very excited for the comeback of the somewhat legendary prog rock band porcupine trees, but there is something so obvious about this album that it?s hard not to just sit there listening to it and thinking, wow this just sounds like a rockier version of what Steven Wilson has been doing with his solo work. But then you go back through their catalog and say wow this also just sounds like everything they had been doing before they disbanded. So overall I think it?s a fine and interesting rock album that is progy and artsy all at the same time, but it doesn?t exactly hold up in today's day and age when you really give it a full listen.
Petrol Girls Baby4.0
I think if this album came out at any other time it would be getting a lot more criticism, but with the current supreme court changes to women?s rights, this album is a perfect voice and direction of protests to hopefully reverse what has been occurring. It also just so happens that this an explosive and intense post-hardcore album that feels a lot more classic than many of the more modern bands, which is a fresh sound to hear.
Left At London Transgender Street Legend, Vol. 34.5
Left At London is back with another installment of their ?Transgender Street Legend? series and without a doubt, they see climbing higher and higher into greatness with their unique bedroom pop sound. In this installment we see them driving into neo-soul and alt-pop. For such a short EP they create a rich and memorable listening experience that fans of pop music will find enjoyable. My only negative is the last track could have been a bit better.
Sun's Signature Sun's Signature2.0
Not going to lie I am having a hard time seeing why this album is getting hyped up so much from the underground. Like yes, of course, it's coming from one of the greatest dream pop lead singers of all time from Cocteau Twins and one of the lead members of one of the best neo-psychedelic outfits Spiritualized, but this album is such a rough EP. Most of the tracks feel like they build to nothing or take way too long to get anywhere. Plus, the one or two songs that do have a gratifying finish, feel so muted and soft. With the two could have produced something a little livelier.
RY X Blood Moon3.0
Although this new Ry X album is not exactly the most powerful or interesting release when it comes to the downtempo alt-pop style of music (i.e., Chet Faker and others), there is still a good sense of vision and ideas littered throughout the listening experience. Not a bad album, just is way too long and could be a little more diverse in its sonic pallet.
Time Wharp Spiro World3.5
Overall this is a solid shift from the more experimental electronics that Time Wharp has been open for on past releases. Now we see Kaye Loggins go more into nu jazz and IDM direction which I think works pretty well for a relatively short project this is. Wish there was some better sound design however since the album does start falling into a one-dimensional rut once you pass the halfway mark.
Bartees Strange Farm To Table3.0
For such a simple indie album from a previous indie hip hop artist, this more singer/songwriter direction is an interesting direction for Mr. Strange to go down and I am all for it, although a lot more progress has to be made to help him to stand out from various other artists in the exact same lane, especially artists like Frank Ocean and Kevin Abstract, even though they are not exactly in the same artistic lane.
Westside Boogie More Black Superheroes3.0
Another one of the higher-end Compton native rappers comes through with his sophomore record and although it makes me, for some reason, want to listen to Smino instead, it is overall a decent west coast hip-hop album with some great beats littered throughout the whole project. Westside Boogie, aka Anthony, might not be at the top of the top when it comes to conscious Compton rappers, but he does fit into his own lane and has some decent ideas. I just find him to be a pretty one-dimensional rapper, and everything slowly starts to meld together when you really sit down to listen to it.
Nova Twins Supernova4.0
Amy Love and Georgia South are some of the small groups really pushing for a 2000s-style sound. From Rina Sawayma and Clarence Clarity doing the pop side of things and then Nova Twins bringing back that heavy and heady nu metal and rap metal style that blew up in the mid to late 90s but powered through the 2000s. For me, this is heady and explosive hip hop, RnB, metal, industrial, and rock music. There really is an eclectic mix of styles and ideas all throughout the album and I am 100% here for it.
Drake Honestly, Nevermind3.5
Not going to lie, although I understand the criticisms this new Drake album is getting, for me it?s a decent showing of simple but effective house music. However, it also shows Drake finally taking some liberties in his music that he never really seemed to take most of his career. I don?t think this is the end all be all of music for drake, but I hope into the future Drake can continue to expedient with sounds and styles like there to hopefully bounce his career farther than where it has been the last several years.
Logic Vinyl Days4.5
I don?t think anyone believed Logic when he retired, but it makes sense now why; burnout. Everyone at some point in their life will experience burnout in some form. However once Logic walked away for a time, he rekindled his original love for hip-hop and what drew him to the genre originally. Well on ?Vinyl Days? I believe we get the best version of Logic we have ever seen, and it comes from a place I think Logic is happy to be. This album feels original and from the heart which makes it a truly inspirational listen. It might be a classic boom-bap record, but man do these tracks hit extremely hard. Truly great to listen from front to back and really my biggest negative is that it can be a bit too long when you really sit down to listen to it.
Perfume Genius Ugly Season4.5
For years now I have never built into the hype of Perfume Genius, but I could never fully explain why that was because in so many ways he is the exact thing Harry Styles tries to be, even though he has no idea that he is trying to be like Perfume Genius. But on this new album Alan Wyffels goes against his art and ambient pop underpinnings to do something only artists like David Bowie and Scott Walker have been able to pull off; a complete dive into avant-guard and experimental music. ?Ugly Season? on the surface might be an ugly mess but digging into the album and experiencing every second of it immersed in its noisy, experimental, and psychedelic vibes you will see the real beauty of what happens when you dive headfirst into the creative bucket. A truly intriguing and exciting listen that any fan of the artists mentioned or fans of art punk (not sure why but it gives very art punk vibes) will fully enjoy, truly great listening experience.
Foals Life Is Yours2.0
There seems to be a weird resurgence in the early 2000s already weird resurgence of alternative dance and the goals seem to be throwing their own hat into the ring for that sound, which does not exactly land all too well. Most of the album feels like it?s trying too hard to sound like a mixture of New Order and Talking Heads, with that very ?Foals? twists to things. It comes off as a bit posh and annoying at points where I normally cannot finish the album without skipping several tracks.
White Ward False Light4.5
On the band's true third album they continue to dial in their ambitious and dark sound with their unique fusion of atmospheric black metal and dark jazz. What?s most impressive about the album is the extreme balancing act that is done with these two Seemingly opposite genres of music. Several artists throughout the last 10 to 20 years have tried the sound but always lack the ability to fully fuse the two genres instead they opt to make it a two-sided affair with neither genre really being put together. Truly an amazing listen from front to back and to top it all off the subtle nuance infuses other genres like post-punk and alternative metal here in there as the album goes along.
Dir En Grey Phalaris2.5
This new album from the long-standing Japanese metal band falls into the category of ?If you already like this band you will like this album but the album itself is not adding anything new.? For one of the founding creatures of the glam and gothic rock fusion into more progressive and alternative metal, visual kei, this album very much fits into a solid and classic sound that does not deter from that formula once on the whole album. But it?s fine for what it is and again if you already love this band and this style of metal then you will love this, otherwise it?s not worth your time.
Asian Glow Stalled Flutes, means4.0
Fifth-wave emo continues to shine through the cracks this year for me and this brand new Asian Glow album bolsters that claim while also accelerating the South Korean-born sound into a much more grand and explosive sound that seemed to be missing on his past releases (not including the huge collaborating project just at the end of last year). ?Stalled Flutes, means? is a lonely and isolating album backed behind Indietronica and art pop instrumentals that bleed the line between noise pop and shoegaze. Although the album as a whole can be a bit tiring by the end, what is presented here is some stellar work and I can?t wait to see what Asian Glow does in the future with this explosive post-emo sound.
SECRETS The Collapse2.5
It?s not bad by any means, but it also is very much housed in a lot of typical and boring metalcore aesthetics that in 2022 really shouldn?t be around anymore, especially with the hard crash metalcore has had since the mid-2010s.
Shearwater The Great Awakening4.0
I have come to realize the more theatrical and intense a record is, on top of feeling like a true artist's artistic vision, the more I love an album. This new album from the Texas-based band might be subtle and quiet, but it hits you over the head in emotional delivery, powerful ambient textures, and building instrumental backdrops. The album falls flat in the fact that it feels as if Talk Talk and Ben Howard got together to make Ok Computer by Radiohead; equally as emotional and pretentious. Overall, a truly great record that any fan of the mentioned bands will really love, on top of being a great listen from front to back.
Saya Gray 19 Masters4.0
A very breathtaking psychedelic folk record that feels as modern as it could for a folk record in this style. The attention to detail and recording keeps this album extremely interesting to listen to from front to back. What is holding me back is track 15-19 really turn the album sour somehow. The whole album as a subtle and breathtaking presence to it, but something about the last five tracks of the album loose that luster and make the ending of the album a bit of a chore to get through. Still overall a really incredible debut and I can?t wait to see what Saya will do into the future.
Post Malone Twelve Carat Toothache2.5
Post Malone is always an interesting artist to see because he has a lot of odd overlap with Skrillex in where they both came from, their explosion into fame, and now the slow sizzle out of their popularity. For me, I never saw the hype of what Post Malone brought to the alt-pop and emo rap genre because of the production choices that always plagued his albums. However, I can see Post Malone slowly taking control of his sound and pushing it into maybe a more explorative and experimental career than how it started. ?Twelve Carat Toothache? has a lot of interesting qualities because Post is really exploring some interesting genres with ambient pop and even synthpop. But still, this album has some blockbuster duds that I would imagine his label made him put on there. I think one day Post will be like Taylor Swift and break out of the label and do what he wants, and hopefully, we see that in the future.
070 Shake You Can't Kill Me1.5
I honestly don?t quite see the hype with an artist like Danielle Balbuena. It?s rehashed and bland versions of alternative RnB over art pop and alt-pop esthetics. This album to me is trying too hard to be experimental and misses the mark on what experimental means in RnB today. If this was 2012, I would maybe understand it, but the current landscape of experimental and artists of RnB artists is well beyond this, so this album comes off sounding extremely dated. Plus, it doesn?t help that nothing on the album comes together all that well and how stagnant everything feels.
Andrew Bird Inside Problems4.0
Although a blotted album (somehow), this new album from one of the better singer/songwriter artists in the last 30 years, sees a continuation into chamber pop and really serves up some memorable and exciting tracks from start to finish. It?s like if you took Father John Misty and mashed it with a lot of the post-singer/songwriter lyrical structures then you continue to get Andrew Bird.
Memphis May Fire Remade in Misery3.5
Huh! Never thought the Texas band could ever get back to their explosive and fun sound they started on. ?Remade in Misery? is somewhat a return to form, although a bit of an over-done sound at this point. But the band shows they still have the ability to make some heavy-hitting and explosive alternative metal bangers that any fan of the 2010s warp tour scene will enjoy.
Horsegirl Versions of Modern Performance4.0
In a lot of ways, this is the style and sound I wish Girlpool went down instead of the more synth-based approach they are doing. In many ways, Horsegirl?s debut album is a noisy and hazy indie album that borders between the intricate of post-punk and the light-heart nature of indie. A great summer listen on a hot day. The only negative I have is the interludes added feel a bit odd in the actual context of the album.
Astronoid Radiant Bloom3.0
I remember when the band's sophomore album came out my senior tour of college I couldn?t stop listening to it. It was my first taste of what shoegaze and metal music could be together. However today this band really has a hard time breaking the mold and every track on here sounds like the last one. It?s not a bad sound to listen to by any means, but it has a hard time sticking out as other bands have in this genre.
saajtak For The Makers3.5
This debut album from Saajtak is both a sonic mess and a very promising direction at the same time. The ideas are all here from the experimental and droning nature of the project, but many times the execution is off or nothing comes off the track. It?s like if you took the experimentation of early (and most recent) Julia Holter?s albums, with the artistic direction and feel of a Bent Knee album and mixed it with more jazz elements than most artists use then you have ?For the Makers?. A decent album and I am very excited to see what the band does in the future with this sound.
Thornhill Heroine4.0
The sophomore album from the Australian-based band continues to see them evolve and conquer the current evolution of alternative metal with its mixture of shoegaze. ?Heroine? is an intense and enjoyable listening experience with some really remarkable playing and singing from all the band members. The only problem I have with the album is that when it starts to dip its toe more and more into the grunge/post-grunge sound it really starts to lose me, plus the interludes of alternative rock really distract from it the rest of the album. Still a really exciting and explosive album.
Everything Everything Raw Data Feel3.5
The UK band's sixth album sees one of their most consistent sounds since their 2015 magnum opus ?Get to Heaven? and yet the album is plagued with sounding like a more alternative dance version of Radiohead or a more indietronica and synthpop version of Gorillaz or The Strokes. ?Raw Data Feel? is a fun and danceable electronic album that blends a slew of different pop genres. For example, ?Shark Week? has a groovy synth line and heavy drums to keep your foot tapping, or maybe the new wave leanings of ?Pizza Boy? are a better dance number for you. But one thing is for sure this is a funky and danceable album. Still, the album does not come together that well for me and I have a hard time finishing it. The last few tracks just feel like a wash and should have been left off and even the closer is not a very satisfying closer to the record.
Scary Kids Scaring Kids Out Of Light3.0
15-years later and the Arizona-based band finally release their third album, and although I can see why people don?t like it for me it?s a fun and sometimes explosive emo record that reminds me of a simpler time; 2000s emo.
Maria BC Hyaline2.5
If you like Grouper you might like this debut album from Maria BC, but the slowcore elements are really slogging the album down since the ambient pop elements mixed with the slowcore elements make this is a slow and almost boring listening experience. Not terrible by any means, but there are much better albums out there in a style like this.
leroy Dariacore 3... At Least I Think That's What It's C3.0
The New Jursey-based artist better known for his hyperpop outfit dltzk, has released his third installment of his Dariacore records, which is another installment of bombastic and high energy EDM with those common mashup/mashcore vibes that keep you guessing what is coming up next. Although the album comes off a little better than others in the genre, it still is plagued with tropes that plague all albums like this: overall complicated sampling that goes nowhere. Not a bad album, but one that feels more meme-centered than actually enjoyable. Fun when it?s on, but I doubt I would come back to it ever.
Flume Palaces3.5
The much anticipated new album from the Australian electronic producer Flume, after his huge breakout mixtape ?Hi This Is Flume? in 2019, is a worthy addition to the artist's catalog, but overall is a bit sloppy in its execution because of how all-over-the-place many of the tracks feel and how un-cohesive everything feels. Overall it?s a solid album with a lot of different sounds and styles, but for those who loved that mixtape, this might be a bit of a tough listen because he does return more to what Flume has always been known for.
Harry Styles Harry's House3.0
Harry Styles has always had the potential to be a truly impressive pop artist because he has a real knack for making some impressive singles and tracks. For example, ?Daylight? is a banging synth-driven psychedelic pop track. While ?Cinema? is a funky and synthie disco track that bleeds the lines between dad yacht rock and classic 80s boogie music. Even the lead single ?As It Was? is a fun power pop and bedroom pop feel of a classic Vampire Weekend track. However, that also leads to the biggest issue that still plagues Harry?s music; the distracting influences laced throughout the album. For example, I cannot be the only one who listened to the opening guitar chords of ?Matilda? and laughed out loud at how American Football it is, but much much worse. Or how New Order-ie ?Satellite? is pretty uncanny. Still, I like the album and I think it is the best-written album from Harry, but there are still some weird stumbles all throughout the album.
Blut Aus Nord Disharmonium - Undreamable Abysses3.0
Black metal and I still do not have the best relationship, but I do get drawn every now and then into its haunting and dark abyss when albums go more experimental or full-own art projects (i.e., blackgaze, blacknoise, black ambient, etc.). So, when I saw this new album from the French band, I checked it out on a whim with the high ratings. Although the album is still too ?black metal? for my cup of tea, there is a resonating quality within it that helps make it stand out from others in the atmospheric black metal scene. Some harrowing and truly despicable atmosphere is created on the album and the blast beats act more like a drone than a traditional blast beat, which creates an even greater sense of dread. Descent little album here.
Septicflesh Modern Primitive2.0
The Greece symphonic death metal band is finally back after five years of no releases, and I have to say I was pretty let down with the presentation here. Septicflesh is the only true death metal band in existence I can tolerate because of how intricate and unique the classical music elements are and how polished the production is on the albums. But slowly through the years, the band has been drying out their sound more and more and I have to say this is not a very intriguing listen. I find the album to be a drag to sit through and I find myself skipping more and more tracks because everything really starts to meld together to more you listen to it. For such a longstanding death metal band, they really need to hone in on something new.
Boldy James and Real Bad Man Killing Nothing3.0
A fine album from the Detroit rapper, although it is pretty one-dimensional when you really listen to it in full. Still, the production is top-notch from the up-and-comer boom bap producer Real Bad Men, and the rapping is heavy and filled with witty lines.
Static Dress Rouge Carpet Disaster4.0
As the fifth wave emo genre expands and more artists turn the genre into a full-fledged monster, we are seeing a bit of another small revival of the classic emo-pop and screamo genre. This UK-based band brings a lot of that classic post-hardcore angst and anger head-on with their debut album ?Rouge Carpet Disaster?. It has a very mid-2000s mall goth feel to it, if not a lot of the album is pulling from a lot of those early 2000s screamo acts. What might be the hardest thing for me to sit through with the record is how blatant some of the influences are throughout the whole listen. Plus my feelings towards revival acts is never positive because most of the time I would rather listen to the original. But the band makes a real statement with the project here and overall it?s a very solid and explosive listen that any fan of emo will enjoy the project.
Moon Tooth Phototroph3.0
The third album from the New York band and although they continue to be a bit of a wash when it comes to typical progressive metal, there are still some really solid performances on here. Honestly, if you love a lot of the post-grunge era of the 2000s and its dive into metal music then you will find this album a lot of fun. For me, it can be a bit annoying after a while when everything sounds the same or just sounds like various other bands.
Kendrick Lamar Mr. Morale and the Big Steppers4.5
Kendrick Lamar's fifth full-length album might be a tough pill to swallow for some, but for me, this is a small return to greatness; at least after creating one of the greatest albums of all-time in TPAB and probably the best trio of albums in Section .80, GKMC, and TPAB. DAMN was never a great album from Kendrick. Lyrically it is his most confused and that shows sonically with some of the most one-dimensional production and sonic landscapes Kendrick has really ever shown. MM&BS is the lyrical underpinning that DAMN could never accomplish, the sonic landscape that DAMN could never reach, and the acceptance of Kendrick himself, that DAMN brought into question. This album is Kendrick showcasing himself as a regular human being with mental health issues that all people, regardless of race, ethnicity, or sexuality have. With that, we also get some of the most experimental production choices we have ever seen Kendrick work with. The opening track, ?United in Grief? (produced by post-minimalist pianist Duval Timothy) has such a knack for creating an off-kilter feeling, especially with the pianos and synths that come in over the very jazzstep style drums. Moving on through the biggest thing this new near-masterpiece continues to show us that the higher you put artists and musicians, especially when they create ?masterpieces? the more likely those individuals will develop a slew of mental illnesses and disorders. Kendrick has accepted that he cannot change the world himself, and that is a huge burden to move on from for him.
Kevin Morby This Is A Photograph2.0
Not a bad album by any means from the Texas native, but something about Kevin?s music has never really clicked with me and this again shows that. Still some solid tracks especially the fast-paced opening track and the great feature from Erin Rae, but also some huge duds like ?Disappearing? which might be one of the most awkward tracks.
The Smile A Light For Attracting Attention3.0
I feel very indifferent towards this debut album from Radiohead's Thom Yorke and Johnny Greenwood with additions of Sons of Kemet's drummer Tom Skinner. On the one hand, it feels very at home with any fan of Radiohead will like and enjoy, but that idea also plagues this album because it very much feels like ideas that you can hear already on Ok Computer, Kid A, In Rainbows, and A Moon Shaped Pool. Most of the record just feels like a mess of ideas that were thrown together just because they could. Still, there are some decent ideas here and there that leave me wishing they could have expanded on them more, but overall I have a hard time coming back to this one.
Obongjayar Some Nights I Dream of Doors2.5
The debut album from the Nigerian-born artist shows a lot of promise and potential on the first three tracks off the album, but the rest of the album is much more underwhelming compared to those highlight tracks at the beginning. The fusion of genres and ideas is something to look forward to in the future, but for now we can only hope.
Gospel The Loser3.5
After a just over 17 year hiatus from making music, one of the most explosive and energetic screamo and post-hardcore bands is back with their sophomore record and although I might not be crazy about it, I see where the hype is coming from. Heartbreaking and energetic vocals, loud and abrasive guitars and drums, and that droning and religious piano/guitar work that is laced within each track. This album really does make screamo music feel like a religious experience. For me, though the album does come off a bit flat and one-dimensional which doesn?t help my listening experience much at all, I still find the album enjoyable as a whole.
Mary Halvorson Amaryllis3.0
Although the album does diverge very far from the norms of avant-garde jazz and chamber jazz/ECM style jazz there?s still some excellent playing and chord progressions that make it enjoyable when it?s on but utterly forgettable when it?s off.
They Hate Change Finally New2.5
I always wished more rap artists would go down the drum and bass path, but then albums like this come out and you then remember why more artists don?t do this. Not that this album is bad, it is just very forgettable once it is over.
Brii Corpos Transparentes4.0
A really interesting album that bleeds to the line between what is breakbeat and what is blast beats. This avant-garde black metal album brings together blazing blast beats with hypnotic breakbeat electronics to isolation between the two. I do wish they fused the two ideas better, but this really is an intriguing listen from front to back.
Ethel Cain Preacher's Daughter5.0
Bird's Eye Batang Flood Format3.5
The new album from the mysterious South Korean artist, mostly known for his outstanding psychedelic work in Mid-Air Thief, comes through which feels like an experimental progression from the brilliant and early classic of ?Crumbling? by Mid-Air Thief. ?Flood Format? sounds like swimming through color or the sound of what modern art feels like. It?s wonky and rubbery, while also being explorative and moving. There is a lot to love about the record but there is also a lot to be warranted in the future because some of the tracks here do not fully add up together and the album does become a slugfest by the end. Still the artist continues to impress with new and explosive ways to create acoustic-type music.
Vansire The Modern Western World4.5
The third album from the three-man Minnesota-based act and I have to say this album is a surprising little vibe of a record. Right off the start of the record you kind of know what you?re getting into; a folk/americana album that dabbles in other genres like chillwave, lo-fi hip hop, and dream pop. The features brought in are a great addition from Pink Sifu?s very abstract and stumbly delivery on ?Transitions?, to the very spaced out and chill ?Look for Tomorrow? with Aseul. Overall, it?s tough to really hate the record because it comes in, lets you vibe out for 46-minutes, and then it's done.
NOISIA Closer3.0
Although this drum and bass set of offshoot tracks here are solid, the whole album can very easily become one-dimensional once you really sit down and listen to it. Again, there are some interesting tracks on here and some interesting collaborators of great breakbeat and drum and bass artists throughout the last twenty-plus years, but I can?t find myself coming back to listen to the whole thing very often.
IDK Simple.3.5
Kaytranada makes the Maryland-based artists, IDK, sound the best he has ever heard in his whole career, but it?s still not amazing because of how MF Doom the production is and the overall sound can be a bit too brief because of how short the album is. Still, the album is a lot of fun to listen to and Kaytranada really compliments IDK rapping ability well with the very hip-house style of beats and production. ?Taco? really outshines the rest of the album with its sticky and hypnotic jazz loop.
Wilma Vritra Grotto3.0
Wilma Vritra has always been an interesting group in the abstract and experimental hip hop space because of how sparse and ?lazy sounding? their music comes off. But there is a charm and appeal to that style, look at how huge and breathtaking Earl Sweatshirt has become. On their new album ?Grotto? we see them taking some very classical and jazzy instrumental backdrops and rapping about space and mythology. Although the album might be dry for some, it can be an enticing listen when you really sit down with it. But for others, it can be a little too boring to sit through because of how slow and campy the project is.
Sigrid How to Let Go2.0
Sigrid has such a promising career ahead of her based on her debut album ?Sucker Punch? because of sonically diverse and vocally intricate it came off as. But on the Norwegian?s second album ?How to Let Get?, she is having a tough time nailing any sound well, and never really comes together with any sense of cohesion. The album is a lot of below average takes on various popular forms of pop music now: synthpop, dance-pop, alt-pop, singer/songwriter, etc.
Ibeyi Spell 312.0
The album is fine for what it wants to be and the vision the duo continues to see for their very trip-hop-inspired RnB, but once again we get a dry RnB album that has a hard time really grabbing my attention with its boring and slow pacing. If you like this style and sound, you might enjoy this but overall, it is too campy for my tastes.
Silverstein Misery Made Me3.0
Silverstein has been around the emo block for a long time, and they are one of the formative bands in the emo-pop scene found in the early 2000s. On the band's 11th album, although it might be a continuation of the sound, they really pioneered over 20 years ago, they kind of bring back that original aggression and rawness that their first few albums had. This might not be an original record for them, but any mall emo fan will enjoy his record and any long-time emo-pop and post-hardcore fan will get a wave of nostalgia. The playing and songwriting here are a lot better than in the band's last few outings which is a good sign for the band.
Pure Reason Revolution Above Cirrus3.0
A bit of a classic art and alternative rock with those heavy-ish post-hardcore style guitars. Although at first, I found this album really enjoyable the more I listen to it the more predictable it becomes and the less I enjoy it. Not a bad album by any means but could really use some more additions of electronic/synth work or at least making the progressive elements more potent.
Sunflower Bean Headful Of Sugar2.5
An interesting band with a lot of promise, but for now this debut album is a cluster of different sounds and styles that either work really well or fall right through the cracks. Plus the raw influences can either be interesting and unique or downright copying; so pick your poison with this album.
sonhos tomam conta maladaptive daydreaming4.5
Fifth wave emo can only be described as a treasure trove of new and exciting sounds for the emo genre. Emo itself has not sounded this fresh since the advent of emo-rap, and even then, something about this new wave of artists brings a whole new meaning to what emo is and sounds like. On this brand-new album from Lua, the Brazilian-based artists, we see an accumulation of hard work and exploration to create a near-perfect experience with the combinations of shoegaze, ambient, and post-rock to create a dreamlike experience that you must experience on your own. Sonhos tomam conta?s music is extremely hard to describe because of how intricate it is, but the one word that can be used is thick and the closest artist I can compare it to is the likes of Sewerslvt with how thick the ambiance and synthesizers are. If you go into this new album thinking of a normal shoegaze album you will be presently surprised how much more there is. Tracks like ?Onirismo e estações desbotadas? have a lot of MPB and samba influence laced in with the guitar work. On this track on ?Full Bloom of the Evening? there is a bright and muted sax solo that comes in. Without a doubt a must-listen for those into the fifth-wave scene right now because of how intense and intricate this record is.
Toro Y Moi Mahal2.0
Well, Toro y Moi continues to explore new avenues of music with every release since his magnum opus of a chillwave album in 2010. Mahal is a full-blown psychedelic rock, funk, and pop album with some very Ariel Pink-esk hypnagogic pop elements thrown in. I think a casual fan of old Tame Impala, Flaming Lips, Of Montreal, and MGMT will really enjoy this. But overall, the album really adds nothing to psychedelic music, plus the overall vibe of the album never really feels right and is scattershot. Not exactly seeing the appeal here with this one. It?s interesting to see how he really tries to get his music out of the chillwave aesthetic, and yet ?Goes By So Far? feels exactly like a chillwave-esk track.
Tigran Hamasyan StandArt2.5
The experimental jazz and prog artists comes back with another new album, and this one is a straightforward post-bop album. Classic in nature, but uninspired when really listening to it. It?s weird because I actually enjoy listening to it when I have it on in the background, but it pales in comparison to all the great post-bop works of the late 50s and all of the 60s.
Weval Time Goes4.0
What is there to say, a quick and short electro-house album with some downtempo and maybe some microhouse elements here and there. Great short vibe if one is needed.
Fade 'Em All Fade Em All4.5
Punk rock might go down this year as the outstanding genre because this is another really amazing punk album. On the sophomore record from the Houston-based band, they incorporate punk rock with elements of art and experimental rock, and even a bit of a hip-hop flair to it all. Think of death grips but less rap-focused and more punk-focused. A short album, just shy of 30-minutes, and every track here really hits you over the head with some introspective and intense classic anti-?the man? lyrics, heavy guitar and drums, and some really solid production that balances the fine line between garage quality and listenable. Really the only track that might be lost on me is ?Riot? because of how long-winded the guitar solo is an overall general the track is, otherwise a stellar listen.
Let's Eat Grandma Two Ribbons1.0
The duo artist of Jenny and Rosa come together again for their fourth album, and I have to say this is not only a letdown but sad to see the band drive their unique sound into the general areas of basic synthpop. Last year when Magdelina Bay released their extremely ambitious and genre-defining debut album ?Mercurial World? they set up the comparison album for all future synthpop albums. Well ?Two Ribbons? just is not that record. Now it?s unfair to fully leave it at that, though because this album has significantly more flaws than just that. To start with nothing on the album really stands out, everything is either a dull synthpop track with obvious leanings into electropop or in the case of the last four tracks, an extremely bland set of indie folk/singer-songwriter tracks that immediately make me want to skip the album. To be honest the only likable track is the first one. But overall I see ?Two Ribbons? as an obvious showing of how much the producer SOPHIE carried their 2018 album ?I?m All Ears?, they really can?t make the same feel anymore on their own.
Girlpool Forgiveness2.5
With more refinement in the future, I think Girlpool could get back to the greatest they achieved with their debut album. This album might be a sonic mess as they experiment with things like indietronica, industrial music, and various forms of bedroom pop, but it does show that the duo is capable of something great, even if for now it is average.
Tomberlin i don’t know who needs to hear this...3.5
For whatever reason, this sophomore record from miss Tomberlin was a tough one to conceptualize what I though. I kept teetering between a great album and a good album over and over again so I stuck it in the middle. I think the nature of the album and the pacing are top-notch. I also think the opening track ?easy? is one of the greatest singer/songwriter tracks I have heard in a long time. However, the album has a tendency to drone on for too long both track for track and as a whole listening experience. Most of the tracks here are 5-plus-minutes in length and that can be grating after 20-30 minutes. Still, this album feels like a more mature and intense Clairo, Phoebe Bridgers, or even Taylor Swift with its darker undertones and more cryptical lyrical content, but at the cost of being a tad over-done.
Honeyglaze Honeyglaze3.5
The debut album from the UK-based indie rockers is actually a nice surprise from your everyday indie rock and art pop jams you here today. Although the heavy amounts of Radiohead and Bent Knee influences can be a bit distracting at times. Still, there are some really solid tracks on here and those jangly guitars can really stick in your head for hours if you're not too careful.
Melody's Echo Chamber Emotional Eternal3.5
I think any fan of sunny and bright psychedelic music will really find this third album from the French singer and producer a rather enjoyable one. For me, I think it falls a little short of very memorable, but the album is really enjoyable when it is on. The singing is angelic, the instrumentals are very sunny and hypnotic, and the use of strings really adds a bit of nuanced depth that was really needed.
KMRU and Aho Ssan Limen3.5
Although this album could come off as a bit flat, I still find the nearly 40 minutes of the dark ambient drones to be a nice backdrop when needing to do work, but not overall simplistic to make you lose interest. Overall, an enjoyable listening experience with some haunting drones that pierce through the other droning noises.
Kirk Hammett Portals3.0
Metallica guitarist Kirk Hammett takes a weird turn into a very modern and typical progressive metal approach ala Periphery. It?s not bad by any means and a fun little listen, although a bit dry once you dig into it. Metallica/old-head metal fans probably won?t like this, but anyone into Periphery or other ?Sudo-art metal? bands might dig this.
Northlane Obsidian4.0
With the band's sixth full-length album they continue to explore and develop the industrial and cyber metal elements they incorporated into their already metalcore and djent sound. Although the length can make the album diverge a bit, especially with the latter half of the album, ?Obsidian? is a really worthwhile listen for any metal fan out there because of how catchy and mesmerizing it all is. The sound is diverse enough from track to track to keep you engaged, but it feels as a cohesive listen for the 56-minutes it?s on. Very solid listening experience!
Haru Nemuri Shunka Ryougen1.5
When 2018?s ?Haru to Shura?, Haruna's debut album, really broke the internet, and for good reason. It was a loud, explosive, energetic, genre-breaking fusion, and above all else unique listening experience. The hip hop and post-hardcore fusion with noise rock/pop made it stick out from all those in the aforementioned genres alone. It really was a masterclass in how to fuse genres seamlessly, but with her sophomore record here I honestly am bet disappointed. The elements are all still there with the inclusion of art pop/rock elements, but it all feels muted. Both the production on the instrumentals and the overall listening experience just feels like a much quieter and compressed sonic mess. There are a few songs where that loudness and aggressiveness come back, but for the most part, it?s gone. I really don?t see the appeal of this new album because I really can?t sit through this album without cracking the volume up.
Pusha T It's Almost Dry3.5
Although I personally don?t live love this new album from Pusha T, it still showcases that not only does he still have the power to create sense and flawless rap albums. Plus the production from Kanye still gives me the hippie that he hasn?t fully lost his ability to make good music. Still, for me, the album is too long, and I don?t find myself coming back to this album in the future.
Fontaines D.C. Skinty Fia2.5
Not really sure what I was thinking with reviewing this album. It comes from two genres of music I have never loved; post-punk and gothic rock. Don?t get me wrong the style and sound are all very solid and if you love those styles you will love this. It?s a harrowing and dark album that feels very classic. But not for me do what can you do.
Claire Rousay everything perfect is already here3.5
Peacefully beautiful without losing pace or focus on the overall sounds that are this record. Good ambient music can be hard to come by in today's day and age because of how over saturated the genre is as a while, yet new and artistic artists come out every year with their own spin on it and Claire?s new album here is a great balance between beautiful and claustrophobic. The stylistic shifts are great and add depth to the already winding pacing of the album, plus the use of sound here is dense and intricate. A really fascinating listen from front to back.
Hatchie Giving the World Away4.0
As we continue to go through the 2020?s we are seeing more and more of a futuristic glance back to the sounds of the late 90s and early 2000s. Artists like Rona Sawayama and Clarence Clarity are clicking into those styles with rose-colored classes. Hatchi on the other hand is going in a much different direction but with the same amount of enjoyment and uniqueness to keep you coming back for more. This album really stands out on the fact of how deep the genre fusions are. From the danceable alternative rock vibes to heavy amounts of dreamy guitar manipulation, it?s tough not to feel a huge wave of nostalgia when listening to this album. My only talk complaint is there are some questionable production additions that make the album lose focus, but damn overall this is a great album.
Patrick Watson Better In The Shade4.0
I believe the power that flows from this album is simply how both down-to-earth and yet cryptic this album is and sounds. On the Canadian's 9th album we see him go less for triumphant and boisterous sonic landscapes and takes a much more emotional, muted, and soft approach. In many ways, you can hear the nuance and subtlety of a Thom Yorke or even an Owen Pallett on this new album. Really is a breathtaking listen when you give it some time to hit your heartstrings.
Donovan Melero Chelsea Park After Dark3.5
Honestly, for the Hail the Sun lead vocalist and drummer, his debut solo album is a really solid collection of bedroom pop tinted indie rock and indietronica. There really are some memorable tracks littered throughout this pretty tight tracklist. Really the only tracks that are skip-able are the slow-burner singer/songwriter tracks. Out of all the swancore bands to come out with solo albums Donovan always would have been the best because he is the best songwriter out of all the original bands in the genre.
Psychedelic Porn Crumpets Night Gnomes3.0
Although there are some solid tracks on here, the weird amount of Tame Impala influence is really interesting because up till this point the band has never really had that. For example, although I love ?Sherbet Straw?, it really sounds straight off of Tame Impala?s debut album. But overall, it?s an above-average album that does a bit too much and can lose pacing pretty easily from track to track.
S. Carey Break Me Open3.5
One of many Bon Iver members' solo projects, Sean Carey, has always been the best other than Justin?s material as a producer. On Sean?s fourth album we see him continue down his very minimal and sparse indie folk esthetic with ambient pop leanings. On this record, he leans even further into the ambient spaces and even has some very Indietronica synth passages here and there. Overall, it?s another solid release and a good example of how even the simplest of ideas can create a dense and intricate listening experience.
Hitsujibungaku Our Hope3.0
Although the third album from the three-member Japanese-based band is another really solid indie rock album delving into dreamy and light dream pop aesthetics, I do have a hard time fully sitting through the record without falling asleep. Basically, the first half of the record is a lot more interesting than the second, and as the 50-plus minutes roll by the album does become very one-dimensional very quickly. Still some really fun and energetic indie bangers on here for a good start to the summer.
Swedish House Mafia Paradise Again3.0
The three-man electronic group made a big name for themselves in the rave/club scene of the late 2000s and early 2010s. Especially with huge progressive house triggers like ?Don?t You Worry Child? and darker undertones of ?Greyhound?. But they never seemed like an album-ready group, especially when they broke up in 2013. But here we are, years later with resurrection and a step into classic house beats with their debut album ?Paradise Again?. A long album that showcases all forms of house music from dark and bassy ?Mafia? or the hardcore Trap beats of ?Frankenstein?. Overall the album is way too long, but there are highlights (specifically the aforementioned tracks above). It?s a solid listen if you want some typical house beats that made the genre popular in the mid to late 2000s.
Bodysync Radio Active2.5
As this album progresses the staler the sound gets. On the first few tracks, you're bopping your head to those groovy and synth-y garage house beats. Plus, the guest vocals from a lot of big-name underground RnB artists help with that. But the album slowly becomes one-dimensional as you listen because of how generic everything sounds after a while. Tough album to really appreciate in full, but not bad with small breaks in between or a quick little listen.
Cremation Lily Dreams Drenched In Static3.0
It?s not exactly the best album when it comes to the genres they are combining. From post-emo and emo rap to ambient and noise there is a lot going on, but the soundscape is so smooshed that everything sounds like it?s fighting each other for a front-row seat. By the end of the pretty short album, my ears have heavy fatigue, and they are ready for something else. Still, there are some solid ideas on here, and the combination of 4th and 5th wave emo is a really intriguing idea, to say the least. Also, the noise elements really add some much-needed depth to the listening experience.
Darkher The Buried Storm2.0
On the sophomore album from the United Kingdom-based artists, we see another installment of her ethereal and dark synthwave backed by dark folk guitars and doomy drums. However, something about this album is not jiving with me. Maybe it?s because each track sounds the same when you really listen to it. Maybe it?s because the build-ups for each track are nowhere close to as satisfying as I would want them to be for a post- doomy metal album. Overall, this is a bit of a letdown because of these, plus she is plagued by the fact that she is a weaker version of Chelsea Wolfe, the goth queen herself. Still, I think there is something here if she leans more into the ethereal wave roots and branches off of that heavier than she currently does.
Monuments (UK) In Stasis1.0
Monuments' sophomore album always stuck out for me because of how well executed it was. Sure, it was just a weaker version of Periphery, but something about it was heavy and satisfying to listen to. But the band ever since then has gotten more and more generic. With their fourth album, they sound like every other generic and boring metalcore band trying to copy Architects (which is still funny because Architects is also not a good metalcore band). The screams sound forced and fake. The drums are so heavily edited that it?s comical, and the clean singing is so degrading it?s tough to sit through. Overall this is not a good album and shows that metalcore continues to be plagued by bad copycat bands.
Prince Daddy and The Hyena Prince Daddy And The Hyena3.5
Sometimes you hear an album that you kind of wish you liked more, but you know deep down it really just isn?t speaking to you. The third album from the Albany-based band is another sting yet campy emo-pop and power pop album. Don?t get me wrong it?s a really great album if you loved that early 2000s emo pop sounds, but for me this just has a hard time sticking with me.
Greyhaven This Bright and Beautiful World4.0
Ever since the disappointment that was currently the last and final Every Time I Die album last year I have been dying for another great metalcore and alternative metal hybrid album. Well, this debut album from Greyhaven really is exactly that. Dense lyrical content over both lush and dense cleans and screams while having some great instrumental backdrops that are clean enough to keep your head from hurting but also raw enough to feel real. A great listening experience that might be a niche genre and sound but if you like the aforementioned Every Time I Die, then this will be right up your alley.
Sault (UK) Air4.0
An incredibly potent and dense classical piece from one of the renowned neo-soul groups. The duo is back with another installment of their ongoing series looking at the artist's vision and power of African-American artists. On their sixth album, the duo changes things up drastically to do a modern classical piece inspired by the black classical artists of the last 100 years or so and man do they do this sound justice. An intense but light piece of classical and choral music that whimsically goes from track to track. Although the back half of the album might lose a little bit of steam, overall, this is a really great listening experience.
Father John Misty Chloe and the Next 20th Century1.5
Honestly?I think the Caretaker?s ?Everywhere at the End of Time? has completely ruined my ability to like an album like this. The whole time I listen to this new Father John Misty album, especially for how satirical and ?bittersweet-romantical?, I just wish it had that kind of heavy experimentation and manipulation. But, taking that idea aside the fifth album from the ex- Fleet Foxes drummer sees another shift of direction going fulling into that classic traditional and baroque pop esthetics. For me, this album is a real chore to sit through, and I really liked ?Pure Comedy?. I think the biggest problem is that the tracks are just not that interesting to really listen to and his lyrics are not as emotionally jarring as they normally are.
Purity Filter Immortal Spirit3.0
It?s not a bad album by any means. Some fun and bright breakcore and hardcore EDM, but overall it?s not exactly an interesting or unique listening experience.
Vince Staples RAMONA PARK BROKE MY HEART2.0
I feel bad for Vince Staples because I feel he does really know what he wants his sound to be. It?s tough when you make experimental hip-hop and electronic crossover masterclass in ?Big Fish Theory?, with one of the most renowned pop innovators, Sophi (RIP). 2018?s ?FM!? was a solid album because it was a bouncy and fun 22-minute project and even last year's self-titled album wasn?t terrible because again it had no fillers. Now we see him doing the same sound again but with a full 40-minutes of material and this album really has a hard time diversifying itself from others like it. Sure the lyrics are emotionally potent at times, but everything really starts to bleed together and I get ear fatigue after 10-minutes. Also, some of Vince's laziest songs come on here like ?DJ Quik?. Vince really needs a change of direction since he is slowly driving his career down the drain if he keeps coming out with stuff like this.
Wiz Khalifa, Big K.R.I.T., and Girl Talk Full Court Press3.0
It?s interesting to see how ?Rolling Papers? 11 years later is getting a lot of praise as being one of the formative trap and cloud rap albums. Well, this new album from these pretty big artists is honestly not that bad. The beats are extremely fun from Girl Talk, and the rapping is all solid. I mean it?s nothing to rave about, but it?s a fun start of summer listening.
Banks Serpentina2.5
I kind of see something here, but overall it?s an average alt-pop album that dabbles more and more in typical trap elements and then doesn?t exactly compliment her singing style. Also, some of the songs come off as super awkward, or some tracks sound like Ariana Grande rip-offs.
Daniel Rossen You Belong There4.5
I don?t exactly know why I hadn?t tried this out when I first saw it had been released. It might be because I have never been a bit Grizzly Bear fan and therefore thought it would just be a solo artist making the same music as their band, but gratefully I was very wrong. ?You Belong There? is a truly incredible listening experience because of how it both feels like a classic progressive folk album, while also experimenting with a lot of experimental jazz elements throughout the album. Plus, the album always feels like it is flowing perfectly from track to track. My only thing is that to me ?The Last One? could have really been the closer and not what is the closer. To me, it wraps up the sound and style better than the current closer.
PUP The Unraveling of PUPTheBand3.5
PUP is one of those bands that has always confused me on why they are so popular. Don?t get me wrong their music is a lot of fun and energetic to listen to. But at the end of the day, they have always just sounded like Jeff Rosenstock, which is a solid influence to have for modern rock and hardcore, but it?s really uncanny sometimes the similarities. Still on the band's fourth album, they continue to make fun and enticing music for those that want some bombastic and fun indie punk and emo bangers.
The Rural Alberta Advantage The Rise3.0
I think it's an above-average indie folk and Americana combination, but it also sounds a lot like the favorite ?alternative? artists we would have played on my undergraduate radio station. Still, some hear trenching performances and solid songwriting and production here on the EP. I think if this was a full album it would be much worse, but the brevity of this makes it a much more pleasant listen.
GGGOLDDD This Shame Should Not Be Mine2.5
The whole time I listen to this new album from the Netherlands-based band I just wish there was a buildup to something huge and grand. Much of the darkwave instrumentation and goth rock guitars and drums have this continuative building quality but never build to anything. The rare track like ?Invisible? where there is a payoff in the chorus is great, but otherwise this album never really reaches where I think it could.
Night Palace Diving Rings3.0
I will always be a sucker for dreamy and jangly pop music that borders the line between unoriginal and sounding like typical bedroom pop. Night Palace is no different, however, something about the back half of the album is nowhere as dreamy and interesting as the first half of the project. Still, some decent slow burners that will always be great late-night drive tracks.
Duster Together1.0
lobsterfight Sun Soaking3.5
The Colorado duo is back with a new batch of what I like to call ?accidental math rock?. Lobsterfight falls into the same bucket that Not Wonk has fallen into for me the last few years, but this is even more extreme. You?ll notice right away that it kind of sounds?off. Much of the appeal of this band comes more from the charm and esthetic, and less from the actual playing or signing, since it?s not exactly pleasant (if not downright bad). But that?s the fun of this album and this band is that it?s cute, playful, and extravagant since everything kind of clashes with each other. But once Anguel Sanchez vocals come in you can really feel the ?at-home? nature of this and that is the best part, everything feels really raw and emotional. With that said, the album as a whole is a bit much to sit through. Once you pass the halfway mark of the album, the overall appeal and esthetic loses itself and it gets harder to sit through.
Max Cooper Unspoken Words3.0
Although the album has a lot of great sound design and overall compelling textures and layers to it, I find it to be a real challenge to sit through without falling asleep to it. The music is just not engaging enough for a full listen, but when broken up into manageable pieces it?s a lot more pleasant.
Destroyer LABYRINTHITIS3.5
Destroyer is one of my newfound favorite artists in one of my new favorite genres sophisti-pop. 2011?s ?Kaputt? was so revolutionary and explosive that it seems to be hard for Dan to fully get back to that. Well, the last few outings ?Ken? and ?Have We Met? see Dan and his band go more towards art pop, synthpop, and new wave. On ?LABRINTHITIS? we continue to see this exploration into synthpop and art pop, but with probably a smaller focus on the likes of indietronica and disco. Take ?Eat the Wine, Drink the Bread?, a groovy disco number with intricate indietronica synths and guitar work over some bombastic drums. Even take the more fun and shimmery ?It Takes a Thief? (all though the production here is pretty lopsided with the instruments being much hazier than the slap-stick style instruments). Overall, I think Destroyer is continuing to produce top-notch music, but I think they need to fully evolve into something new and inspiring. I think those ideas are present here, especially with the more chamber direction, but the production and overall execution could be better.
Denzel Curry Melt My Eyez See Your Future4.5
Denzel Curry with his 2018 album ?TA13OO?, elevated himself into the conversation as one of the best cloud rappers to be in the SoundCloud branch off. From there we have seen Denzel branch away from the genre and go down some other paths. Like the southern hip-hop and hardcore hip hop banger of ?Zuu? in 2019. Or the wonkier and more fun dual mixtape with Kenny Beats in 2020 ?UNLOCKED?. Now we have the album Denzel promised us ever since the BLM protests started two years ago. ?Melt My Eyez See Your Future?, is another direction change and it feels a lot like when Danny Brown came out with ?uknowhatimsayin¿?. This fifth album from Denzel sees him going down the boom bap and jazz rap scene (with some trap rap bangers thrown in here and there). We also see Denzel being the most vulnerable she has ever been when he discusses his own religious beliefs, the challenges of being a black man in the US, and various other topics. Although the topics are not that cohesive, many tracks are separate from one another. The structure, flow, and sound of this album are nearly perfect. Another great album and a truly breathtaking release for Denzel and a continuation of his really great streak of albums.
Nigo I Know Nigo3.0
Don?t get me wrong the production and style are what hold this record back a lot, but there are some great highlights on here like the two tracks with Tyler the Creator. But there are also some questionable tracks like ?Paper Plates? and ?Arya?. Still, I find this style of pop rap to be somewhat nostalgic so I will kind of enjoy it.
COIN Uncanny Valley2.0
COIN continues to drive their sound further into commonality. ?Uncanny Valley? seems like a collection of tracks you will find on the next KIA commercial or Apple announcement. There are some good ideas here and there, but nothing on here is original and nothing really keeps me wanting to keep listening.
Guerilla Toss Famously Alive2.5
Guerilla Toss continue to go down their neo-psychedelic path as they stray farther away from their post-punk and dance-punk roots. ?Famously Alive? has some really interesting guitar-work that borders between dance punk and zolo. But the album as a whole gets very stale very quickly. ?Live Exponential? also feels like a tossed-away Ben Levin track which is really interesting to think about.
Animals As Leaders Parrhesia4.0
Tosin and his band continue to show why they are one of the best when it comes to instrumental noodly djent. Something about their soundstage and progressions is always top-notch and fits right in with a lot of what I always termed ?philosophical metal?. This very much is a thinking-mans album and a great thing to listen to while I am programming or writing. My favorite part of their albums is that the band never keeps you longer than 40-minutes. They know that sounds like these just don?t last long enough, so they always keep it nice and short. Sweet 33-minute album with some great guitar work, jazz infusions, and nifty electronic bits here and there.
Material Girl i85mixx21-224.5
The sophomore album from Material Girl not only builds off the success of their debut album ?Tangram?, but it allows them to express a new side of hip hop that most people would never think hip hop could go. Where Material Girl?s debut album was an abstract showing of hip-hop, this is a more consistent and orchestrated collage of jazz and rap. Most of the tracks here have some form of jazz on it and the way everything is coming together is nearly perfect. Really the only thing is that the 13-minute closing track could have been either shorted or split up into their own tracks, but still some really amazing stuff all over this album.
SOUL GLO Diaspora Problems4.5
Hardcore punk really has not had much of a presence in the last 25, 30, or even 35-40 years. The boldest artists of the 70s and 80s left the sound on a high podium that made it nearly impossible for bands to expand upon the sound and innovate. I believe it?s why post-punk really blew up because hardcore punk is tough to change because of how ?elitist? and simple its sound is. Well in comes the Philadelphia-based band which they have slowly accumulated into one of the best new hardcore punks acts in ages. Their fourth album ?Diaspora Problems? is a heavy, hard-hitting, and most importantly unique sound of hip hop, punk, and noise. Somehow the band makes this style sound so good even though their tracks are 3 to 4 minutes in length. A really great listen that anyone should take a listen to. My best comparison is kind of what Jeff Rosenstock has done to the pop-punk and power pop genres in the last few years (and I guess ska for that matter).
1 800 PAIN Their Money Is Your Money4.5
This could be a bad opinion, but in so many ways this is what I have always wanted Backxwash?s music to sound like. The duo come through ten times heavier, nosier, and more aggressive on their sophomore album. The album does not overstay its welcome, but it also plays with a lot of unique and interesting sounds that help keep it unique and interesting. I have never seen rap music so seamlessly blended with power noise and industrial techno that they deserve an award. Not only that, but the production is also top-notch. With sounds like these, you would expect everything to be fighting for sonic space, but that just isn?t happening. Everything has enough room to mingle together to create an intense listening experience.
Croatian Amor Remember Rainbow Bridge3.5
Decent little techno album that might be one-dimensional after a while, but still has a lot of quality trance drones and augmented synth cords to keep your IDM vibes on a kick throughout the whole listening experience.
Midlake For the Sake Of Bethel Woods2.5
The somewhat legendary underground folk band from Texas continues down their psychedelic road with the same kind of iffy progress they had on their last album. Most of the album sounds okay, but it can get really stall really quickly because the band is really hoping the psychedelic noodling (ah la Kind Gizzard) we are slightly seeing will help carry the album. But it?s tough to really get through the album without falling asleep from boredom.
Yumi Zouma Present Tense3.0
Another solid, although shallow, pop album from the New Zealand-based band. Their 2020 album ?Truth or Consequences? was one of my favorite indie albums of that year and it continues to stick with me because of how catchy the project is. On this follow up I see them playing with many of the same sounds and formulas, which is fine because it?s again catchy and mesmerizing indie ballads. But there are many times where I double-take and feel I have already heard this song from them. That is how much these two albums overlap for me.
Charli XCX Crash4.0
Although not as explosive as her true breakout project in 2019, ?Charli? and nowhere near as experimental as quarantines ?How I?m Feeling Now?, but ?CRASH? is a showing of how Charli can continue to make bombastic and catchy electropop tunes for the masses. I don?t quite see the hate this album is getting since I never expected Charli to stay in hyperpop for very long. She wants to explore and revolutionize a new sound and this is a new step for her. Maybe the back half is nowhere as good as the front, but I cannot say this album is bad, ?CRASH? is a fun and light pop album from all ages.
Hinako Omori a journey...4.0
Ambient pop is always a hit or miss for me since it depends on how an artist approaches it. On the one hand, you have artists who focus much more on the pop melodies and progression with small nuances of ambient textures. While others focus much more on the ambient textures and drones and throw vocals over them. For me, I much prefer ambient pop albums like this one, the debut album from Japanese born and London based artist. Rich, layered, and textured ambients and drones that flutter away like a butterfly. While you lightly hear the caressing and lush vocals on top. This debut album is a great showing of when ambient and pop music collides for a great listening experience. Although the Grouper influence is fairly potent on some of the cuts here, it?s very enjoyable and engaging to listen from front to back, although can get a bit stale after 40 or so minutes in.
Soft Replica Only Ever In Dreams4.0
Vaporwave has never been one of my favorite genres in the world. Obviously, the classics are great and all, but most artists in the genre, alone, have never done enough for me. This is one of those rare occurrences where a dreamy, light, and easy album like this just keeps me coming back for more and more. The chillwave and dream pop leanings really help push this album along as well. Really feels like something you would be listening to on a 90-degree summer day while staring at the waves on an isolated island.
Chalk Hands Don't Think About Death4.0
I rarely come across a screamo album this heavy, dark, and mesmerizing. The last Envy album was really the last one, but this might take the cake because Of the post-rock elements added to this debut album. Although the album does have a hard time making itself stand out from bands like Envy and others in that classic screamo landscape, this really is a special listen for ask those interested.
Asian Glow and Weatherday Weatherglow3.0
Out of all the fifth wave, emo bands coming out in the last year or two Asian glow has always been my least favorite. Not to stay what he is making is bad by any means because I think there is the most upside from their music. This new EP with Weatherday could be pushing them into a new direction by making more noisy-centered rock music. Still, there is a lot of influences that make this EP a bit hard to sit through and the first track completely outshines everything else on the EP.
midwxst Better Luck Next Time3.5
The Nashville-based digicore and emo rapper lightens up his sound for a more ?radio-friendly? sound and to be honest this direction may pay dividends for him into the future. His last few EP have seen him start in that hyperpop and trap sound but slowly evolve out of it and blossom into what we now see on ?Better Luck Next Time?. A digicore and pop rap album that continues to be tinted by the darker emo rap and pop punk sounds we are seeing cloud rap artists evolve into. Maybe others don?t like this style from him, but it?s fun, well-produced, greatly rapped, and sounds easy. Nice little EP with a lot of progress to build off into the future.
Murrumur WEBMAKER2.0
The EP is not bad, but it?s also not doing much for me. Most of the album is washed in heavy amounts of shoegaze reverb and noise, but nothing about this EP is really speaking to me. Loud and abrasive, but also dull and pretty one-dimensional (and this is coming from someone who loves drum and bass music).
Rex Orange County Who Cares?3.0
Great start to an album that sadly looses pace after the half way mark. The first half of the album is a great bedroom pop and alt-pop showing with those lush and Tyler the Creator-esk chamber instrumentation. But after that, he falls back into what has made his career a ?one-hit-wonder?. The indie pop and alternative RnB combo have never really been his strong suit. But still, most of what is presented here is decent to great and the opening track is one of my favorites from him.
Ho99o9 Skin4.0
Ho99o9 has always had the promise of being something great, but they could never fully commit to their sound (plus with the advent and blowup of Backxwash they fell even farther) or they would leave tracks on an album or EP that did not fit. Well on ?SKIN? the duo fully evolved themselves into their bombastic and new hardcore rap and trap metal sound that they have been dancing around for years. This sophomore album is a true showing of what happens when you let your artist's vision fly and come to create a heavy and interesting hardcore punk and industrial hip-hop fusion.
The Districts Great American Painting1.5
Phew, this new Districts album is rough. The whole album goes full into that classic indie rock sound of the mid-2000s and to be honest they do not do a good job with that style. The Districts have always been an above-average indie band for me, but man did they dig themselves into a whole with ?Great American Painting?.
Jenny Hval Classic Objects3.0
Jenny Hval?s most recent album is another installment of her ever-evolving art pop sound and in many ways could be her most ?mainstream?. There are some good songs here, but like much of Jenny?s last few albums, she kind of loses her footing on several tracks because she does these strange ambient drone pieces that just add space where space wasn?t needed. But still ?American Coffee? is a true sophisti-pop and ambient pop gem and ?Jupiter? shows off the continuation of her space ambient obsession.
Widowspeak The Jacket2.5
I really want to love the album because ?While You Wait? and ?Everything Is Simple? are great indie and dream pop tracks over the lush alt-country guitar work. But after about 15-minutes of this album, I am pretty over it and the monotonous slowcore leanings take hold of you.
Oddland Vermilion2.0
Pretty generic djenty progressive metal?whoop dee doo. Not to bad, but it?s also not all that memorable or interesting.
exociety Deception Falls4.0
Abstract hip hop and I have a toxic relationship, but not as toxic as rateyourmusic has with the damn genre. The classic sounds of abstract hip hop have never been my favorite, but the more modern experimental and cloud rap version has. The multi-member group of Exociety leans more on the classic side, but something about it just sounds so clean and interesting. A lot of the problem with the more modern abstract hip hop groups is they all made 50-minute albums and none of it is interesting. It plays on the very minimal nature and sloppy lyrics to create a ?vibe? but for me always felt shallow and uninteresting. This album is rich, dense, and diverse. Great little listen for those looking for a more classic sound with a modern tint to it.
Vein.fm This World Is Going to Ruin You4.0
Vein?s debut album in 2018, ?Errorzone? was one of the nastiest metalcore albums I had ever really heard at that point, and I have been listening to metalcore since the start of high school. Now on their third album, they don?t back down the brutality of the album, but they also increase the experimentation with some wanky little mathcore glitches and alternative metal vocals. Although I find the end of the album to leave me scratching my head why they choose a 7-minute alternative metal closer, otherwise this is a great listen and I am really loving the classic metalcore and mathcore resurgence we are seeing as of late.
Nilufer Yanya Painless3.0
Although the sophomore album from the London-based artist is a lot more artistically sound and consistent across the board, many of the artistic direction and flair that made her debut album so potent is missing on ?PAINLESS?. There are some great indie artsy pop songs on here but there are also some derivative, if not Radiohead worship, also on the album.
Luna Li Duality4.0
For a debut album, this is a strong statement to make for the psychedelic and indie pop genres. The album has a lot of lovely and grand chamber pop and neo-psychedelic instrumentation to back Hannah?s incredibly bright and colorful vocals. Although I believe the first eight or nine tracks have great presents and soundscape design the last few tracks somehow lose pacing extremely fast and the closer although pretty doesn?t really make sense in the grand scheme of things. But there?s a lot of promise from Hannah and I look forward to seeing what she does in the future.
Ditz The Great Regression2.5
Definitely not a bad noise rock and post-punk album, but it also is not adding anything other than maybe some interesting glitchy production here and there. With that said I could honestly see this band going down an interesting dance punk direction into the future or they wanted to distinguish their sound because I could see the glitchy and wonky guitar work working well over some danceable punk grooves.
Krewella The Body Never Lies3.0
Although I might be the only one who finds this new Krewella record fun to listen to, overall it does have a lot of those classic festival EDM tropes that plagued my high school years. But maybe that?s why I have always liked Krewella, she hits a scratch from a very specific time in my youth. But overall decent tracks and overall progression is good, especially with festival season coming up these should be solid bangers for acid-induced people.
Rosalia Motomami4.5
On the third album from the growing Spanish artist Rosalia, she continues to evolve past her Spanish and avant-folk roots for a more electronic and pop-focused neoperreo and flamenco Nuevo album. For the 42-minutes the album is going you will be presented with a variety and explosive showing off what she has built the past few years. From the glitchy and industrial flair of ?Saoko? to the ambient and glitchy ?G3 N15? there is really a sound and style for all those who want something. My biggest gripe is the live closer ?Sakura? leaves me scratching my head because it doesn?t exactly fit with the rest of the vibe. But otherwise a really beautiful and artists album that anyone and everyone should hear.
Quannnic Kenopsia3.5
A pretty interesting debut album from this new artist that feels like he is leaning more on a hyperpop influence than he is someone like a Deftones, but that influence is definitely there. Although the style and sound need some flushing out into the future, some of the tracks have a great sense of presence and soundscape so I cannot wait to see what quannnic does into the future with these combinations of sounds.
Conway the Machine God Don't Make Mistakes3.5
Although I have always found the Buffalo-based rapper the worst out of the Griselda boys, he still produces and creates some interesting and banging hardcore hip-hop. On this new album, he creates a dense and creative little world that has some truly great features and some great lyrical content. I personally find it to be one-dimensional every once and a while, the overall feel and flow of the album is solid. Best album from Conway in a while that?s for sure.
Gang of Youths Angel in Realtime3.5
2017?s ?Go Farther in Lightness? was the first album I truly ever reviewed, and it was one of the albums that really blew me away early on. Today it still sits in my heart as one of my favorite albums to come out in the last 5 years. So, when the hype started to build for this new album, I was curious to see where they go; especially since it?s been about five years since GFiL. When last year's ?Total Serene? was released let?s say I was not exactly excited, if not a straight-up disappointment. Now that we have the album however I think those singles in the context of the album fit nicely. The explorative and explosive lyrics on top of the lush rock instrumentation create a great listen. But still, there are tracks on here that I don?t particularly like. Plus the sonic landscape of the album feels a little bogged down by something. Still, a solid release for the band, and maybe through the months this will grow on me if I continue to listen to it.
Abraham Débris De Mondes Perdus4.0
Let me get it out of the way, atmospheric sludge metal to me is one of the worst metal sub-genres to really come out of the post-metal camp. Everything about it seems boring and one-dimensional. It?s the genre equivalent of that one rich kid in your class that thinks there better than everyone else. However, what Abraham is doing on their new album feels so much better than any other band in the genre. Bringing in the likes of post-hardcore helps to create a balance between atmospheric and sludgy metal with that fast-paced and intricate guitar work of post-hardcore. A really fun and enticing listen from front to back.
Keeley Forsyth Limbs3.5
A solid sophomore album from Keeley that continues to push her into the dark and abstract world of neoclassical darkwave. Although that album does read and feel like a watered-down Scott Walker album, there is still a lot to like here to look forward to into the future as she builds more sound stages and landscapes.
Alameda 5 Spectra Vol.14.0
Really nifty electronic and experimental rock album that brings in a lot of Central African music in the form of the modern Batida percussion samples and sounds. Although the album can be easy to forget once it?s off. When it is on there are some lovely builds and progressions that help keep the passing of the record stand strong.
Carmen Villain Only Love From Now On2.5
A fairly run-of-the-mill ambient album that is neither all that engaging, but also not all that unengaging. Very much is the middle of the road when it comes to ambient and new age styles of tribal ambient.
Dai Dai Dai Maybe Perfect3.5
The sophomore album from the Japanese-based band is much more consistent and direct than their mess of a debut. However, a lot of the bite that was on that debut is a kind of substitute for a more classic glitch and post-industrial styles of pop music. I think with more refinement and direction the group will really come out with a hard-hitting and explosive album.
Vylet Pony Can Opener’s Notebook: Fish Whisperer4.5
On the surface, this new album from the Portland-based artist, Zelda Trixie Lulamoon, might seem like a niche style of music. The hello pony art style and the cutesy direction may turn people away right away, but something that people need to understand is that what Zelda is presenting on this album is more than just a simple album, it is an accumulation of great direction, artistic vision, and catchy melodies. This whole album is littered with truly breathtaking indietronica ideas and glitchy progressions that come together to give one hell of a fun listen. Really only negative I have is that the closer could be better, which is tough because it is a decent song, but I wish it closed everything out a little better.
Zguba Znój4.5
The Bulgarian-based ambient artist leans away from his post-industrial and dark ambient roots, to create a much brighter and clear ambient drone album. ?Znój? is ethereal and soothing like a new age piece but is laced with nearly horrifying Christian choral music in the background of many of the tracks. I feel this is an album building up to a religious war that would have been fought thousands of years ago?and maybe a new one that is on the horizon. An intense and despondent ambient album that any fan should listen to. My one thing is that I wish the closing song wasn?t so different from the rest of the album, but it?s still a good song, just throws you off balance.
The Body and OAA Enemy of Love2.5
I dream of the day when a body album won?t feel like a slog fest to sit through because of how one-dimensional it is. Honestly, this is a lot better than the 2021 ?I?ve Seen All I Need to See?, but it still just feels like a noisier version of Sunnn. I guess that isn?t a bad thing, but there is always something that draws me to the two-piece metal act and then when I listen to it they let me down. Well onto the next one.
And So I Watch You From Afar Jettison4.0
ASIWYFA has always been a very consistent and great band to listen to when you want a little bit of punch when it comes to your instrumental post-rock. They always bring in that math rock flair that keeps them more interesting. But on this new album ?Jettison? they are playing around with some more classic post-rock backdrops with the use of spoken word and chamber music, and honestly, I am all for it. Although this album does have some road bumps of inconsistency and lack of full inspiration (cough cough God Speed), the flow of the album and the overall presentation are great and I can?t wait to see what the band does with this style next.
Broods Space Island3.5
This falls into my category of ?I really enjoy this, but I know in the grand scheme of things, it?s not all that revolutionary?. Some of the tracks here though really stand out have some huge highlights and BROODS continues to showcase why they are one of the more interesting alternative RnB artists out there.
Bloodywood Rakshak2.0
You must give this band a lot of credit for what they are doing and achieving. Although this debut album is fairly one-dimensional, I think the band can fuse these genres better into the future with more exploration and refinement. The ceiling of this band could be something like Zeal and Ardor, but they could also fizzle out depending on how they approach the future. But for now, this album has a lot of problems, and I can't fully sit through it without getting bored.
JYOCHO Let's Promise to Be Happy3.5
Reminds me a lot of what Yvette Young has been doing with her solo career when she isn?t melting your mathematical face-off in Covet. Jyocho is like a more ?emo? version of that and definitely sits more on the Covet side with fast-paced instrumentals, melodic guitars, mathematical noodling, and some sweet acoustic guitar and what could either be the flute or piccolo (I am not well versed in woodwinds). Nifty and short little album for all those looking for a different take on the Midwest emo sound.
Black Dresses Forget Your Own Face3.5
The Canadian-based electronic band continues to bang you over the head with their brash and explicit instrumentals and lyrics on sexuality in the LGBTQ+ community. With that, they continue to be one of the most interesting groups to be doing that exactly. The explosive and noisy instrumentals complement the rushed and staggered vocals by Ada and Devi. Take a listen if you want some instrumentally interesting and diverse electronic music.
Zeal and Ardor Zeal and Ardor4.5
The Swiss Avant-Garde metal gurus are back with their third record as a band and Manuel Gagneux's fourth record as the name Zeal and Ardor and they continue to perfect this black metal spiritual and blues combination that they have been developing since the beginning. The self-titled record even sees the band starting to play with more synthesizers and metalcore-style riffs and melodies. But overall, this is a heavy and blistering metal project that explores many topics of black spirituality, manly hood, and racism. Great project if you?re looking for something a little more on the artistic side of black metal.
alt-J The Dream2.0
One of the most interesting indietronica and folktronica groups I had really heard when I was in high school seem to be slowly driving themselves farther into less interesting music. Every release since their explosive and intricate ?An Awesome Wave? in 2012 seems to get more boring and abstract. It seems the band is losing whatever bite they had for more abstract concepts and sounds and nothing comes together all that well on this new album.
Joywave Cleanse3.0
A nice and light little indie record that feels more like a classic Joywave record than his last few, so that is good I guess.
Trentemoller Memoria2.5
On the sixth album from the Denmark electronic producer, we continue to see the synthpop evolution he has brought with a rich mixing of dream pop. However, the album has a lot of tracks that feel more like filler than anything and the album as a whole has some weird pacing and can get boring after the 5th or 6th track.
Mondo Grosso Big World3.0
Starts out super strong with the fun and explosive synth funk track ?IN THIS WORLD? which leads into a deep house and disco fused banger in ?FORGOTTEN?, and then into some great J-Rap on ?B.S.M.F?, and even the CHAI track next is a solid little dance-pop track that only CHAI could achieve. But from there the album does lose pace as many of the songs, although good, are not as strong as the first leg of the album. But still, for a group that has been doing this a long time, there is some solid material on here.
Dynastic I know there's something left for you3.5
For the last year we have seen a few artists take a stab at the hyperpop and rock fusion and all of them have come off either boring or very bad depending on who you are talking about. The debut album from Brandon Akin combines emo and punk with hyperpop so seamlessly. The explosive and emotional emo backed with the autotuned, and bombastic electronics helps to create an enticing and ear-candy listen. Such a great little album. The biggest complaint is that the album is too long for what it is, and there are tracks that don?t exactly fit with the style.
Circa Survive A Dream About Death4.0
Just like I said with their EP at the end of 2021, this new direction for Circa Survive is a breath of fresh air. They had rung dry the pre-swancore and emo sound that they had been known for years with and I think this art-pop and indietronica direction is a great idea. Although the last EP was a bit of a mess, this new EP is much more cohesive and showcases a stronger understanding of the genre. I think they will really create another stellar record when it comes, but for now I will thoroughly enjoy this.
Yeule Glitch Princess4.0
Have you ever wondered how Siri or Alexa truly feel about what they are doing for you every single day? ?Glitch Princess? might be the closest thing we have to the musical form of that. This revolutionary project by the Singaporean-born producer, singer, songwriter and avant-garde master creates a thick and glitchy electronic album that feels like a futuristic take on hyperpop?which is tough to do since hyperpop is already futuristic. Although the album's pacing is a bit awkward in places, the craftsmanship on here is breathtaking. If you ever wanted Grimes to sound better, this is basically that.
Animal Collective Time Skiffs2.0
I can appreciate what this album is and who this album is for. If you love a lot of classic neo-psychedelic sounds that have plagued the genre for years now, then go for it. This album is full of simplistic, psychedelic melodies and soundscapes (with some really odd and sometimes annoying endings). But this album is far from what they used to do back in the day, and I wasn?t a fan of that since it just never felt all that interesting. To me, if you want a more interesting take on neo-psychedelia then listen to the most recent Sweet Trip record, which is significantly ahead of this simpler sound that Animal Collective brings.
Mitski Laurel Hell2.0
I was never a big Mitski fan, to begin with, and this new album from her is not changing that in the slightest. This album is a straight-up sonic mess. Most of the tracks on here have no cohesive structure to them and her vocals don?t pair well over any of them either. It?s like she wanted this to feel like a synthesizer version of a Julia Holter record but had never listed to Julia Holter or classic synthpop. The only saving grace is the newer wave tracks at the very end actually are tolerable to listen to, but otherwise, I can?t really sit through this.
sonhos tomam conta insolação4.5
The Brazilian artist is back with their first release of the year and this EP hits harder than anything I have ever heard in this new style of blackgaze and shoegaze that they have been toying with this past year. Last year they produced three stellar releases and showcased this sound: thick shoegaze and dream pop melodies, blackgaze and emo style screams, and rick/euphoric soundscapes. This EP sees Sonhos Tomam Conta dabbling in a lot brighter textures and layouts, and some new kinds of electronics which create an even more textured listen. Truly a breathtaking listen and all need to hear if you want to hear this new neo-blackgaze sound.
Saba Few Good Things4.0
2018?s ?Care For Me? was one of the two records that re-introduced me into the rap genre. The album was an intense and monumental moment for Saba. The story told on there could even be in the conversation with the likes of Good Kid Mad City for best storytelling album. So, I always wondered what Saba would do next. ?Few Good Things? might not be the same sound and style as ?Care For Me?, but it is a direction that I am excited to see Saba go down. The diverse topics covered, genres used and flows presented help diversify Saba. This new album showcases that Saba can do a lot more than a one-dimensional project like his debut and in some cases his sophomore record. The influences can be a bit distracting since each track really does feel like an already famous rapper, but I can?t wait to see what he does to build off this album.
Rolo Tomassi Where Myth Becomes Memory4.0
2018?s ?Time Will Die and Love Will Bury It? could be one of the most monumental releases of my late college career. The atmosphere and intricate lyrics brought out a lot in me that I didn?t fully understand. So, when it got named my best album of 2018 I had high expectations for the band into the future, and although ?Where Myth Becomes Memory? is not anywhere near their last album, it is a great new steppingstone for the band into the future. The band was on the cusp of their post-metalcore sound for years and 2018 saw the full delve into it. Harsh screams, heavy guitars, booming drums, and thick/rich synths and drones. On this new album, they delve more into the post-metal pocket which might seem like a more obvious direction than it did originally. This album is drenched in synths and reverb making it a grand and explosive listen. The pacing of the album is still a bit strange in pockets (like some tracks feel like they should have been somewhere else). I think the band will build off this into a new direction into the future, but for now, it is probably goodbye to the post-metalcore sound they had created for years.
Black Country, New Road Ants From Up There4.0
Last year was a breakout year for a lot of English-based underground post-punk bands and Black Country, New Road was one of the best (other than Black Midi, which doesn?t count since they had been around since 2019). On their 2021 release, they had a flawless and insightful fusion of jazz, rock, and post-punk that really made a rather dried-up genre feel new and refreshing. So, when the band announced their new record, I was so excited to see how they would build on that. Well, ?Ants From Up There? on one side is a step down from their last album sonically, but it is a huge step forward to help the band create a more diverse and intense sound that will help them continue into the future. This new album is like if you took the lyrics and drive of an American Football and any early slowcore record like a Low or a Red House Painters, mixed it with a chamber and jazz influences of something like a Arcade Fire/Belle and Sebastian and/or King Crimson or David Bowie. This is a patient record and takes a while to get into, but once the lyrics and instrumentals hit you will be enveloped into this great record. The biggest thing about this album is that there does seem to be a lot of dead space, and parts that seem unnecessary. It feels they wanted this album to be a lot longer than it needed to be.
Hippo Campus LP32.5
Hippo Campus for many years, while I was in college, was subjectively the most interesting indie band that my college radio station would play and because of that, I have continued to follow them through the years. On one side I node them for exploring a lot of different styles of indietronica, but on the other side, nothing about this album feels very cohesive. Not only that but the charm of the band has kind of died for me on this album. Lyrics feel like a mess, instrumentals and soundscapes are underwhelming, and overall, this is a bit of a handful to take in.
Raum Daughter3.0
Album does have a good amount of emotion within it and on a late-night drive, this album can really put you in that reflective mood. However, when you really listen to the album it can be a bit shallow and one-dimensional. Some of the drones build into nothing and there is a lot of mid-2010?s Grouper influence all over the album.
we broke the weather we broke the weather3.5
There are a lot of things to appreciate and look forward to with this debut album from the five-man Massachusetts-based band. The jazz influences over the very progressive and alternative, although over-done, is a nice sound when it comes together. Although the number of influences runs deep and sometimes distracting, the group has a lot of chops and ideas that they can build from into the future. Will be keeping an eye on the band throughout the coming years to see if they live up to what they have crafted here.
Wojciech Rusin Syphon3.5
A nifty classical album that slowly blurs more and more into electroacoustic and it glitch elements of electronic music while also adding some lovely nature recording bits here and there. With that said it does have a tendency to go in one ear and out the other as soon as the album is over, so it?s tough to find a want to come back to it, although it is cool to listen to when it?s on.
Violet Cold Səni Uzaq Kainatlarda Axtarıram3.0
The Azerbaijan-based band come through with another helping of their rendition of blackgaze and ambient music and although I don?t find the album to be all that groundbreaking or interesting, they do have some serious playing skills and overall presentation. The black metal screams are foreboding and dark, while the shoegaze guitars are airy and light. Helps keep the EP moving and resonate as it moves along.
Vacant Lights Funeral Noise Exits2.5
The North Carolina based avant-garde rock band comes through with their new album Funeral Noise Exists, and although the album is a hot mess of styles, sounds, and experiments, there is a lot of hope for this band to come through with a great record into the future; but it needs a lot of help. The influences on the record run largely from the political banter of a Rage Against the Machine, the modern style of free improvisation and EAI, the no wave noodling of swans, the horrific presentation of a Daughters, and the fusion influences of a Clipping or John Zorn. However, the way these styles come together really needs to be improved because the pacing of the album is a bit lost. Also, the vocals really need to be improved. Much of the album is a spoken word style reading, but his delivery and emphasis feels more like he is half asleep then a haunting political statement.
Anais Mitchell Anais Mitchell4.0
Anaïs Mitchell on her seventh album really hones in on her Joni Mitchell influenced sound and creates a very subtle and beautiful folk album that will warm anyone?s heart when it?s a cold winter night. The simple but harrowing guitar melodies keep you taping your foot and her lead vocals and lyrics keep you coming back for another listen. I think it is some of the best material she has ever released.
Pinegrove 11:113.5
Some of the best writing and playing the band has done in the last few releases and another quality release for anyone looking for a light and country-tinted emo record in that classic Midwest flair. Although the album as a whole is a hit or a miss, there are some great and powerful tracks that keep me coming back for more.
Thyla Thyla3.0
There really isn?t anything too bad about this debut album from the UK-based band, however, there is also nothing that stands out as all that original. The lead singer has a lot of vocal chops and the band does bring in a lot of interesting elements of shoegaze and dream pop so hopefully, the band can stand out more in the future.
Amber Mark Three Dimensions Deep3.5
For such a simple and traditional album, this debut album from Amber packs a lot of punch and memorable moments. There really isn?t a dull moment on the album and she brings in a slew of different styles and sounds from all over the spectrum of RnB and soul. Although the album is way too long and can be a bit of a bare to sit through after the first 30-minutes, in chunks, this is a really great debut and I look forward to seeing what Amber does into the future.
Jacques Greene Fantasy3.0
Although nowhere close to the memorable and textured outing of his 2019 sophomore album ?Dawn Chorus?, this brand new EP sees him trying to break away from the deep house and future garage bubble she has built herself into. I think there is a lot of promise here with the new direction into breakcore and progressive music with elements in techno and ambient. He still brings in those vocal chops and manipulations that make him stand out, but the EP needs a lot of work. Looking forward to what kind of new sounds and style this direction brings for him.
F1D31 Reminiscências e percepções de um mundo que já não existe mais​.​.2.0
If you made a more generic and electronic version of what sonhos tomam conta has been doing for the blackgaze and shoegaze genres, then you would have this new album from the Brazilian artist. Really the best parts are the more breakcore styles, but really nothing about this album is all that original or interesting. Extremely repetitive and one-dimensional. Still the breakcore influences I think would be something to run with more into the future because the two tracks here that do use them are more interesting than the others.
sun is poison I Thought I Left You in Eden3.5
The recording could use some work because much of the band is fighting each other for a chance to be heard in the mix. But the vocals come through strong, and this new album from Will Seifert continues to show why he is one of the best in this new flavor of folky Midwest emo. Powerful and emotional lyrics with some really tight playing that will keep your head filled with melodies for days.
Chastity Suffer Summer2.5
2019?s ?Home Made Satan? was a rageful and energetic record that saw the band really branching out into their own. On their third record, the band feels like they have lost both their lyrical bite and their sonic charm. This album feels more like a slog fest to get through rather than a delicious taste of modern punk.
Aurora (NOR) The Gods We Can Touch4.0
The Norwegian artist is back with her fourth album, and I have to say it is a really lovely listen from front to back. I haven?t been the biggest fan of Aurora?s music because of how bombastic her music was while feeling so shallow. However, something about this new album from here sees a homing in on alternative and art pop soundscapes with the use of synthpop here and there. A lovely set of songs across the board and really nothing that wants me to skip it. A well-deserved album for Aurora and I hope he keeps us this artistic vision.
Pensees Nocturnes Douce Fange3.0
This could be a very unpopular opinion but this French band has always sounded like a less experimental version of Igorrr. Both are French natives utilizing this very explosive and experimental form of black metal and avant-garde metal with leanings in baroque music. However, Igorrr?s use of electronics, specifically breakcore and glitch, has always made him stand out. Not to say this new Pensees Nocturnes album is bad, because it has some solid ideas here and there but the whole thing is a bit bland to listen to and doesn?t feel all that experimental for what I think he wants it to be. Still, they will always continue to enchant me because of just how off the wall their music is.
Owel The Salt Water Well3.5
A pretty decent fourth album from the New Jersey-based band that continues down their very pop-centric sound of emo and indie rock that they have been doing since their inception in 2013. Although not a really potent record from front to back, it has solid pacing and really great melodies/hooks.
Boris W2.5
One of the most legendary artists to come out of Japan and they continue to change up their sound from their breakout drone metal pieces of the late 90?s and early 2000s. For me, I have never quite been on the Boris train since it can be a bit too challenging, but I always appreciated what they were able to do with their sonic landscapes and genre fusions. On ?W? we kind of see a crossroads for the band since nothing on this album feels complete nor cohesive. The band is playing with a lot of styles and sounds they have been doing for the last 20 years and smashing them together on this album.
Roaming in Limbo Permutations4.0
The more I have sat down to listen to this debut album from the young producer the more I can really appreciate it and what could become a flourishing and boosterish career. A melding and columniation of various ambient drones and plunderphonics sampling manipulations give you a sense of warmth in an utterly hopeless world we currently live in. Although several of the longer tracks completely lose themselves because of being overdone, and most of the album feels too disjointed to be a full listening experience, the ideas presented here encourage me to keep coming back as this artist producers more fluid and enticing singles and records.
Anxious Little Green House3.5
Although not a perfect album by any stretch of the imagination and the second half of the album outshines the more generic first half there is still a good amount of energy and charm coming through on this debut record from the Connecticut-based band. Great playing and execution across the board and the lightness of it all is sometimes a nicer thing than the more brash fusions others have done in the past.
As Within, So Without Salvation2.5
Normally I am really into this very atmospheric and rich metalcore, but something about this album is really tedious to listen to. Maybe it?s the repeatable guitar riffs that seem to appear all over the album. Maybe it?s the boring screams and clean vocals that constantly flip-flop with one another. Or maybe it?s just this sound is really hard to do nowadays and can?t be topped by some of the greats through the years.
Pedro the Lion Havasu2.5
A bit of a rebound for the Seattle slowcore band, but it doesn?t bring anything new to the already boring genre. There are some good ideas here and there on the record and the intro track brings a interesting amount of Talk Talk influence. But this album gets boring really fast once you dive deeper into it.
Japanese Heart Software SOFT3.5
It?s your typical and somewhat expected shoegaze and dream pop album that fits right into the bedroom pop scene it?s coming out of, and therefore it?s pretty good but won?t blow anyone away.
YAYA KIM a.k.a YAYA4.0
Although the album is too long for a full listening experience and the sound can lead to a bit of ear fatigue once you are an hour in, this three disk full-length album will show you the true nature of what jazz and chamber pop can be when you put all your eggs into one basket. Performances are stellar across the board, instrumentals are wild and bombastic, and the overall passing really doesn?t slow down for one moment.
Don Bolo BAHAMUT3.0
I can appreciate what this debut album is trying to be and I believe with more work and flushing-out that sound can be fully realized, but the Ecuador-based band sort of fumbles around for the 40-minute run time. Some tracks hit hard and heavy while others don?t seem to have anything going for them.
Fit for an Autopsy Oh What the Future Holds1.0
Underoath Voyeurist3.5
If you grew up listening to the warp-tour bands of the mid to late 2000s then Underoath will probably be a recognizable name. They were the creators of what would later be called the ?christiancore? genre (but later dropping their religious themes). On this new album, the band continues to explore the more industrial metal side of music and this album might be their peak of this sound. Although it reeks of BMTH influences, the riffs, vocals, screams, and synths all accumulate for a fun and intense listen.
Earl Sweatshirt Sick!3.0
I?m not going to lie, I really don?t understand the whole abstract hip-hop and drumless hype we are seeing right now in the hip-hop scene as of late. It could be because of the explosive and intricate nature that Earl Sweatshirt brought to the genre with his breakout album ?I Don?t Like Shit, I Don?t Go Outside? and later his glitchy ?Some Rap Songs?. Without those albums, we probably would have everyone and their mom trying to reproduce that sound. On ?Sick? Earl brings it back to basics, but in the grand scheme of this sound, it really isn?t anything special. I think Earl stands out from the rest of his peers, but man can this sound and style get stale fast.
FKA Twigs Caprisongs3.5
For FKA Twigs this might be the most experimental she has been yet. This album is chock full of different ideas from glitch and art pop to dancehall and UK bass. This is not a mixtape that will stick with most people because of how all over the place it is, but it is a huge thing for FKA Twigs to experiment with these sounds to hopefully produce her strongest full-length album into the future.
Bonobo Fragments3.5
A hypnotic and light house record that might not blow the roof of the house genre, but there is something truly great about it.
Pridelands Light Bends3.5
Australia always seems to produce some of the best metalcore in the scene and although this debut album from the four-piece band is incomplete and one-dimensional, there is a ton of promise here as this is another addition to the post-metalcore sound being created.
Foxtails Fawn3.0
Although I can see the full appeal of this new foxtails record since it brings together the charm and nuance of chamber music with the harsh and aggression of screamo to create a detailed and delicate new fusion. However, if you recall last year the new LOREM IPSUM record which was in many ways the same idea but took it even further with no electric guitar or drums (full chamber and folk instrumentation), then it's hard to look at this foxtails record in the same light. The overall execution and ideas are there, but I wish they did more, and I wish it wasn?t so one-dimensional.
Satyricon Satyricon & Munch1.5
the Norway-based band goes full-blown into dark ambient with their new album and they continue to drive their career farther into the ground. The near hour-long piece of drone music is less of an experience as it is a chore to fully sit through. The minimal use of black ambient is really the only thing to look forward to other than that it?s a very derivative and boring dark ambient project.
The Weeknd Dawn FM3.0
It has been a wild and extremely lucrative career thus far for Abel Tesfaye. His unique blends of synthetic chords and RnB has branched a whole slew of copycat artists, but no one can hit as hard as The Weeknd. Coming off of his most successful both commercially and underground with ?After Hours?, Abel had some big shoes to fill, and although I don?t believe ?Dawn FM? is that next step, it is a revolutionary building block that will hopefully pay off as he hints towards a third record in this trilogy. Working with legendary pop producer Max Martin (production examples: Backstreet Boys, Britney Spears, Avril Lavigne, Katy Perry, Usher, Maroon 5, Nicki Minaj, Taylor Swift, etc.) and renowned underground electronic artist Daniel Lopatin (i.e., Oneohtrix Point Never) bolsters Abel?s sonic ideas into full blast on ?Dawn FM?. However, I think Oneohtrix Point Never and Abel have a lot of work to do together before their unique visions align since this album is really a sonic mess. Many of the times vocals and synths aren?t meshing well and Abel sounds awkward. Overall my biggest takeaway from this album is it sounds less like a Weeknd record as it does a radio-friendly version of Daniel?s most recent release last year ?Magic Oneohtrix Point Never??especially all the radio edits and skits.
Wilderun Epigone3.5
Although another strong and grandiose album from the Massachusetts metal band, I think their style and sound have grown stale throughout the years. When the album is going along, it is a cacophonous blend of strings, horns, guitars, drums, and vocals that all blend for a harrowing and emotional listen. But the album leaves me fatigued by the end and wanting something a little more unique and interesting. Great listen once and a while, but overall all their other records sound the exact same so it?s tough to really warrant another album.
Kaizo Slumber The Kaizo Manifesto3.5
A really solid breakcore record that doesn?t stray far from what one would expect from a sound and style like this, but what is presented on here is really solid. Blistering breakbeats, pulsating synths, and of course some laced techno cords and samples. Nothing flashy or intricate just 32 minutes of breakbeat club bangers that one would have seen from a NYC club in the mid-2000s.
Burial ANTIDAWN EP2.0
Burial is one of the most influential and important artists in modern electronics and almost all of his material up to the last few years is considered (and rightfully so) a classic. On his newest EP we see a brand new direction, ditching his future garage and dubstep upbringing for a much more somber, simple, and light/bright sound. However, this EP/LP doesn?t hit all that hard and to be honest, gets lost in its own sound for most of it. Nothing comes together all that well and everything feels like a mess when it?s all said and done. Don?t get me wrong there is something here and I know he can work through this blunder, but for now, he continues to relish in his own past.
Kinoteki Human Noise3.0
The NYC producer continues down his hypnotic and spacy deep house blends with moderate success. Some of the tracks here put you in a deep trance and allow you to vibe out, while other tracks don?t give me much of a feeling of anything.
Nanoray DIGIMAIDEN3.5
Not a whole lot to say here. A very niche sound and genre that I thoroughly enjoy, but not everyone binds to this more aggressive and ?internety? breakcore sound. Still, a fun little album that weaves through the abrasive nature of its drum and bass soundscape. More and more music is coming from ?internet-born-people? and I am all for it.
mydreamfever Rough and Beautiful Place2.5
Although a powerful classical album that has a lot of nuanced approaches to counterbalance the ups and downs of everyday life, there is really nothing that fully sticks out to me as: emotional or impressive. Don?t get me wrong it?s a very lovely album when it?s on, but once the album is over it?s utterly forgotten in my mind. Plus, the length of the album is too much for what it wants to be. Honestly if you like the idea and approach of this album listen to one of the pioneers: Masakatsu Takagi, especially his 2014 masterpiece ?Kagayaki?.

2021
Boldy James and The Alchemist Super Tecmo Bo2.0
Tricot Jodeki3.0
Arca kiCK iiiii2.5
I am neither here nor there with this last Arca album. Although it is the most experimental of the ?kick? albums, it is the weakest. I will say this though, the post-minimalism and post-modern classical ideas mixed with the progressive electronics makes for an interesting fusion that I hope Arca flushes out into the future. Although this is the weakest, this idea has the most up-shot of branching into something great for Arca into the future.
Gas Der Lange Marsch1.5
For me ambient music has to satisfy two specific things. First it has to pass the ?background music? category; am I able to put it on and leave it on in the background while I do something else. In other words, is it not distracting enough to keep me from my task, but interesting enough to keep me listening. The second thing for me is that it has to be interesting enough when I actually want to ?listen to it?. Tim Hecker is the best example of nailing both of these because most of his releases have such power and subtlety to keep you interested when you actually listen, but enough simplicity to keep you not distracted when you want to work. This new Gas record really doesn?t work for either of these criteria. It?s to distracting with its repetitive techno drums, but it?s to uninteresting and slow paced for a full listen. It sits in this weird limbo, so overall I am just not a fan of it.
Devin Townsend The Puzzle3.5
Arca kick iiii4.0
For whatever reason, this fourth ?kick? album is actually sitting with me better than any of the others. Something about the exploration of nuanced electronic genres makes this a formidable listen for anyone looking for a different Arca album.
Arca KicK iii3.5
The third album is Arca?s series and for many this is the best album they have released since sliced bread. On the first few listens I was also in that camp, but as I listen to this album more and more the more I came to realize that this really isn?t anything new for Arca. It sounds a lot like what they started with. Don?t get me wrong it?s the best thing in her catalogue sounding like that, but overall it?s not ?wowing? me like I think it is for other listeners.
Arca KICK ii3.5
The first of four albums released under the ?kick? name and in general this is one of the more interesting albums from Arca, because it explores and incorporates Latin music. Latin music as a whole has never been a big one for me, I have always found it quite stale. However this album from the South American born artists Arca, blends the sound pallet of Latin electronic music with the heavy hitting sounds of post-industrial and deconstructed club, which forms a complex yet explorative genre showcasing the best ideas of Latin music. Still I find this album to really only be that and have a hard time really coming back to it because of how one-dimensional it is.
R.A.P. Ferreira The Light Emitting Diamond Cutter Scriptures4.0
The last year or two Milo, aka R.A.P. Ferreira has been continuing down his philosophical rap and he hasn?t quite nailed it to me since his 2017 album under the name Milo. But on the second record of 2021, he comes pretty damn close to the charm of that release. This album is definitely a vibe and for the 30-minutes it?s on you will feel that vibe the whole time. Easy to listen to and follow, with potent lyrics that will have you opening your dictionary and thesaurus. My only complaint is that it can be a bit ?in-one-ear and out-the-other? because of how simple it can be, but the lyrics really clean that up.
Cynic Ascension Codes2.5
On the band's fifth album, the progressive outfit looks to space ambient and rock for inspiration. Not only does it not pay off most of the time. This album is plagued with feeling unfinished and borderline uninspired. Don?t get me wrong it?s not a bad album to listen to but with half the album being interludes and half of the non-interlude tracks being boring instrumental cuts this album leaves a lot to be desired. Still, it?s fine when it?s on, but can?t be a bit tiring after a while.
Imminence Heaven in Hiding2.5
I can appreciate the appeal of a metalcore album like this because they do bring in a small dose of the Swedish folk music sound here and there. But overall, this metalcore record is very much a safe and simple album that really isn?t exploring anything that I haven?t heard before. I believe the 4-piece band can achieve something greater since there are some solid tracks here and there, but overall, this is a fairly forgettable release.
Weakened Friends Quitter3.0
Although there is some charm and nostalgia to what this Maine band is doing, everything does feel a little bit too general and safe. The alternative rock and emo sound is really nothing new in today?s age and you can really hear the huge amount of Weezer and Paramore. Still, the tracks here aren?t bad and to pack a punch when each of them crosses my ears. So not an all-around failure if you want some classic emo (maybe even a bit of a Midwest tint to it).
Ovlov Buds4.0
The six-man Connecticut band comes through with another heavy-hitting noise rock album with those shimmery shoegaze guitars when they are needed. From the start of the album, you are shown exactly what that noise rock sound, sounds like and it is perfectly balanced by the vocals. A short collection of tracks that packs the punch needed for anyone this winter.
Kaytranada Intimidated3.0
A fine EP from the electronic producer that brings in some interesting artists, however at the end of the day he really doesn?t highlight anything more than what you would expect from each of the three features. Overall, it?s a fine, short, and interesting little EP, but it doesn?t add anything that I couldn?t hear from each artist's normal catalog.
Thank You Scientist Plague Accommodations5.0
I?m sorry but this EP is something special, and I might be biased because TYS is one of the greatest modern progressive rock and metal bands of my generation, but they somehow boil down their expansive and intricate sound into a 20-minute EP which is something to really behold. Each of the four tracks here showcases their masterful musical minds with intricate and expansive soundscapes of jazz and rock music. However, it?s not only that the lyrical content dives heavily into the last two years with the pandemic and what that has done to this band. A great showing and a great introduction to this great band if you have never listened to them.
Volumes Happier?3.0
One of my favorite bands from my high school days was definitely Volumes. Their 2011 debut album ?Via? is probably one of the most listened to albums when I was a sophomore and junior in high school and from there, I have continued to follow this band even though all the weird lineup changes have happened. Now with their original screamer who really put them on the map, Michael, and their continued depth singer/screamer Myke, they pull off a small bit of return to form. Some great depth and explosion on the new album. However, it?s hard not to acknowledge that this does feel very much like a typical metal ore record, especially with the heavy use of synths and ambiance on top of the very djent style riffs. Decent album overall and hoping to see them continue to explore into the future.
Converge Bloodmoon: I4.5
It?s interesting to see both of these artists years later, after all, their accomplishments in the last, come through with one of their strongest records to date. The collaborative project from one of metalcore?s greatest bands in history Converge team up with one of the darkest singer/songwriter artists, Chelsea Wolfe, to produce one of the most interesting and explosive metal projects of the year. This album from start to finish is as brutal as it gets both lyrically and sonically. Take the second track ?Viscera of Men? which presents the harsh screams of converge with the doomy nature of Chelsea. Overall, this album is magnificent to hear and a must-listen if you are a fan of either artist.
Adele 302.5
First off, I want to say one of Adele?s greatest tracks in all of her career shows up on this brand new LP and it?s not easy on me or any other boring, one-dimensional, or lackluster piano ballads that continue to plague her career. Still, there are some breathtaking and intricate explorations of sounds and styles, specifically the use of R&B and adult contemporary, that give me hope that Adele will shine into the future and blow past the blue-eyed soul background that was hindered her singing in the past. The intro track ?Strangers by Nature? allows Adele to explore something more akin to James Blake with its atmospheric, subtle, and patience-testing sound that bolsters and improves her already explosive and intricate singing delivery. However, the star of this album ?My Little Love? proves that Adele needs to move on from the very piano backed tracks like ?Easy On Me? and utilize more chamber pop and R&B elements akin to artists like Little Simz or others expanding upon contemporary R&B. Still half of this album is painfully boring which is sad because I can tell how emotional and personal this album is for Adele.
Swallow the Sun Moonflowers3.5
Finland-based gothic metal bands are back with their eighth release and if you are a fan of gothic metal or this band then you will love this album. This style and sound might not be my bread and butter, but what this band creates on this album is extremely well executed. Every track has a grand and boisterous nature to it that keeps you entrances into its explosions of sounds. Although the album is a bit patience-testing and can be too sluggish at times, overall it?s a nifty little album to keep you warm this winter.
Plebeian Grandstand Rien ne suffit3.0
Although I can really appreciate what the Quebec band is attempting to do here, none of it really clicks all that well. The avant-metal bits all sound like very generic black metal, the power electronics all sound like general noise music, and the times they come together is when this album really shines. A decent listen and a good set of ideas that I hope they parse through in the future but for now this is more or less a bit of a mess when it comes to metal and noise music.
Gold Necklace Gold Necklace3.5
Although this new album from legendary swancore artist Kurt Travis might be a bit of a novelty record, what is presented here could be interesting propulsion for swancore and math rock as a whole. RnB and math rock probably could have always been combined because of the huge funk influence in RnB, but it does come off very well for what is presented here. 30-minutes of easy listening alternative rock and RnB and it doesn?t slow down one bit. Great little album overall and hopefully Kurt with continue with this but knowing him and how many bands he starts and doesn?t keep with who knows.
Silent Planet Iridescent3.5
Man oh man do I love me some Silent Planet and this new album is truly breathtaking. They continue to be one of the few bands to be as potent of a listen as any in this very classic metalcore sound. However, I always have to real myself in with an album like this because at the end of the day this album still is very safe for them. I can hear a small bit of experimentation from them, but overall, this album is very common for them, although extremely strong. Great metalcore riffs and progressions, explosive vocals, passionate lyrics, and above all else, a rich atmosphere keep this album going.
IDLES Crawler2.5
I really wanted to come away from this new album floored with what the British post-punk band was doing, bringing it back to their roots and nailing it on the head. That was expedited by the fact that the two lead singles from this album were stellar showings of what makes great post-punk great. But now with the album out and me having the chance to digest it, the fourth album from the five-piece band is a bit flat. There are some good songs on here, and some bad songs on here, but nothing is really standing out for me. This is especially the case with what the landscape is like now in the British post-punk scene with bands like Black Midi, Squid, and Black Country, New Road (and even LICE). It?s even more interesting because the last two tracks see the band kind of trying to reach these newer bands with the use of jazz and black metal, but it feels so tacked on. With all that said, I was never a bit fan of this band, to begin with because all their albums feel a bit like this though. So, take what I say with a grain of salt.
Jon Hopkins Music for Psychedelic Therapy3.0
Jon Hopkins takes a small detour from his genre definition microhouse sound to make a full-blown new age ambient piece. Although this album is really meant more like a lens for meditation than for a listening experience on its own, there are some good ideas on this album. The nature recording laced throughout add a little bit of needed richness and diversity. But still, this album is much too long for what it is. This could have easily been a 30 to 40-minute album.
Delta Sleep Spring Island3.5
When I heard the lead single for this album, I was a bit worried about what this fourth album from the band would look like. The math-rock outfit has always been a bit of a comfort band for me since I discovered them four years ago. On their new album, they continue down their emo-tinted indie and math rock sound. But you can tell they are starting to explore with some new and interesting sounds. Especially on some of the interludes with the use of synths. Still a solid album for the band, the genre of math rock, and for this year?s scene of indie music. Although I kind of wish there was some more exploration because I feel they are running out of ideas and could be stale in the next few years if they stay on this path.
Silk Sonic An Evening with Silk Sonic4.0
Before I get blasted for not giving this a higher score, this debut album from two of pops most legendary and accomplished artists, Anderson .Paak & Bruno Mars, is probably one of the best soul records of the year. No question of that! Also, this could easy go down as one of the greatest tributes to the classic soul sound of the 60?s and 80?s scenes. Pretty much all these tracks are equally catchy and sensual without losing one bit of charm. My only gripe with the record is that it comes off a bit ?one-and-done?. Each track is such a powerful nod to all the predecessors of soul, but that?s really it. It?s well executed and performed classic soul and that?s really it. I really wish they tried to do something a little new. Still really really amazing album that will equally get you on mood while making you cry.
Holly Humberstone The Walls Are Way Too Thin4.5
There has always been something so potent and impressive about Holly?s music. Something about the production and the sonic exploration has always kept her distance from the rest of her singer/songwriter counterparts in today?s day and age. This sophomore EP is impressive yet easy, explosive yet light, and most importantly emotional yet introspective. Nice 20 minute listen.
Helm Axis4.5
Honestly, when I first heard this new record from Luke, I was kind of turned off by it. There was really nothing speaking to me about it. But on each consecutive listen I understood and appreciated more and more of it. First came the darkness that fully resonated with me. Then came the brilliant use of electroacoustic to create an even more textured and destructive listen. Lastly came the ambiance and pace that this record has. Everything on this album is a dark and intense soundscape of despair and isolation. The album puts you into the darkest of rooms with the loudest silence and slowly drives you insane. A perfect album for the coldness that is winter.
Portico Quartet Monument3.5
Nu jazz is having somewhat of a strong year this year and I am all for it. This new album from the quartet feels a lot like a GoGo Penguin record with more of a focus on horns rather than on strings, which is nice because they both have a great sense of flair and style in their music. Overall, the record has a nice pace to it with some standout tracks that keep you coming back, but there is still a bit missing here that I wish I heard. It just feels a little too similar across the board and when the album is over it does kind of leave my mind.
SeeYouSpaceCowboy The Romance of Affliction4.5
If you grew up listening to mall-screamo, then you already know what this album sounds like. However, that is not what makes this sophomore record from the California-based metalcore band so breathtaking and monumental. Right on the opening track, you are transported back to that, shall we call, ?vintage? sound that comes from the bests of the 2000s metalcore and screamo scenes. However, that is laced on top of the outright brutality this record holds both lyrically and sonically. This album mixes and mingles progressive styles of mathcore and sasscore with the already vintage sound of metalcore and post-hardcore. In many ways, this balances the fine line between modern mathcore and vintage screamo-core; which is a perfect thing when it?s this damn memorable. For 40-minutes you will be shown exactly what it was like to be a part of that warp tour scene back then while also feeling up-to-date on what metalcore really needs to sound like. A truly masterful undertaking for the band and it really pays off.
Bent Knee Frosting2.5
Bent Knee has always been a band that I thought would always stick to their guns and continue to make really great art rock and experimental rock music. Ben Levin and Courtney always had a great knack for writing incredible Melodie?s and builds that they made most progressive rock bands today look bad. However, their time was up, and they are exploring new sounds and styles that make sense for what Ben Levin has been doing as of late on his YouTube channel and with Adam Neely, however, this album is a bit of a mess. On one hand, you have some truly great tracks that have some, again, incredible building power into a grand finally. But then you have these awkward tracks that are hyperpop and Indietronica-inspired that just do not pan out. So, I will kind of chock this album up to the band experimenting with a lot of new sounds and styles, and hopefully into the future they kind find something that works best for them.
Snail Mail Valentine3.0
Snail Mail is an interesting case study in what makes great indie music so great, while also what made indie music die a hard death in the late 2000s. On Lindsey?s sophomore record with her band, they continue down the indie path and create exactly what you expect for an indie album. Lush instrumentals, memorable hooks, and infectious courses. But there is just a constant feeling that this is nothing new for the genre as a whole. Yes, there are some truly great indie opuses on here and some of the best instrumentals show up on this album, but overall, this album just seems like a lot of above-average tracks with nothing truly memorable about them.
Amine TwoPointFive3.0
The newest mixtape from the west coast rapper Aminé is a decent tape from front to back but overall, there is really nothing that makes it stand out. Don?t get me wrong there are some highlights here and there but overall, this is a pretty typical pop rap album with those hyphe and digicore influences we are seeing right now in trap.
Parcels Day/Night1.5
I don?t think I have ever felt so annoyed with a project in my entire life. The idea of this sophomore record from the Australia band was a great one. Orchestral elements merge with very soft yet powerful disco and boogie instrumentals and the first few tracks hit that out of the park. ?Light?, ?free?, and ?Comeback? are well executed and performance tracks with the perfect balance of instrumentals, vocals, and presence and to be honest past that there are some good tracks here and there. But as a whole, this album is first off extremely bloated. The whole second album of this double album seems like an odd tack on of b-sides that didn?t make the first album. Secondly, this album is extremely taxing to sit through. Some of the most boring disco tracks I have heard in a long time are littered throughout this project. Third, the distracting amount of Daft Punk and Pink Floyd influence makes this actually sound sometimes like a carbon copy. Lastly, the constant feeling that this album is building towards something grander and more explosive just never shows up. Overall, a pretty disappointing album.
Aimee Mann Queens of the Summer Hotel1.0
Not even sure why I picked this to review?sometimes chamber pop can sway me no matter what, so here we are. This new album from Aimee is a continuation of why she will always be one of the most one-dimensional singer/songwriters out there. Everything from the instruments to the production is one-dimensional. Not to mention the vocals are as lifeless as some of the most recent Lana Del Rey records. So overall I don?t find this album good in any way and there is really nothing listenable about it.
Penelope Isles Which Way To Happy3.5
It?s funny when a 3.5 is your best score of the week?but here we are. This new album from the British Indie rock band is a strong indie rock album with a lot of obvious tropes that are hard not to still love.
Jonsi Obsidian3.5
The lead singer and front-man of the legendary dream pop and post-rock Iceland band Sigur Ros has released his third full-length album and I have to say it is the strongest outing from him. Although much of this album really just feels like a Sigur Ros record with fewer post-rock instrumentals and more classical influences that don?t mean this album is bad. It?s actually a really great ambient album with some emotional builds, powerful climaxes, and some graceful finales.
The War On Drugs I Don't Live Here Anymore3.0
The War On Drugs have always been one of the more interesting heartland rock bands in existence and they have always had some of the best songwriting, but something about this new album feels so stale and bland to me. It is nice when it is on, don?t get me wrong, but I am having a hard time really finishing the record because it seems like it?s going nowhere huge. Still good songwriting and execution from the band, but just not feeling this release fully.
Sematary Screaming Forest2.5
Sematary might be the one artist able to take the trap metal scene with his explosive and intriguing approach to it, but something about his last two albums this year just doesn?t sit well with me. The first album is an interesting experiment that didn?t really end well while this is more listable but has less bite to it. Overall it?s okay but I have a hard time sitting through the whole thing.
Sam Evian Time to Melt3.0
Not a bad little psychedelic and indie pop album with a few tracks here and there leaning into sophisti-pop. But nothing on this album really stands out to me other than it?s nice when it?s on.
Marissa Nadler The Path of the Clouds2.5
All I wanted from this new Marissa album is a little bit more presence with it and sometimes we get that but for the most part, this is still an airy and spacy listen that doesn?t really feel like anything. This is like those people who say the only food they need is water?like sure it?s something but I know you're hungry.
Geese Projector3.5
The debut album from the Brooklyn art punk band has a lot of promise and energy, but they do just sound like a typical art punk band when it?s all said and done. Some really memorable playing and energy here and I can hear the start of a great career, especially since lead singer Cameron actually has some great vocal chops compared to a lot of modern post-punk bands.
Mick Jenkins Elephant In The Room1.5
The Chicago-based rapper has always built himself up to be a promising artist, but continues to dig himself deeper and deeper into this subpar production with subpar rapping and subpar execution. Most of this album feels phoned-in and boring with one or two highlights here and there to at least make you feel a little better about listening to the whole thing.
Wet Letter Blue3.5
Not a bad album by any means and has a lot of interesting alternative pop soundscapes and structures. Also, some solid production and overall experimentation here and there is a nice touch.
Helado Negro Far In4.0
I have to say this brand new Helado Negro record is an absolute stunner of a record and a must-listen if you like easy-going yet bright pop music. The biggest downfall is that three songs at the very end are much lower quality than there the rest of the project, but man the first 3/4th of this record is amazing.
Ross From Friends Tread4.5
Although this sophomore record takes a lot of its ideas straight out of the Burial sound-playbook, from where he started to where he is today is night and day. This record has a lot more presence, emotion, and exploration which is something I couldn?t say about his debut album two years ago! The future garage-based album is hypnotic, dark, wonky, and above all else, memorable. Extremely well done and put together.
Circa Survive A Dream About Love2.0
For a band who has always been stuck in one sound: alternative rock and post-hardcore, with heavy leanings in classic mall emo, Circa Survive finally try to change that up?with very little success. I am not sure if they just didn?t know what they were doing but man these dream pop synths really are not adding a whole lot for me and feel very tacked on last minute. I am not giving up hope for this sound for the band because there really could be something interesting here, but for now, there is not a whole lot in this EP.
Lana Del Rey Blue Banisters2.0
When ?Norman Fucking Rockwell? was first released it felt like a true turning of the page for Lana, sonically. It was dense, rich, and focused. Nothing could keep you from not feeling emotional when listening to that record. Now with her second release this year we continue to see that Lana is trying to achieve the same thing, but with no success. Much of this record, as the last one felt, is a bumbling of ideas and lyrics that don?t really add up. I think Lana needs to distance herself from this style and find something fresh.
Grouper Shade3.5
The newest album from one of the world's most interesting ambient folk outfits sees them continue to dabble in the very somber and dark sounds and styles that they have been known for. This album is quiet and hushed but powerful in what it needs to do, but still, this album feels very safe for the group and they continue to not really explore anything new, and eventually, I fear this style will eventually dry up for them.
JPEGMAFIA LP! (online)3.5
Not going to lie but I am having some trouble with this new JPEGMAFIA record. On one side it is Peggie?s most vulnerable record to date and some of the best singles appear on this LP. But on the other hand, some of his weakest tracks also appear on here, and an overall feeling of ?honing it in? plagues this record. As a rap album this year it?s still a really great record with some truly breathtaking samples and production (which I expect from JPEG) but for a JPEGMAFIA record, this might be his weakest of the last two he has done. I feel Peggy is in between ideas on this project and we are seeing a metamorphosis into a new sound for the future.
Parannoul / Asian Glow / sonhos tomam conta Downfall of the Neon Youth4.5
A truly breathtaking, emotional, explosive, and experimental rock record. Three of the biggest names in underground emo and Shoegaze come together to create a whole new creation that makes each of their solo careers look like tiny little bugs. This behemoth record is an expansive listen that has some of the best writing I have seen on a rock record in a long time and for the near hour it is on there I really have no low points. My only complaint is that the mixing is a little spotty for some tracks, but man this is a must-listen for any fans of emo.
Every Time I Die Radical4.0
When it comes to an ETID record this nine full-length for the legendary Buffalo metalcore band continues to show why they are a wrecking ball in the genre. The satirical yet potent and political lyrics continue to be a heavy highlight. The in-your-face screams and breakdowns are so potent and memorable you might just hit repeat again and again. But what really stands out is that although this sound is not at all new for them, damn do they make it sound so good. My biggest complaint is that the length is not really justified here, with it losing steam near the back end, but the ending does hit very heavy.
Circuit Des Yeux -io4.5
Neoclassical darkwave has seen a lot of progressions the last few years with the likes of Lingua Ignota, but many in the style and sound all stand in a very somber and dark place, with typical reflections on religion and depression. But something about this new Circuit des Yeux project makes the sound not only bright but inviting. This new album seems like the final apex for an artist slowly building into her own, and man what a nearly flawless album to do it on. ?-io? is grand, it?s beautiful, and it?s polarizing in every great way possible.
Lone Always Inside Your Head4.0
Every year it seems there is always a downtempo record that kind of takes me aback. The newest record from the producer Lone is one of those records. This gives you the feeling of being on a warm beach surrounded by lush sand and the peaceful cadence of the waves. A great little album with great drum fills, drones/synths, and guest vocals here and there. Not perfect by any means since the album is a bit too long. But overall a great listen.
Hayden Thorpe Moondust for My Diamond2.5
The sophomore record from the Wild Beasts lead singer sees him continue down the synthpop instrumentals and sophisti-pop style vocals with some success. Although this is somewhat different than what Wild Beasts would have normally put out, you can tell Hayden is trying to distance himself from that group since its disbanding in 2018. This is still a positive leap forward, but it feels too shallow and is missing a lot of powerful presence I expect from a sophisti-pop album. This has all the ideas to make a great listen, but nothing comes together all that well and most of the tracks are fairly forgettable.
PinkPantheress To Hell With It4.5
Drum and Bass has been getting a lot of revamping as of late, but not like this. The debut mixtape from the overnight TikTok sensation PinkPantheress is not only a great introduction to the hypnotic work of drum and bass but also a direction that drum and bass have needed for a while. Not that we have never seen drum and bass and RnB put together, but something about this mixtape stands out from anything right now in the liquid drum and bass genre, because it really doesn?t sit in that genre at all. This is much more of an atmospheric drum and bass album with bedroom pop leanings and even a small bit of hyperpop influences. A really great mixtape for her and I can?t wait to see what she does into the future with this.
Remi Wolf Juno3.5
On Remi Wolf's debut album, she creates a rich funktronica world with explosive performances and sticky hooks that stay with you, but the production needs a lot of work. This is one of those great albums that is being held back heavily by the terrible production, and it?s not really even her fault. The mixing of these tracks is all over the place. But moving on from that this is a really solid album and hopefully showing a future illustrious career of making some groundbreaking synth-funk and funktronica records. This is a groovy project with some truly amazing standout tracks. But there are still some duds here and there and the overall flow of the record can get a bit lost once you dig deep into the album. Overall, a solid release, and it makes me very excited for what she can do into the future.
Kacy Hill Simple, Sweet, and Smiling3.0
Although this third album sees a more mature sound for the Arizona-born artist, that sound doesn?t come off any better than it did on her last two albums. It?s interesting to see Kacy continue to drench herself deeper into this ambient RnB sound but continually come up short with it. Even with the addition of adult contemporary style instrumentals, this third album can still drag on farther than it should. Not to say there aren?t good tracks on this because there are. Some of the most interesting tracks come on this project but overall, it?s a bit of a sonic mess. Still will always look forward to why she does into the future though as there is always promise with her great singing and interesting experimentation.
Coldplay Music of the Spheres3.0
Let me start by saying ?Coloratura?, the closing track on this album, might go down as one of their greatest songs ever written. The symphonic, progressive, and art-rock combination with space ambient creates a textural dream that only Sufjan Stevens has only ever done. But from there this album is a mixed bag of some decent tracks with some not-so-decent tracks. There are significantly more tracks that I warrant as better than worse, but man you nail the closing track, and that being your lead single really leads me on to them doing something truly explosive. But everything on that track is kind of played safe throughout the album. Plus, all the random interludes feel tacked on for no reason. So overall this is an above-average album with a truly amazing closing track.
Bedouine Waysides3.5
Another very nice chamber and indie singer/songwriter folk album that has some great performances and truly lovely and warm melodies. Although this might not be the most potent record of hers, there is a lot to love about this third album from the Syrian artist.
Fire-Toolz Eternal Home4.5
I have listened to a lot of explorative metal music out there, but there is something about Angel Marcloid?s music that makes it far and above the most unique. Fire-Toolz is less metal and more electronics, but the electronics being used are something I have never seen before. These very explorative and bright utopian virtual pallets are backed by some very explosive and harsh black metal-style screams and blast beats. But it doesn?t stop there the influences of vaporwave, sound collage, and jazz are also in the mix in just different each song can be. But the biggest accomplishment for this album is that Fire-Toolz has been building and evolving this sound since 2015 and finally everything seems to be coming together. In the beginning, this creation was a bit odd and everything seemed forced. Now the sonic landscape, although polarizing to the average listener, is something that creates a must-listen for people who are tired of the same old metal.
Knocked Loose A Tear in the Fabric of Life5.0
One sentence: This new EP from the prolific five-man band sees a brutal take-down of deathcore and metalcore with so much energy and so much skill it?s scary to think how this could actually take over as one of the best in the genre. This EP is perfection in the simplest form, comes in, destroys you emotionally and sonically, and then leaves. What else could you want? But it?s the fine details of field recording as well that take this album over the top for me. Perfect recording, perfect execution, and perfect passing.
Lil Ugly Mane Volcanic Bird Enemy and the Voiced Concern3.5
Don?t get me wrong, this is a really solid release from the Virginia producer and rapper. But this album is pretty much a mess of a listen, and I understand that?s the point, but when half the songs feel like filler, I will take an issue. There are some truly solid Songs on here with brilliant plunderphonic elements and others that are neo-psychedelic bangers. So overall this is a great album but man half these songs just feel so unnecessary.
Sungazer Perihelion4.0
The more I listen to this album the more I am reminded of bands like Polyphia, Animals as Leaders, and especially Plini. However, this album is not really anywhere near progressive rock or metal. That flaring guitar music and mathematical fusion keep this debut album from two YouTube gurus, bassist Adam Neely and drummer/synths Shawn Crowder, help to create a rich and explosive nu-jazz album that holds a lot of great concepts and ideas throughout. There are a lot of wonky and chiptune-style electronics all throughout this album to keep it very intricate and creative. A definite listen if you want something new and exciting in the world of jazz and electronics.
Noah Gundersen A Pillar of Salt2.0
I wish I could say this is a really solid return to form for Seattle-based singer/songwriter. However, Noah continues to fail in comparison to his earlier work even though I can tell on this most recent release he is trying to get back to that. On his fifth album, Noah does a lot better staying focused and getting back to his contemporary folk basics. But this album as a whole only has a few highlights in the middle and the rest of the album feels lost. Many of the tracks are slow-burning, depression busters that don?t have any personality or power to them. Overall, this album is better than his 2019 release, but it?s not much better.
Magdalena Bay Mercurial World4.5
Magdalena Bay's debut album is everything I have ever hoped for from the band, while also completely going above and beyond my expectations; synthpop will never be the same for me from now on. Mica Tenenbaum and Matthew Lewin floored the electronic and synthpop scenes when they came out with their truly timeless mixtape series and 2019 dual EP day/pop and night/pop. However, what also felt off about those outings was the lack of cohesion. On the LA-based duos debut album, they show not only what can happen when all those ideas come together, but show what truly amazing modern synthpop should sound like. Take the lead single ?Secrets (Your Fire)? a folktronica-based nu-disco track that honestly just made Jungle look like a child on how damn groovy and sensual those sounds can be when you pair it over sunny and light synth leads. Not your style, well take the sophisti-pop-inspired Disco track ?Hysterical Us?. The piano melody is so infectious that it?s damn near impossible for it to not be stuck in your head for hours. Maybe you want a pure synthpop banger?well ?Chaeri? might be the one for you. The pulsating drums and hypnotic house grooves build to the most satisfying synth breakdown. I could go on and on and every track, but one, is flawless. I never thought I would see the day where synthpop would be topped, but damn this album is so amazing it?s impossible not to dance to it. The only song that is not top-notch is ?Domino? it falls a little short of what the rest of the album is, but it is still a great chillwave track.
The Alchemist This Thing Of Ours, Vol. 24.0
Can?t wait to make enemies with this but I have to say the quick and simple nature of these EP?s from the legendary producer highlights what makes abstract hip-hop so amazing. Then as soon as the album starts to get stale it?s over. Look I understand the classics of people like MF DOOM and the reinvention of people like Earl Sweatshirt make people love this sound. But, god there are some unnecessary lengthy and boring abstract hip-hop albums out there today, and especially this year. This is a great showing of the campy nature of abstract hip-hop without completely leaving you in the woods. My biggest complaint is ?Flying Spirit? is a weird hardcore hip-hop track in the mix that doesn?t pan out all that well, plus the Vince Staples feature is a bit strange since he doesn?t sound all those great over instrumentals like this. But still a great little EP from the classic producer.
James Blake Friends That Break Your Heart3.5
At this point in James Blake's career, it seems like he is a little bit lost in what he wants to do with his sound. His sound has evolved drastically since his UK garage days in the early 2010s to now encompass a heavy dose of ambient pop and trip-hop. On his fifth album, he doubles down on that ambient pop sound and stripes back on the trip-hop influences. Tracks like ?Famous Last Words?, ?Life Is Not The Same?, ?Coming Back?, and ?Funeral? are all beautifully arranged and orchestrated tracks that blatantly look at sadness in its purest form. I can?t stop listening to them and feeling so cold and isolated and that?s what makes them great. Even tracks like ?Frozen? and ?I?m So Blessed You?re Mine? continue to show that isolation with more bombastic production. However, my biggest complaint with this new album is that James just isn?t changing things up enough on this album, which is weird because normally he is too all over the place. Also, the aesthetic of this album wears thin by the mid-point, and by the back half of the listen I really don?t care to finish it. So overall the best tracks continue to be huge highlights for me, but he continues to not be able to stick the landing.
boylife gelato3.0
A decent little indie RnB & rap album that show cases strong performances but doesn?t sound any different than the ones who have made this sound so famous (i.e., Frank Ocean and Brockhampton). For example, ?bummy? sounds exactly like a Brockhampton track right off their saturation series in 2019. But still, the performances on that track are extremely strong and Ryan Yoo has a wide range of rapping and signing styles which could help him stand out from his obvious influences. Also, the small bits of experimentation could help him also stand out.
Karen Peris A Song is Way Above the Lawn3.5
Nice And airy little chamber and indie folk record that has a lot of great melodies and tracks but doesn?t have much substance after the first few listens. But an interesting perspective for those of us who are well past childhood, what it is like to be a child again.
The World Is a Beautiful Place... Illusory Walls3.0
Although in a lot of ways this is a step forward for what the band has created the last few years, this fifth album from the Midwest emo band is a lot of things, without hitting in anything. It definitely has a lot of those ?Thrice-ism? that one would expect from an alternative and art rock album dabbling in the likes of post-rock and progressive rock. It is also not helped by the behemoth tracks at the end of the record that are some of the worst songs they have ever written. The pacing is off for those tracks and really for most of the album.
Asking Alexandria See What's On the Inside2.5
I remember in high school my senior quote came from one of their songs and although I might cringe at the idea today there is still a lot of power that I resonate with a quote. However, for a band to be one of the trancecore bands of the late 2000s and early 2010s they have come a long way since then, and to be honest this album is a step in the right direction. In no way is this a great or even good album, but for a band who has had more turnovers in the last few years to come out with this is great. The band might never be as good as they were when I was in high school, but at least they are trying to bring some good vibes to their name.
Strand of Oaks In Heaven3.5
Every year there are always some standouts in the heartland rock genre (with the killers newest album being that this year), and the eighth album from the Austin native is another strong showing of what makes heartland rock so great. I can understand that this album, in a lot of ways, might be very typical of the heartland rock sound, but the performances and instrumentals are all extremely powerful and the subtle use of psychedelic pallets makes this a really pleasant album to listen to.
Tirzah Colourgrade2.0
Tirzah Mastin is not exactly the easiest RnB artist out there; I would argue she is probably one of the most experimental when it comes to RnB. The very nature of her music is much in the creation of post-downtempo as it is in minimal wave. Where most experimental RnB artists are taking to the destructive nature of the deconstructed club and/or wonky genres, Tirzah has always been on the other side, using fewer sounds to make powerful statements. However, with that, she also can make tracks that are so unlistenable that it takes into question what the goal of certain tracks is. For example, ?Crepuscular Rays? is this psychedelic Avant-folk (free folk?) piece that really doesn?t go anywhere or built anything. So in a lot of ways, this sophomore record is a giant mess of ideas that sometimes pay off and other times feels like a huge mess.
Frontierer Oxidized4.5
I?ve listened to a lot of metal at this point in my life?like a lot of it. But mathcore has always been a hit-or-miss genre for me. Classic mathcore artists like Botch and Dillinger Escape Plan continue to dazzle me and anyone who can handle the absolutely outrageous nature of their hardcore sounds. But the mid-2000s and early 2010s saw a bit of a drastic shift in mathcore, in that a lot of the hardcore roots were replaced with a more post-hardcore nature. Bands like Every Time I Die, Storm{O}, and the Fall of Troy all started to play with more ?noodly? sounds and much of it is still great but that heaviness was missing. Not to say it was gone from the genre, but I think a lot of bands saw those early artists and just accepted that the sound couldn?t be done any better so they changed direction. However, in the last year or two, we have seen a drastic shift back into the nasty and heavy original nature of mathcore and this third album from the UK band might take the cake as not only bringing back the original sound of bands like Botch and DEP but honestly might have outdone them in the fact that this is so off the walls and so well put together sometimes it?s hard to even think of this as mathcore. Honestly this album borders more on styles of music like noise pop and free jazz. The instrumentals are so glitchy and so loud that it?s hard to imagine how any of it is really playing and you know that is what makes this album so damn great and basically flawless. This is the sound of computers taking over, and the human race trying to disrupt the collapse.
Illuminati Hotties Let Me Do One More3.5
There are definitely more positives to this sophomore record from the LA, Sarah Tudzin, lead band. The first half of the record continues to show the explosive and experimental punk side of the group and shows why they are leading artists in that vein. But the back half is a lot of slow-burning duds that really throw this record off the rails, and not in a good way. Much of the album is very two-sided and I wish it was a little more focused. Slower songs are fine but much of the back half slow songs are just one-dimensional and completely lose my interest.
Bilmuri 400LB Back Squat3.5
Swancore has never sounded so explorative and Bilmuri continues to show why he could branch into new heights with this sound. It might not be perfect, but the wide variety of sounds and ideas keeps the somewhat current stagnant nature of swancore a little bit alive.
Sufjan Stevens and Angelo De Augustine A Beginner's Mind3.0
I have a firm belief that albums like this will get a lot of high ratings because it ?sounds exactly as he used to sound? and that idea is fine when the album really pans out, but for me, this new Sufjan Stevens record is not amazing. Don?t get me wrong I do enjoy several tracks on here and there is a lot of great indie folk ideas and styles littered throughout this album. But much of the sonic ideas have all been done, including by Sufjan himself. Tracks like ?The Piller of Souls?, ?Beginner?s Mind?, and Murder and Crime? are prime examples of somewhat boring indie-folk tracks. However, tracks like ?Reach Out?, ?Lady Macbeth In Chains?, ?Back to Oz?, ?Cimmerian Shade? are great indie-folk ballads with strong performances. Also, there are some interesting experimental tracks that call back to what Sufjan has done in the last few albums, for example, ?You Give Death a Bad Name?. Overall, it?s an above-average listen with some standout tracks, but there are still several skippable tracks that leave me wondering why Sufjan is going back to sounds like that.
Poppy Flux2.5
Although I have really come to love the last few albums and EP?s from the former pop start, this new direction is a bit of a question mark for me. Alternative rock (with a hint of metal) tracks like ?Flux? really leave me with a sour taste in my mouth with how unoriginal it is. But then pop metal banger ?So Mean? with a power pop twist brings back that energy that I expect from Poppy. Even the last few shoegaze and dream pop tracks leave me questioning what Poppy really wanted with this album. Not her best work, but also not her worst.
Badflower This Is How the World Ends3.0
I might not be the demographic for this alternative rock and emo album and the ideas might not be the most original (a whole lot of mid-2000s emo influences), but that doesn?t take away from the fact that the performances and execution of this second album from the four-piece LA-based band are out of this world. If you love bands like AFI, My Chemical Romance, and the Used then you will feel right at home. As much as I do somewhat like this album the influences do run extremely deep and can be extremely distracting. Many of the tracks feel like either the Used or My Chemical Romance copies. But some great tracks laced throughout the album that would be cool to come back to into the future.
Amon Tobin How Do You Live2.0
Westside Gunn Hitler Wears Hermes 8: Side B4.5
On the Buffalo rapper's second album for the year, he hones in on the classic sound he is using but continues to make it his own and show why he might be the top right now from the Griselda boys. The side b project from Westside Gunn?s Hitler Wears Hermes 8 might be a longer project than its predecessor but it is much more focused, explosive, and original with the use of more experimental hip-hop ideas. For now, this is the best album to come out of the Griselda boys this year and it will be hard to top it.
Clarence Clarity Vanishing Act I: No Nouns4.5
Clarence Clarity has always been a highlight in the glitch pop scene with his heavy use of wonky electronics and contemporary RnB lyrics. After some rough patches the last few years he really steps up with a great little EP with a lot of bubblegum bass and plenty of those 90?s feels. Nearly perfect if it wasn?t for the somewhat weak closure.
Invent Animate The Sun Sleeps, As If It Never Was4.5
If the ending of the last song was a little stronger, this would be a perfect EP. Drug addiction is no joke, especially for those who have been struggling with it for years. This new EP from one of the last remaining classic metalcore bands, which doesn?t sound cheesy, tackles that idea and the constant highs and lows of that topic. Plus, it?s backed by smothering screams, heavy djent riffs, and heavy atmospheric synths. Great little EP from the band.
Myles Oliver Forcefield2.5
If you like classic drum and bass, then you will like this new album. Everything about it is dark and bouncy that helps keep the album fresh. But still, there is nothing at all new about this album when it comes to the world of drum and bass and therefore can be boring on a full listen.
Moor Mother Black Encyclopedia of the Air4.5
Moor Mother is back again with her first release this year and man-oh-man did this come out amazing. The abstract hip-hop style beats and production compliment her rapping style. Songs like ?Shekere? have the perfect spoken word rapping style with absolutely beautiful strings in the back. ?Tarot? is a truly great experimental hip-hop track with breathtaking performances and delivery from Moor Mother and Yatta. Just a truly amazing little album that is extremely mellow but lyrically powerful in the way it envelops black culture.
Mild High Club Going Going Gone4.5
Sometimes I feel I only love albums that are emotionally potent or extremely experimental, but I do love some smooth, mellow, and hazy music as well. This third album from the band is exactly that and more. Honestly, I never quite understand the hate of Mild High Club because they are one of the few modern Jazz Pop outfits that create such a rich atmosphere without losing the easy-breezy nature of the sound. Take the first full track ?Dionysian State?, a psychedelic jazz-pop song with great performances, an exquisite saxophone solo, and some great piano playing. This album is littered with sonic gems and memorable melodies that it?s impossible not to bop your head to it.
Lil Nas X Montero4.0
Lil Nas X might be one of the biggest rap artists in the rap landscape today. After coming through with one of the biggest singles ever to hit the airwaves in ?Old Town Road? he stamped his future into the famous life he lives now. This kind of success could easily succumb an artist and lead them to make generic music for the masses. However, Montero?s debut album is anything but that. In one way this is an explosive and expansive hip-hop album that dabbles in pop-rap and contemporary RnB. But in another light, it is an introspective look at what Lil Nas X has been personally going through. The demons he has been fighting mentally and physically. There are some beyond memorable tracks like ?Dead Right Now? and ?Scoop?, but there are also heartfelt ballads like ?Am I Dreaming? and ?Void?. A great listen for anyone who wants some simple and easy rap and RnB music.
Thrice Horizons/East3.5
Probably the best Thrice has sounded in years, and this is coming from someone who only really only likes one classic Thrice album. On the eleventh album for the California band, they continue down their post-hardcore and alternative rock roots with obvious post-grunge elements thrown in from time to time. But the execution and playing are all top-notch all over the record. Plus the melodies and instrumentals are way more catchy than I would have ever imagined for a group doing it as long as they have.
Kyle Dion Sassy2.0
This indie RnB and rap project is not necessarily bad, but it definitely is nothing amazing or good either. There are some decent ideas and styles littered throughout the album, but most of the album is pretty forgettable.
Spiritbox Eternal Blue3.5
Most of this debut album from the Canadian metalcore band is an expansion of what they did on their 2017 self-titled EP. Although this album is far from perfect, for example, there are still some glaring issues of pop-metal tracks that add nothing to the overall landscape of metalcore. But, much of this album is an explosive and mesmerizing post-metalcore album. The opening track ?Sun Killer? shows audiences how versatile they are with impressive ambient synths, explosive vocals from Courtney, and energetic alternative metal and djent riffs. But nothing tops the breakbeat-inspired single ?Holy Roller?. The performances on that track are absolutely out of this world. So there are some truly amazing highlights on this album, but it still is plagued by tracks like ?Yellowjacket? that are really not that interesting and ?Eternal Blue? which is a bland alternative rock track with some post-rock influences.
Eidola The Architect3.5
Have never known why I have had a hard time reviewing Eidola?s discography up till this point. When 2017?s ?To Speak, to Listen? dropped I remember having to listen to it for weeks before I made up my mind and I still don?t know if that review is correct. On the band's fourth album they continue making the typical swancore they have been making since their debut in 2015. Although this album is a solid release in that sound and style, there is really nothing new here for the band and the style. Still, I do love this sound and aesthetic so it is something I will continue to listen to into the future, but it has to be said. Swancore is a dying genre as more explorative and interesting sounds come out of the math-rock style.
Sevyn Streeter Drunken Wordz Sober Thoughtz1.5
Just your run-of-the-mill trap RnB with some decent performances and melodies but wouldn?t stand out from anyone else in the vast world of trap RnB.
Mini Trees Always In Motion4.0
A really solid little indie project with dream-pop leanings. Although the debut album from Lexi is nothing new in the genre, there is always something so mesmerizing about just solid indie music that will always keep me coming back for more whenever I can. Memorable songs and some truly solid songwriting. My biggest complaint is the lack of full originality but there is still something great here.
Don Broco Amazing Things3.0
Injury Reserve By The Time I Get To Phoenix3.0
Well the new Injury Reserve album has finally dropped nearly a year after Stepa J. Groggs death the band has released their sophomore record and it is a bit of a doozie. Honestly, I have been reviewing music for the last four years and have been an avid music fan since middle school, so I have listened to a lot of music in my life, and I have listened to a lot of experimental music in my life. This new Injury Reserve album is honestly the most challenging album I have listened to yet. Nothing about the album is conventional in rap at all, or glitch-hop for that matter. This album is the definition of hell in a sentence. But sometimes this album takes it way too far because there are various tracks that are just unlistenable to me. For example, ?Top Picks for You? is one of the most boring experimental rap tracks I have heard in a while that is so overblown with production that I honestly can?t sit through it. But there are also some huge highlights throughout the album like the single ?Superman That? which is one of the best glitch-hop tracks I have heard ever and ?Smoke Don?t Clear? might be the definition of a deconstructed rap bagger. But overall, this is an okay record with a lot of exploration on it, but some of it I can?t sit through.
Low Hey What4.5
For a band being one of the seminal creators of slowcore in the early ?90s, the now husband and wife group have evolved past their evolutionary roots to continue down the path they started in 2015 with their post-industrial slog-fest ?Ones and Sixes?. However, they grew bolder on their explosive and genre-defining ?Double Negative?. Now on their 13th record, they dive straight into industrial pop and glitch with backing ambient drones and noise that keep you second-guessing yourself. This album is an explosion of sound, without being too much and I absolutely love it for that. ?More? is really the only song that leaves me scratching my head at, but otherwise this is an expansive and explorative avant-pop record that keeps you on your toes the whole time.
Kacey Musgraves Star-Crossed4.0
Not exactly sure where all the hate is coming from on this record. I find the production to be perfectly executed with a rich atmosphere and interesting edits here and there. The lyrics might be silly and goofy but for me, I normally don?t fully focus on the lyrics unless if it is a project that I need to really focus on the lyrics. This new album by Kacey is explorative and experimental for her and I tip my hat to her for doing that. Love most of the album even if the back half is worse than the first half.
Park Hye Jin Before I Die2.0
Well, this debut album from the South Korean producer is leaving a lot to be desired. Here two EP?s had so much life and creativity in them for the house genre that when this LP was announced I was so excited to see how it would turn out. But, not that it is here I wish it wasn?t. The house grooves, for the most part, are dry and uninspired. The vocals are actually extremely annoying on most of the tracks and overtake most of the song when they are on. The only saving grace is there are some highlights littered throughout this album like ?Let?s Sing Let?s Dance? and ?Where Did I Go?.
Sleigh Bells Texis3.0
The two group noise pop band on their fifth album seem to finally figure out their sound, but in some ways, it seems too little to-late in the vast land of pop music now. What I mean is there are a lot of odd parallels that can be made to hyperpop with this kind of sound, aggressive instrumentals, cutesy vocals with somewhat charged lyrics, and experimental song structures. This album has all of that and I am happy for the band to finally figure out this sound. But this idea and concept seem not new anymore and more of a novelty of sounds that have been around a while. Still great performances and playing.
Homeshake Under The Weather2.5
Cute when it is on, underlie unforgettable when the album is over. The very chillwave and bedroom pop feel of this album might be lighthearted and easy on the ears, but there is not enough substance to keep me interested in this album. Which is sad because I have always been a small fan of Peter's music because of how interesting his somber sounds normally are.
Spencer. Are U Down?2.5
Indie rap and RnB are really coming up strong the last year or two with the breakout of people like Frank Ocean and others. Not to say this album is bad, it just seems like an average listening experience of several RnB and rap ideas that I have already heard. Still, there are some strong performances and ideas that could build into a strong career.
Trophy Scars Astral Pariah4.0
This sound and style might be already seen in bands like Dear Hunter, but there is something so explosive about it, and what makes Trophy Scars different than Dear Hunter is their use of more blues-rock, Americana, and gothic country elements than something like baroque pop. Also, this album is nice and short, with only 30-minutes of run time, the concept and ideas is nice and short. Compared to the lengthy projects of Dear Hunter.
I Feel Fine The Cold in Every Shelter3.5
Really great Midwest emo really creates such a strong problem for me because it?s hard not to just instantly give it a high score. But there is actually a lot here for the U.K.-based emo band. On the surface, it is another noodly Midwest emo with group vocals. However deeper down there are elements of jazz and nature recording that add a lot of nuance and subtlety to the explosive album. The playing is absolutely out of this world and most of the tracks are very memorable. Still with all that said, this album still just sounds like a lot of mid to late 2000s Midwest emo worship.
Split End moratorium3.5
Although this might not be the most original Shoegaze project, there is just something so captivating about this EP from the Japanese-based band. So much conviction and energy is portrayed on the album and continues to show that Shoegaze can still be an explosive genre when done right.
Lady Gaga Dawn of Chromatica: The Remix Album3.0
Lady Gaga bringing in the biggest names right now in hyperpop and dance-pop seems like such a cliché, but it?s actually an interesting progression for both Lady Gaga and for those involved in the remixes. Although many of the tracks on here are not the best remixes, there are some true highlights on here (especially for the hyperpop artists included). Specifically ?Stupid Love? remixed by COUCOU CHLOE, ?Rain on Me? remixed by Arca (although it feels like a rehash from their last project), ?Free Women? remixed by clearance clarity, and Rina Sawayama, ?911? by Charlie XCX and A.G.Cook, ?Replay? by Dorian Electra, and especially the masterfully created deconstructed club banger of ?Sine From Above? remixed by Chester Lockhart, Mood Killer & Lil Texas. Interested to see what Lady Gaga does into the future with these newfound connections. However, the other tracks are all pretty unforgettable remixes that just feel like EDM/club bangers with no real life to them.
DJ Seinfeld Mirrors2.5
The sophomore record from the Sweden-born, Spain living, producer and holds the exact same issues I had with his last project. In that, the sonic pallet is smooth and lovely, but as soon as the album is over I have completely forgotten what I just heard. Nothing on this album really sticks with me. In a lot of ways, this is an IDM lover's dream, but it?s missing all the nuance and flair of IDM. It has the future synth leads and the beeps-and-bops but nothing about them sticks out. The progressive nature of the album is too subtle to really make a statement. Mirrors is an overall average electronic album with promising ideas and sounds, but nothing comes together all that well.
Botany Portal Orphanage2.5
If you didn?t tell me I would honestly think this was a b-side to the Avalanches ?Since I Left You? with more glitch-hop influences than their more Dance/Nu-Disco leanings. But, no this is a smaller producer that is heavily influenced by the duo. Still, there are some good ideas on here that make it an interesting listen when it?s on, but nothing too mind-blowing.
Damu The Fudgemunk Conversation Peace3.0
An interesting little throwback to the jazz rap and boom bap NYC scene of the ?90s and it spits you right back into that time nearly immediately. Although the style is outdated at this point, this is still a decent little album that has some modern sounds and styles sprinkled in. Still not an amazing album and definitely leaves you wondering why, but if you like that classic hip-hop sound then go ahead and give it a spin.
Make Sure Ninjutsu2.5
Although the back half of this record definitely outshines the first half in quality, this album still has a lot of generic indie folk- and emo-isms that can be very distracting most of the time.
Nala Sinephro Space 1.83.5
A light, airy, and sometimes hypnotic little avant-garde jazz album that is very reminiscent of artists like Joseph Shabason and even the most recent Floating Points and Pharoah Sanders record (but obviously not as enchanting as that record). This debut album from the U.K.-based jazz composer is a beautiful and short jazz album with a lot of presence and body. My biggest complaint is the pacing seems to be all over the place. Still, I very much look forward to what Nala will do in the future with this idea and style.
Ruby Haunt Watching the Grass Grow3.0
Although this new Ruby Haunt album is nothing to special in its respective genres of dream pop and slowcore, it is still a very pretty album with a lot of pretty instrumental arrangements and solid performance. Album is a tax one-dimensional though with those arrangements and it doesn?t trail off from the general dream pop formula and slowcore vocal performance.
Kanye West Donda2.5
Here we go?Kanye Wests 10th album and after changing the date three times and making his fans wait for ages and hear this album numerous times that changes each time, it?s finally here and the album is better than Jesus is King, but honestly the bottom of the barrel for Kanye?s illustrious career thus far. Not to say there aren?t huge highlights on this album because there are. ?Jail? is an explosive performance by both Kanye and Jay-Z, ?God Breath? might be one of the best experimental and industrial hip-hop songs since 2000, ?Off Grid? is the exact sound that Playboy Carti needs, ?Hurricane? utilizes the dreaminess vocals and style of The Weeknd. Plus much of the ideas and styles are all going in the right direction. But god damn is this album is not the only way too long, but the style gets extremely dry after songs like ?Praise God? and ?Jonah? come in. Also, this really doesn?t feel like a true Kanye record, it feels more like Kanye bringing on artists he likes to be on it. So overall this is not a disappointment, it?s just an average listen.
Tokenai Namae Taimu mashin ga kowareru mae ni2.5
A decent little J-pop noise rock and shoegaze record. Although it?s nothing new for any of those genres and can be a bit stale after the first few sit-throughs of the record.
Trha Endlhëtonëg3.5
Not always my favorite genre in the world, but there is always a fine balance when black metal is done well and this new Trha record has some of the best balance with black metal, dungeon synth, and ambient. Although this is one niche album and really only a handful of people will be able to sit through it, it is great when it is on. Still, some of the production is outright silly, especially when the band randomly starts doing this blackgaze thing but the guitars is so washed out. But still, if you want some distant and cold black metal that sounds like you?re hearing it from outside the gates of hell, this is for you.
Yann Tiersen Kerber4.5
For whatever reason, this new Yann Tiersen record is absolutely breathtaking. The building piano pieces, the explosive and emotional synth leads, and the booming drone that comes in and out is something to not forget. This album might be short and simple, but what is in the album is packed with great ideas and execution that any fan of classical and progressive electronics will find a great little listen.
The Bug Fire3.0
On the new album the UK DJ brings in a lot of big names in the ragga scene and grime scene and this is honestly the first grime and ragga record that I can sit through. The illbient production and base really help this album and creates a haunting and explosive listen. However, the biggest problem with this album is that it is just way too long for not having enough diversity within it. Each song starts to sound the exact same after the first 20-minutes and by the end of this 50-minute album I am about over it.
Leprous Aphelion3.0
Leprous has not changed really at all in the 15-ish years they have been around. They made solid progressive rock and metal and sometimes add the artistic nature that is seen right now in progressive music. This is just another helping of very solid progressive rock and metal music that is good while it?s on, but utterly forgettable in the fast world of this sound and style.
Halsey If I Can’t Have Love, I Want Power3.5
There are many artists that produce a new sound or style that gets me very excited for their future. The one most recent example is the new folk movement of Taylor Swift that complements her style and aesthetic way better than the sugary pop or trap she was working with earlier in the 2010s. Halsey?s new album I don?t believe will follow that trend. I believe she will most likely not stick with this sound into the future and that?s okay. Her new album, produced by Nine Inch Nails Trent and Atticus is a great pop fusion with progressive electronics. Although the album isn?t perfect since the dual nature of it confuses me and the overall progression of the album leaves me wanting more. This is still a great little album for Halsey and although I hope she stays on this path, I feel this album will always be an outlier for her.
Big Red Machine How Long Do You Think It's Gonna Last?2.0
This album had so much potential to be great. Two of the best minds in indie folk right now coming together on their sophomore effort to make a powerful and moving indie folk and chamber pop album. However, this album is drenched in its own irony by being extremely one-dimensional, extremely boring for most of the middle parts, and a lack of use with the wide range of great features. There are some decent tracks littered throughout the project, but mostly this album is a phoned-in showing of why indie folk hasn?t been great this decade.
Alejandro Aranda The Act of Forgiveness4.0
Although I have never followed any of the singing game shows on TV, it?s always fascinating to see where most of the winners end up in the music scene, because most of them go nowhere because they have a lack of inspiration and direction. However, the 2019 season seven American Idol runner-up, Alejandro Aranda, is not, particularly in that group. Although he doesn?t have the biggest following, he deserves to be heard by people because this is one of those: ?once-in-a-generation talents? because his voice is nearly flawless. On this nearly 2 hour album, he explores the vast world of indie and pop music. Most of the project is layered in this chamber-pop instrumentation that is both lush and mesmerizing. While there are later tracks that dabble in jazz fusion and jazz-pop. There is even some playing around with folktronica and electro-pop near the middle of the project. Although the length is a bit much, some tracks just never end when they should, and some of the experimentation near the end of the project leaves me scratching my head, Alejandro brings a dense showing off what one can do if you have some balls to dive into it. Great album with amazing performances, instrumentals, and sonic change-ups.
Jinjer Wallflowers1.5
The fifth album from the four-piece Ukrainian metal band might be a step in the right sonic direction, it still holds on to this blatant issue of being extremely one-dimensional and barely having enough energy to keep it interesting. Don?t get me wrong the playing and performances are fine, it just feels so boring after the first few tracks.
Men I Trust Untourable Album3.5
On their fourth album the band kind of bring it back to basics with what made them somewhat famous in the bedroom pop scene. Untourable Album is a great showing of what great downtempo and dream pop can be like if you know what you're doing. This album is not perfect by any stretch of the imagination, but it does have a lot of bite for something this light.
Between the Buried and Me Colors II3.5
What is there to say about BTBAM that has not already been said. The metalcore has continued to be one of the most interesting metalcore bands in existence and they have continually turned the metalcore genre on its head. But in reality, they also have one of the safest catalogs of albums to ever really do it, which is all fine and dandy until the last decade saw the huge fall of metalcore. So BTBAM?s answer was to change into something new and that new is metalcore with the use of more avant-garde metal ideas like the use of electronics, jazz, and various kinds of world music. They continue that idea on their sophomore outing in the ?Colors? name and their 11th album to date. This album is a lot to digest. Progressive metal melodies and riffs, with metalcore screams and breakdowns, and avant-garde metal wankery laced throughout the project. And for the most part, this album comes off really well, but it is also over-bloated and for the most part, the avant-garde nature of the project doesn?t quite fit many of the times. This album is very much flipping back and forth and doesn?t incorporate anything all that well. But most of what is here is very good if not great.
Calva Louise Euphoric2.5
The more I listen to this album the more I can?t sit through it. The noisy alternative rock instrumentals start to get very repetitive the more I listen to this sophomore album from the UK-based band. Don?t get me wrong there are some decent ideas on this project, but most of it just seems like boiler-plate noise and alterative rock with some power pop thrown in there to make it more?energetic? I guess.
Deafheaven Infinite Granite4.5
This year seems to be the year of shoegaze for me, there is a lot of amazing shoegaze releases coming out this year and the brand new Deafheaven may take the cake, and it?s not like this project is anything new in the genre. If you have never listened to Deafheaven then welcome, they basically did the one thing any old school fan of black and death metal said you should never do, make death and black metal about the music and not about the brutality. 2018?s ?Ordinary Corrupt Human Love? made it to number 8 on my list that year and for obvious reason, it was the grandest and explosive blackgaze the band had ever made. Blackgaze is their invention and it?s what made them not only stand out from the black metal and shoegaze scene but transcended both and opened the flood gates for black and death metal to be explored into more avant-garde and artists ways than it was originally theorized it shouldn?t. But all great things must come to an end and the writing was on the wall for the end of blackgaze and Deafheaven saw that coming so they are in search of their new sound. ?Infinite Granite? is not the new sound they are looking for, I know they will do something new when it comes time to it. ?Infinite Granite? is sort of a closing of a chapter album for the band and it is an almost flawless showing-casing of it. As blackgaze graduates to more electronic and ambient directions, Deafheaven will search for a new place to turn some heads in?and I can already hear it being hopefully in a more ambient direction.
quickly, quickly The Long and Short of It3.5
Both a powerful alternative RnB project with a nu-jazz flair to it that makes me keep coming back for more while falling short on a lot of expectations when it comes to both styles and sound. This is a nifty little project from the Portland electronic producer turned jazz artist. He was recently signed by one of the biggest experimental electronic labels (Ghostly International) so there was a lot of reason to love this project and in a lot of ways, this is a great release. Great instrumentals, great ideas, and concepts, and really great performances. But there is something about this album that leaves me wanting more. There seems to be not enough of anything.
dvsn and Ty Dolla $ign Cheers to the Best Memories3.0
Although this new album from the new modern RnB artists is very far from perfect, there are some truly great tracks on here. Although the album is a hit-or-miss kind of project, the tracks that do hit (?Memories?, ?Somebody That You Don?t Know?, ?Better Yet?, and of course ?Wedding Cake?, even the track with Mac Miller is solid). Definitely a project that the average person will love, but laces a little to be desired but some great slow bangers.
Alora Crucible Thymiamatascension3.0
Post-rock has always been a kryptonite genre for me. Many of the classics in the genre immediately put me to sleep, but the sound as a whole is growing on me as I become more and more enveloped in the nuances of it. This debut album from the Connecticut-based artist is an exploration of the post-rock sound and style of God Speed but without all the sound collage and field recording. Instead, it?s a new-age classical piece with somewhat progressive drones. Although to most this is a one-dimensional listen, there are some beautiful ideas on here. Those ideas might not be flushed out fully, this is still decent listen if you want some light yet vast music that puts you in the headspace of the distant past.
Cartel Madras The Serpent & The Tiger3.5
Although this new Canadian rapper has a lot more progress to be made the rich influences do not make deter from this great little debut album. The influences might be somewhat obvious, and distracting, Cartel really has some great ideas from all her influences and could mark herself into the future if she stays on the track she is on. From the booming trap beats of ?Fear & Loathing?, ?The Green Scare?, and ?Drift?, to the more hip-house beats of ?Lavender Nightz?, ?Dream Girl Concept?, and ?Contraband?. This album might be obviously two-sided, but both sides somewhat shine.
Argo Nuff annebolyn3.0
There are a lot of great ideas littered throughout this ambient post-rock and dreampunk record. However, the biggest downfall for me is the length. Many of the songs go on for far too long and there is not enough texture gradience across the record to wart the 37 minutes run time. The album somehow feels blotted because of that fact. Still, there are some really great ideas and sound designs on here for those who want some hypnogogic pop tinted post-rock and dreampunk.
Jungle Loving in Stereo3.5
Jungle has been one of those duos that have always had the potential to be a truly amazing band, but can never quite nail a release. On their debut album, they had all the moving pieces for a great sophomore release. Their sophomore release had some truly incredible singles on it, but as a whole listen it was a mixed bag. On their third outing, however, they seem to be more consistent with everything being pretty good if not great. But there is no real stand-out track other than maybe ?All of the Time?.
Still Woozy If This Isn’t Nice I Don’t Know What Is3.0
When I first heard this band my very first instinct is ?well they seem like target brand Glass Animals?. The fun and sunny indietronica beats and melodies and the free-flowing indie style lyrics are in some cases nonsense and in other ways lyrical marvels. However with Glass Animals kind of leaving this sound for whatever they are doing now Still Woozy kind of fills that bubble. In a lot of ways, this is kind of a copy-paste of ?How to Be a Human Being? with some more bedroom pop editing and production that makes it stand out. Still, this album is definitely not great, but it is good for what it is.
The Killers Pressure Machine4.0
In a lot of ways, this is the album that Brandon Flowers has always wanted to make and now that he finally has done it, for the most part, it pays off. The new Killers album is an interesting concept album that blatantly looks at the flaws within small towns in rural America. For someone who currently lives in one of those small towns because of my Ph.D. work, I kind of took this a lot differently than I think I normally would when I lived in the city. This album was a reminder that these people love to believe they are ?simple and quiet towns, where nothing bad happens?, but when you strip that back you see the heartache of loneliness, lost dreams, and forgotten passions. This is all backed by some powerful heartland rock and contemporary folk music. There is also some very interesting fake ?interview? snippets of fictional townspeople of the fictional town ?Zion?. Reminds me a lot of the ?Eraserhead? soundtrack with its haunting drone and ambiance. My only complaint is that ?Terrible Thing? is one of the driest contemporary folk tracks I have heard in a while and the Phoebe Bridgers feature leaves a lot to be desired.
Benny The Butcher Pyrex Picasso3.0
All I really have to say about this new Benny the Butcher EP is that it is above average, but in the grand scheme of this gangsta, rap revival is that it?s nothing that special. Some great tracks and some unforgettable ones.
Boldy James and The Alchemist Bo Jackson2.5
I was kind of hoping a bit more from this new Boldy project. His record last year was one of the more memorable from the Rap albums last year and was one of my top for Griselda style releases that year. However, on this new album, the beats and progression of the album feel so one-note. For one of the more one-dimensional rappers on Griselda, I wish the beats had more to them than the very abstract hip-hop-like beats.
Brandee Younger Somewhere Different3.0
A solid jazz album with a lot of strong playing and melodies, but lacks a lot of memorable tracks that will keep me coming back for more. This is a pretty common jazz album when it?s all said and done with some lovely harp playing throughout most of the album that does give it some bite, but it?s still kind of okay when it?s on and then when it?s over I?m glad to be done with it.
Fawn Limbs Darwin Falls4.5
What a drastic change of pass for one of the fastest-growing bands in grindcore and mathcore. Last year there explosive and glitchy album just made it on my top 50 because of how punishing of a listen the album was. On their new album, they keep that punishing and brutal sound, but layer it in a much more avant-garde metal direction with the use of spoken word, ambient drones, and sinister saxophone and trumpet. For a while now dark jazz and ambient have always been more of a videogame accouchement than a full musical style. However, there are some examples of it being used for truly breathtaking albums and this could be one of the most interesting fusions. It?s interesting because dark jazz and ambient have been used in various other extreme metal genres like black metal and folk metal (and sludge metal), but something about this new album sounds nothing like those and it is really exciting to see this band progress to such a great new level.
Lingua Ignota SINNER GET READY4.5
Kristin Hayter, better known as Lingua Ignota, is one of the most important and polarizing musicians in the neoclassical darkwave and death industrial genres. On her debut album ?All Bitches Die? she shows off her complete brutality with its harrowing and mind-melding drones and electronics, while also showing off her peaceful side with the classical influence. On her sophomore outing, she continues down this path on ?Caligula? one of the defining statements in those two genres in a long time. On her third release, we see Kristen take a massive step back from her harsh electronic background to bring a full neo-classical darkwave and Avant-folk project that borders the line between a religious experience and a hellish masterpiece. On this new album, the darkness is not turned down at all, but it?s all backed by a huge amount of Christian imagery and sounds that paint a conflicting consciousness on religion and loneliness; the loss of faith while trying to understand faith from a new lens. Although I don?t find it to be a perfect record because of how campy the whole thing can be, still one of the most intense and interesting releases thus far this year.
Hippo Campus Good Dog, Bad Dream1.0
Yikes?as a long-term fan that has been following them since my freshman year of undergrad, this is one embarrassing release for the band. All five tracks are completely forgettable plus all the tracks seem like a cash grab at the current trends of the indie tik-to scene. I really hope the band comes through with better material into the future because they have always stuck out to me as one of the better indie acts right now.
Tinashe 3333.5
Although the fifth full-length album from Tinashe is a bit blotted in nature and sonically all-over-the-place, it is a great showing of the current RnB landscape. If you want to hear every single sound and style seen right now in the RnB scene then this album is for you and Tinashe executes most of this album extremely well.
SUNMI 1/62.5
This new EP from the K-pop outfit is not a bad album, but it?s also not a good one. A lot of the usual tropes that plague these kinds of releases are littered through this album and there are really only two decent tracks (?SUNNY? and ?Call?).
Foxing Draw Down the Moon3.0
Was pleasantly surprised by this new Foxing record because they have always been the bottom-of-the-barrel indie music for me but they really stepped up and took on some more experimental sounds and styles that fit their fun-loving sound. Still, this album is somehow blotted and the front half is much stronger than the back half.
Pink Siifu GUMBO'!3.0
The new album from the Alabama native is an intense and lush family anthem with groovy jazz instrumentals, heavy-hitting trap beats, and abstract style lyrics and vocals. However, this album is pretty unforgettable when you are done listening to it. This is one of those albums that when it is on it is a lovely little backdrop and have some great ideas, but once it?s over (if not once you get through 3/4th of it) you kind of forget what you just heard of plus you are pretty over the album. Each track eventually starts to sound to similar and there really isn?t a lot to make this stand out from the obvious Kendrick and Earl influences that are in this project.
Bleachers Take the Sadness Out of Saturday Night3.0
I?m having a hard time summing up this album. The fourth album from the renowned producer and multi-instrumentalist Jack Antonoff is both a powerful and introspective look at his life and how much he has fucked up his relationships while also reflecting on how much he loves his current life. These concepts are laced between two core sounds, contemporary and chamber folk and heartland rock and maybe that?s my biggest gripe with this album is that it is all over the place. ?91? is a weird intro track that has beautiful strings but builds to nothing. ?Chinatown?, although at first not my favorite track, grew on me and is one of the more focused tracks on here with that strong heartland rock vibe. ?How Dare You Want More? is a true play on a Vampire Weekend track with more ?jazzzzzzz?. ?Big Life? is a weird indie-pop track mixed with groove pop of the 80s. Then from there, we get this huge change of direction with ?Secret Life?. However, my biggest complaint is the raw production laced throughout this album. Much of the album feels like a live album?but recorded through a hollow tube because everything seems so quiet and far away. Still, with all those complaints this is a fun album to put on and listen to, kind of.
Billie Eilish Happier Than Ever4.5
Isaiah Rashad The House Is Burning3.5
A really great sound, from one of the worst TDE products. Isaiah Rashad being on top dog still kind of surprises me because of how one-dimensional of a rapper (both flow-wise and lyric-wise) he is and that issue continues to shine on this new album. However, where that issue is washed over is on the instrumental pallet of this record. Some of these songs have such strong cloud rap instrumentals that it?s easy to get lost and mesmerized by them. For example, ?True Story? is such a dreamy instrumental and the features truly make this album great. Overall this is a pretty strong release for Isaiah with some strong tracks and better rapping than off his debut, but he still sits at the bottom of the barrel for TDE.
Yola Stand For Myself3.5
A truly breathtaking a powerful soul and country album that basically gives the middle finger to all those red-neck country artists and I am all for it. Although not every track on here is amazing and I still am not the biggest country fan, this album hits harder than most and it?s easy to see why. Extremely well-performed vocals, classic country and soul melodies, and intriguing and explosive lyrics.
Jelani Aryeh I've Got Some Living To Do2.0
Not to say this album is bad by any means, but it is one of the most common and generic indie records I have heard yet this year. Plus, the huge amount of frank ocean influence can be utterly distracting for most of the short runtime. But Jelani is a fabulous singer and I think with some sonic exploration I think he could become something great just like how Choker did a few years ago.
Dave East and Harry Fraud Hoffa2.5
An average gangsta-rap and jazz rap album that has a hard time sticking out from the greats. Every time this album comes up I kind of dread sitting through it and the more I listen to it the more I realize why. The rapping can be one-dimensional, most of the time the features either blow him out of the water or add nothing. The Harry Fraud beats are exceptional, but that is the only saving grace of this album. So the most you will get out of this album are the interesting instrumentals with some decent tracks here and there.
LUMP (UK) Animal2.0
Although this avant-pop album has a lot of experimental bits and pieces laced throughout it. As a whole listen to this album, and frankly this duo, still don?t quite know what they want this to be. For example, the intro track ?Bloom At Night? is an indietronica and neo-psychedelic based track with lovely little chamber pop melodies, but the flow of the track seems so stagnet. ?Gamma Ray? has a true to form Julia Holter vocal freak out near the end of the track, but everything else is a mess instrumentally. ?Animal? is a one-dimensional indie pop and folktronica ballad with these truly bizarre synth chimes that feel so out of place. ?Climb Every Wall? is so painfully boring that I can?t with the damn track?, ?Red Snake? is a soothing and pretty ballad though. I could keep going but I really don?t find this album that good. The avant-pop bits are interesting enough to keep you listening, but the vocal performances and typical indie instrumentals leave this album so dry and boring that it?s tough to sit through. This is sad because Laura Marling is one of the better contemporary folk artists and Mike Lindsay is?well he exists.
Low Roar maybe tomorrow...4.5
The fifth album from the somewhat renowned Polish band Low Roar is back with one of their most ambient releases to date and man does it hit hard. This album is like if you took the space ambient and indietronica parks of Sufjan Stevens, laced it with the psychedelic nature and build of a Pink Floyd album, and topped it with angelic vocals like classic Coldplay, then you have this new album. ?maybe tomorrow?? summed up is an acceptance of losing hope and remembering that you control what you control and nothing else. A nifty little album that any fan of surreal and lush albums needs to hear.
John Glacier SHILOH: Lost For Words3.5
For a debut album from the UK artists, this is a strong one. A lot of great experimental bits and pieces to this album and it comes together fairly nicely. However, the brevity of this project makes it feel kind of too simple for its own good. But I have to say that John really could make a good run if they explore more into this sound and style because the use of experimental electronic elements makes this stand out more than normal.
Horsey Debonair4.0
Although out of all the UK post-punk debuts that have been released this year, and this being the worst, this is by no means a bad album; this is actually a superb album. However, the biggest complaint I have with this release is that although the sound and style are extremely unique and clever, it could use the most work. Some of the tracks on here are truly amazing and hit extremely hard and the jazz-rock influence really hits heavy on the album. Also, the huge King Krule influence (great feature too) makes it that much better, and I hope they continue to explore this dark sound. Would be cool to see them do a bit of baroque pop since they are hitting that cabernet vibe pretty hard. But still a really amazing listen and probably some of the darkest lyrics from all the releases in this style thus far could be a grower when it?s all said and done.
Leon Bridges Gold-Diggers Sound1.5
Brittany Howard Jaime Reimagined3.5
I was a huge fan of her debut album in 2019, and the Alabama Shakes lead artists continue with a remix project of that album. Although this might not be consistent by any stretch of the imagination, almost all of the remixes change the original songs in a tasteful and meaningful way. From the addition of great rapping and jazz rap instrumentals of ?Goat Head?, to the very Childish Gambino instrumental overall of ?Stay High?. There are some even stand out tracks that are much better than their originals, ?Short and Sweet? (Bon Iver?s remix) is a post-minimal and folktronica take on the original track, ?Tomorrow? is a charming and energetic jazz take, and ?Stay High again?? is a hip-house rager that really stands out as one of the best remixes ever. Although there are some average remixes here and the opening track really begs the question if it should have been put on here, this is a great little album.
Capstan Separate2.5
Nostalgia is fun and all for a little bit and this album is filled with that classic warp tour post-hardcore and metalcore sound that anyone who grew up on that early 2010?s sound knows what I am talking about. However, this album is fairly underwhelming when it is all said and done, and this sound hasn?t sounded good since I left high school. Metalcore has a bright future and its bands like this are keeping it stuck in the past.
Molly Burch Romantic Images3.5
The newest Molly Burch album is a soft yet full indie rock album with a lot of great performances and instrumentals. However, the more I listen to it the less interested I am in the sound. It probably has to do with how one-dimensional this album truly is the more you listen to it. Slow jazz drums, jangly guitars, angelic vocals, and synth chords laced throughout the track start to all meld together into a 40-minute album. Still, it?s a great little listen when it?s on, but it definitely could be better.
Darkside Spiral3.5
This is an impressively deep and rich art rock and neo-psychedelia record with impressive experimental elements. But, this is also a record with a whole lot of experimentation that really doesn?t seem all that necessary. There are a lot of truly breathtaking and mind-bending musical progressions and movements on this project, but some of the tracks kind of build into nothing. When I remember that this is Nicolas Jaar we are talking about I am reminded why his music is so impressively rich while also being increasingly patient testing. Still, many of the tracks here are very impressive and have a great melody to them. Just always wish there was something more to his music. I will say this could grow on me if I continue to listen to it?big if.
Alexis Marshall House of Lull. House of When2.5
After the breathtaking and mind-blowing ?You Won?t Get What You Want? from his original band Daughters, I was actually excited to see what the lead singer would do on his debut solo project. On one side of this project, it is an avant-garde poetic expression of anxiety and depression dipped in crippling industrial guitars, tribal drums, and noise. On the other hand, this is an utter mess for wanting to be an utter mess. This is one of those albums that feels like modern art, a statement piece on something that no one will understand. In the small, yet rich, community of this style of sound (Uboa, Lingua Ignota, Prurient, etc.) Alexis really doesn?t stand out in any way.
Nothing But Thieves Moral Panic II4.0
Well, today is an unexpecting day?there is a Nothing But Thieves album that not only blew me away but is a really strong hard rock record. I have never been a Nothing But Thieves fan and that is probably because when I worked at my college radio station their songs were constantly on-air and drove me insane. However, going back to them now their debut and sophomore have never quite stuck with me like they have other people. But when their 2020 album was released, I was reminded why hard rock has been dying ever since the 2010s. But this new EP has a lot of energy and power within the tight five tracks. Although it might not be anything original, this is still a hell of a listen from front to back. My least favorite is the closing track that really doesn?t build to anything.
Samia Scout3.0
Samia will continue to be better than a lot of her indie pop and dream pop contemporaries. But this new EP really isn?t the direction she needs to be going down. Her debut album ?The Baby? was a light and fun album, but this is a one-dimensional and somewhat lifeless listen. Still, there are some good ideas on each track and it?s not unlistenable.
Mega Bog Life, and Another4.0
A really solid six-album from one of the more one-dimensional art pop acts. Erin has been around for a while either under her Mega Bog pseudonym or her iji pseudonym. But her music regardless of the name has always been a wanna-be Kate Bush with a mix of Julia Holter and Fionna Apple. However, on her new album, Erin definitely distinguishes herself from her contemporaries in that she brings in a lot more Brazilian pop music influence. The style and change of pace for her is a breath of fresh air and makes this a really great album to listen to. The only glaring issue with the project is that when the sophisti-pop horns aren?t there, and neither is the psychedelic guitars those tracks can be a bit dry.
clairo Sling4.5
I think I have the hot take of the year with this one?this sophomore project from Claire?s solo project Clairo, is a more centered, focused, realized, and executed record than the most recent St. Vincent project. On claire's mature ?Sling? we are taken through a wide range of folk and jazz genres, while always staying within the vocal style and flair that make all Claire?s projects so good. From the soft rock and jazz pop intro to the chamber folk and funk ?Amoeba?. This album is a huge nod to Claire?s biggest influence Joni Mitchell, and she celebrates that without going overboard like the St. Vincent project does. My only complaint is that ?Joanie? would have been a much stronger closer than ?Management?, but otherwise this is a near-flawless album.
Willow Smith Lately I Feel Everything3.5
Pop Punk does seem to be having a bit of resurgence in the mainstream as of late and I am all for it. Although this album is not breathtaking by any means. Willow does create this angsty, energetic, and somewhat political album that has a lot of heart and power that any fan of pop punk or alternative music at all will probably enjoy this.
jodi Blue Heron3.0
Singer, Songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist Nick Levin shares a new solo album under his new alias Jodi and it is both heart-wrenching sad, musically minimal, and stylistically stale. Although there are some really bright spots laced throughout this very slowcore-inspired album, the best parts of the album are the alternative country elements that make their way on some of the tracks. Still, several tracks weigh down this project with their extremely minimal yet horribly executed tracks that feel out of place. This is a lot like if girlpool met Red House Painters/Sun Kil Moon and left out the energy and storytelling of both.
Lucid Express Lucid Express4.0
This is one of those albums that I know might not be the greatest and best in one genre, but what it lacks in originality it makes up for in pure joy, simplicity, and execution. This debut album from the five-piece Chinese band is all that plus a little bit more with its use of chillwave properties to layer this already dreamy album to a beachy dreamy album. This album feels like a nice hot walk on a sunsetting beach with the waves just gracing your toes. My biggest complaint is that it can be one-dimensional all the way through, but the album is just shy of 40 minutes so it?s not that big of a deal.
Yves Tumor The Asymptotical World4.5
This is honestly more of what I wanted Tumor?s last project to be. Explosive, noisy, punk, and RnB. This new EP in many ways is entirely different from their last project and stands on its own as nearly a masterpiece because of the ray of sounds and styles laced throughout the six tracks. Post-Punk is very much seeing a resurgence in the hip-hop and RnB community right now and it?s breathtaking to see it happen. My biggest complaint is that the closing track has an odd spoken-word piece that leaves the album on a sour note.
Gang of Youths Total Serene1.5
When 2017?s ?Go Father in Lightness? came out it actually blew my mind at the time, and still honestly blows me away. Something about the arena rock bounce of the drums, the potentially honest lyrics, and the dense amount of chamber and indie influences. So, I had actually high hopes for this EP, and damn was this not good. Starting with an average indie and arena rock banger. Then going to a slow-burning snoozer, and finally finishing with a chamber rock ballad like those from the late ?90s that goes nowhere. In a lot of ways, these seem like thrown-out B-sides from their last album?which is sad since it?s been four years since that.
Zerbrechen / Acasia marquis de sade / machiavelli split2.5
Although this double album from the two Chilian producers showcases a lot of great ideas in the grand scheme of dark ambient, drone, and noise music. None of those textures really come to form throughout the whole listen. Don?t get me wrong this is still a good album and there are some haunting highlights like ?perdon? but there is just not enough here to really enjoy the record fully.
Vince Staples Vince Staples3.0
The California-based rapper, after a long wait, has finally released his 4th album and in a lot of ways, it seems like a step down towards a stronger future. On the intro ?Are You With That?? you are shown the exact sound you will be presented on this short 22-minute album. Minimal synth backgrounds, heavy trap beats, and a relatively ?easy? (if not at points lazy) flow. There are some solid tracks on here, but as a whole, this album leaves me with my head-scratching. Not really sure what Vince wanted from this project, however, there is something here that I hope he builds on into the future and creates a nearly minimal rap album.
Tkay Maidza Last Year Was Weird, Vol. 33.5
Definitely nowhere close as good as the second volume in this name, but the shift in sound and style is a breath of fresh air and I hope she continues to explore this post-rap RnB-inspired combo that artists like Tyler the Creator are also exploring. Not to say there are any skippable moments, but the overall pace of the album is a bit wild. For example, ?Syrup? and ?So Cold? are right next to each other and they couldn?t be more opposites. Still great samples, production, and execution. Even the more experimental tracks like ?High Beam? and ?Kim? have a lot of promise.
IDK USee4Yourself3.5
IDK has always been a part of my group of rappers who have a lot of promise and are slowly coming to that promise but every release continues to show why they aren?t great yet. Although this album is full of summer bangers and a really great Westside, MF Doom, and Jay Electronica feature. This album still has its moments of unnecessary interludes and filler tracks that add nothing. But there are some truly memorable beats and flows all over this project. My really strong negative is the amount of late 2000 Kayne influences is really distracting especially on the first few tracks.
Half Waif Mythopoetics2.0
On the fifth album, the band takes a bit of a sonic detour from what they are traditionally known for to do a more atmospheric and simple art pop album and in many ways, the risk does not pay off. There are decent bits here and there, but most of this album is extremely average with entirely forgettable tracks that go nowhere or build to nothing. Hopefully, the band doesn?t stick to this sound forever because it doesn?t quite work for them.
Rejjie Snow Baw Baw Black Sheep3.5
Although this might not be the most original sound or style, there is something super charming and exciting about this album. The simple but memorable jazz rap beats remind me of a Noname, and the lyrics have an at-home feel to them. A great little project if you want some light-hearted and fun-sounding rap with a reflective nature to it.
Bulb Moderately Fast, Adequately Furious4.0
I don?t care what anyone else thinks, Misha Mansoor (lead guitarist of Periphery) has some truly breathtaking and terrific ideas. In terms of metal and djent music, he probably is the biggest and brightest, and this new album from him continues to show this. From the brutal djent and metalcore intro to post-rock inspired ?Echo-Teuffel?. There are even some electronic tracks thrown in, from the trance-inspired dream pop track with his brother ?Far Too High? and the techno-inspired ballad of ?Upload Apathy?. There is a lot here and most of it, other than the closing track, are superb tracks that are extremely well written, played, and executed.
Seiko Oomori Persona #14.5
One of the most fun listens I have had in a while and a truly great album if you want some J-Pop bangers to rock to this summer. Although sonically this album is all over the place, the strong sense of fun, bright, and energetic tracks make this a really great listen. From the future bass intro of ?PERSONA? to the city pop bangers of ?EIGAWOMITEYO?, AND ?WHO IS BABY?, and even some jazz pop melodies of ?JUUYONSAINO OSHIETE?. A truly breathtaking listen and a continual showing of why Japan is coming out with some of the best music.
sonhos tomam conta Hypnagogia4.0
The second album for the Brazilian artists and without a doubt they are playing with more sounds and ideas than on their last full length (which I really liked). This album tries to fuse elements of blackgaze with not only emo but with dreampunk. Dreampunk is a rather odd offshoot of vaporwave in which you are basically creating ethereal wave-type landscape reminiscent of ambient or drone but doing it with heavily manipulated music samples. Sonhos tomam conta really pulls it off full force and although I think the opening two tracks dampen the rest of the album, once this album picks up it picks up. Great execution, heart-wrenching lyrics, and explosive instrumentals.
Nick Murphy (fka Chet Faker) Hotel Surrender3.5
It?s been some time since Nick Murphy has released any music under the Chet Faker alias, specifically 7 years since his mix bag of a sophomore record ?Built on Glass?. However, he has been busy under his own name for the last two years. But all the releases up to now have had the same issue of being wildly underwhelming other than a handful of tracks (normally the released singles). ?Hotel Surrender? had the promise to be the exact same issue, but something about this album feels not only well-executed but well balanced with the very indietronica and trip-hop/downtempo beats. Plus, his vocals and singing are great on top of that. There is really not a single bad track on here, but the album overall has a hard time fully sticking with me.
Adjy The Idyll Opus (I-VI)4.0
The sophomore record from the six-piece North Carolina-based band sees them revamping their sound from their debut 2013 album ?Grammatology?. Keeping with the artistic side of that album and lacing it with rich chamber folk instrumentals and powerful midwest emo lyrics and guitar fills. Although this album is way too long for its own good, what is presented here is extremely strong and powerful. Influences are rich, but not distracting, the sound is lovely and bright without going overboard, and the playing is top-notch all over the record. My only other complaint is the album can be too similar after a while which can be a bit of a downer after an hour.
Lightning Bug A Color of the Sky4.5
Not going to lie, I am still having a tough time rating this album. I have listened to it over a dozen times, and I can?t quite pinpoint what makes this album so special. Maybe it?s the super dreamy (nearly ambient) synth pallets that most of this album is based in. Maybe it the folk/country guitars and chord progressions laced on top of those synths, maybe it?s the art pop direction the band is leaning. It could be a lot of things, but I know that this album is extremely well put together, well-performed, and nearly a perfect listen from front to back.
Amenra De Doorn3.0
There is a lot of good to be had on this metal project, however, there is also a lot to be desired. Some of the track?s hits really heavy and the screamo influences have a resonating ring to them. But some of the tracks also lack a lot of what makes the better part of this album better. Just an inconsistent showing, but better than average.
Modest Mouse The Golden Casket3.5
I never thought that I would see the day where Modest Mouse made a comparable record to their early releases. Well, here it is, the legendary six-piece Washington band comes through with some of their strongest performed, strongest written, and fun sounding tracks in a long time. Is the album perfect, far from it the length of the album is not justified and some songs hit harder than others. But for a summer listen the indietronica vibes and light sprinkling of post-punk revival make this a really exciting and explosive album.
Lucy Dacus Home Video4.0
Although the back half of the album has a few duds, most of this album is a lyrically potent journey through life reflection and acceptance while sitting in some of the strongest indie instrumentals that I have heard in a while. In a lot of ways, this is a more mature sound than Julien Baker, but Julien has a little bit more going in the instrumental direction. Still, a really strong showing and a must-listen.
Caroline Shaw and So Percussion Let the Soil Play Its Simple Part3.0
On first listen my very first inclination is this is a more ?classical? Fiona Apple, however on deeper listens this is a lot stronger of an artist statement than a Fiona Apple. This is on par with some Julia Holter-type avant-garde pop. From the very minimal instrumental of ?To the Sky? to the stripped down and abstract ABBA cover of ?Lay All Your Love On Me? this is a wild listen. However, not all of the album sticks the landing, especially the very annoying style of ?Let the Soil Play Its Simple Part? or the progression of ?A Veil Awave Upon the Waves?. Still some good tracks on here, but most of it is a bit of a mind-numbing listen when you really dive into it.
The Marias Cinema4.5
Wow wow wow! On first listen this seems like a light and airy indie and synthpop lead album with very singer/songwriter and RnB tendencies. However, this album is much more than that and the debut album from the LA-based artist is something to take in full if you want an explorative and intricate pop album that is laced with many sub-genres of indie and art pop that it?s hard to pin down. My only complaint is that some songs do read very much like a Billy Eilish track, but man I can?t wait to see this budding musician create spectacular music in the future.
Doja Cat Planet Her1.5
Never had such a hard time listening to an album. It?s tough because Doja Cat can create some explosive and energetic singles but can never make a coherent album with good bangers across the board. ?Kiss Me More? carries this album so hard.
Tyler, the Creator Call Me If You Get Lost4.0
Although the new Tyler the Creator album is far from perfect, it is an exquisite showing of what you should do once you have worked so hard to finally get to the top. CMIYGL is honestly a victory lap album for Tyler. All the work and hardship he has had and gone through to achieve the level of statis he has accumulated has finally paid off. On the opening track ?SIR BAUDELAIRE? we are shown the braggadocios nature that this album will carry through the rest of the album and it's well deserved. Some of the biggest bangers of Tyler?s career show up on this album: ?WUSYANAME?, ?HOT WIND BLOWS?, ?MANIFESTO?, ?JUGGERNAUT?, and ?LUMBERJACK?. However, there are still songs on here that feel extremely out of place ?SWEET/I THOUGHT YOU WANTED TO DANCE?, ?BLESSED?, and especially ?WILSHIRE? (some of the worst production I have heard in a while, it?s unliftable if you have any kind of quality headphones). Still a really great album with so much greatest (especially the first half).
L'Rain Fatigue4.0
A really stacked and stellar neo-psychedelic soul album with one major flaw; the interludes are too much and really add nothing to the album other than to remind you that this is a ?sound collage? album. Still, most of the tracks on here other than the interludes and the closer are all-powerful psychedelic and hypnagogic soul melodies with such strong soul performances that it really feels like L?Rain is singing right there next to you.
Sault (UK) Nine3.5
After a pretty steeler 2020, the UK group is back with some more instrumental cuts than what they did on their last albums. However, that doesn?t detract from the great flair that the group provides, and this album is full of some great tracks. Still not a perfect album and it has a bit of a bumpy middle section compared to the beginning and end. But still a strong little album.
beabadoobee Our Extended Play2.0
Absolutely loved the early 2000s tint of ?Fake It Flowers?, but something about this EP rubs me the wrong way. Maybe it?s the extremely heavy 1975 influence laced through every track. How ?Cologne? is really the only memorable song (other than maybe ?Last Day On Earth?). Or even how the album just feels like c-sides from the last album (even worse than b-sides, especially since ?He Gets Me So High? feels like an unfinished song). Not a whole lot of good for this new EP, but there is still hope for a better future.
Ulla Limitless Frame2.5
There are some great ambient tracks on here with a lot of soothing field recording samples. However for most of the project, the tracks have very little going for them and once a good song comes on, I am already pretty over the album.
Backxwash I LIE HERE BURIED WITH MY RINGS AND MY DRESSES4.0
The more I listen to this album the more I love it. The horrorcore political lyrics, the dark synthesizer, the explosive trap beats, the droning drones, and the energetic rapping from backxwash. She is really making a name for herself with this extremely sinister and dark style that the likes of clipping continue to be the masters of. This new album is a lot more focused than her last album, however, the features and approach of this album are a bit to be desired. Some of the features are incorporated extremely well (Ada Rook and Sad13), but others feel like a complete waste because of how they are known (Lauren Bousfield and Michael Go). Still a really impressive and abrasive listen if you want some really dark and sinister rap music with an extremely important LGBTQ+ message across the board.
Ambar Lucid Get Lost in the Music3.5
Amber Lucid is one of the more interesting soul and RnB artists coming out right now and it?s because of the use of ambient and psychedelic pop elements in her music to stick out from the rest. There is a lot to love with this new EP, but it is also a bit of a collage of sounds and styles for each track, and I hope when she comes out with her debut album it will come together better. Plus, her debut EP was a lot stronger than this. Still, it a really fun listen for the 17-minutes it?s on.
Mykki Blanco Broken Hearts and Beauty Sleep3.5
Michael is back after a few years since his breakout album ?Mykki? and he drops more of the experimental nature that he created on that and his other EP?s, to achieve a more focused sound than before. Although the LP/EP is not perfect by any stretch of the imagination there is a lot to like with this release and each track has a great lyrical story and instrumentals that they all can stand on their own. My biggest issue is nothing comes together that nicely and the listen can be all over the place. Plus, some of the features outshine others (and in terms of the Big Freedia feature stick out like a sore thumb).
Kings of Convenience Peace or Love4.0
It?s been a while since I last remember listening to the two-piece Norway-based band and probably for good reason. Their style of folk music was extremely oversaturated in the early to mid-2000s that it was hard to parse through what was worthy of a listen and which were just copying to Microphones. Kings of Convenience were always above most, but after a while the sound got tiring and I think that?s what led to the 10-year hiatus. However, on this new album the group brings back that style and sound, but beef it up a little more with some extremely sticky and catchy chord progressions. From the opening guitar strums of ?Rumors? to the violin-focused ?Rocky Trail,? you will be thrown into some of the sunniest and pristine set of folk tracks that very few artists can achieve. My only complaint is that some of the last few tracks on the album have the feeling of dragging on a bit too much compared to the rest of the album. Still, a great album to come back on and achieve greatness with.
Rebecca Black Rebecca Black Was Here4.5
Someone?s got to give love to the exploited teen star and this brand new sound, style, and direction is something I think Rebecca has wanted to do since she was put into the music scene and exploited by her record label. After years of her issues dealing with that record label and trying to rid herself of what she did back in the early 2010s, she is back with some of the most fun and explosive pop music to come out this year. Not saying that this is the most original because she definitely needs to come to her own sound, but man does she snap on this EP, and she deserves to do what she wants to do.
Danny Elfman Big Mess2.0
There have been a lot of quarantine albums the last year and a half and as the pandemic and quarantine start to go away people are getting back to ?normal living?. So, in many ways, this could be one of the last ones we get, and man what a way to go out. ?Sorry?, the opening song, is a heavy banger with some Avant-prog and Zolo influences that help create an explosive and intriguing start to the album. However, nothing ever hits as hard as this first track, although a few get there. Overall, this really is a mess of an album, and the legendary film orchestrator really threw everything he had at this album just to see what would stick. The best part of the album is the very explorative and sinister lyrics laced throughout the album with obvious stabs at Donald Trump and the political rift we are experiencing in America. Sonically, however, this album is both underwhelming and a mixed bag. The production can be an absolute mess on many of the tracks here. So, I really have a hard time sitting through this double album at 71 minutes in length.
KennyHoopla Survivors Guilt: The Mixtape//3.0
For pop punk and emo this honestly is a pretty good little EP. It has a lot of bite to the instrumentals; the vocals are really solid both from Kenneth and Travis. It really shows that the Blink-182 guitarist still has a lot of potential as a producer. What makes this album fall apart is that the overarching feeling that this is just a Blink-182 album with a different singer really plagues the mixtape. But still, overall a decent listen for the 21-minutes it?s on.
Slayyyter Troubled Paradise3.5
On the first few listens this seems like a pretty great electro-pop and dance pop album with some hyper pop tracks here and there. However, the more you dig into it the more you realize how much Catherine desperately needs to make her own sound. ?Venom? is basically a shygirl song, ?Throatzillaaa? is a copy-paste of the most recent Charlie XCX record, ?Butterflies? feels like a more energetic Lady Gaga song, and ?Serial Killer? has guitar chords that feel ripped right out of Tame Impalas ?Innerspeaker?. With all that said there is definitely a lot of potential because although these tracks feel very unoriginal, they are still really good, and overall, the album has a lot of bangers on it. Hopefully, into the future, she can produce a sound that is more Slayyyter than other people.
Poppy EAT (NXT Soundtrack)4.0
Come on man?Poppy really does be setting the metal community on fire and I am all for it. This 14-minute EP soundtrack honestly hits harder than most metalcore and alternative metal you see today and could even be better than a lot of the best back in the day. Although the sound is a bit one-dimensional and uninspired, the brevity really plays to its strength; the album starts to hit you over the head and dips. Feels very BMTH in its approach and I will continue to be excited for Poppy material because of how much she explores in her music.
Japanese Breakfast Jubilee4.5
Without a doubt, Japanese Breakfast is one of the better, if not the best, indie pop artists to come out of the underground in the last 10 years and there is a lot of reasons to love this new album from Michelle. But what makes this album stand out from her previous two releases is the most centralized sound of indie and chamber/sophisti-pop while housing much of what made the 80?s synthpop scene so amazing. It doesn?t just stop there though it?s also in the extremely poetic and exposed lyrics that she brings to the table that continue to bring fans back and allure new listeners. My only complaint is that ?Posing In Bondage? and ?Sit? (although good tracks in their own ways) stick out like a sore thumb because they completely divert from everything she has built the last 4 tracks. But a truly beautiful album with a lot of charm and gusto.
Wolf Alice Blue Weekend3.5
The first eight tracks on this album have so much potential to be some of the greatest alternative rock and dream pop songs to have been written in 20 plus years. There is a grand sense of building and detail to be had with each of these eight tracks that its hard not to bob your head along and tap your foot. Although the 90?s influence is rich, it feels like a great celebration of what that era of music brought to rock music. With that being said, however, the last three tracks (?The Last Man On Earth?, ?No Hard Feelings?, and ?The Beach II?) are concrete sounds and examples of why that 90?s sound completely killed itself in the early 2000?s. They are completely boring with a huge lack of coherence and direction that the rest of the album has. I honestly have never been so disappointed when the first 8 songs are high quality and the last three songs leaving me thinking ?WTF happened with this; who let this happen?. Completely derails the listening experience and reminds me why Wolf Alice will always be a huge band with a lot of following but never finish an album well since each of their three records now has this issue.
Rise Against Nowhere Generation1.5
Left At London T.I.A.P.F.Y.H.4.0
On the group's debut album, there is definitely a sense of realization on what they want to finally do with their sound. For the last 10 years, the band has had a bit of an all-over-the-place sound that it is hard to really get into, but they really hone in on an indietronica and folktronica vibe with a lot of alternative rock and hypnogogic pop elements thrown in (also a random hyperpop conclusion). Although the closer is a bit of a random song that feels out of place the other 6 tracks are extremely well written, performed, and produced. Truly great performances across the board and a lot of great energy. The intro track ?Pills & Good Advice? is a 10-minute opus of lots of building and quality instrumentals. A truly great album that needs a better closer and the influences are a bit obvious.
Black Midi Cavalcade5.0
Black Midi is not for the faint heart ? not in that it is some kind of extreme metal, but in the fact that the four-piece, London-based band might have completely rejuvenated the sound of rock music entirely; 20 years after the last greats died out in the early 2000s. Although this sound and style are not utterly new, especially to those who love the sound of avant-garde type music, what makes this album perfect is the ideal amount of blending the band does with such unique styles of music. I honestly will leave this short review at this: Cavalcade is both a futuristic take on rock music while also being a celebration of what made the greatest rock bands of the last 50 years truly breathtaking. The influences run deep, but this album sits out on its own as it blends much of what made those bands so special into a compact 42-minute listen. Black Midi carries the torch laid down by The Mars Volta 15 years earlier and continues down the experimental path with no hiccups.
Sweet Trip A Tiny House, In Secret Speeches, Polar Equals4.0
It?s been ten years since we got a full release from one of the most legendary duo?s to come out of the late 90s and its 18 years since they released one of the most groundbreaking pop records to ever come out of the underground ? ?Velocity:Design:Comfort?. Although I was not a fan of their last release ?You Will Never Know Why?, there was always potential for a sound and style that I feel they were, and are, the only ones to be able to pull off. On their brand new album, they continue down the very dreamy and electronic ?70s and '80s pop sound (think of like a more electronic version of Fleetwood Mac), but they make it sound infinitely better than one they did on their last album. From the glitchy indietronica opening of ?Tiny House,? you know your in for a rollercoaster and the duo gives you that on nearly every track. The ungodly blend of rock instrumentation with electronic aesthetics creates something that dozens of folktronica artists have failed to do. Honestly, the closest someone has ever come to this smooth of genre-blending is 2018s ?Crumbling? by Mid-Air Thief. Although there is a lot to love with the album there are two major issues. One, the last four tracks are a huge step down in writing and style from the rest of the album, they are more alternative rock tracks with dream-pop ideas, and they come off really badly to me. Second, the length is not exactly justified because of the last four tracks being as weak as they are. Not to say they are bad, but the rest of the album is so remarkable it?s weird to see such a dip in writing.
Perturbator Lustful Sacraments4.0
For a genre that has never really clicked with me, Perturbator really makes one hell of a great darkwave and darksynth record with a lot of gothic rock aesthetics and EBM tendencies. A short little record with a lot of bite to it and this album might grow even more with more listens. However, the back end is not the strongest, but damn a really strong and dark listen if you want some 80s vibes but drenched in hell.
RXKNephew Slitherman Activated2.0
The major problem with albums like this is not that it is bad, it?s actually really good, but it?s way too long, and the flow by Nephew has nothing that good to it and can really boring after a while. After about the fifth or sixth song the same flow gets really deteriorating and really makes this album a chore to listen to. The saving grace is the beats are actually really solid across the board. So, it?s a decent listen, but you have to kind of come back and forth with it, not a good listening experience.
Circuit Circuit Circuit Circuit - EP3.5
The debut EP from the new five-piece noise outfit from Tennessee has a lot of charm and energy that could help them breakout into the best of the best when it comes to this new form of sasscore and mathcore. But there is a lot of work that needs to be done since they are reeling in their influences and the production is a bit too rough.
Adventurer Pacifica2.0
I?m actually surprised Kurt Travis let this go by on his small record label, the dude is one of the creators of this genre?but man does this recording sound extremely rough and all over the place. It doesn?t help that the songwriting is extremely unoriginal and uninspired. But still, if you like this noodle sound then you might be into this, but since I have been following it since high school I will take a pass for the most part.
Nac/Hut Report DOM 19193.0
This is not a bad album by any stretch of the imagination, but there is also not enough going for it that it warrants much of a listen past the initial listen. There are some solid textures here and there and the use of more dream pop or neo-psych elements and having some decent vocals make it stand out from the obvious about of Caretaker influence this album has. Some decent tracks here and there and it?s a fine tape music ambient album with some good movements and manipulations. But I just have a hard time really seeing the ?come-back? appeal, it?s kind of a single listen and be done with it for me.
Yoo Doo Right Don't Think You Can Escape Your Purpose3.5
The debut album from the Canadian band has a lot of promise and potential but they have to clean up the obvious 70?s prog rock and King Gizzard influences. Still, the shoegaze influence is a great sound and idea to help separate them from their contemporaries and the huge builds (reminiscent of mid-2000?s post-rock) have a lot of presence and explosion when the build pays off. Still, not every song hits hard, and after a while, each track does start to bleed together.
Mannequin Pussy Perfect3.0
What makes Mannequin Pussy so good is how top-notch the writing is. They aren?t here to reinvent the indie wheel, but they are here to write superb indie anthems. However, on this new EP, the band takes more of a dip into hardcore punk and it pans out as much as you think it would; mixed results. Mostly decent tracks on here with a stellar opening and a really week closer.
The Devil Wears Prada ZII3.0
This is one of those times where an album is honestly below average for a band, but better than a lot of stuff that comes out in this oversaturated scene. The Devil Wears Prada has been making music for some time now and has been fairly consistent over the years with some stellar releases and this new EP is no different. But there is something so formulaic about this project for this band and it rubs me the wrong way every time I put it on. Still really solid riffs, great screams, amazing breakdowns, and heavy heavy heavy all the way through.
Fiddlehead Between the Richness3.5
Fun, energetic, and simple emo and post-hardcore project from the five-piece Boston band. Although it?s nothing all that original it still hits hard for the 25 minutes it's on and then dips by the time the sound starts to get old.
Fly Pan Am Frontera3.5
This brand new album, the fifth album from the four-piece Montreal-based band, is both really excellent, and really cluttered. In a lot of ways each track is really well executed and comes together fluidly for a whole listening experience. However, the album as a whole is very much exploratory in the sense that the band doesn?t really know what they want this to be. There are glitchy and drone pieces, there are post-rock raggers, there is an odd screamo style track, there are some avant-garde natures thrown in?it?s just a really well-crafted mess.
Olivia Rodrigo Sour3.0
The album to piss off everyone imaginable that god forbid isn?t a sad teenager?this review goes out to all those adult white males out there in the music community who see this as ?lyrically obnoxious? or ?annoying?. I might not love this album because I for one don?t fit the demographic and instrumentally it just sounds like a copy-paste of Lorde and Lana Del Rey. However, I have to give her credit for actually making the 2020 version of ?Riot!? by Paramore, and honestly probably 10 years from now if she keeps this up it will be that record for the current generation of teenagers.
Twenty One Pilots Scaled and Icy2.0
Don?t get me wrong there are some actually great tracks on here like the Queen-inspired intro ?Good Day? and ?Mulberry Street?, the 90?s hip-hop sound of ?Saturday?, and the darker closing tracks ?No Chances? and ?Redecorate?. But the rest of the album is extremely underwhelming, underwritten, and bland. Interesting to see them go from Trenches to this in the last two years?wonder what happened.
CHAI Wink3.5
The first eight tracks are actually perfect summer pop anthems with that J-pop flair that always keeps me and many others coming back. They are bouncy, fun, textured, and have great writing from front to back. However, as soon as ?KARAAGE? comes in the quality in writing, sound, and style takes a huge dip and I?m not really sure why. Not sure what happened to have a stellar first 3/4?s and then completely bomb the last four tracks, but if you want a great summer to listen then give the first eight tracks a go.
VOLA Witness3.5
I have been a fan of this pop metal trend being seen within Djent for some time now and the four-piece Denmark band has always been at the forefront of this style with their use of dream pop and synthpop ideas and styles. Their heavy sound within the sweet synth cords really adds such a unique and fun dynamic. On their third album, they continue down this path with mostly good results however the first half is significantly better than the second half. The first four tracks are some of the best songs they have written in years while the last four are a bit of a mixed bag. Still a decent little project that isn?t going to blow anyone away.
Currensy and The Alchemist Covert Coup3.5
The alchemist always produces some of the tightest and most consistent beats he has always produced. Curren$y continues to be an above-average rapper but nothing too amazing because of how one-dimensional his flow can be. Still, the features and overall flow is really solid all over the record so it?s a fun listen for how short it is.
Mach-Hommy Pray For Haiti4.0
Mach-Hommy has one of the most inconsistent outputs to ever come from someone. He is completely on when it comes to his album so he completely misses the mark. However, on this new project, he goes back to what he is most comfortable with, the Buffalo-based rap label Griselda, and this is made extremely clear with heavy production and features by Westside Gunn. Pray For Haiti has some of the most consistent writing and flows I have seen out of Mach-Hommy ever and it is elevated by the Qualle Chris & R.A.P. Ferreira type beats; jazz yet sample heavy with a lot of originality. My biggest complaint is what always leaves me with a sour taste in my mouth when it comes to Mach-Hommy releases, the overall lifeless flow that gets extremely boring after a while. Although that issue doesn?t come out till much later into the project, it still hits this album heavy.
Babii MiiRROR2.5
Not to say that Babii came onto the experimental electronic scene to fail, but she really has made a name for herself as being the permanent understudy of the true creator of this second wave of wonky and UK bass, Iglooghost. It?s sometimes unsettling how much Babii tries to be exactly like Iglooghost and sometimes she can get close to him, but most of the time it?s an obvious weaker version and this sophomore album continues to be that. Although to its credit this album is better than the last. We will have to see if Babii makes a name for themselves in the future, but until an original sound comes I will stay put with where I am.
Panopticon .​.​.​And Again into the Light4.0
Every so often (mostly once a year it seems) an extreme metal album comes along and completely blows me away. My history with black metal is not very big because of how challenging many of it is to get into. However, what always brings me to the genre is the likes of those who experiment with the genre and Panopticon (through his long and winding career since 2008) has explored and perfected the style of mixing extreme black metal, with ambient drones, atmospheric guitar leads, and mind-blowing Americana and folk influences that run deep. Although this album might not be for everyone, the career Austin has had and what he has done for the metal genre is something truly amazing and this album really is the pinnacle of that exploration. It might not be perfect, but it nearly is, plus it is a hell of a listen for the 70 minutes it?s on.
Lenzman A Little While Longer2.5
For one of the more interesting artists in the drum and bass scene, this comes as one of the lazier and more uninspired albums for the Netherlands artists. Every song sounds like the last and normally the features are what make his music pop, but on this new album, they add nothing to the table. The esthetics isn?t bad, it just feels so lifeless and in-one-ear out-the-other in a lot of ways.
Iosonouncane Ira4.5
As of right now, I can definitively say that this is one of the most exciting releases thus far in 2021. There are very few times where a record of this size (nearly 2 hours in length) is justified. However, I can tell you after listening to this record for several days now over and over again to review the damn thing there is nothing on this record that feels overly long or complicated. On the contrary, much of the third album from the Italian artist is very simple: progressive electronic builds with ambient rich drones and experimental rock (very post-rock leaning) instrumentals (and some piano here and there). What makes this album so much of a joy to listen to is the constant on your edge feeling you get with it?never knowing where the album is going to turn next. It?s hard to write a short review for this kind of album but I?ll say this; without a doubt, this is one of the most engaging pieces of music I have heard in a while and it is almost perfect with the ending needing to be a bit stronger. Might be a campy listen, but man is it worth it when Jacopo comes in with his energetic and swan light vocals. In many ways, this is like a simplified version of a swans record, if Swans was more influenced by ambient music then it already is.
Sam Gellaitry IV4.5
Honestly, this is a really fun, bouncy, and explosive listen with a huge mixture of genres and ideas and if the first song wasn?t as week as the rest of the three tracks, then this would be a flawless little EP. It knows what it wants to be, executes that to a ?t? and then gets out when it knows too. Really must listen if you want some really fun electronic and bass music for the summer.
Giant Claw Mirror Guide3.5
After a fairly uninteresting career, Keith Rankin produces one of his most consistent and most realized projects. In the last decade, Keith has been making some pretty obscure and challenging music that didn?t translate all that well when it came to my or really anyone?s ears. On Mirror Guide, however, he steps out of his comfort zone to produce a dense and epic electronic album that feels a lot like an Iglooghost record, but without the huge amounts of bass. The classical influences, the progressive nature, and the glitch-ie textures all come together very well. My biggest complaint is that the back half is a lot stronger because of the exploration of sounds and structures is better while the front half is more explosive and in your face listen.
Paris Texas Boy Anonymous4.0
Alternative hip-hop is having a huge boom this year and continues to be explored in the last few years with the explosion of indie rappers like JPEGMAFIA and Brockhampton. If you want something that feels like a Brockhampton sounding record but with rapping styles of Kid Cudi then you will really like the duo Paris Texas. For a sophomore EP, this has a lot of huge highlights on it and the extremely noisy guitar adds a lot of texture that makes me think of Injury Reserve. Although the lyrics aren?t amazing the songwriting and pace of the EP really help make the album stick out from the pack.
St. Vincent Daddy's Home1.0
I actually started screaming when I first heard this new album from one of the longest-running pop artists of the last two decades. Annie diverges from her usual art-pop and synthpop origins and leanings to take a heavy influence from the greatest artists in the ?60s, the ?70s, and ?80s. With such a rich catalog to use and explore she took her best advantage by grabbing influences from all over the spectrum and it shows. However, what made me scream is why the hell did she use such a rich and phenomenal era of music(s) and basically use it as a copycat of Father John Misty. Don?t get me wrong I absolutely love what Father John Misty has done and continues to do since his departure of Fleet Foxes. But almost all these songs feel ripped out of ?I Love You, Honeybear?, ?Pure Comedy?, and ?God?s Favorite Customer?. Even the satirical lyrics feel completely copied over. Not only is it extremely distracting, but it completely leaves me flabbergasted on why people are praising the record. I would honestly say this is almost as bad as what Greta Van Fleet did with their debut album with plagiarism.
J. Cole The Off-Season2.5
This new album continues to show that J. Cole is way better than all his deepest haters say he is; but also way worse than his biggest fans say he is. It?s a mixed bag with some solid tracks (?My Life?, ?Let Go My Hand?, ?Interlude?, ?Close?, and ?Hunger on Hillside?) and some questionable tracks that feel half-baked. It?s an album that will get some praise for a week and then people will forget about it later. Also, the Lupe Fiasco influence and Freddy Gibbs style feel a bit interesting to blend together.
Jorja Smith Be Right Back3.5
A fairly strong EP after a fairly strong career. She won?t be blowing anyone out of the water but there are some solid tracks here and overall, it?s a present listen; even if it will be forgotten once another RnB album comes out. She does have a wide range of styles and ideas on this project which is a nice, pleasant surprise from her earlier work.
BIGBABYGUCCI 1 Night I Took Acid3.0
Not normally the sound or style I like when it comes to trap rap, but there is something more interesting about this new album from James. Might not be the most original (heavy Travis Scott influence) there is something interesting here with the more electronic influences that you might see from a JPEGMAFIA (obviously not as experimental as him but something is here).
Gonemage Mystical Extraction3.0
Have you ever wonder what it would be like if Castlevania had a ?kick-ass? black metal soundtrack to it. Well even if you haven?t that?s exactly what this new EP from the Texas native is doing and, in some aspects, it?s really fun and cool. However, this also leaves me wondering what in the world would you do with this past what has been done? When it's on its more of a novelty than anything and I have a hard time seeing anything else past it. Still, the bit music has a lot of charm to it at least.
Skee Mask Pool3.5
If you have never listened to Skee Mask, I?m not sure if I can recommend starting here because of the fact that this album, to me at least, doesn?t quite know what it wants to be or do with itself. On multiple listens you can see the heavy amount of influences from Akira Yamaoka and C418 on the ambient side. While he also continues down the breakcore influences that he made a name for himself in 2018 with ?Compro?. However, the length of the album, the mixed bag of ideas, and the overall lack of completeness many of these tracks have it?s just not a perfect listen. Still, it?s a good listen when you put it down and come back to it and can be a solid listen while doing other things.
Dodie Build a Problem4.0
Have you ever wondered what would happen if Billie Eilish dropped the electropop influences, took the artistic vision of Fiona Apple but more on a Haley Williams type scale while also taking chamber influences from Radiohead and Tindersticks. Well in a dodie is that, but even more. With the intro cut ?Air So Sweet? you're greeted with a minimal ambient pop intro like Ichiko Aoba. From there ?Hate Myself? is a folk pop ragger that the likes of Taylor Swift fans will be into but with chamber influences. However, from there we settle into what this record is really like. ?I Kissed Someone?, ?Cool Girl?, ?Rainbow?, ?Four Tequilas Down? and ?Sorry? are all contemporary folk with minimal instrumentation where here lyrics and artistic direction really take shape. It doesn?t stop there however we have even more melodic and minimal piano tracks on the back end. So overall this is a chilling and impressive first record for what could be a magnificent and explosive career. My biggest complaint is the passing can be a bit wonky at points and the closer could be more potent.
Aly and AJ a touch of the beat gets you up on your feet...3.0
I have to say for a comeback album to be this strong is something to really behold. I mean for a teen pop act in the early to mid-2000s to drastically change to a Lana Del Rey influenced indie album is something to take in. Is it perfect, no some of the songs stick out like sore thumbs for being extremely underwhelming. But there are a lot of good ideas laced throughout the album and I think with more exploration the duo can create a classy and sophisticated pop album.
Squid Bright Green Field4.5
It is extremely rare for me to ever find a post-punk/art punk record that I really enjoy. It?s even rarer (actually probably the first one) for it to completely resonate with me in a strong personal and introspective way. There is something so explosive and enticing about the debut record from the UK art punk band. For a sound and style that I never grew up on and have never understood, this band came out so confident that they would nail it, and god damn did they nail it. From the screaming vocals laced throughout the project to the saxophone bits and pieces as well, this is one artistic and explosive punk record with so much depth and style that it puts to shame a lot of the classics.
Weezer Van Weezer2.0
Not as bad as I have found other albums by Weezer to be, but I have never been a fan of the band even for their early classics that will go down as some of the most pinnacle and important alternative rock albums and power pop records of all time. Still an interesting direction and honestly it might be a fun listen if you don?t think too hard about it.
McKinley Dixon For My Mama And Anyone Who Look Like Her4.0
There is a lot of boom in the jazz-rap scene ever since Kendrick Lamar?s TPAB was released and because of it we are seeing a small wave of more ?jazz-based? jazz rap albums than the more traditional sample-based seen in what originally was known as ?jazz rap?. Not that one is better than the other, but there is something more fulfilling when listening to TPAB or to Avantdale Bowling Club?s self-titled because of how explosive and jazz-ie they are rather than just some jazz sample. So, on this new renovation from the Richmond-based rapper, we are seeing him flex that more original jazz ideas and also bringing in a lot of what makes Rapsody so good, a little bit more chamber jazz ideas than is seen on TPAB. For the most part, FMMAWLLH is a jammed-packed record with a lot of class and a ton of self-reflection that we all kind of need in this transition period out of pandemic season. Although not perfect since he is a rather one-dimensional rapper and some of the features add nothing other than a weird distraction. A very solid release all around for anyone wanting a more ?jazz-ie? sound.
Darko (US) Darko4.5
Honestly, we might need a new genre name for this new wave of deathcore. Just like with the new Brand of Sacrifice record this electronic-based and basically over-produced deathcore sound is making me re-fall in love with metalcore and deathcore. I was never a fan of the early deathcore, but what makes that and what makes this new Darko album so great is the versatility and the passion. Much of the metalcore and deathcore scene became oversaturated with clones of Architecture and Converge that the spirit and energy of the genre were lost. Darko brings that aggressive and explosive energy back on their debut album and damn is it great. Honestly, the only downfall is the random interlude that lasts too long at the end of the record, but it still is a nice breath before the brutal ending. Post-deathcore is here, and I am all for it.
Sufjan Stevens Convocations3.5
For a 2 and half hour ambient new-age style piece I actually believe this to be a really good centerpiece for the genre because of how damn great the progressions and builds are through the five major ideas laced throughout Convocations. In general, the heartache of losing a loved one is enough to put someone on edge, considering Sufjan?s dad passed away days after the release of his grand and electrifying ?The Ascension?. In this piece, each section is devoted to a somewhat set of processing steps that he took while dealing with the loss of his father (sort of like the 5 steps of grieving but in his own light). While each of the pieces very much is layered in dense synth work and drone ideas, each one is very much different in mood and aesthetic. With the overall greatness of the record, there is still a lot of reasons not to find this perfect. In general, some of the pieces can drone on, and sometimes the ideas can feel a bit dry or one-dimensional. However, if you like this style of music you more or less know what you?re getting into and therefore this is a truly interesting and grand listen.
Bladee The Fool3.0
Although instrumentally this is a pretty typical cloud rap album, the overall style and mood of the album are pretty top-notch for how short it is. Not amazing by any stretch of the imagination but a solid listen from front to back with some fun trance elements that keep it interesting.
Westside Gunn Hitler Wears Hermes 8: Sincerely Adolf4.0
Other than the obnoxious intro track and the oddly placed spoken word track at spot number two, this new Westside Gunn record is another showing of why Griselda and the Buffalo-based group of boom-bap rappers are all continuing to make great jazz rap and boom-bap. Westside?s performance is extremely strong and continues to make him stand out from the crowd whenever he comes on the mic. Also, the features on here all bring energy and heat that is great.
Amigo the Devil Born Against4.0
There is something so fulfilling to listen to country music that heavily lives in making fun of all thing?s country. Not to say that this is intrinsically making fun of country, but there is something so against the norm of this gothic country record that it really brings me a smile. From the opening raw recording on ?Small Stone? to the cabaret-style instrumental on ?Quiet as a Rat? there is something really simple yet complex about this record. Although the record is quite sure it sure does pack a punch with different styles and ideas all throughout the ten songs on the record. Wish some of the weaker tracks: ?Better Ways to Fry a Fish? and the closer, had some more to them or just left off the record, but still the lyrical potency of this record and the instrumentals pallet on it are something to listen to. Feels very much like a Father John Misty project but more controlled.
Leon Vynehall Rare, Forever4.0
When ?Nothing Is Still? was released in 2018 I remember being so enamored and blown away by how fluid sounding and feeling the record was. The title of the album really portrays what the record feels like when you put it on: fluid, wet, hypnotic, and urban. So going into the sophomore record here I had high expectations for the UK-based techno and house producer. For the most part, this album continues to blow me away but in a different way. The booming house beats and the thick and wet ambiance continue on this record. However, he also brings an interesting take on IDM that I haven?t seen for a while. Honestly, it takes a lot of interesting influences from the likes of the deconstructed club and I am all for it. My only complaint is the same I had with his debut; it just feels way too short. With only 38 minutes the record is starting and before I know it, it?s over. But man does this record pull you in from the start and doesn?t let go for one minute.
Royal Blood Typhoons2.5
From a band that brought new life to hard rock with their self-titled debut. This band has been slowly driving themselves into a whole with more generic alternative rock grooves and progressions. However, the alternative dance and small bit of glam rock influence on this project continue to show the band can innovate. My hypothesis is that Warner Brothers is forcing a hand in their songwriting to make ?radio-friendly hits?. Will the band bounce back? Who knows but I?ll keep coming back because they continue to be somewhat interesting.
The Alchemist This Thing Of Ours3.0
It?s good abstract hip-hop with some big-name features. Production is really good since the alchemist is on it. What else is there to say it?s nothing new or all that interesting.
Crumb (USA-NY) Ice Melt2.5
When the NYC-based band's debut record ?Jinx? was released I was a bit blown away by its simplicity yet extremely hypnotic and mesmerizing melodies and drum grooves. Those ideas are still present on the sophomore outing, however, it?s much of the same as ?Jinx? but more underwritten. The album is extremely short and most of the songs come and go without having much presence to them. Still hoping for a bounce-back in the coming years though.
Rochelle Jordan Play With The Changes2.5
I continue to search for the greatest in experimental RnB and through the years there have been some stellar standouts. This long-awaited third record from the UK-born artist had the potential. On the breakbeat-inspired intro track ?Love You Good? there was some huge excitement welling up for me. However, from there this album loses itself one song at a time. By the end of the album, it?s an interesting experiment that didn?t pan out all too well. The album feels really repetitive and uninspired by the end (huge Burial influences).
Origami Angel Gami Gang4.5
Ummmm?not sure why this slaps harder than anything that came out while I was in middle school and high school. Honestly, this could go down as a genre-defining moment for emo-pop and easycore. The playing is beyond tight. The songwriting is ungodly good. Even the lyrics are perfectly subjective to what this sound and style were like?if not even better than normal. Honestly, this album has everything you could ever want from that ?warp-tour sound? that many of us grew up on. But it is not corny or cheesy in any way as if the band plucked the best of the best from that year, butd it with outstanding production, superb songwriting, cocky as hell playing abilities, and uncanny attitude. This would actually be a 5/5 if it wasn?t for the length, the album does go a little long, but it?s tough because every song feels like it has to be on here and there really so no bad track either. There is a ton of diversity, but it all is layered into one concrete sound and style. Honestly, a lot of this innovation feels the same way a Jeff Rosenstock record feels and that is the highest compliment I could think of.
Joseph Shabason The Fellowship4.0
The Canadian musician is always a hard person to follow when his new music is dropped since he doesn?t do much advertising for it. However, I still try my best because of how unique of a sound he creates in the nu jazz space. Everything is minimal and simple, yet the layers of complex synths, saxophone, and electronics all come together so congruently that it blows my mind sometimes. That idea continues on this new chamber jazz project over here with some fairly new age leanings. It?s light and airy yet has a strong palette of sounds and ideas all throughout it. My biggest complaint is that ?Escape From North York? stands out as an oddity amongst the rest of the album.
Bloto Kwasy i zasady4.0
A really surprising listen from a little group I had never heard of. The beats are top-notch, the jazz elements hit pretty hard, and the ambiance the group creates is visceral. In a lot of ways, this is like a more realized version of BADBADNOTGOOD of a weaker version of Flying Lotus. But this does sit on its own because there is a darkness that neither have really come to even though they are both amazing in their own ways. Nifty little listen with a lot of bites and doesn?t stay too long.
Duda Beat Te Amo Lá Fora3.5
In the grand scheme of Spanish pop music this could stand up there with the greats, and in my opinion, is better than what a lot of people classify as great (looking at you Rosalía fans). The sophomore record sees the Brazilian singer and songwriter continue down her brega (branch of Brazilian music) influences but incorporates more techno and dub influences that create a more intricate and denser listen than was fully realized on her debut. With that said this album is far from perfect and this overall style and sound is something to me that has yet to be fully utilized or realized. I understand that to be famous they have to tailor the music to the ?American people?. But man, screw that, do what you think you should do and she kind of does that with mixed results. Especially on tracks like ?50 Meninas? and ?Decisao de Te Amar? which completely miss the mark for me. Still, a really strong release and could go down as the best Spanish music this year.
Neptunian Maximalism Solar Drone Ceremony3.5
When their debut 2020 album ?Éons? came out it very quickly grew a cult following because of the use of avant-garde jazz and metal to create a complex and massive album. While also staying true to the classic ideas of drone metal and free jazz. However, the overall ideas and general construct of the monster run time made it a burden to sit through. On this new mini-album, the band has a feeling of more realization of what they want the brand to be and what the band could be in the future. On this 52 minute piece, the band feels more tightly nit, and the overall construction and builds are much more solid than anything on ?Éons?. My biggest problem with the album is that the recording could be better, especially when the drones really overtake the saxophone for the last 20 minutes. Also, I think they need to bring back that more jazz flair, it seems like a bit of an afterthought on this record. Still, overall, a really solid release and in my opinion, a much more enjoyable listen compared to ?Éons?.
Tilian Factory Reset3.0
Dance Gavin Dance frontman, Tilian Pearson has had a steady, yet underwhelming, solo career. Past releases have never really gotten me to enjoy his solo music because of how uninteresting and rather unoriginal it was. However, his fourth solo record sees him produce some relatively strong pop rock and electropop bangers that are lighthearted and fun for the summer. This is not perfect by any stretch of the imagine (still sounds a lot like his first band Tides of Man; songwriting is all over the place, no real flow with the album), but it has a lot of promise for him since his songwriting is not as bad as it used to be.
Naked Flames 247 3654.0
If you have been following my music reviews then you should recognize No Agreements member Naked Flames. ?Binc Rinse Repeat?, an EP he released earlier this year, was a huge hit for me because of its hypnotic and measuring house and techno-type beats. On his new album, he continues down this road yet again and achieves an even greater sense of realization and memorization, without feeling over-complicated or simple. Encompassing six tracks, all-around six to eight minutes in length, this is a booming, explosive, and bright outsider house record. It never feels like too much and is the right amount of simplicity to keep you hooked without losing you. My biggest pet peeve is still the overall one-dimensionality of the record. Still a really solid piece of house and techno music.
Porter Robinson Nurture4.0
I have to start with why this was almost a truly great release; ?Blossom?. Jesus god what was he thinking when he wrote one of the corniest and tasteless folk ballads I have heard in a while. However, other than that one song the rest of this album is practically flawless. In a lot of ways, this is a simpler version of both Sufjan Stevens and Sweet Trip, while being heavily influenced by the last few years of hyperpop and continuing to be one of the top EDM artists of my generation. Tracks have so much life and bunch to them; make you really feel like someone running through a sunny field with no care in the world.
Eydis Evensen Bylur3.5
Cold, haunting, and beautiful all while being a fairly simple post-modern classical album with a lot of chamber music leanings if not chamber pop in some ways. Although this is not the most interesting listen from front to back because of how skeletal much of the arrangements can be, it is still jam-packed with lush piano and strings to keep your mind thinking about the cold night air.
Field Music Flat White Moon3.0
A return to form, for whatever that is worth from a second-rate art-pop band. Although it doesn?t hit as hard as their first few records in the early 2000s. This is significantly better than the last few releases and continues down this fairly ?Broadway? style sound that they have been toying with the last few releases.
Monobody Comma4.0
Without a doubt one of the more interesting jazz fusion and instrumental math-rock albums to come out for a while. Has a lot of that swancore flair to it like Chon but a more sophisticated feeling like a Plini or others like that sound/style. The Jazz instrumentation and chord progressions leave a huge amount of swagger and style to this album and the guitar adds that much more explosion than I was expecting. My biggest gripe with the record is I wish there was more here. With only 33-minutes there could be more substance to a lot of the tracks or even more tracks. The album just feels a bit of one-in-ear and out-the-other.
Bruno Pernadas Private Reasons3.0
Going to test out some one-sentence titles for albums in some of my reviews to see if I can transition to it sometimes for fun. Okay, are you ready ?Conjunctionally sophisticated and dazzling, while nearly completely missing the mark on simple ideas and progressions?. On the opening ?Family Vows? track you're presented with jangle-pop guitars, club jazz drums, and this drenched 70?s vibe. It has a potent direction and style: 70?s progression rock, with obvious nods to jazz fusion and psychedelic rock. However, halfway there the track the song derails with this rather perplexing and honestly distracting indietronica and electronica influence that makes zero sense. This idea continues track after track with polar opposite esthetics meeting and completely derailing the song. Don?t get me wrong there are some truly breathtaking tracks ?Theme Vision? and ?Little Season I? are great 70?s psychedelic vibes with great progressive elements. But, honestly, most of this album has such a lack of structure and progressions that I am not seeing the hype.
Arooj Aftab Vulture Prince3.5
At times this third album from the Pakistan artist is a surreal, enchanting, and truly breathtaking listen. The opening track ?Baghon Main? is a potent example of that with the incredible strings, bouncing standing bass, and signing that resonates with your soul. However, this album is also a rather odd pondering idea that doesn?t feel like it?s going particularly anywhere. Every song, except ?Last Night?, is the same kind of vibe; which one can get by simply listening to the ones who influenced her (Julia Holter and Fionna Apple). There is nothing that changes or builds and all that?s left is the beautiful vocals. Those vocals do deliver and for the whole project she makes sure to keep them as the focal point, but the instrumentals get stale rather quickly.
Syndrom Paryski Małe Pokoje W Dużym Mieście3.5
Is this good, yes. Is this mind-blowing, no. Does it have to be, probably not. This is a fun, explosive, and fairly obvious Midwest emo and indie rock project. Math rock style guitar, pop style hooks, great drumming, and everything else you would ever want from American Football?I mean Midwest emo. The biggest standout, jokes aside, is the interesting use of shoegaze on tracks like ?Nie ?pi??, ?Ma?e pokoje w du?ym mie?cie?, ?Letnie Noce?, and others. This creates a barrier from the American Football influence and moves it to others that do the same sound like ?Chastity?.
Dreamer Boy All The Ways We Are Together3.0
Although this is a fairly wide range of sounds and styles. There is still a lot of fun and bouncy ideas laced throughout this project and any fan of Frank Ocean, Joji, or Brockhampton should take a listen if you want something very similar to those vibes.
Cordae Just Until...3.0
Not great but for an EP that is to hold off fans till his third full-length album drops, there are some fairly strong bangers on here. ?More Life? is a light and airy trap banger while ?Wassup? is an energetic hardcore hip-hop banger. Plus ?Thorton Street? has a lot of good bars laced through it. The big stand out is ?Dream in Color?, which is a more somber and boring track. But overall a solid little EP. With that said I hope that these tracks are not on the next album because there is something off about these tracks from what I would want from the prolific conscious trap rap artist.
Jeff Rosenstock SKA DREAM1.0
If i could go lower I would. Ska is not a good or interesting genre and this album doesn't change my mind
Sharon Van Etten epic Ten1.5
Continues to be one of the most uninteresting singer/songwriters of the last few decades...
Vladislav Delay Rakka II3.0
On the first installment on this Kakka series, back in 2020, took the ideas of power-noise and post-industrial and created these intense yet enticing sonic soundscapes that took my ear for the 45-minute run time and never let up. However, on Finland-based producer's second record under the name, it feels noisier but less interesting. Although much of this album is still enticing to listen to, there is a heavier challenge with sitting through this album, and honestly, it can be a bit much at times. Still a decent listen from front to back if you really want some abrasive music, but it is a far cry from the other record under the name and a much more interesting listen.
Hail the Sun New Age Filth4.5
For many years people have always said ?Hail the Sun is a weaker version of The Mars Volta? ?however, those people are also those who say ?The Mars Volta is too much to listen to?. For me, and many of us who thoroughly enjoy swancore as a genre, believe Hail the Sun has just hit the top of the board for swancore bands (which means they have surpassed the creators of the sound, Dance Gavin Dance). New Age Filth almost hits the classic listens of their 2014 record ?Wake? while also going toe-to-toe with the classics of The Mars Volta. The reason for this is just how tight the playing is, how intricate yet simple the instrumentals are, and how they continue to not be afraid to experiment. Hail the Sun are the watered-down version of the Mars Volta that is still holding strong to the sound of that band and not sacrificing the intricate nature but makes it more palatable on multiple listens. My only drawback with this record is each song feels a bit short when it?s all said and done. They don?t mess around, and they also don?t leave a lot of room for breathing, so I wish there was some more intricate depth to the tracks, but still a hell of a fifth album for the new legends.
Holding Absence The Greatest Mistake of My Life3.5
On the sophomore record for the 5-piece post-hardcore band, they drop a lot of the thick atmosphere (although that shows up on this record) for more of a classic alternative rock rager. Big vocals, building instrumentals, memorable hooks, and grooves are all over this record. For how many times I have listened to this record the more I enjoy it, however, there is still the nagging feeling of, this could have more presence for a post-hardcore record. Still, as an alternative rock record, this is a really strong contender for one of the best in the last few years.
The Armed Ultrapop3.5
Where to even begin with this record. I have had to listen to this over and over again just to get a grasp on what I feel about it and I have concluded that it is a great listen from front to back, however, the production leaves me scratching my head. For example, the intro track ?Ultrapop? is a grand and explosive way to introduce the record, however, it sticks out like a sore thumb to the rest of the record because it is the only real noise pop/synthpop song on the record. From there ?All Futures? is a post-hardcore and art punk rager with a nice balance between noise and cohesiveness. While on ?Real Folk Blues? all the instruments are so compressed there is no breathing room for anything and half the times the vocals are so overtaken by the walling guitar it can be annoying. Still the post-hardcore and math rock bangers of ?An Iteration?, ?Average Death?, and ?Faith in Medication? really bring life to this record.
Cory Hanson Pale Horse Rider4.0
Psychedelic folk is slowly becoming my favorite form of folk music and it makes sense why; the avant-nature of the guitar work, the usual rich and thick ambiance that backs the guitar, and the usually hypnotic drums, fills, or synths/drones. On this brand new album from Cory Hanson, he creates a dense, sophisticated, and yet light, and airy folk record drenched in psychedelia, ambient, and rock underpinnings that help you vibe out for the short run time. Although the interludes are a bit questioning (some fairly dark ambient passages) the overall ideas and moods of this record are nearly flawless. The album truly builds to its conclusion on ?Another Story from the Center of the Earth? which is a folk-rock ballad with the most incredible guitar solo that sounds both enchanting and elusive. A great little record with some great playing and production.
SYML DIM3.5
Although I don?t love the closer on this EP, the rest of the album is a delightful and bright singer/songwriter record with RnB leanings on ?YES AND KNOW?. Although the ideas on this EP aren?t the most original, Brian Fennell has a booming and seductive voice that keeps you entranced through the 20-minute run time. I will say the rather odd Radiohead influence is really interesting on ?BLACK TEETH?. Still, a solid release that gives me wanting more.
Suffocate For Fuck Sake Fyra3.5
On first listen this was a very intriguing concept. Post-rock style instrumentals, piercing and soul-shattering screams, and introspective interview passages. On multiple listens the ideas and concept resonate harder and harder, but at a cost; the record is way too long. For nearly an hour and a half you will listen to the same kind of idea and it really never sounds any different. However, with that said what is presented here is really solid and it?s still a truly solid piece of music with heart-shattering lyrics on drug addiction and the stress that puts on oneself and on those around you. A must listen if you want some very interesting and poetic screamo with slow-paced instrumentals.
Brockhampton Roadrunner: New Light, New Machine3.5
Let me start by saying this is a significant increase from Iridescent and in some cases Ginger. However, this is still nowhere close to the quality of the Saturation series, and for good reason. The album is split up into two fairly distinct characteristics, the heavy bangers, and the alternative RnB smoothers. ?Buzzcut?, ?Chain on Me?, ?Bankroll?, ?Windows?, and, ?Bankroll?, ?Don?t Shoot Up the Party? are all heavy-hitting bangers that bring back the booming energy of the Saturation series, plus bring in the explosiveness that they wanted in Iridescent. However, the RnB tracks are a bit of a hit or a miss. ?Count on Me?, ?The Light?, ?I?ll Take You On?, and ?What?s the Occasion?, ?When I Ball? are fairly solid alternative RnB tracks with the group?s usual flair of instrumental exploration. However, ?Old New? and ?The Light Part II? both are really dragging the record down for how overlie simple they are. For the most part this a really solid record and even the worst tracks are still solid, but they still drag the record down, plus the all-over nature of this project sonically also is fairly uncharacteristic for the group so that also kind of leads me with a sour taste in my mouth.
Miguel Art Dealer Chic Vol. 43.5
Miguel has always been an intriguing artist in the RnB scene because of how great his singles can be but how bland his full album's end of being. However, there is still an experimental charm that keeps me (and most people) coming back for more. On the opening track ?Funeral? we get a fairly UK Bass inspired RnB track with truly booming bass (almost Sophie like). Then on ?Triangle Love? we get a fairly hypnogogic pop-inspired beat, but the lyrical content and tv show sample really derails this track. ?Think out Loud? brings back that experimentation with some glitched-out samples and it feels fresh yet simple. Then we conclude with ?So I Lie? a fairly simple but booming closer. The vocals aren?t great but it?s still a fun beat. Overall, the lyrics aren?t great (even for the RnB scene), but the beats and delivery are all solid for the explosive RnB artist.
The Spirit Of The Beehive Entertainment, Death4.0
I have listened to a lot of experimental music and yet I am still blown away from time to time with a release that just sounds so new. With the fourth record from the three-piece psychedelic and noise pop/rock outfit we see a continuation of the sound they have created with their debut ?The Spirit of the Beehive?, but escalate it to new highs with neo-psychedelic riffs that sound like they are getting ripped apart by productive editing. In many ways, this record sounds like a sound collage piece because of how much they have manipulated the guitars, synths, and vocals. From the opening noise passage of ?Entertainment? to the soft post-punk feel of ?There?s Nothing You Can?t Do?. This is like if you took Sweet Trips production and put it over some fairly Fishmans or Flaming Lips style instrumentals while also incorporating Melt-Banana style noise. But still sounding extremely unique. My biggest complaint is that the heavy amount of mixing and manipulation has caused the mix to go extremely flat at points. Especially when a lot of the noises overlap each other like in ?There?s Nothing you Can Do? or ?Give Up Your Life?. Still a really solid album!
Yukika Timeabout,4.0
For whatever reason, her breakout record ?Soul Lady? never sat well with me. Everything felt too bright and glamorous that it completely washed out the charm of the music. However, on this new EP from the South Korean artist, she somehow keeps the charm of her debut but fills it with more synth-funk-inspired melodies and grooves that it feels more down-to-earth than the last record. Although this is a short 19 minute EP, this is a fun and explosive city-pop-infused dance-pop album that feels so sunny and explosive that it's hard not to tap your foot. The downside with the record is the product can be too clean at points and be fairly distracting, but still a great listen.
Iglooghost Lei Line Eon4.5
Iglooghost continues to be one of the greatest outliers in electronic music. There still is nothing out there that sounds as clean as an Iglooghost record yet sounds so clustered without feeling overworked. On the sophomore record from the UK-based producer stays in his UK bass and wonky stylistic underpinnings, however, completely changes directions. On Ne? Wax Bloom (his debut record) he created a clustered, chaotic, and explosive electronic record that in many ways redefined what EK bass, wonky, future bass, glitch, and footwork. If you have never listened to it, I can tell you it on first listen will completely redefine instrumental music. On this new record, he completely changes direction and looks to modern classical music. Laced throughout all the tracks is a dense arrangement of violin and synthesizer orchestra. For the very clustered nature of Ne? Wax Bloom, Lei Line Eon is much brighter, flashier, and elaborate. From front to back, you will continue to hear those classic wonky, glitch, and UK bass styles, but it comes in at these very explosive times through the arrangements. There is so much to this record, but it is so peaceful to listen to. To conclude there truly is nothing out there like this (trust me there are several other artists in this more classical electronic combo field), but there is something so powerful about listening to this. The feeling of love and fear come off so well throughout this record. Please take a listen, and my only negative is the fact that I wish there was more exploration on each of the tracks with these textures because honestly there needs to be more.
Godspeed You! Black Emperor G_d's Pee AT STATE'S END!3.5
If you love Godspeed, you will absolutely love this (probably). If you?re a post-rock fan you will probably love this (maybe). If you?re a field recording fan you might want to look elsewhere (definitely). For me, this is honestly more interesting than a lot of Godspeeds more bloated releases because of the use of drone and field recording (even some chamber elements here and there). However, this still can drag on at parts and the whole post-rock ballad of ?Job?s Lament? is beyond boring to get through. But still, overall I enjoy a majority of this record and there are still some solid ideas for one of the most legendary art bands to do it.
BRUIT The Machine Is Burning...4.5
Post-rock has never been my cup of tea, but there are some huge exceptions and this grand debut from the four-piece French band might be one of the best I have heard in a long time. There is nothing new to bring in chamber orchestration, but as soon as the first track ?Industry? comes in you know you?re in for a real grand, explosive, and progressive album. ?Renaissance? sees a deeper post-rock connection while ?Amazing Old Trees? sees a more space ambient and drone feel than a rock or neo-classical feel. My biggest gripe is the production of this album and how little space there is for everything. For example, the final track ?The Machine is Burning? puts this issue on full display because many of the orchestrations and rock instrumentation is completely swallowed by the drones. Plus, there is no room for the angelic vocals that come in. But it is still a decent track just wish the production was wider than it is. Still, an absolutely fabulous record that takes you into a meditative yet sophisticated place without leaving you bored or wandering.
Foxes (UK) Friends In The Corner1.5
Starts off relatively strong, but then takes huge nose dive. But then on future listens most of this album sounds like a really week version of Lady Gaga, which a lot of that contemporary pop tropes that make the genre fairly annoying to listen to. Although Louisa is a really talented singer, she needs to really beef up her sound and find a new direction because this sound has been beaten to death at this point.
Quadeca From Me to You4.0
Ben Howard Collections from the Whiteout3.0
For the UK-based singer/songwriter and folk music guru there was going to be a time when he brings it back home to create a more traditional folk release than what he had been doing. After the magnitude drop of his 2018 ?Noonday Dream? I had high hopes for what Ben Howard could do. His fusion of ambient textures with psychedelic folk instrumentation created one of the more creative listens I have heard. On his most recent release, he goes back to what made him famous with his more fluid and indie sounds of his debut ?Every Kingdom?. On first listen there is a bit of a shock at how simple the album is, but there is still a charm to the record. Is this his best release, absolutely not and I can see him really hitting a great record in the future. But for someone who makes an album every 4 or 5 years, it?s understandable. Still, there are a few dubs on this record, and the album as a whole is rather blotted with 54 minutes of material. If this was 30 minutes and change it would have been a great listen, but overall, Ben loses himself sometimes. Still a solid release.
tUnE-yArDs sketchy.2.5
The Canadian two-piece band continues to make some fairly interesting music that still doesn?t feel like anything. On the surface, this new album from the duo continues down this fairly neo-psychedelia art pop sound that they have been going towards and they pull it off relatively well. This isn?t a bad record by any means and shares a lot of similarities to Gorillaz with its fairly tongue-in-cheek nature while also staying fairly consistent with the psychedelic sound. However, this album just seems fairly one-dimensional. Each track seems like the last and by the end of the album, the slushiness of it is rather annoying.
Death From Above 1979 Is 4 Lovers3.0
The newest album from the dance punk gurus and hard rock innovators sees the band continuing to play with the same sounds that made them famous, and you have to give them credit for creating a still fun listen from front to back. However, this album feels so unoriginal for the band. It is still an overall good album, but for the group, there seems to be a lack of ideas and they are continuing to pump out the same thing they know how to do.
Genghis Tron Dream Weapon2.0
This is one of those albums that feels like it?s constantly building and never really reaches the apex that I want from a sound like this. Honestly, the first band that came to mind when listening to the long-awaited third studio album from the 5-piece Brookland band is that it feels like a more watered-down version of Arcane Roots. What?s even more bazaar about this is how oddly similar a lot of what that small English band was doing and what Genghis Tron is trying to do. Honestly, the best part of the album is the very few spots where the apex hits and you can really jam out, but most of this album is a constant build that never reaches the hype I would want an album like this to be like.
Noga Erez KIDS3.5
Although not perfect by any means, this is still a high-quality electropop album based in trap and pop rap aesthetics. Although much of this album sounds like a mixture of Billy Eilish and many pop rappers (Brockhampton comes to mind first), there is still something here to diversify itself from the rest of the album and that is the use of some fairly traditional southern European instrumentals. This bouncy and energetic album has a diverse set of tracks with a lot of fun sounds laced throughout the whole album.
Floating Points, Pharoah Sanders & The LSO Promises4.5
Jazz is not a new music idea, on the contrary, it is one of America's oldest and richest musical genres in existence. Pharoah Sanders is a legendary 81-year-old saxophonist who was a part of the John Coltrane group in the mid-1960s. So, he is most known for blowing the roof of any album with his avant-garde jazz explosiveness. However, on the newest album, he brings in a fairly new underground electronic producer Floating Points who has made big waves in the progressive electronic and IDM streams. Two great minds come together to create a hell of a classical jazz crossover album. On first listen it is fairly repetitive, however, as each track comes and goes you?ll see how phenomenal of a saxophone player Pharoah. So much grace and nuance are thrown into this album that it doesn?t even seem real. Although the group is not re-inventing the wheel of jazz, they are producing a legendary crossover that any fan of music needs to listen to.
Xiu Xiu OH NO2.0
I have never been a fan of Xiu Xiu and if you have never listened to them well this might not be a great place to start. In general, they are one of the biggest names in avant-pop and continue to polarize listeners with every release. However, for me, much of their music is more annoying than explosive. Each track on here features another artist and much of the album is a duet kind of nature. However, none of the artists that were brought in add anything (especially for him bringing on some phenomenal artists) and lead singer Jamie continues to be a really painful singer to listen to. Much of Xiu Xiu?s music has the same issues I have with Nick Cave music where it?s so artistic that many people are overpowered by it. However, on the surface, nothing here really screams as original, exciting, or exceptional. This album is below average at best.
For Those I Love For Those I Love4.0
When listening to this record it?s hard not to think about the obvious post-punk influence this record has. Not to say there haven?t been spoken word/poetry style ideas in hip-hop, but this feels like one of the closest I have heard to a post-punk and hip-hop fusion. However, this album really isn?t hip hop because it is backed by the more progressive house and UK garage esthetics than normal hip-hop style beats. But this is a really interesting poetic journey on someone basically saying thank you to those who have shown him the way through life. While also reflecting on all the lessons that he has learned. A nifty little listen if you want something a little different than your normal house or hip-hop album.
Sugar Wounds Calico Dreams4.0
Man-o-man it?s my lucky day another blackgaze record. However, unlike the last one which was more shoegaze and emo. This sophomore LP from Myrtle Beach band seems a much more electronic and screamo side of the genre. Is it better than the sonhos tomam conta, yes, but it still has a major issue of not being consistent enough for me. But this is still a hell of a solid record from front to back and there is a lot of energy on this album so take a listen.
IU Lilac2.5
There are some truly great tracks littered through this album and there are some truly dry tracks littered throughout the album. Not a whole lot to say it?s a mixed bag of some good tracks and some bad tracks, but nothing stands out as truly memorable or remarkable for a fairly over-saturated nature ok K-pop.
sonhos tomam conta wierd4.0
What can I say, I am an absolute sucker for really good shoegaze metal music, and blackgaze will always have a place in my heart. However, this is only true when the album is well made, well-executed, and doesn?t sound boring and for the most part, this small Brazilian band nails it out of the park. From the opening guitar lick on ?O ar nos meus pulmões? to the very Midwest emo post-rock guitar passages on ?Seu corpo é gelado, mas você ainda está viva?. There is a lot of intermixing of sounds and for the most part, they all come out really well. My biggest negative is that the sound can be rather one-dimensional right near the end of the record and with that idea, the last track ?Anime de mecha? could have used some sprucing up because it sort of ends into nothing, and I wish they went out with a bang. But overall a hell of great emo and shoegaze record with various roots in other hardcore and metal genres.
Cisnienie Radio Edit3.0
There is definitely a lot of good post-rock coming out this year and this had a lot of potentials to be one of those. On first listen the grand and mysterious opener ?Czarodziej? presents this abstract yet haunting picture of what this jazz rock and post-rock fusion will sound like. From there you get blasted with more of the jazz rock ideas on ?Zerok? and ?Diet Coke?; two shorter pieces with equal amounts of weight and strength. However, then the record closes on ?Calm the Fuck Down? a really slow, monotonous, and hugely stale piece with no character and lacks a quality build that the intro had. Overall, the record is really good, but the final track really drags this album down for me and is one of the worst closers to a post-rock record I have heard in a long time.
William Doyle Great Spans of Muddy Time3.0
Ideas are here, but the execution is beyond terrible. William Doyle came out with one of the most explosive chamber-pop records since Julia Holter?s amazing 2015 album was released. On this new album from the UK native, he explores a much more electronic direction with glitch and progressive pop layouts with very indietronica esthetics. For what it?s worth the exploration is there on this record, however, the overall execution is something to be desired. There are some truly breathtaking tracks that remind me a lot of the most recent Julia Holter album mixed with Radiohead?s OK Computer. However, put together this album is a bit of a mess and sonically this album can be extremely disjointed. Still, I think there is actually a really amazing glitch and progressive pop album here if he continues down this road because the exploration is all there it just needs to be put together in a more cohesive and explorative manner than just several disjointed tracks stringed together by underlying similarities.
Benny The Butcher The Plugs I Met 23.5
This is a fairly strong release for the Buffalo rapper Benny the Butcher, however in his tight and somewhat prolific discography this is nothing that sounds out of the norm for him. In many ways, this is him doing something more comfortable for him both sonically and lyrically. I still find the first release in this series to be significantly better and the last full-length album from him last year to also be significantly better. Still solid beats, great rapping, and explosive lyrics.
Lana Del Rey Chemtrails Over The Country Club2.5
From her 2019 Norman Fucking Rockwell release to this new album there seems to be a lot of the same sonic landscapes and lyrical content, however, there is a huge drop off in creativity, power, and abstraction. Much of this album tries to build on the same kind of ideas that her last album created but misses the mark with actually doing that because of how dry this album is compared to that one. Don?t get me wrong there are some truly great tracks on here like ?White Dress?, ?Chemtrails Over the Country Club?, ?Let Me Love You Like a Women?, ?Dance Till We Die?, and some others. However, some of the most boring tracks pop up on this record, and all sort of fall one after another. Another caveat here is how awkward the pacing is on this album; some tracks have a lot of sonic power while others complete trip everything back and leave much to be desired. Overall a record with potential, but dwarfs in comparison to her 2019 magnum-opus.
Joyce Wrice Overgrown3.0
Better than the average RnB artists that are continually flooding the landscape at the moment, but still doesn?t stand out as a great RnB artist because of how unoriginal much of this album sounds. I think it?s a great idea to try and bring in a bit more artistic direction by bringing in many great rappers and electronic producers. However, this album still doesn?t feel all that original in the grand scheme of things. Still, some really solid performances and tracks on this record and most of the features do add a good amount of depth to the album and I hope into the future she can continue to develop and push herself past her influences.
Middle Kids Today We're the Greatest3.0
For indie music as a whole, this is actually a really solid listen and there are some standout tracks throughout the whole record. However, after several listens this album sounds more and more derivative of the sound. But still, the performances are all really solid and overall a decent listen if you want a somewhat arbitrary indie rock and pop rock album with indie folk leanings.
Vegyn Like A Good Old Friend3.5
In the grand scheme of house music, this is a really solid IDM-based house record with booming bass and driving grooves that keep your head bobbing and your foot tapping the whole time. The only complaint I really have is that this record seems a bit one-dimensional once you get through the cloud rap intro. However, there is still a great sense of calmness laced throughout the album and overall a solid EP.
Bell Orchestre House Music3.0
There is definitely something here and the band continues to be one of the most interesting post-rock bands out there. Laced throughout this record is a lot of driving post-rock guitars with some breathtaking jazz and orchestral arrangements to go with them. However, my biggest issue with this album is how flat everything can sound after a while. None of the production on here really pops and everything comes off super dry. It doesn?t help that this album can be a bit of a chore when the more explosive parts are not taking place. I will say though that is a huge issue I have with post-rock as a whole. So overall, for me, this is one of the more interesting post-rock albums and I really believe this band can pull something together.
ERRA ERRA2.0
I can kind of see the appeal of this record, it?s progressive metalcore with huge djent riffs and explosive screams. However, it?s hard not to feel like this is just another addition to the very bland and generic scene of metalcore we are continuing to see. The production is so beyond clean that half the time the drums don?t even sound real, and the guitar is comedically edited to the point of being annoying. Most of this album is just a massive headache to listen to.
Gazelle Twin and NYX Deep England4.5
For such a simple sound, there is something so demolishing yet explorative this album presents. From the opening church bells and dark drone that builds into these explosive choral vocals that feel so dense yet so isolating that it's so haunting. This abstract and avant-guard approach continues through the album and in many ways, it feels like a more polished and explorative Julia Holter project. Honestly, the parallels between this album and her latest full length are huge. However, this album continues to blow my mind even more than that. Honestly, the only downside is that the last song has 6 minutes of dead silence which is really dumb, but other than that this is a nearly flawless record with so much rich atmosphere that you could cut it with a knife.
Alice Phoebe Lou Glow4.0
For a soft rock album and the third album from the South African singer/songwriter, there is a great amount here to like. From the chilling yet potent vocal performance and lyrical content. To the airy and light instrumentation that cross between psychedelia and jangle/indie pop without losing focus. Truly a breathtaking pop record with so many breathtaking performances that any fan of this light sound needs to listen to this album. My biggest negative is that there could have been more instrumental depth on some of the tracks, but overall a solid record from front to back.
Nick Jonas Spaceman3.0
It?s not every day that an album this good comes across my ears, and yet it?s not as good as others in the genre. Honestly, this is a really enjoyable listen from front to back and there is a lot of charm to this new Nick Jonas album. Where this album takes a huge nosedive is in how obvious the 1975 and Ariana Grande influences are, plus how cringy the lyrics can be ? although in the most tongue-in-cheek way sometimes. There is something here and I think Nick has the ability to play around with a lot of sounds and styles and you get a glimpse of that early on with the very synthpop and dance pop influences being woven in. But as the record goes through it gets more and more derivative.
Lake Street Dive Obviously2.5
I really want to like this project because in all honestly, it starts out really strong. But as the record continues on (and it?s really not a long listen) it becomes more and more derivative and by the end, the obvious white boy RnB and soul influences are beyond annoying and your ears don?t really want to come back to it. Still, the first half of this record is a lot of fun and danceable, it just suffers from being too one-dimensional.
Pupil Slicer Mirrors2.0
This is one of those heavy albums that is going to get a lot of buzz around it because of its lyrical content. For a mathcore album, they are tackling a lot of complex and intense topics that many artists take on but can never realize. With this album, they discuss the philosophy and issues with current-day religion. However, this is just not an interesting, original, or all the good mathcore album. Yes, it?s heavy, yes, it?s in your face, and yes, the lyrics are fairly top-notch (a lot of great poetic lines laced throughout this), but the number of mathcore bands out there today that all sound like Dillinger Escape Plan clones is vast and this is no different. The only thing that they have that they are trying to add is a bit of the Code Orange glitch-ie and synth effects, but it?s so minimal and rarely happens that it?s tough not to see this as a derivative mathcore project.
DJ Muggs Dies Occidendum3.5
A very strong Illbient and instrumental hip-hop album that leans more in the dark ambient space than most albums in this area are. This is a really dense and explosive instrumental album with some truly haunting beats that many of the best hardcore hip-hop artists could easily rap over. It has a lot of the same kind of energy as Eminem?s mid albums were like with none of the filler. I just wish there was more here and some of the tracks do drag on a bit more than they should.
Feu! Chatterton Palais d'Argile3.5
A French version of LCD Soundsystem is something that I never thought I needed, but man does this album sound so good when it?s on. From the classic nouvelle chanson française sound to the very art rock and indietronica elements laced throughout the whole album. Some truly breathtaking tracks on this album, but the biggest downside of the album is how bloated it is. Some of the later tracks really drag on for no reason. Also, the conclusion is not the best with a repeat of the first track but shorter. Still, overall a really solid release and a must if you are into the classics of art rock and indietronica or nouvelle chanson française
Drake Scary Hours 22.0
1 hit out of the park, 1 maybe, and 1 huge dud. Drake can never quite figure it out anymore because he is just trying to grab at anything that might make him the most money. However, there is something here if he continues to explore the darker nature of these introspective lyrics.
Kings of Leon When You See Yourself3.5
In many ways, this is the exact same thing that happened with the most recent Strokes record. It is way too damn catchy and good for its own good. I have never been a fan of Kings of Leon because they have always been a typical alternative and indie rock band with that post-punk influence that many of the early/mid-2000s radio-friendly bands had. But something about this album is so catchy, sticky, and mesmerizing, that it's hard not to just tap your foot and dance along to these songs. The more I listen to it the more I am blown away at how good these songs actually are. They are well written, well played, well-produced, and crisp as all hell. Honestly, the only negative is I wish there was a bit more exploration, examples being the new Strokes album, but still hats off the Kings of Leon for making something this god damn great for a band that I thought lost their touch years ago. Also, the first 2/3?s of this record completely outshine the last 1/3 of this.
Ian Sweet Show Me How You Disappear1.5
This has the exact same issue that the most recent A. G. Cook album had. Good ideas, horrible execution. The idea of a noisy, electronic, almost glitchy, rock album is something of want but Jesus does this sound awkward as hell every time I listen to it. I can?t wait for it to be over with because of how damn awkward it is. The only positive again is the idea is still there and I hope someone will be able to do it, but this just isn?t it.
Brand of Sacrifice Lifeblood4.5
Sometimes I think about what killed deathcore near the early to mid-2010s and I think about how many washed-out bands came along and turned the explosive and heavy hitting genre into a meme of unoriginal thoughts. So, what does it take to make a generic genre sound original and heavy?well Brand of Sacrifice is doing something I have never really seen from a band. They are fully taking in the memes of deathcore (high-end production, pig squealing screams, comedic guitar editing, and electronic noodling) and shoving them all together to create an incredibly dense, explosive, and futuristic blood bath of sounds and styles that it?s something not to be awestruck by. From the electronic synths and glitches to the symphonic metal instrumentations that pop up, this album has it all. Plus, the three-piece Toronto-based band doesn?t sacrifice songwriting and performance for these memes and that makes it nearly a perfect and complete listen for the 41-minutes its on. My only negative is sometimes the features don?t add much to the track, but damn does it really not matter when this album hits this damn hard.
Barbarossa Love Here Listen2.0
I have a hard time listening to this record and just seeing how underwhelming it is from front to back. This is trying too hard to be a Tame Impala synthpop outfit that really has nothing good to make themselves stand out from the dozens of artists in the same camp. Not terrible instrumentals but weak recording, back mixing, and boring production. Desperately need to branch out into other things to stand out from the crowd.
Denzel Curry and Kenny Beats Unlocked 1.52.5
For such a strong album last year these remixes, although sometimes extremely stellar (listen to GODMODE remix, Benny the Butcher feature remix, and the first track) tracks, overall, this album loses the fun and simplicity that made UNLOCKED so good in the first place. For a remix project, I just wish they were not so all over the place and kept the overall aesthetic of the original.
Genesis Owusu Smiling with No Teeth4.5
There are not many debut albums that come out and hit this hard while also being incredibly original and unique. The Australian based, Ghana born, artists comes through with a massive ? somewhat concept album ? on depression and how racial inequality can lead to it. With these powerful lyrics that Genesis creates dense songs based on neo-soul and experimental hip-hop. However much of this album also has a huge amount of post-punk and synth punk esthetics of the likes of Talking Heads. There is even a heavy amount of new wave and no wave coming through on this project that it is hard to pinpoint. Also, he can sing, and rap is so many versatile ways that it?s insane to hear. Honestly, the only downfall is the last two tracks (not including the amazing closer) are two massive outliers on the whole record stylistically and conceptually. If he didn?t take that rather odd detour he would have created a top-notch, flawless debut album.
World Peace Come And See3.0
20 tracks, 10 minutes, fast-paced, beat you over the head powerviolance with overly complicated lyrics about the deconstruction of religion. It is better than one would expect but I am more of a fan of the powerviolance and mathcore fusion going on right now. Still not bad by any stretch of the mean and goes hard for the 10-minutes it?s on.
Zeds Dead Catching Z's2.5
It?s dubstep based on chillwave and chillstep. There is nothing really that great about it or nothing too terrible about it. It?s pleasant when it?s on, but it's utterly forgettable when it?s over.
Julien Baker Little Oblivions4.5
There are various levels of sadness (from sad to chronic depression) in the real world and with that, there is the various level of sadness in music (from sad-girl to score). Julien Baker has always had some of the most emotionally potent and explosive lyrical content that anyone has ever had. Sometimes her lyrics hit Chelsea Wolfe or even black metal types of obliterating and on her third new album Julien doesn?t hold anything back. She continues to question her religion and relationships with devastatingly powerful lyrics, almost problematic. However, the biggest jump on this album is the explosive indie rock nature this album takes with drums, electric guitar, and synths. Where her debut and sophomore records focused on acoustic guitar and piano, we get a whole band on this new album and damn does this fit so well with her lyrics. My only complaint is that the lyrics can be a bit dry after a while, but the album is short enough that it really isn?t an issue.
Architects For Those That Wish to Exist2.0
Is this better than I expected; yes. Is this good; no. Does this change my opinion on Architects; no, but not in the way you would think. Architects have never been a good band in my eyes. I know they hit a rather large stride in the djent seen during the 2010s, but to me, it was very much unoriginal. Now on this new album, they continue to be unoriginal, but still sound average with that unoriginality. Heavily influenced by Bring me the Horizon, but with nobody to it.
Smerz Believer3.5
For how intriguing this album is on the surface there is a huge issue that really makes this album go from amazing to good. That issue is the number of unfinished ideas there are laced through this project. There are so many electronic passages that feel more like interludes, and classical pallet cleansers that really feel out of place. When this album hit?s heavy is when the electronic nature and neo-classical essences come together to produce one hell of an experimental vibe. But this album falls apart as soon as those ideas split themselves. In conclusion, there is a lot of amazing ideas all over this record and in all honestly, there isn?t a bad track in this album, but the two-women groups need to be more consistent, more original, and more blending.
John Tejada Year Of The Living Dead2.5
Not to say there aren?t some interesting sound palates on this new album from the techno master, but this is a fairly forgettable album because of how obvious these influences are. It is nice when it is on, but once it is over there is nothing that sticks in my head.
Sad Night Dynamite Sad Night Dynamite3.5
This is a rather interesting release that honestly doesn?t have the best execution, but the two-man group has all the ideas to make something great. Grabbing influences from Gorillaz, Glass Animals, and 2000?s crunk music. Odd combo you say, well yes but honestly, all the pieces are there. The flair of that style of hip-hop is all here with the boisterous rapping style, to the very playful and fun nature of Gorillaz, and the neo-psychedelic nature of glass animals, all with a trap rap modernization. The biggest gripe is how oddly similar many of these songs are to various Gorillaz songs, but still a lot of great ideas here that hopefully could pan out to a great album into the future.
Black Sheep Wall Songs for the Enamel Queen4.0
We are honestly seeing a bit of a screamo renaissance at the moment in the underground and I am all for it. The original ideas of screamo are all on here but with heavier instrumentation and more interesting instrumental pallets. Most atmospheric sludge metal albums bore me to tears and all doom metal albums make me want to die for how painfully boring they are. But something about this album keeps bring me back for more and more. It could be the intensity of instrumentation all over this album or how catchy the guitar riffs are, or how explosive the screams are. There honestly is no dull moment over this whole album. My only negative how long some of the tracks can be for really no reason and after the near hour of listening the album does get a bit stale.
Blanck Mass In Ferneaux3.5
While listening to this rather Avant piece of music there is a lot of thoughts that come to mind. First being tranquility and hypnotism followed by the fear of looming and so on. This record looks at the pain one feels, and the waving effects of that pain. This is done through various field recordings and ambient synths/drones. For being such a short album (2 tracks at 41 minutes), it is a rather cathartic and magnificent listen. There are a lot of great ideas laced through the album to show the progression and flow of what pain is like and the human experience of pain. However, where this album falls is how bland some parts can be compared to others. I feel the progressions and overall idea is solid but there are parts that go on for too long orbits that I wish were more fleshed out. Also ?Phase I? is significantly outshined by the darker and more explosive ?Phase II?. Phase II has more noise and industrial elements that make it a more intriguing and memorable listen.
Sydney Sprague maybe i will see you at the end of the world4.0
Honestly, this was a bit of a surprise on how explosive and interesting this short debut album is from the Arizona native. On the first track ?I refuse to die? there is a heavy-hitting indie rock/pop rock flair that is so damn catchy it?s hard not to have these melodies stuck in your head. From there Sydney experiments with a lot of very almost indietronica electronic production choices that there is a lot of promise here with what she is doing. Honestly, the biggest downside is how simple this album is and how cluttered the ideas can be. However, with more experience and more exploration, I believe she could make a push in the indie scene.
Five The Hierophant Through Aureate Void2.5
The sophomore record has more presence than the debut but still suffers from the same issues that its predecessor had. To say that this is a good album would make sense because all the pieces are there to make this a very fulfilling instrumental listen. However, in the grand scheme of dark jazz and avant-garde metal, this doesn?t hit hard enough in either genre to warrant an enjoyable listen. I full-heartedly believe this band can achieve something amazing, but they need to expand more on these ideas and create a much more abstract and darker listen than this is.
Nick Cave and Warren Ellis Carnage3.0
I can see the wide appeal of this record. It is lethargic and passionate with a lot of poetic lyrics on loneliness and longing. However, Nick Cave has always had the glaring issue of putting way too much in his music that always comes off as pretentious. To be honest most of this album is Nick crooning over lush but minimal chamber pop and industrial instrumentals that are eerily similar to David Bowie?s ?Black Star?. I don?t know I get the album and I see why a lot of people like it, but it is really nothing special with its lack of originality and interesting presence from front to back.
Jane Remover teen week2.5
In the grand scheme of hyperpop and cloud rap this is really nothing that steps out of either camp or never really is as explosive as I would want it to be. When it?s on it?s a fun listen but overall, there is nothing that makes this album a ?must-listen?. However, the drum and bass inclusion is something I would love to see into the future especially for how ?HexD? that idea is at the end of the day. Also, the production could be boosted into the future.
Sloping Completed Songs3.0
This is kind of like taking Girlpool?s Lo-Fi aesthetic with The Microphones minimalist indie-folk. There are some solid ideas, and the very post-rock instrumental of ?Trail? is a true highlight. However, there are some truly rough recordings all over the place and the overall presentation could be better. But a solid debut for the small band and I hope to see progress into the future.
Screamarts Endless Journey Inwards2.0
I listen to way way way too much drum and bass to listen to something this uninspired. Very much sits in that monstercat drum and bass scene of the early 2010s.
Dreamwell Modern Grotesque4.0
The band takes leaps and bounds on their sophomore record without taking away the extremely powerful and potent screamo lyrics. There is something so beautiful about this record. Not sure if it?s the shoegaze style post-rock guitar riffs, the heaviness of the screams, the spoken word poetic passages, or if it?s because this album just feels so cold. From the opening track?s atmospheric post-rock guitar passages and distant screams to the very emotional emo ballad of ?Lost Ballad of Dominic Anneghi?. Everything on here is a solid and tight screamo album with no filler. The biggest complaint I have is they do fall into a fairly common screamo box and if you aren?t ready for that this is a lot. This is a soul-crushing, self-loathing look at one?s self and that is a tough topic.
Nu:Tone Little Spaces3.5
For this funk and RnB-influenced drum and bass offshoot there is a lot to love. The booming drum and bass beats, the vocals have a lot of RnB style presence to them, the funk guitars and bass add a lot of charm, and the synths and other instruments add a much-needed texture to the album. My biggest complaint of the album is that the hour and five-minute length is not really justified because much of the album feels too similar to sit through all at once. This is an issue that the genre as a whole has, so it?s still a really strong release for the new artist.
DJ Rozwell What Happens After the Death Is Recorded2.5
this is one of those albums that tries to be a whole lot of things but doesn?t really hit any of them and completely misses the mark by the end of it. There are some good ideas here and there but there are also some truly terrible ideas laced throughout this record. There is also a huge amount of nothing laced throughout this project that it?s hard to see the merit in any of it. For such a promising artist with his breakout record, he continues to be a hit or miss in the plunderphonics world and I wish he would just kind of figure it out already.
Parannoul To See the Next Part of the Dream2.0
Man did I want to love this record. From the opening shoegaze guitar riffs to the hazy vocals, and building piano there is something so warm and sunny about this album. However, as this album goes on it becomes very apparent how blotted this record is. The post-rock passages do not really add anything to this album other than to be a rather tedious build to something that really never comes. Although there is still something here to hopefully look forward to in the future.
Otay:onii Ming Ming4.0
Surprisingly dark, ominous, and explosive post-industrial and neoclassical darkwave album with a lot of bites all the way through. All though it might not be fully present all the way through and I wish there were more here, but still an absolutely amazing listen from front to back that cannot be missed.
Hong Kong Express L.Y.F.2.0
The appeal of this record makes sense. It is a dense, slow, and methodical dreampunk album that shares a lot of similarities to the boom of the synthwave trend as of late. However, what makes this album such a chore to listen to is how one-dimensional the whole thing is. The intro track builds this cacophonous synth wall that makes you feel like your about to enter the dystopian future. But the rest of the album is this slow-paced and bland downtempo and dreampunk slog fest that is a bit slow to get through. The ideas are sort of here, but I would want everything to be panned out more into the future and bring more substance to the table than these fairly barebones instrumental backdrops.
SG Lewis times4.0
The nu-disco revival/resurgence continues to be one of the best sounds to come out of quarantine and Samuel George Lewis continues to push that sound into new heights. I knew that he had potential on his fairly strong set of EPs throughout the coming years, but his debut is probably strongest with great features from Rhye, Robin, and Channel Tres to name a few. The beats and production are bouncy and authentic, but they all have a dense feel of disco house and progressive house from the 80?sd and ?90s. The weakest part of the album is that the tracks with no features are significantly weaker than those with vocal features. Plus, I wish there was more substance here from the fairly short LP, 40-minutes.
Tash Sultana Terra Firma2.5
Some truly breathtaking psychedelic soul and rock parts laced throughout this LP, but the same issue plagues this new album from her the overall length of the project and presentation of all the tracks. This album is a whopping hour and several of the tracks on here could have been left out since they are not as heavy as other tracks. There are some truly breathtaking performances on this album, but there are also some tracks with no good qualities to them. So overall this is a very hit or miss album for me.
Rian Treanor Obstacle Scattering2.5
Ohh IDM how you are one of the oddest genre labels ever devised by humans. On this new EP from one of the more interesting underground IDM and deconstructed club artists, he creates an actually interesting set of tracks that come together rather nicely. However, what might sound good on paper does not sound good in reality since much of this album seems too busy for its own good. There are some good ideas on this album from the glitchy and nearly wonky synth arpeggios and bass blasts to the overarching danceable structuring. But this album doesn?t come together all that well and it makes me rather listen to the classics of IDM. But would be interesting to see this sound explored to more into the future with some more practice and patience.
Cassandra Jenkins An Overview on Phenomenal Nature3.0
This is one of those albums that the more I listen to it the more I understand it and the more I hate it. There is something so extremely pretentious about releases like this and for many music nerds that is a huge positive, but for me this is a lackluster yet still enticing listen of several different folk and pop genres that it?s hard not to love listening to it, but completely forget about it once it?s over. There are some great songs on here, but some also huge question marks on what she was thinking. Still, if you want a poetic and philosophical thought process from someone who probably doesn?t need to be talking about those topics then be my guest and take a listen.
The Bread Scientists Troposphere3.5
This is a fairly interesting and enticing instrumental metal album with huge smearing of various metal and electronic genres. From the opening ?!!!? shoegaze and alternative metal vibe to the ?Red Planet? very noisy rock and drum and bass inspired to take. There is a lot of variability here, but everything all comes back to this undertone of alternative metal with washed-out shoegaze guitars. There is also a lot of avant-guard jazz tendencies on many of the cuts here so there is that. The biggest negative is nothing really builds into anything and all the songs feel extremely short with the whole album being 25 minutes.
For Tracy Hyde Ethernity4.0
I could see some people absolutely falling in love with this record, especially those who loved the 90?s alternative rock sound. However, I could also see people hating this record for the same reason, but that exact style and aesthetic is making a big comeback and this Japanese band really make a great album with those tools as well as heavy doses of shoegaze and jangle pop. My biggest complaint is that two songs really drag this album down and because of that this album definitely over-stays its welcome. Still a great little album with a lot of memorable songs laced throughout most of the project.
Black Dresses Forever In Your Heart3.5
In retro-spec this is one of those albums that feels like it should be better but in reality, there is too much inconsistency to make this album truly great. Take the track ?Tiny Ball? and interesting minimal/raw demo cut but compared to the rest of the album it completely throws out what the first four tracks build up to be. Take another track ?Waiting42moro? but is another alternative rock and electro-industrial clash which sounds like it should be good, but the track comes off so awkward. What I am getting at is that there are some truly great cuts on this record, but the worst tracks on here derail the whole listening experience quickly and it takes some time for the pleasure of the album to come back. In general, this album has all the parts to be great but misses the mark several times or loses itself in the process.
Lucky Daye Table For Two3.0
There is surprisingly a lot of great things about this new EP from the LA-based RnB artist. Although this is nothing new for the RnB genre, he has a great knack for writing catchy lyrics with a dense amount of poetry and intricacy that many RnB artists of today sort of lack. However, the ending of this EP leaves me wanting more.
Anthony1 ???2.5
30 plus minutes of what can only be described as the sound equivalent of fast-paced strobe-lights. Each song has the density to go toe-to-toe with the best of the hardcore dance scene, but this album lacks overall substance and quality. Each song eventually bleeds together, and this album can be very tiring to listen to by the end. With that said, in chunks, this album is a heavy-hitting, fast-paced, and electric hardcore dance album that any fan of the current EDM scene might find to be a breath of fresh air.
slowthai TYRON3.5
In 2019 slowthai dropped one of the most polarizing UK Hip-hop albums to come out in the last few years, however, it really never sat well with me because of how bland the whole listen was. The lyrics might have been potent and much needed for the UK at the time, but much of the beats and instrumentals never really sat with me well. However, on his brand new album, he creates a much more dense, introspective look at who he sees himself currently. The beats are also a lot denser and more intricate from front to back. Also, a smaller issue he solved is he kept this album relatively short and to the point. The biggest downfall is nothing on this album ever comes together and the two-sided nature of the album also comes off poorly when listening to the whole thing from front to back. Still, again, a solid album for the UK native to keep pushing his already great sound.
JPEGMAFIA EP2!2.0
I feel like this new direction for Peggy makes sense, but also in another context, this direction makes no sense because of who JPEGMAFIA has made his brand into. With his breakout album Veteran in 2018, he created a dense but approachable glitch hop album based in sound collage and experimental hip-hop. In 2019s All My Heroes Are Cornballs he continued this exploration with an emphasis on RnB. Then on 2020?s single?s EP (i.e., EP!), he gave an explosive sense of what a JPEGMAFIA single can be. However, on this new EP, he throws out all his past ideas and goes for a more synth/keyboard direction and many of the beats and synth soundscapes make no sense for the very auto-tune vocals. It isn?t till the very end of the EP where things seem to come together for a stronger listening experience. In conclusion, much of this 17 minute EP clashes in ways that make no sense, which is interesting because on his past two LPs and EP he creates an explosive clash of sounds that makes me feel like he lost his identity.
The Pretty Reckless Death By Rock and Roll1.5
The guitar is fairly good for the first 10 minutes but for nearly a whole hour this hill-billy hard rock album is a bit much. Too one-dimensional, nothing that makes it stand out from the hard rock scene, and it relies too much on a simple sound structure to make the overall experience interesting or enjoyable.
Jon Foreman Departures1.0
It?s painfully, painfully boring and has nothing in it that would make me want to ever come back to it or make me pull it out if I heard it with others in the singer/songwriter genre.
Teenage Wrist Earth Is A Black Hole2.5
On the sophomore record from the alternative shoegaze outfit, they continue to show that simplistic alternative rock grooves do not go well with experimental shoegaze guitar tones. Not to say this album is a bad showing of what shoegaze and alternative rock can be, but there are so many better bands in this specific style that I would rather listen to those than this band (i.e., My Bloody Valentine, Ride, Chastity, etc.). I wish this band would try to branch out and do something more exploratory than the usual sound this style came out of in the 90s.
Humanity's Last Breath Välde4.0
I and extreme metal music have a rather unbalanced relationship. I have a dense and deep love for mathcore, grindcore, and power violence because of how dense, detailed, and somewhat mindless albums in those genres can be. If you need to be hit over the head with brutal heaviness, then go to any of the classics in those genres and you will have that itch. However, deathcore and I have never quite got along. I get the brutality of it, but many of the classics all have the same issue of horrendous recording issues with boring ideas from start to finish. However, what makes this brand new Humanity?s Last Breath album so amazing for the genre is how dense and thick everything is, on top of the brutality of the deathcore ideas. There is also a much-needed breath of post-metal and djent on the already dead genre of deathcore. This album will hit you over the head for nearly an hour and continue until the very end. The only downside with this album is its length, with it being a tad too long because by the end it does have a bit of a slog-fest nature to it.
for your health In Spite Of4.0
The current revival of mathcore with either grindcore or screamo are some of the most interesting ideas being revived. This is the case because of how wild these albums can be to listen to and how well things are recorded. The issue with much of that original sound is how horrible everything was recorded and therefore how much sounds would blend together. For 17 minutes this album has rough recording properties to it, but all the instruments are coming out crisp enough to distinguish them from one another. I see the argument against this album because of how ?simple? everything is, but there is something that continually brings me back to this sound and it?s how charming it all is (even for something so blatantly heavy). Although I find nothing blatantly wrong with the album the styles are a bit all over the place and the shortness of the album deters from the overall quality and listening experience, it seems they only kept what needed to be kept.
Youth Novel Youth Novel3.5
I think in the grand scheme of heavy emo music this could go down as a strong contender because of how dense of a listen this record is from front to back. The heaviest parts are brutal and unrelenting (has a bit of a mathcore flair to it) and the post-rock passages are nice ear candy to allow you to breath. However, this record is a bit of a wash when it is all said and done because of how unforgettable most of it. It?s energetic and explosive to listen to when it's on, but once it?s done, I have already forgotten about it.
Loathe The Things They Believe3.5
A metal band?making ambient/new age music, that sure sounds pretentious. Does it come off that way, kind of. But the band really nails it for the most part. Taking influence from the likes of new age and dark ambient while also making it feel like a Tim Hecker project meets a Oneohtrix Point Never album. The textures and progressions are smooth and blissful. The humming drone is ear candy to listen to. The whole album is light and simple, yet complex and distinct. Is this anything new for these genres, no, of course not, but it?s still a solid ambient album.
Cult of Luna The Raging River1.0
Still don't get why people like this band...it's boring as sin
Hayley Williams FLOWERS for VASES / descansos3.5
After her brilliant showing on the debut album of last year, the Paramore singer continues to show songwriting chops on this new ?quarantine album?. Although this is nowhere close to a perfect album, there are a lot of very solid tracks that give off such a vulnerability that it shakes me to my core. The biggest downfall of this album though is how one-dimensional the album is and how all over the place the quality of tracks are. Also, many of the tracks seem a bit short, wishing she explored more textures on many of them. Still enjoyed many of the tracks here and look forward to seeing if she continues this small hot streak she is on.
Sun June Somewhere3.0
On the Texas natives second full-length album she draws much influence from Julien Baker and that isn?t so much a bad thing, as it is a distraction much of the time this album is playing. Much of the album is drenched in this sophisticated indie-rock guitar work all while this dream and indie-pop aesthetic is blanketing each of the tracks on this 40 minute listens. With that said there is still a lot of good qualities about this project with some breathtaking singing and songwriting. Also, some great lyrical depth about wanting and loving that gives this more depth than your average ?sad girl indie music?. Hopefully, in the future, she can grow into her own sound instead of heavily taking influence from those around her.
Psychedelic Porn Crumpets Shyga! The Sunlight Mound4.0
Psychedelic rock as a whole has never rubbed me the right way. This is one of the few (honestly only) times where I believe older really is better. There are very few times a year where a psychedelic rock blows my mind. Even bands like King Gizzard never really do much for me because of how taxing their music is to me. However, the fourth album from the Australian four-piece band really brings a fresh breath of air to me. I think it has to do with how fun and easy this album is to listen to. I believe many psych bands today take themselves way too seriously?which is ironic because of where this genre came from. Psychedelic Porn Crumpets makes it sound fun and easy for 40 minutes with some heavy-hitting guitar riffs, booming drums, and experimental production. Ear candy all over this record and for how ?heavy? it seems, it really is a light and airy listen. My only complaint is how short some of the tracks can be.
Transatlantic The Absolute Universe2.5
When I look at the cover of this album, I instantly knew what this was going to sound like and for nearly 2 and a half hours you will get exactly that symphonic rock that has every single progressive rock trope in the book. From overly flashy guitar solos, bombastic drums, and classical orchestration that is grand/monumental feeling. For a triple concept album, there is not enough here to keep you engaged with the content because after a while everything starts to bleed the same and many songs really do sound like each other.
Transatlantic The Absolute Universe...(Extended Version)2.5
When I look at the cover of this album, I instantly knew what this was going to sound like and for nearly 2 and a half hours you will get exactly that symphonic rock that has every single progressive rock trope in the book. From overly flashy guitar solos, bombastic drums, and classical orchestration that is grand/monumental feeling. For a triple concept album, there is not enough here to keep you engaged with the content because after a while everything starts to bleed the same and many songs really do sound like each other.
The Weather Station Ignorance3.5
Chamber pop is a tough genre to do well in of how dense the classics are in this genre (from the originals like Tindersticks and Belle & Sebastian to more modern examples like Julia Holter or Arcade Fire). However, this fifth album from the five-piece Toronto native band truly does their best to try and stay original without being overblown. This is done by bringing in a lot of sophisti-pop influence from the likes of Prefab Sprouts and Bryan Ferry. This is a solid album with a lot of memorable and catchy pop jams, however, the dense number of influences leaves a bit of unoriginality especially for the heavy Fleetwood Mac influence laced throughout the whole project. Still, a nifty and fun little pop album that has a bit of sticking power when you get the right track on the tracklist.
acloudyskye Blood Rushing Like Current Through A Powerline4.5
It has been some time since a true ?dubstep? album has passed my ears. What do I mean by ?true?? Well simply put in the early to mid-2010?s several record labels capitalized on the dubstep and EDM crazy (i.e. Monstercat, etc. & better known as brostep) that generation had, by pumping out thousands of songs every year. So, there was a lot of ?festival? made dubstep that lost the original charm and style of what artists in the late 2000s did (i.e. Burial, Broken Note, and Vex?d). So, with this sophomore record by the NYC native, he creates a sophisticated yet danceable melodic dubstep album that doesn?t fall far from the origins of dubstep but creates a synthpop style charm to it, that makes this album feel fresh. Great listen from front to back!
Swallowtail In Asymmetric Oceans4.5
For how simple this album is the more and more you entrench yourself in the more it will resonate with you. A truly breathtaking but engulfing listen that loosely takes you through the attempted suicide of someone by the likes of drowning. Because of that, the nature recordings play one of the biggest roles on this album because laced through this album is the sound of water around you as this person goes deeper and deeper down until they pass out. The true nature of this album is the starting blissfulness of people's attempted suicide, how they feel ?at-peace? but just like as the album goes along, the fear of dying sets in, and that fear is greater than anything else until you are consumed by it. However, this album ends with a bit of resurrection as the person ends up on the beach of this ocean alive and with a new perspective. The dream pop soundscapes of ambiance and drone add so much depth to the psychedelic euphoria this album greatest. A truly breathtaking listen of suicide through a different lens than most albums on this topic.
Annamaret Nieguid duovdagat3.0
Abstract music is always a lovely place to get sucked into, however, it can sometimes be challenging to weave through the noise to find true gems in the avant-music platform. On this new album from the Finland-based composer, she goes completely solo by incorporating electroacoustic elements which are the bases for the very traditional Nordic folk instrumentation laced through this. Each track has a thick basing of ambient synths and drones coming from the editing of various recordings and overall, it?s an enjoyable listen. However, where this album fails is to keep my attention on the project for much of the first three-fourths. It isn?t until the end of the project when everything starts to come to a grandiose apex, and everything is really shinning. For most of the project, it is more or less a baren taken on a lot of these genres. Still, overall, it is a somewhat enjoyable listen for a somewhat mindless listen.
Black Country, New Road For the first time4.5
This is the year of post-punk for me, this is the third album released this year that is post-punk that is getting my highest praise. This debut album from the four-piece UK rock band is nothing more than a sight to behold. This is a tight 41-minute album with huge jazz influences that lace this project from the opening free-jazz starter, the klezmer style artistry throughout most of the project. My only complaint is that the closer could be a bit stronger but otherwise, this is a perfect release.
FAUZIA Flashes in Time2.0
Every time I put this on, I completely forget what I just heard after the 11-minute run time goes through. Overall, this new EP from the somewhat experimental RnB artist shows some promise, but none of the songs feel like they get going since they end as fast as they started. Plus, nothing here doesn?t sound like the handful of better experimental RnB artists out there right now.
Meer Playing House4.0
Although this might not be the most original progressive rock album, the phenomenal presentation and overall feel of this record gives you a light yet sophisticated taste of what you can find from the modern greats within the symphonic rock (like Electric Light Orchestra, Phil Lanzon, and the Dear Hunter), art rock (Radiohead, David Bowie, and PJ Harvey), and progressive rock (The Dear Hunter, Caligula?s Horse, and Steven Wilson). Each track has a lot of bite, without wasting your time. Still, my biggest complaint is their influences are a bit distracting and I have a hard time remembering the album when it?s over.
The Body I’ve Seen All I Need To See2.5
There was so much promise for this new record from the two-piece art metal act. Don?t get me wrong this is a heavy, brutal, and challenging listen but in the grand scheme of power electronics, drone metal, and noise music this is rather uninspired and even one-dimensional listen. Drone metal is never the most interesting genre but at least there is typically diversity among the tracks in a great drone metal album (Boris, Earth, Sun O))), etc.) and power electronics typically have a dense and intricate pallet of sounds. But this is a 35-minute slow burner that goes nowhere exactly at the very end. Big disappointment for me on what this band has done in the past and what this could have been.
Madlib Sound Ancestors4.0
For an instrumental hip-hop album this is a really strong album and for me personally this is one of the best showings for Madlib. I have never been one to fully understand, or appreciate, the subtle nuances of why people loved (and would die for) Madlib production. I will say it upright, his albums with Freddie Gibbs have always been boring listens. However, this is really a stunning album to listen to and each track has such a great set of samples and products that it?s hard not to feel empowered while listening to this. However, what really grinds my gears with this album is how flat everything is. Nothing about this album stands out as great, everything is extremely good, but nothing mind-blowing. This might be an issue I have with instrumental hip-hop as a whole, but nothing makes me think this is a great or classic record.
Goat Girl On All Fours3.0
For the most part, the sophomore record from the U.K. based art rock band is another push forward. However, this new album has the same issues as their 2018 debut; amazingly great tracks are plagued by extremely tedious tracks. So many great highlights from front to back on this album, but there are so many other tracks that seem like an afterthought. The band has some truly amazing ideas and I wish they could better washout the garbage from the gems when they mix their albums. But still a young band and more experience, I hope, will give them better judgment and writing.
Annisokay Aurora2.0
At first listen I actually was intrigued by the electronic production shown on the first few tracks but after listening to the whole project a hand full of times it becomes clear how derivative of a metalcore album this actually is. Painfully uninspired instrumentals, typical lyrical content, and overproduced djent tendencies.
The Notwist Vertigo Days3.5
For many years, The Notwist was looking like a one-hit-wonder in my eyes. Their explosive and exploratory ?Neon Golden? seemed to be the only thing the group could ever produce as great. However, on their newest album, they really blow me out of the water on how beautiful but unhinged this record is from front to back. So many lovely folktronica ballads, krautrock bangers, and indietronica explorations. The biggest downfall of the album is how sonically diverse, but all-over the place it is. Nothing really flows together on the record and there are many odd interludes thrown in that add nothing to the listening experience.
Lorem Ipsum Vivre encore4.5
Well damn, it?s not every day that you find a great screamo album. It?s even rarer to find a record that tries to push the boundaries of this rather ?one-dimensional? genre. However, this debut album from the French three-piece outfit is more than a great screamo album that explores the soundscape of the genre. They absolutely teardown the framework of what screamo is and re-build it with entirely new building blocks; welcome to the work of classical screamo. LOREM IPSUM builds a totally new experience of what screamo means by stripping everything down and creating a classical based emotional journey through body dysmorphia and body failures. From the opening track of ?Damocles,? you are shown the emotional pallet of this project and that doesn?t let up for the short album. A must listen and my only flaw is that some of the tracks feel they could have explored more sonically with longer time lengths.
NOT WONK dimen4.5
NOT WONK has everything to make a horrible band: bad recording practices, a rather bad signer, and mostly unoriginal thoughts. However, what makes this band so special and so unique is how unique their signer is, how explosive they play the fairly typical songs, and the recording is just right for what they want it to sound like. On this fourth album from the three-piece Japanese natives, they manage to sound as unoriginal as possible sonically but keeping everything distinctly theirs by making it as explosive as possible. There isn?t a song on here that might make you think of some other band, but once their lead singer comes in you will be reminded how damn charming and catchy everything is on this album. I would say I prefer their last album a bit more, but this hits so hard when you need it to and dazzles the mind when you don?t need it to.
Gallery S The Many Hands Of God3.5
Ever since the newest wave of Sewerslvt albums drum-and-bass have been changed for me. Because of this change this new album from the two electronic artists isn?t a bad one at all: solid drum beats, great atmospheric synths, and groovy jungle rhythms. However, the complexity of Sewerlsvt is completely lacking in this album and for the most part that?s what I want now a days from drum-and-bass music as a whole, especially the niche genre of atmospheric drum-and-bass.
Rhye Home2.5
I have been a huge fan of Rhye since their debut record ?Woman? came out in 2013. ?Blood? was a detailed and intricate record with a lot of great nods to the smooth soul and alternative RnB genres. However, on the duo?s most recent record the charm feels lost as this is the same idea as the last album. Not saying this is a bad album by any stretch. But this is the same sound you would expect with slightly worse instrumentals. Still, solid performances from Mike so a nice listen if you have never heard of the duo.
Alycia Bella Muse1.5
It?s sexy?it?s sensual?it?s typical alternative RnB. The debut LP/EP is really nothing to gawk at, but she is an extremely good singer so there is that and the instrumentals are extremely pretty. But nothing on this really sticks.
Typhoon (USA-OR) Sympathetic Magic3.5
Apparently, I was the only one who liked their 2018 album ?Offerings? but that album really hit me over the head when it came out with how personal and real of a listen the album was. This brand new album from Oregon, band bring it back to what they did on their 2010 album ?Hunger an Thirst? with much more chamber folk/pop leanings than was on ?Offerings? and in many ways that really pays off for them. However, what leaves this album hanging is how unforgettable a lot of it is. When the album is on I enjoy it for the most part but once it?s over, and it?s over very quickly, I have already forgotten what I listened to. Still, lyrically it?s a dense and introspective look at life, almost emo in a way.
TH1RT3EN A Magnificent Day for an Exorcism3.5
Rap rock has had a fairly rough set of releases in the last 15 years. Many artists have attempted but very few are able to pull it off. This debut album from legendary underground rapper Pharoahe Monch?s new rap band group, th1rt3en, might be the best rap-rock album to come out since the 90s. In all honestly, this is not perfect and some of the tracks near the middle of the album do not have the same bite as the beginning and end few tracks. But this is a lyrically dense and instrumentally classic listen if you love that classic 90s sound with a bit of dense atmosphere and Jazz leanings.
Yon order of violence3.5
The German band?s debut LP is a solid showing of what classic screamo can sound like with more intricate guitar work than your average 2000s screamo band. In many ways, this is like Envy, but not as long-winded as most Envy records. The biggest downside of the album is how two-sided the whole listen is. Some tracks are aggressive screamo cuts while others are post-rock anthems with loud screams over them. But still a great album with a lot of raw energy to it.
Big Up Menace X Artificial Emotions & Coping with Cybernetic Love3.0
Every so often an album comes across my ears that challenge me on the idea of ?is this even music?. From the opening minutes of this brand new album from sound collage artist, Jalen Elkins, better known as Big Up Menace X, you will be shown a dense, cluster of video game, TV, movie, anime, and radio samples from all over the country. In most regards, there is very little editing either which makes this a fairly odd listen because of how noisy, distorted, and raw everything is and comes across. I will say this is not for the faint of heart and this will be rather ungodly listen with how much changes and switches from start to finish. But there is still something here that makes me really question a lot. But this is still a dense mess and many times you can get lost in what is even happening.
Grandbrothers All the Unknown3.5
A really strong post-minimal album from the German duo. In general, this is nothing mind-blowing out of the modern classical offshoot, but this is a really strong showing of what ambient house and post-minimalism can do when they are put together correctly. A lot of memorable tracks with great moods and builds that keep your ears peaked the whole listening experience. The biggest downfall of the project is how after 55 minutes the lack of diversity does get to you. But still a solid release.
Emeka Ogboh Beyond the Yellow Haze2.0
I see the appeal of very minimal albums like this one. Post-minimal ideas laced through this IDM lens with ambient leanings and techno beats. Plus, throw in those common field recording tropes of the last 20 years and you have this sophomore record from the Nigerian-born producer. On the opening track ?Lekki Alah Freeway? you are shown this haunting ambient drone layered under these ghosts like whales. Which is the backdrop to these booming IDM beats and techno snares/synths cords. But after this is when the album goes from intriguing to incredibly imitating and one-dimensional. ?Danfo Mellow? is not horrible but the progression is so stagnated and the field recording can be extremely annoying, ?Everydaywehustlin? is even more of a stagnate track that for nearly 10-minutes goes nowhere, and to round it all out we have a ten-minute droning dub piece that could go down as both one of the most serein sounds this year while also being one of the most boring. Overall, I hope Emeka continues to make music because his debut was so much better than this album, but he definitely needs to bring more to the table.
Gatecreeper An Unexpected Reality2.5
Angry, aggressive, and also again two-sided. The first 7 tracks of this 17 minute EP are in your face, raw, and fast-paced death metal with some crust punk leanings. The last track is a typical doom metal slog fest that makes me want to stop listening because of how typical it is. So, pick your poison, first half brutality, or second half slow?ality.
Pom Poko Cheater3.0
In a lot of ways, this is a really exciting and fun noise-punk album. A lot of great elements laced throughout the LP. However, the biggest problem I have with this album is how Guerilla Toss and Melt-Banana influenced this album is. Many of the same issues that plague those bands plague this album as well. One-dimensional song structure, mixing is not great for a noise album, performances are flat, etc. However, this is still a good listen if you have never explored the likes of dance-punk and noise pop because this brings a lot of weight and ease to those dense genres.
Deem Spencer Deem's Tape2.5
Some really great beats and solid execution, but many of the performances on this EP/tape are fairly inconsistent, if not underwhelming. For example, the first few tracks have some good flows and delivery, but then you get tracks like ?New Light? and ?One Hundred Seasons? that fall very flat.
Lice WASTELAND: What Ails Our People Is Clear4.0
What happens when you take classic British punk artists like IDLES, smash it with King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard, and sprinkle in Daughters noise/no-wave and brutal progressive rock music? Well, you get this fantastic debut album from the Bristol four-man band. So many memorable guitar hooks, cryptic and political lyrics, and insane psychedelic production. My biggest complaint with this album is how on and off it can be at times. Many times, the instrumentation takes a huge holt and nothing monumental happens for several seconds if not minutes. However, on a more positive note, this album has the charm and cartoon nature of a Gorillaz album with the off the walls but danceable music of what makes experimental punk music so fantastic to follow through the years.
Noah Barbosa coffee in the evening3.0
Is this going to keep you on the edge of your seat? No, not really. But still, a peaceful and heavily textured ambient piece that keeps your interests peeked for the whole 30 minutes of listening time. My biggest complaints are how minimal the intro is and how lengthy the ending is. But still a decent ambient drone album with a lot of great nature/field recordings that make you feel happy and safe.
Fievel Is Glauque God's Trashmen Sent to Right the Mess3.5
French live band come through with a rough recorded gem that any fan of jazz pop or jazz music, in general, need to listen to. Great repetitive drums, lighthearted vocals, and lounge feeling progressions. My biggest complaint is how much this album loses itself by the end because of how simple everything is. But some truly memorable tracks on here and a must-listen for the small band.
R.A.P. Ferreira bob's son: R​.​A​.​P. Ferreira in the garden level4.0
Philosophical rapper, Milo, comes through with his second album under his new name. His 2020 release was a great showing of what he has in store for this new hazy jazz-rap sound. He continues that idea on this brand new album. For me, this is a hair better than the last album because of how concise and to the point this album is. Being much shorter and having significantly better instrumentals makes this a great listen. The biggest issues are the lyrics are a bit ?babbly?. You know, anyone who took a liberal arts Philosophy class can relate to a babbly professor and that?s a lot of what this album is. Still a solid showing and continue to look forward to what he does in the future.
Fax Gang Aethernet3.0
Debut album from cloud rapper and HexD maker Fax Gang and this isn?t bad music, but it takes way too much PC music influence and doesn?t quite hit on all cylinders in any of the songs. It?s loud, but not loud enough; it?s glitchy, but not glitchy enough; etc. I want more out of music like this and I get it sometimes, but most of the time this album falters in its overall execution. However, there is still something here with the idea and style that could be flushed out into future releases.
Wardruna Kvitravn2.0
There are a lot of great qualities laced throughout the fifth full-length LP from four-piece band Wardruna. However, what makes this album so special quickly becomes a slog-fest to get through. If you are at all a fan of ?traditional folk? music especially something as historic as Nordic folk music, then you might enjoy this. However, for 65 minutes you will hear roughly the same sonic soundscapes: dark ambiance, tribal drums, hypnotic vocals, and repetitive violin. I see the appeal for some people, but for me, this is an absolute chore to sit through.
Caligonaut Magnified As Giants1.0
For whatever reason, there is a small resurgence of 70?s styles progressive and chamber progressive rock music. In some instances, there is actually a lot of solid playing and production on those albums. However, on this new Caligonaut album, there is honestly nothing good about this album. It reeks of progressive rock mannerisms that haven?t sounded good since the era they came out of. Plus, none of the playings on this album is all that interesting, the vocals are painfully boring, and the progression of the album is extremely monotonic and predictable. Honestly, the current changing of the progressive scene is being hindered by these kinds of bands trying to ?bring back the past? without bringing anything new to the sound they are blatantly copying with. If you like this sound, then listen to the obvious classics from the 70s and 80s rather than a watered-down version of it in 2021.

2020
The Avalanches We Will Always Love You4.0
At one point or another everyone will go through loss. The emotion is a powerful one and probably the one that can manipulate us to do things we didn?t mean to. That is why people are always told to love those who are going through a loss because they need it more than they could imagine. On the 3rd album from the legendary plunderphonics and trip-hop duo we see them explore this topic of loss and love in tandem with one another and where that can lead one in any sense of the meaning of loss. Is this their best album, no, but is this another fairly strong addition to their amazing trio of albums, absolutely. Any fan of hip-hop and electronic music needs to hear this album in all its glory. The worst part of this album is that it is littered with unnecessary interludes and some unnecessary features.
Helios Domicile2.5
For ambient music, this has a lot of great ideas and drone textures. However, for 40 minutes you are given the same thing over and over again and nothing really makes that an enjoyable listen from front to back.
Channel Tres I Can't Go Outside4.5
Brand new EP from the dominant force of the hip-house revitalization and I cannot say any more positive things about the power this album has on the genre. So many deep, hypnotic, and energetic house beats over some truly spectacular rapping. The biggest downfall is the tracks could have used some more extensions to them because the beats are so damn solid.
Taylor Swift Evermore3.5
Miss Taylor Swift comes through with a somewhat sister album in complement to her previous 2020 release ?folklore?. With folklore, Taylor took monumental steps forward in her independence. Specifically, with her songwriting ability, production, and instrumental landscape. Although these two albums were written in tandem with each other evermore sees a much more indietronica/folktronica direction rather than the very folk-pop and contemporary folk sound of folklore. Personally, I find this album to be more pleasant the more I listen to it, but many of the huge steps forward on folklore are gone on this album. However, I still find a majority of the tracks on here to be extremely well written and have a lot of great depth to them (other than ?tis the damn season?, ?coney island?, and ?champagne problem?) especially the track with HAIM and Bon Iver which are some of the most detailed songs I think she has ever written.
Com Truise In Decay, Too2.5
I really enjoyed his ambient chillwave album that he came out with last year. A lot of great layers in that album so I was excited to see this album pop up in my new album?s thing on Apple Music. Man was I disappointed. There are some good tracks here and there, but this album is all over the place. Some bits are synthwave inspired beats while others are almost downtempo ambient tracks that go nowhere. Not really sure what Seth was thinking when he made this new album.
Sigur Ros Odin’s Raven Magic4.0
If you have never listened to Sigur Ros then this might not be the place to start because of how different this album is. This album is a 16-year long wait that fans have been waiting for and does it live up to that hype and wait?well for me maybe. Sigur Ros became famous for their dense post-rock instrumentation, claustrophobic (yet beautiful) ambient soundscapes, and surreal vocal performances (especially on their 1999 ?Ágætis byrjun?, 2002, ?( )?, and 2005 ?Takk??). However, the lead singer (and mastermind behind the whole project), Jónsi, always wanted something more magnificent, more personal, and denser. So, in 2002 he worked with the above artists to create a live performance showcasing the power of a historic Icelandic poem. The band sat on this and wanted to do something huge with it. But as time passed, they sat and sat on it. So now we have it and it really is something to behold. Although it is very patience-testing, when the true beautify comes through on the record it comes in hard. So angelic yet so haunting, something all people should try if you want a journey through the culture and history of a country most people know nothing about.
Show Me A Dinosaur Plantgazer3.5
Really solid blackgaze album with some truly atmospheric post-metal/post-rock instrumentals that keep me coming back for more. However, the mixing on this album is all over the place and that really is the worst part of this album. Sometimes the drums are so inaudible that I wonder if they are there. While other times the guitars are so damn washed out that they overtake the mix. But still, some really solid performances that any fan of Deafheaven would love this album.
Ichiko Aoba Adan no Kaze4.5
With Covid-19 being the dominant threat of 2020, millions and millions of people have been affected by it in one way or another. With that many artists have come out with various albums talking about the struggles, heartache, loneliness, and various other topics on the subject of living in self-isolation, quarantine, or various other occurrences that have happened due to this horrible various. I have reviewed many of these albums and they all have the same undertones of hatred and loneliness. But what if to close out 2020, to close out this horrific year with something new, sometimes many of us haven?t felt in months, hope. The seventh full-length album from the Japanese singer/songwriter starts off with a dense yet beautifully arranged ambient pop intro that creates a sense of swimming in the deepest ocean, with no one around you. However, this ocean is warm, filled with colorful life (from the animals to the plants). This feeling of happiness, of warmth, continues to build throughout the whole project. With folk drive tracks, piano-based tracks, and such beautiful instrumentation that it is hard not to listen to this album and sense warmth. With 2020 filled with such hatred and sadness, end the year with something a bit more hopefulness and warm.
Miley Cyrus Plastic Hearts3.0
Honestly, I could go on and on about how un-original and short-lived this album is. The amount of influences she is wearing on her sleeves isn?t even funny. However, for Miley and who she is as a current artist, this album is miles ahead of anything she has produced. This is the sound that her vocals have desperately needed to be over and it is great to see her do something that she wants to do and feels so comfortable in. I really hope that she continues to explore this sound into the future because I really believe that there is something here for her to do better in the future.
Within the Ruins Black Heart1.5
Extremely basic metalcore and deathcore with progressive metal/djent tendencies. For 40 minutes it?s the same sound over and over again and I would much rather listen to the heavy influence of others like them.
TEOAY Rules for Becoming Invisible2.5
There is definitely something extremely haunting about this debut album from Lian Gerbino. It is extremely foreboding and sounds like there is something following you every step you take. However, after 20 minutes the sound and astatic loses itself relatively quickly because of how one-dimensional everything is to listen to. Every track is basically Lian creating a loud yet hazy guitar drone with thick ambient drones in the background to create this claustrophobic nature. So for 35 minutes, you will feel the same feeling over and over again until you get rather bored with it. Also, the Sun O))) influence is beyond comparable.
Ane Brun How Beauty Holds the Hand of Sorrow3.5
So much better than the first album that the Norwegian artist released this year. So much more personal, hypnotic, lovely, and dense that it feels weird to even think they were recorded during the same year. From opening to closing, you will be whimsically taken on a trip through the chamber and folk soundscapes. The biggest complaint is that some of the tracks feel a bit underperformed from what I know she can do. Plus, there is nothing on here that really sticks out has a magical experience like I would have expected to form her.
Our Oceans While Time Disappears4.5
The Netherlands-based, four-piece, progressive rock band is finally back with their sophomore record and they take what they did on their self-titled debut and enhance it ten-fold. On their debut, there was a huge emphasis on post-rock atmosphere; thick ambient drones, airy guitar riffs, and soaring vocals. However, vocalist Tymon was never a huge factor in their debut because of how one-dimensional of a singer he is. On this new record he not only steps up his singing, but it sounds like a completely different person. So much range and style that it makes me think he used Jeff Buckely as a huge influence. However, it?s not only that the band also steps up their instrumental chops by creating deep, thick, and explorative progressive rock and metal instrumentals that you feel like an explorer in a desert. So many amazing things going for this record and I am so impressed with how much they stepped up on this new album. My only complaint is that the recording and processing could have been a bit better because not all the instrumentals share the space and many times the vocals can get lost in the guitars or the drums can be inaudible in the mix.
Plini Impulse Voices3.5
The Australia-based guitar guru is back with his sophomore record and he continues to be one of the biggest names and driving forces in the instrumental metal scene. I listen to a lot of music and I have been following Plini for many years now and there is something so mesmerizing about the way he brings in jazz influences into his very intense and theatrical metal instrumentals. There are many out there that try to be like him but can?t. However, with all that said this is still extremely short and many of the tracks I feel could have been explored and extended into longer and more intricate ways. Also, many of the tracks feel like Plini is adding pizzazz for no real reason (kind of like the most recent Jacob Collier record).
Coletta Idealism4.5
The debut four-piece Atlantia based band comes through with the greatest psychedelic rock and swancore album that I have been patiently waiting for the last four years. Ever since Stolas and Sianvar, in 2017, came out with what would be both of their last records, both of them saw the creation of this psychedelic meld with math rock and post-hardcore. However, both of them had huge glaring issues of not really coming off right. From there several other artists have attempted this sound (most recently Nova Charisma) but no one could figure out the sound. In comes, a band who started out in the typical swancore scene, but drastically switched with their debut album, and this baby is packed full of psychedelic ragers that any fan of Glass Animals or Dance Gavin Dance will be pleased. Honestly, the only negative I have is that things are a bit one dimensional after a while. But damn do they execute this sound with such swagger and style; task a listen!
Shygirl ALIAS4.0
The very illusive London rapper, Blane Muise, is back with her sophomore record and it continues to amaze me how so many people are sleeping on her music. The amount of craft and energy she brings to a 19-minute record is unmatched. This is a really tight listen from front to back and there is not a bad song on it. The issues come through with me wishing she did more with this record. Just like with her 2018 release, she continues to work with these very short and bite-size albums. However, her most potent moments are when she is unleashing her rath on longer tracks. So, I give this a 4/5 because I wish there was just more on this record.
Liturgy Origin of the Alimonies4.5
It?s hard to review albums like these because of how off the wall they are. Last year Hunter gave us the introduction to what she has been experimenting on for the last few years. However, that album had a glaring mixing and production issue. However, on her most recent effort, she creates one of the most interesting and diverse black metal albums to ever exist. For almost anyone here I would imagine no one has ever stepped foot into the black metal scene (and for good reason); it?s a hard genre to listen to sometimes. What Hunter does is creates an almost charming nature to this very dark genre of metal. She has one hell of a knack for creating dense and magnificent sound stages, without going too overboard with ideas. She perfectly melds the harshness of black metal with the sophistication of chamber music and opera. Truly a listen for the ages. This might not change black metal, but she is apart of the forces to change the gatekeeping being seen in the genre.
Mamalarky Mamalarky3.5
A lot of different styles and ideas coming through for this debut album/EP. Honestly, it?s pretty good if it wasn?t for the fact that sonically it is all over the place and none of the songs feel all that original. But still, a really solid album, and I really look forward to seeing what this band does in the future.
Kali Uchis Sin Miedo (del Amor y Otros Demonios)4.0
Not sure what happened over the summer with her sub-par EP, but she comes back with what I see as significantly better than her debut LP in 2018. There was a looming issue of inconsistency on her last album that she completely eliminated on her most recent record here. From front to back, you will be graced with sensual and energetic RnB with her classic Latin twist. There are a lot of contemporary RnB artists in the world today, but there is something so classy, yet sexy, about Kali?s music. She has such a knack for paring Latin flavors with American RnB music. My biggest flaw with this album is that the features seem like such an afterthought. Plus, it seems a bit of a jumbled mess sonically from track to track. But still, an incredible release, and any RnB fan should listen to this album.
Aesop Rock Spirit World Field Guide3.0
NYC-born and Portland-based abstract hip-hop legend Aesop Rock, aka Ian Matthias Bavitz comes through with his 11th album under this alias, but comes after his collab record with producer Madlib on Malibu Ken. For this record, he continues to make dense and abstract lyrical oceans for listeners to pick through as you are taken on a journey through the spirit world. For me, this record starts out so strong that it?s hard to imagine this even coming down to a 3/5. However, what holds this record back so much is that it loses so much momentum as the album goes on. This LP should not have been almost an hour in length because it starts to bleed together as you get to the 30-minute mark. Still, some really solid songs in the front half and the last 3 or 4 tracks are really solid as well. If you like dense and poetic lyrics in very theatrical ideas, then this record is for you.
Benee Hey u x3.0
Extremely promising rising indie pop star. Stella Rose Bennett, a New Zealand singer/songwriter found a small niche when her song supalonely went viral on TikTok. However, there is something so charming and original about her music that it is hard not to love her. The first half of this album comes off so strong and so personal. Some really interesting lyrical depth which I wasn?t expecting. Plus some really solid features from Grimes and other such artists. However, the second half of this album drops off really quickly in quality and production. It is almost as if this should have been an EP, but she shoved 5 more tracks on here for no reason. Still, a really solid album, and anyone should check it out if you want some electropop influenced indie pop.
William Basinski Lamentations2.5
The creator of the tape music genre is back, and he continues down this very haunting and ambient direction. However, there is something that leads me to not like this album all the way through and it is how minimal the sonic soundscapes change. Everything all bleeds together and the most interesting moments don?t come till the back half while the first half seems like a 25-minute build-up to the more interesting last 25 minutes. Also, the huge amount of influence he is getting from The Caretaker's magnum opus ?Everywhere at the end of time? is sort of uncanny. Still an average listen if you want some really haunting ambient music.
Cakes Da Killa Muvaland3.5
Another solid hip-house album, however, is not as dense or intricate as Channel Tres?s EP that was mentioned earlier. There is just something missing from this EP that is on that one that I cannot place. Still a hella solid release.
Kylie Minogue Disco4.0
Not sure why 2020 turned out to be the year of industrial music and nu-disco. But damn has there been some amazing nu-disco albums, and this is another stellar addition to that lineup of Jessy Ware and Dua Lipa. So many memorable and danceable electropop, synthpop, and nu-disco tracks that it is hard not to have a smile on your face while listening to this album. What?s even more amazing is that it comes from Kylie?s best album in over two decades, if not even three decades. The biggest downfall is ?Say Something? and ?Celebrate You? are strong lulls in the tracklisting, but still such a strong album!
Yukon Blonde Vindicator3.0
A decent 5th studio album from the BC band, but they still suffer from the same issue of not having a strong identity. The band continues to be heavily influenced by the likes of beach fossil and tame impala. However, the songs are still well done and well executed so I have to give them some points for that.
Sea Oleena Weaving A Basket2.5
Decent ideas, poor execution. Slowcore is a very niche genre with a lot of subtle hinds and structures. However, this album leans more into the ambient and angelic nature that slowcore can uphold in certain cases. However, there is a lot of nothing on this album. So, when you try to lean in on the lyrics which aren?t great either for a slowcore record. It also doesn?t help that everything is so washed out that many things are inaudible. So, an average listen all the way through. Some much better slowcore releases out there.
Post Moves Cut Into Your Own Dimension2.5
The Rhode Island native has a really interesting idea going for him. I honestly have never seen anyone take the pedal steel guitar, make heavenly Americana ambiance, and layer it all on top of some pillowy, yet experimental, drones. However, what Sam Wenc does in terms of creativity lacks in the presentation. For only being 30 minutes and change this album feels like a lifetime to get through. Many of the instrumentals and ideas don?t always flow well together. But I still find this album to be good because of how unique and interesting it is. I think there is something here that is not fully realized yet.
Emma Ruth Rundle and Thou May Our Chambers Be Full1.0
Shhhhhh?I am sleeping; the most boring and derivative atmospheric sludge metal album ever made and adds nothing to the post-metal genre. Honestly, Emma Ruth Rundle should be horrified that they gave her these instrumentals to the singer over.
Netsky Second Nature2.0
This record is the definition of throwing 100?s of knives at a target and hoping one of them has enough power to stick to the target. For over an hour, track after track will be the exact same dancefloor drum and bass sound. So, the first quarter of the record is bouncy and fun?just like how the start of a fun night at the club is fun and energetic. But as the night goes on, as the album goes on, you get more tired and sick to your stomach. This album completely loses itself by the end and your ears are ready for anything but dancefloor music.
Bring Me the Horizon Post Human: Survival Horror4.0
One of the most hated bands in existence is back with a new EP/LP and they continue to show why they are one of the biggest names in metal music because they continue to make the most interesting and hard-hitting music in the scene. So many memorable tracks with top-notch production and features. I have never been a YUNGBLUD or NOVA TWIN fan, but Oli and the crew make them sound amazing and perfect on their respective tracks. The biggest downfall is the looming Linkin Park influence all over this album. However for the most part they really make that sound interesting with their electro-industrial elements thrown in throughout the whole album. Just a funny note the interlude ?Itch For The Cure? might be the future direction they need to go into because the breakcore elements they introduce are absolutely boss for the alternative metal vibe. Also Baby Metal really really really sounding like Haru Nemuri, an interesting influence.
Busta Rhymes Extinction Level Event 2: The Wrath of God3.5
One of the greatest rappers of all time finally comes through with his most anticipated record yet. On the Brooklyn native?s 10th full-length album, he changes up his sound but doesn?t change up his aggressive flow, and honestly, most of the tracks here hit pretty damn hard. The biggest issue is that this record didn?t need to be an hour and eleven minutes long. But there is a lot of passionate, aggressive, and political rapping all over this record, and a great addition to the 2020 rap catalog.
Ariana Grande positions3.0
In so many ways Ariana Grande is the only pop artist staying to the original pop formula, yet still blowing fresh air into the genre. On her last three records, ?Dangerous Women?, ?Sweetener?, and ?thank U, Next?, she proved to the world that her signing ability is top notch and continues to get better with age. Also, her instrumentals are incredibly sticky. However, what has always lacked is the lyrical content, however, that really changed on ?thank U, Next? where we got a raw reaction to her ex-boyfriend?s suicide and how she was feeling with her record label. On her most recent record ?positions? she continues to sing her ass off and perform at top levels and above that is the amazing chamber pop and trap instrumentals that are beyond creative. The biggest downside is that every single song is a sex song and she really wants you to know that. Do they all hit hard, absolutely, but for 40 minutes it is a bit much and I wish she continued down the more raw/emotional path she did previously. Still a good album and many fans will eat this up, but for me, the content is holding this album back big time.
Oneohtrix Point Never Magic Oneohtrix Point Never4.0
Daniel Lopatin, a Brooklyn native, has been making music under the OPN name since 2007 and he has one of the densest and interesting catalog you can get for an experimental electronic artist. Currently, on his 9th studio album, he kind of celebrates his legacy as an artist instead of defining a new genre of electronic music. In past classics (i.e. ?Replica?, ?R Plus Seven?, ?Garden of?, and even ?Betrayed in the Octagon?) Daniel redefined how we looked at Glitch/Plunderphonics, Vaporwave/progressive electronics, Post-Industrial, and Ambient music respectively. Daniel has such a keen eye for displaying coherent structure and sound design for electronic genres that have no need to be blended. With ?Magic? he gives a new audience, a more popular audience with his newest production credits for The Weeknd, and movies like Good Time and Uncut Gems, a showing of what his best styles sound like without going through them all at once. And to be honest it is a stellar showing what Daniel has done without suffering from the same issues all those albums plagued. The only gripe is that it still sounds like a disjointed listen even though he tries his best to fluently incorporate everything. The most interesting thing about this album is how Daniel uses the changing of the radio to explore his sounds and displays that although there are hundreds of different genres of music out there, it all comes together to be music. Great listen and a must for all new listeners to his music.
Ane Brun After the Great Storm2.5
The Norwegian singer/songwriter comes through with her eight studio album and she definitely steps up to the plate to change her sound, with the heavy inclusion of trip-hop elements. However, I don?t think this album was fully realized or finished because it is very rough around the edges for so many different things. A massive complaint I have is how Bjork influenced this record is from front to back. The only original or fully interesting was ?Fingerprints?, which is a breathtaking chamber pop track. Still, I think there is a lot going for her on this record and a lot of decent ideas so hopefully, she can better realize this sound in the future.
Black Thought Streams of Thought, Vol. 3: Cane and Abel3.5
One of the lead artists of the legendary hip-hop groups The Roots comes through with his debut LP and the third installment of his ? Streams of Thoughts? series and it continues to show that he is one of (if not the) best lyricist in the hip-hop scene hands down, but shows that he might not have the best chops for making full records. From the opening few tracks, you can feel the aggression and heart that Tariq has for the scene. From the explosive and dense ?Good Morning? to the jazzy ?Magnificent?. We also have some great instrumental and vocals from Portugal the Man, the least likely person I would imagine having on here. But this album has its dull moments and that is okay. It is a good if not great album and you should listen to it if you want a great showing of lyrical depth.
Boy Pablo Wachito Rico3.5
In many ways, the five-piece Norway-based jangle pop group boy pablo (lead by Nicolás Muñoz) are my guilty pleasure. Deep down, as a reviewer at least, I know they really don?t make the most original or breathtaking music to exist. However, their two debut EP?s connects with me on such an emotional level that it can be scary at times to listen to it. So in the back of mind, I am restraining myself by not giving this a 4.5/5 because I know that this is fairly common jangle-pop influenced by the greats (The Smiths, R.E.M., and Alvvays) and similar psychedelic pop influences like Tame Impala and The Flaming Lips. But there is still such a great positive feeling that this album brings and sometimes you need that.
Gorillaz Song Machine, Season One: Strange Timez4.0
The best Damon Albarn has sounded in years, and I would argue ever. On his seventh full-length album under the cartoon character 2-D and his gang of mischievous monkey crew, Gorillaz produces a vast and kaleidoscopic view of the world during the current pandemic, but through an almost childish gaze. Each song is laced with rich and colorful art-pop and neo-psychedelic soundscapes, with satiric lyrics, and deep guests from the likes of Beck, ScHoolboy Q, Elton John, and many more. Honestly, there really isn?t a dull moment on the whole record, what makes me feel hesitant about giving this a higher school is that everything feels to blended together, and to be honest for how rich, dense, and colorful the instrumentals are, nothing really sticks in my memory of what it sounds like. However, this is still a fabulous listen and a great album for the long-time artist to finally create a new sound without losing the original charm of Gorillaz.
Loma Don't Shy Away4.5
On their second full-length album, the three-man group (lead by singer Emily Cross) continue to show promise and growth and continue to prove that they are one the biggest dark horses in the Sub Pop label. All thought this whole album is very subtle and has dense ambient drones and chamber orchestration, each track brings a rich sense of realism and maturity. On their debut album, they stuck with a loud and almost haunting sense of instrumentation. But on their sophomore effort, they use a much simpler set of instrumentation and trust their nuance for simplicity to drive each of the tracks. Not only do they achieve this goal, but they do it with flying colors. So many memorable and amazing tracks across this whole album and could be one of the best ambient pop albums this year. The biggest downfall is the instrumentals can be all over the place at times and the closing isn?t what I wanted it to be, but still, a fabulous release and they deserve to be more well known.
Sevendust Blood and Stone2.0
Every time that this band comes around to release a new project, I still get my hopes up that they will deliver something special. There is no reason for them not to. They have been in the nu-metal and alternative metal scene since it?s hay day in the late 90s. However, this album suffers from the same exact thing all their albums suffer from, lack of diversity. For nearly 50 minutes you will listen to thirteen tracks that all sound the same. Granted, on their own, they all sound really good, but after 20 minutes the sound gets tiresome. This is sad because I have said this since late middle-school, they have one of the most talented and memorable singers in all of metal. Every time I hear Lajon Witherspoon vocals, weather that is on Sevendust, or on a feature, his voice nearly brings me to tears on how perfect it is. But this band can never reach the same amazement that their singer does. But I will still continue to listen to their albums in hope that one day they will be able to figure it out.
Zeal and Ardor Wake of a Nation4.5
Since their breakout sophomore LP in 2018 many people have questioned where the six-man avant-metal band would take their unique combination of black metal and gospel/spiritual music too next. Well on their 2020 EP, they respond to those people with an astounding showing of alternative rock, doom metal, and again their signature black gospel sound. It also has some of the most intense and introspective lyrics the band has put out. Go through the heartache and turmoil of the black lives matter protest and how we as people should push for equality/equity. So many amazing tracks packed into the 17 minutes run time.
PUP This Place Sucks Ass2.5
PUP still gets a lot of hype for a band that sounds like a weaker version of Jeff Rosenstock. This is an okay EP. They definitely fit the EP mold more than the LP mold, but whatever. Other people will probably like this more than I do.
Sam Amidon Sam Amidon4.5
The Vermont-based singer/songwriter comes through with his best album to date, with rich folk/country instrumentation and introspective lyrics that it's hard not to tap your foot the whole time this album is on. Sam definitely takes a lot of influence from Ben Howard because of the very psychedelic horns, synths, and strings however he uses a much more personal singing style that you feel that Sam is singing these heart-wrenching tracks right there with you. Amazing 10th album and I can?t wait to hear more from him in the future.
Tricot 103.5
The four-piece Japanese math rockers are back with their second album of this year and their fifth LP as a group since their debut in 2013. Tricot falls into a weird group for me because they very much encompass what solid math rock should sound like when it comes to easy math rock music to listen to. The band has always approached math rock from a much sunnier and alternative sound rather than the emo seen in started in the early 2000s. On this new album, they show off some very sunny, happy, and carefree math rock with a lot of pop rock elements thrown in to give the easy summer feel (in October). However, it fails in comparison to their earlier record this year ?Makkuro?. Many of the songs don?t feel necessary and many tracks don?t have the same power that their other records hold. However, there is definitely something here because they do feel influenced by dream pop and shoegaze elements of bands like Fishmans and others like them. So, this is still a solid listen for sure.
AceMoMa EP31.5
Gets really boring really quickly. For 30 minutes it?s the same hypnotic deep house beat that makes me remember why great house artists are few-and-far-between?because many of them do shit like this.
beabadoobee Fake It Flowers4.0
The debut album from the England based artist, Beatrice Ilejay Laus, embraces the feel and explosiveness of power pop and pop-punk but keeps it interesting and flued enough with her alternative and indie rock influences. When I listen to this it makes me think of three specific bands: Girlpool, Remo Drive (first album only), and Radiohead. She blends these esthetics extremely well and also creates her own feel and style that keeps my interest and ears peaked at all times. The only downside is the sound is a bit all over the place with some odd dream pop elements thrown in on a few songs or a few baroque pop (ala Beirut) elements towards to end of the LP. But still a really solid listen if you want some fun music to blast in your car on a sunny day.
Benny The Butcher Burden Of Proof4.0
The prolific Buffalo rapper, Benny the Butcher (a.k.a. Jeremie Damon Pennick), releases his long-awaited 7th LP after much praise from his 2018 record ?Tana Talk 3?. Griselda records have seen many prolific releases this year alone from Westside Gunn, Conway, and Boldy James (With Boldy James having the best out of the three). So where does Benny fall? Well, instrumentally this is the strongest out of them all and could go out there for the best hip-hop instrumentals this year. Heavily inspired by classic Jay-Z, but with that Griselda Boom Bap flair that keeps hardcore hip-hop fans licking their licks. However, lyrically this album is a bit?one-dimensional, if not boring. Many of the tracks here talk about the drug dealing seen he was apart of in Buffalo, but after so many tracks that topic gets a bit overdone. However, there are still super solid lyrics on here especially his reflection of what he learned from his experience and how he can be a better father (and citizen) from it. Great album altogether and definitely a must-listen for hip-hop heads.
Helena Deland Someone New4.0
On the Montreal singers debut LP, she reflects on what it?s like to live in a toxic relationship. What is odd to me is how similar, lyric-wise, this is to Fionna Apple?s most reason release ?Fetch the Bolt Cutters?. However, that is the most these have in common because where Fionna uses explosive and inspired jazz melodies, Helena uses raw and somber ambient and folk melodies to reach her audience. This album, at points, almost has a slowcore feel to it, without the crushing lyrics. However, there is a lot that I can relate to on this album, as someone who has been through a toxic relationship. So many small things about this album make so much sense, especially on ?Dog? and ?Comfort, Edge?. Great listen, my biggest downfall is this album could benefit from a more sonic exploration. Many of the songs feel too scant for no reason. Still great listen if you want something heart wrenching and almost haunting.
Open Mike Eagle Anime, Trauma and Divorce4.0
The LA-based, Chicago born and influenced, abstract hip-hop artist Open Mike Eagle (a.k.a. Michael W. Eagle II) has finally dropped his 7th Studio album and I have to say it might be my favorite thus far. This is so much charm to this album and everything comes off as both witty and introspective. There are a lot of relatable one lines on tracks like ?The Black Mirror Episode?, ?WTF Is Self Care?, and ?Sweatpants Spiderman?; knowing that everyday occurrences and issues can cause us all issues and we have to be able to understand them and overcome them. However, there is a much deeper understanding here that I feel many will miss; life is short and time moves fast. This whole album is a showing of how most people live a very simple and privileged life and we take that for granted every day. Mike shows us that there is nothing wrong with this and we need to be able to move around small issues to get to what we really want. The biggest downfall with this album is the instrumentals are a bit all over the place and the structure of everything seems a bit off.
HEALTH DISCO4 :: Part I4.5
HEALTH is an enigma when it comes to what they were and where they are going. Every album feels like they are on the cusp of making the most revolutionary soundtrack to the end of the world (i.e.d the classic formula of industrial music). On their most recent set of compiled tracks from the last few years, they almost perfectly nail that idea on the head. This album is like a showing of what classic industrial music across the board (hip-hop, metal, rock, and electronic) can be. But also, what the future may hold for the band and for the album in general. The premise of this album is each track was pre-produced and made by another artist and the artists/bands they brought in are beyond my comprehension. For one, you have a bedroom pop idle soccer mommy on the same album as experimental pop outfit Xui Xui. Or how they have explosive rapper JPEGMAFIA and deathgrind band Full of Hell. So many memorable highlights here and you cannot miss it. The only rough song on here is the one with post-punk and minimal wave outfit The Soft Moon, which doesn?t feel complete or go anywhere interesting.
The Damned The Rockfield Files3.0
This is a really (really) surprisingly great punk rock album from the old school punk band The Damned. Nothing flashy and it has a lot of Pink Floyd (and other prog-rock greats) influence. But it is oddly original with that they have come to be in the punk scene. Nothing amazing, but still a nice little listen.
Deaton Chris Anthony Boogy Woogy3.0
I would imagine most people listen to this album and see it as ?meme? music. However, what Deaton Chris Anthony does (and especially did well on his 2019 album BOY) is to incorporate the best aspects of cloud and pop-rap and blends it with the classic sounds of the UK Funky and Deep House/Hip-House scenes of the mid to late 90s. His albums bleed in 90?s lore and there is so much charm and appeal to that for me. However, I will say on this EP there seems to be a bit of a ?These are b-sides probably? feel to the whole thing since they do have the exact same style and feel as tracks off of BOY did. But there are still some solid ideas here. However, I encourage anyone intrigued by this to try out his last LP for a more encompassing sound.
Dorian Electra My Agenda3.0
Dorian Electra is an oddball in the PC music landscape, which is an ironic statement in itself to say. The Texas-based artist brings a lot of introspective, yet tongue-in-cheek, approach to gender identity, and how the world cannot handle people that are gender-neutral or multi-gendered. Lyrically he has some of the funniest and sexually intense lyrics that will make you question what in the world did he say. However, what always holds me back from their music is how bombastic it can be, and not always in the best way. Sometimes the instrumentation and style can just be too much to really handle. This is the same issue I had with Charlie XCX?s most recent release, there is way too much going on and not in a good way. Still, a solid little LP and a continued showing that PC music is the future of pop music.
James Blake Before5.0
By far the greatest EP this year and blows away every release James Blake has done in his long career. The English musician in 2017 came through with his best instrumental effort to date but fell through with many of the same issues I have had with his music before?lack of direction and overall ideas. For someone with some of the greatest ideas in the trip-hop scene, he can never quite punch it out for a full release. Can have some really breathtaking and emotional singles, but never put it all together into a full package. However, on this new EP, he seems to be taking a large step in a new direction. Influence by the likes of Apex Twins and Toro y Moi the hypnotic and mesmerizing deep house grooves layer so beautifully over his harmonious alternative RnB vocals that it feels like he has been in the genre for ages. He also brings a much-needed breath of fresh air with many glitchy synth breaks and UK bass esthetics you can feel from the likes of Thom Yorke, Sweet Trip, Clarence Clarity, and Jamie XX. So much power and feel that I cannot feel entrenched in the synth cords for the 16 minutes the EP is on. A must listen!
Metz Atlas Vending2.5
I see the hype with this album. It?s the best the band has ever sounded, and they took a huge step forward with the noise rock sound they have been kind of using the past 12 years. However, this album suffers from what many noise albums are suffering from as of late?they really wanted to replicate Daughters 2018 magnum opus You Won?t Get What You Want. Every song on here sounds very familiar and the nagging feeling of, I would rather listen to Daughters, persists. Not to say there aren?t some good qualities and again it is the best the band has sounded all together. Also, who the hell mixed this album. For a noise rock album, I want my instruments noisily complimenting each other, not clobbering each other because they don?t have enough room to live in the sound wave. It?s like they normalized this thing to be at 10 ohms instead of 50 or 100.
Machinedrum A View of U3.5
Travis Stewart comes through with his 10th (or 11th) full-length album and I have to say it is a really solid future bass and footwork album with many great nods to classic UK bass and drum-n-bass. For 35 minutes you will find energy packed beats and production. My biggest complaint is I wish the songs were flushed out and expanded on more. Also, this album suffers from things sounding a bit claustrophobic at times.
Touche Amore Lament2.5
Every time a Touché Amoré I pray that I will understand the hype with this band. On one hand, I see the lyrical appeal because they are not on the emo bandwagon with basic and cringy lyrics. They present some quality poetic emo lyrics in the vein of Silent Planet, Emery (older emery at least), American Football, and even PUP. But, sonically every album, and their fifth full-length Lament here, is so sonically safe for the screamo and melodic hardcore scene. Everything about this album seems unoriginal or already done. But whatever maybe in four years on their sixth album it will catch onto me.
Reason New Beginnings3.0
The sophomore record from one of the newer additions to the exclusive Top Dawg Entertainment record label and I have to say someone has to be at the bottom of the barrel for the label and REASON, aka Robert Gill, is probably the bottom of that barrel. Not to say this album is bad, because it's not; there are some solid sonic landscapes here and some really great features from other TDE artists (Rapsody, Ab-Soul, ScHoolboy Q, and even Kendrick is sampled on here). However, REASON has such a dry flow and it?s not a good sign when I look forward to the features significantly over REASON himself. It is also not a good sign when your features completely outshine you in every way possible. So in a lot of ways the features are what saves this album from being a catastrophic failure. Funny side notes though many of the features here (i.e. Ab-Soul, Vince Staples, Rapsody, and ScHoolboy Q) make me really think I can?t wait to hear a new album from them rather than this album.
The Most Of What We Have3.5
On the surface this is a fairly interesting listen because it takes a genre of music, jazz, that is not new to the idea of odd time signatures and melds it with another genre that is based on the idea of odd time signatures to create this new sophomore LP from the Connecticut 7-man band, The Most. On first listen this is a beautiful showing of what classic math rock can do to an already dense genre of jazz fusion. However, the more I listen to it the recording issues breakthrough?who in the world produced this because none of the instruments have room, and they all clash on top of each other. This is still a solid listen with a lot of great song structures and ideas, but the recording hinders this album from being a great record.
Darlingside Fish Pond Fish3.0
On their fourth studio album, the band shows a small growth from what they have been producing but still sounds like a Walmart brand of Judah and the Lion and Fleet Foxes, without coming to a true feeling of originality. There are some great folk melodies laced throughout this album with beautiful and mesmerizing piano chords, energetic guitar, and psychedelic synths. But the nagging feeling of, this isn?t original, stays with me through the listen. Still a solid album and in general they do a lot better than Judah and the Lion ever will, but will never be like Fleet Foxes so it?s an odd crossroad here.
La Fin The Endless Inertia4.0
Extremely tight, solid, and heavy performances from the Italian metal band. Post-metal has had a year for many people, not including me, but this is one hell of a great album if you want some heavy, atmospheric, and intricate metal music. The biggest downfall with this album is how one-dimensional it really is?but at the end of the day, it really isn?t that big of a deal.
Eartheater Phoenix: Flames Are Dew Upon My Skin3.0
The appeal of this fourth LP from the NYC based artist makes sense. It blows her previous records out of the water with dense and complex avant-folk with so much lush and yet harsh instrumentation and she weaves through these sonic landscapes so fluently that it is pretty scary. However, for me, this record just is so badly recorded. Everything is so quiet and subtle that I have to blast this album to hear anything. Also, the record doesn?t go anywhere. Everything sort of mesh together with no front or back. I forget about the sound of the record as soon as it is over. But it is still a great progression and I hope she can clean up the recording of everything into the future.
Billy Lemos Wonder3.5
The Chicago based producer comes through with his debut album and it is a sonic wonder of modern pop music that continues to show that we are seeing a new third wave of trap artists that are taking the genre down new sonic sounds. Some really solid ideas and brings a lot of interesting new rappers and singers. For only 30 minutes there is a lot of good stuff packed in this album. The biggest negatives are that many of the songs end when things were really getting good, so I hope into the future he lengthens things out a bit.
Woodes Crystal Ball3.5
Hella solid indie pop album with a lot of great and charming instrumentations. Plus, the lead singer has a very strong voice over the very angelic and anthemic instrumentals. I know some people really find this album to be a little too much and falls under the same issues that Panic at the Disco has faced with his most recent release. However, this isn?t as in your face as that album. A solid release, but still nothing too original on here.
Thunder Jackson Thunder Jackson1.5
I really want to like this; it?s bland indie rock with some interesting synthpop influences that sound like every other indie rock band/artist you hear on your local alternative radio station.
Greg Puciato Child Soldier: Creator of God4.0
The previous singer and mastermind behind the groundbreaking mathcore outfit: The Dillinger Escape Plan, comes through with his debut solo album and I don?t know what they have been putting in the water for industrial music this year, but goddammit he nailed it out of the park with this release. There are so much intensity and grip with it that it brings together Nine Inch Nails intensity with Ulver?s synthpop charm. Each track winds through the emotional issues that he has been facing during the pandemic and how he feels everything in the world is going. So many hard-hitting songs and his screams continue to show that he is one of the most talented in the game still, even at 40. The biggest downfall of this record is that the tracks do tend to jump back and forth between styles. Some tracks are heavy darkwave and industrial metal, while others are smooth and simple synthpop and electro-industrial cuts.
Sufjan Stevens The Ascension4.5
On the now Upstate New York-based solo artists Sufjan Stevens eighth album he continues sounds and esthetics that he explored on his collaborative 2017 effort ?Planetarium? and earlier this years' ?Aporia?. On his first solo album in five years, Sufjan builds vast and expansive space ambient based soundscapes, in which each track explores an insurmountable number of genres in the experimental electronic field. I could break down each track, but that will ruin the beauty of exploring this album to it?s fullest. This is the closest album I have ever heard to make me feel truly alone, in all the best ways possible. For a whole hour and twenty minutes, you will be taken on a space odyssey exploring topics of blind faith, toxic religion, drug abuse, and death. My only complaint (and this never comes up) is I wish he extended out some of the ambient drones in many of the tracks. Alone they are equally as mesmerizing as the rest of the album. But still, a nearly flawless album and I am absolutely in love with the new direction he is taking.
Deftones Ohms2.5
The five-piece California based band is back with their highly anticipated 9th studio album and this record continues to prove my point that some people have the hardest time accepting the fact that Deftones really don?t make interesting music, they just make save music that classic alternative metal fans like. I find this album, and all their albums, to be extremely common alternative metal, soaring guitar riffs, aggressive (ish) vocals, and bland drum fills. I will say their original material makes sense in this box because it came out during the alternative metal boom of the mid 90?s and early 2000s. But today they just sound so old and washed up. But hey if you?re a fan then go for it!
Joji Nectar3.5
On the NYC-based, Japanese-born, artist's second full-length album he takes several steps forward. Specifically, he centralizes his sound, creates creative and mesmerizing tracks, and incorporates a lot of great nods to so many great musicians in the alternative RnB scene. The first 2/3 of this record show how much Joji has enhanced his sound and style and brings so many amazing art pop and electropop styles. However, the last 1/3 of the album suffers from very weak and unnecessary features, as well as a true lack of focus. I feel that I am listening to B-side tracks, and it shows how they all lack the punch the rest of the album has. Otherwise, it?s a solid album from Joji.
IDLES Ultra Mono2.0
One of the UK?s greatest punk outfits in years comes through with one of their weakest set of tracks; both sonically and lyrically. Their third album shows a dampening of instrumental chops with weak songwriting, bland punk guitar riffs, and obvious post-punk and garage rock tropes that make me question what they were ever thinking. I already wasn?t a huge fan of the band but going back and listening to their 2017 and 2018 albums they blow this album out of the water. Also, lyrically the record doesn?t bring up anything politically interesting and sometimes they sound like children talking about politics. Not sure what exactly happened here.
Khotin Finds You Well3.0
On the fourth album under the Khotin name, Dylan Khotin-Foote creates a lot of great ambient drones and downtempo type beats with techno inspirations. Much of this album is washed out in this serine and hypnotic drone that sweeps you away into the clouds. Some really solid songs on here but this album doesn?t feel like much of anything. It kind of comes and goes and I forget what it sounds like. So, I still see it as above average, but nothing amazing and not the best ambient album I have heard this year.
Yves Jarvis Sundry Rock Song Stock3.0
There are a lot of great melodies and harmonies on Jean-Sebastien Audet?s fourth full-length album. The French Canadian shows that he can continue to make introspective and mesmerizing tracks. However, the biggest downfall for me in this album is that there are too many filler/interlude tracks that distract from the overall feel of the record. They don?t really add up to much and don?t bring anything to the table, but still, it?s an above-average listen.
Mint Field Sentimiento Mundial3.5
Really solid shoegaze and art-pop album from the two-piece Mexico City-based band. In general, there is a lot of character and charm to this simple album and I highly recommend it if you are a fan of early Radiohead, with a shoegaze and melt-banana twist to it. My biggest complaint is not every song was fully flushed out and the album doesn?t quite go anywhere sonically like I would want it to.
Svalbard When I Die, Will I Get Better?4.5
A nearly flawless record from the three-piece, UK based band?s fourth album. From the heavy riffs to the absolutely sole crushing screams and lyrics this album will keep your ears peaked and your emotions at an all-time high. Honestly, the only small downside is that it sounds a bit like Japanese-based band Envy, but this might even blow them out of the water since this album is a lot shorter and easier to digest then their last full length was. Such a great screamo and post-hardcore record that anyone fan of those genres needs to try out.
The Ocean Phanerozoic II: Mesozoic | Cenozoic3.0
I understand why a lot of people love this five-piece German post-metal band. However, every time they release music, I feel so underwhelmed and want to go listen to other bands in the progressive metal and post-metal camp. However, their ninth studio album, and second for their Phanerozoic series, I am starting to better understand why people love them; they make solid ass metal music that keeps my interests peaked both lyrically and sonically. Maybe I will have to go back and listen to their earlier stuff again. Still, I don?t love this album as other people do and that?s okay. It is an above-average listen and if you really want some lengthy metal music then this is up to your ally.
Clown Core van4.5
If you haven?t noticed ? PC music is the future of pop music and many artists are coming onto the scene in that style with a broad range of ideas and aesthetics. But there is one common thread through it all, bombastic and cluttered soundscapes. On the third full length the extremely ominous and bazaar two-man, Nevada-based, Clown Core embody the aesthetic and approach that artists like 100 gecs, A. G. Cook, and others like them use, but in the most revolutionary way possible. Fusing genres like jazz, metal, drum and bass, cybergrind, and others are just the surface of this 17-minute album. There are so many layers to this onion I don?t even understand how they shoved it all in on here. You have to take a listen to fully understand even what is going on. Oddly enough it?s not even badly recorded, everything sounds so nice and clean, but still rough to feel original.
MJ Guider Sour Cherry Bell1.5
The New Orleans based Ambient artist is back with her third full length album, and from front to back you will be bored out of your mind. None of the ambient soundscapes are interesting. The instrumentals, her signing, the synths and drones are all extremely quiet and give you the feeling of incompleteness. Nothing about this album is really that good, and I wish there was more to this album but there really isn?t. Just an abysmal ambient pop album.
Fawn Limbs Sleeper Vessels4.5
Grindcore albums are always fun to review because there is so much going on at once but only for 20-30 minutes as a whole listen. The sophomore record from the two-piece Pennsylvania based mathcore and grindcore outfit sees a monumental step forward in quality and originality. Specifically, in the use of more sludge metal breakdowns and even glitch elements are seen in a lot of cybergrind bands. Don?t get more wrong this is one brutal listen, but it is the best kind of brutal. The biggest downside is that the cohesiveness in everything is a bit static and some of the songs do go on for a bit too long. Otherwise amazing album (for those with no weakness in their heart), not something you listen to all the time but when the mood is right it hits hard!
Sault (UK) Untitled (Rise)4.0
A really solid fourth album from the United Kingdom-based group. There have been a lot of great albums toughing on the topics of black lives matter and topics like it. But this is one of the strongest of the year. From the great funktronica and afrobeat instrumentals to the very soulful and powerful neo-soul vocals. There is a lot to love about this project. The biggest downside is that the poetry passages can be a bit distracting and make the paise of the record slow down. Also, the closing track is a bit to be desired. Still a great album for them and probably the strongest one they have done to date.
A.G. Cook Apple1.5
Wow-what a roller coaster of a year for the PC music creator. First, he releases one of his most ambitious albums ever, 7G. However, 7G, as perfect as it was, isn?t much of an album. It is more or less a collection of songs that read as a PC music resume. Now on his real debut, he presents what he believes is the next step in ?rock music?. Yikes is this album not well done. Half the songs feel incredibly incomplete or underperformed. His signing, all though wasn?t good, to begin with, is downright degrading to the ears. Stylistically this is all over the place. From the opening alternative rock inspired track to the balls to the walls deconstructed club track after that. I can?t believe the man who made 2 and a half sound like nothing come around and make a 40-minute album that feels like an eternity.
Slauson Malone Vergangenheitsbewältigung (Crater Speak)3.0
The California based artist has dropped his third album, and in some ways, it follows the same greatest that was on his 2019 album ?A Quite Farewell, 2016-2018?, but also fails to spark the same amount of joy his debut album in 2019 did. Many of the tracks here are much more stripped back then what I came to love about his last album, however, this isn?t always a bad thing since there is a lot of great vocal power and instrumental layouts all over the EP. However, what really makes this album lose its charm is how unfinished much of this sounds. Many of the songs don?t build into anything and many of them end once it was interesting. It is still a decent album from him, but I don?t love it like I thought I would.
The Flaming Lips American Head3.5
Everything Everything RE-ANIMATOR3.5
Conway the Machine From King To A God4.0
Kairon IRSE! Polysomn3.0
Seas and Centuries battles2.5
Hannah Georgas All That Emotion3.0
Last year saw the year of Jack Antonoff as head producer, this year seems that the National?s Aaron Dessner as this year?s big producer. However, unlike his work on Taylor Swifts ?Folklore?, Aaron?s ideas and influences are more potent on these instrumentals then with Swifts. However, for Hannah Georgas's indietronica and art pop origins, this record doesn?t always seem like the best fit. There are some truly amazing songs on here, but there is some very head-scratching moments as well. Still a solid fourth album for Hannah, but definitely a bit of a step down from her usual.
Big Sean Detroit 23.0
The new full-length album from the Detroit rapper sees him going back to the same style, sound, and influence that he broke the seen within 2011. In general, this is the strongest that Big Sean has sounded in years, if not ever, however, there is still a lot of this album that leaves me wondering what happened. While listening through the hour and ten minutes of material you will see a lot of great features from some of the best Detroit rappers that have to exist, while also bringing in a lot of great names in the current scene. Also, Big Sean has some of the strongest flows and aggression he has shown in a long time, if ever. Also, almost all these songs are solid tracks with a lot of hunger and energy. The flows show up in the fact that nothing really comes together sonically, lyrically, or thematically. The beginning of the record sees him reflecting on his life, then we transition to how he sees himself today, and lastly, we also see him reflecting on what he has done in the past and what his influences mean to him. Also, the three skits like interludes add a weird holt to the progression of the album that might be a great nod to Detroit but doesn?t add anything to the listening experience. Also, the damn sex songs need to be taken out immediately, something about Big Sean talking about sex really ruins a lot of this album for me. Still a solid release for him and hopefully a new decade of progression.
Barely Civil I'll Figure This Out4.5
Frank Leone DON'T3.5
Extremely solid hip-hop album from the Illinois based experimental hip-hop artist. This is my first album from him, but what I can see is that he likes to really explore blissful sounds with his hip-hop and this is a really amazing set of tracks. In many ways it makes me think of Washed Out and Vacationer, but also like Earl Sweatshirt. The biggest issue I have with this is the passing is all over the place, but he has a very bland flow in general. Also, I wish he expanded more on the sounds of each of the songs since many of them dip out once they really get going.
Kinney So Glad You Exist4.5
Tigran Hamasyan The Call Within2.5
There are so many amazing bits and pieces to this album, that it is leaving many people blown away by how fabulous it is. However, there is something so uninspired and boring about this album that I would rather listen to the band's countless influences than listen to this.
Disclosure Energy3.5
On the two-piece UK based producers, they produce one of the strongest records they have ever made. With 11 tracks and 42 minutes of material, you will be shown thrown many different scenes of house and UK garage. From the bangers of the first four songs to the more expressive middle three tracks to the reflective final two songs, there is a sound and style for everyone. Some of the strongest writing and beats show up on the LP and I can?t believe how far the duo has come since their abysmal last album and somewhat week debut. My biggest complaint is the interludes are an odd way of showing the sonic transitions, especially since they don?t really inform you of the change. They are more like songs you hear in the room before you go to a show or something. Also, the middle three tracks (the ones with no features) are significantly weaker than the other tracks since they don?t hit as hard as I think they could.
Angel Olsen Whole New Mess1.0
Damn we didn?t need this at all. She advertised it as ?raw? ideas from songs off her last album. However, these songs are so un-finished and unnecessary it?s hard to see the value in it when I would much rather listen to the album these songs originated from, it?s light years better.
PVRIS Use Me2.5
I will say it right now, I have never been a fan of the three-piece band's music. It has always come off as gouache and uninspired. However, they have captivated many people and accumulated a large fan base for their powerful lyrics and inspiring topics. On their third LP, under the big label of Warner, they continue this style but there are several noticeable differences. First off their signature sound seems dulled in a way that is hard to fully realize. Many of the lyrics are powerful, yet tasteless. Also, the production and sound of the album are ridged and one-dimensional. I keep going back and forth with this album and I think because of that I will just go in the middle and say it's only okay. Hopefully, they will realize something more powerful in the future.
Samia The Baby4.0
The NYC based singer and songwriter shows off her ability to mesmerize and captivate her audience with heartfelt and powerful indie folk and pop ballads that stray enough from the usual to be unique but don?t go too far out to be annoying. From the very ambient pop indie track, there is so much variety on the album, but it never stops feeling like your right there in the room with her. A really solid album, highly recommended. The worst part of this album is that the production can be a bit odd at times and the album can feel disjointed at times, otherwise a great debut.
Sevdaliza Shabrang4.5
This week has been a bit of a loss for music, however, there is a shining light at the end of the tunnel and it comes in the form of Sevda Alizadeh (i.e. Sevdaliza) and her sophomore LP Shabrang. The Iranian born, Netherlands living artist takes every bit of artistic liberty FKA Twigs uses, but mixes it with the ambiance and subtleness of James Blake, while also exploring chamber pop and darkwave. For one whole hour, you will be taken through the haunting yet complex poetic nature that this album brings. These types of lyrics are ones that Ph.D.?s in English decode, and I love every second of it. Every track is so brilliantly recorded, executed, and performed, that it makes me feel like I am at one of the greatest plays of all time. The smallest drawback is that the closing track is not as strong as the rest of the album, otherwise this is a nearly flawless release.
Ulver Flowers of Evil2.0
I feel really bad for actually giving this album this low of a score because Ulver is one of the greatest and unique bands out there that have changed their identity not once but four or five times through the years. Their current iteration though is this synthpop sound that they really nailed home on their 2017 album, but really add nothing new to what they did, and in most cases explore more boring and uninteresting ideas on this new album. In many ways, these all seem like b-sides from the last LP. The instrumentals are not as interesting, the lyrics are less potent, and the overall aesthetic isn?t really strong.
Two People Second Body3.0
The Killers Imploding the Mirage3.5
Well damn, I really didn?t think I would enjoy the new Killers album as much as I did. From the very opening track, you are granted the pleasure of walking into the world of heartland rock and new wave with a lot of arena rock/alternative rock influence. The biggest problems with this album or the last three songs are not nearly as strong as the rest of the record. Also, the features don?t add anything to the album, especially Weyes Blood, which is sad because she has such a lovely voice. I am really glad to see Alex Cameron assisting on writing many of the songs because he is a modern-day genius when it comes to writing amazing tracks (even if I don?t enjoy much of his own work). Still a realty solid album from the Vegas natives.
Troye Sivan In A Dream4.0
The South African born and Australia based singer/songwriter has written and released a new set of tracks on this EP, which sees him doing a rebrand of his style and sound. In past releases, he was always a lovely voice over bland and dime-a-dozen instrumentals. However, on his newest project, he shows a huge step in maturity and sonic landscapes. From the opening track, you are presented with an alternative RnB instrumental that builds into a grand techno-inspired electropop track. From there you can feel a Weeknd influenced synthpop and synthwave tracks like ?Easy? and ?STUD?. Lyrically, this is the most mature and sophisticated he has ever been talking of his sexuality and feelings towards the ones he loves and cares about. A solid EP that definitely still needs a bit of work since everything comes together disjointed, but still amazing progressions for Troye.
Lecrae Restoration3.0
The Dallas, Texas artist has created his 9th studio album and it is his best to date, but that isn?t saying much since he has never been a strong figure in the current landscape of hip-hop or Christian hip-hop for that rate. For a little over forty minutes, you will be taken on a rather odd lyrical journey that has no connecting points or progressions; a lot of ?I was depressed, Jesus saved me, I have a lot of money, thank god?. Still, the production and beats are solid for an artist who seems to not know a lot about trap rap.
Bully Sugaregg3.0
In many ways, I should enjoy this. It is well written, well played, and interesting indie rock and power pop. However, on further listens this album gets very stale and dry. From the very similar writing to the very peppy vocal deliveries. In some ways, this is still a solid album with some really solid tracks, but this is very much another power-pop album that fails to reach what I really want from the genre.
No Joy Motherhood3.0
No Joy is a three-member shoegaze outfit from Montreal, and they have been making music since their debut in 2010 ?Ghost Blade?. Through the years they have slowly developed a sound that is distinctly their own and on their fourth album they continue taking good steps forward, but nothing amazing. I don?t quite love this album and it has to do with how bland of a listen this can be after a while. All the wash and noise gets very posh and by the end of the record, I am glad it is over. With that said, there are still some really solid ideas on here especially on the opener and ?Signal Noise?. A decent album and if you?re into shoegaze then you really should listen to this because it does deserve all the hype.
Westelaken The Golden Days are Hard4.0
This is my first listen to this wonderful little four-piece country and folk outfit from Toronto. From what I can hear, though, this is significantly better than their debut album. However, I am getting ahead of myself?why listen to Westelaken. Well in general they are doing something I have never quite heard in the country or folk landscape. The easiest way to explain it is with their influences which come in the form of The Talking Heads, Glenn Branca, Swans, Fleet Foxes, Bob Dylan, Mount Eerie, Bill Callahan, and Radiohead. So what does this all mean? Well on first listen this seems like a rather odd collection of folk rock and alternative country tracks with some wild outbursts. However, on more inspection, you can hear the post-punk influence coming through on my of the tracks here. You can hear the no wave influence coming through on the back end of the record. You can feel the storytelling nature of this on the way Jordan signs about his last year as a son and lover. This is an amazing amount of musicianship coming through, that it?s hard to ignore it. Please give it a listen if you want something new in your country/folk.
Mree Bloom2.0
The newest EP from Marie Hsiao. On her last EP, she started hinting at a newer sound and did we get it with this EP. This is some dense and thick ambient pop with a lot of similar progressions as new age. However, the sound doesn?t fully pay off most of the time and for such a short album (16 plus minutes) it does feel like an eternity when it is over. There are some solid ideas and progressions though and I still think it?s a sound that she can really pull off if she put a stronger focus on it.
Holly Humberstone Falling Asleep At The Wheel2.5
The debut EP from the UK based indie pop artist and it?s a so-so record with some powerful singer/songwriter tracks. But also, some very lackluster and uninspired tracks. Holly does have a very resonating voice and that?s the best part of the whole record. However, the vocal performance isn?t everything when instrumentals can really washout your performance.
Whitney Candid2.5
The eight-person indie folk and soul outfit have released their fourth record to date and it is a set of covers from several different artists and their respective genres. From the experimental RnB artist, Kelela, to ambient guru Brian Eno, and classic John Denvor Country Rock there is a bit of everything here. The best part of this album is in many respects they do a decent job creating new renditions of these songs (all but the Take Me Home, Country Road), but this album isn?t anything special when it comes to the tracks. It?s a so-so mixed bag with some solid tracks, but some huge duds as well.
Young Jesus Welcome to Conceptual Beach4.0
The seven-piece art rock band have released their fifth album and it is the best one they have done thus far. Every new album they continue to create and distinguish themselves as the top dogs in the art rock and indie rock scene. They have created such a diverse sound that not many (if not most) can do (expect Radiohead). From the opening lines of this album you know your in for a real treat. But as you continue hearing the blissful and free-jazz inspired guitar riffs, you know your in for a real enlightening experience. The only downfall of this record is that the last two songs don?t have the same bite that the rest of the album does. They are both 9-ish minute long songs that take heavy influence from Talk Talk and they don?t always nail the landing on the length of it. There are many solid ideas on this record and anyone looking for a magnificent record this is the place to look.
Jacob Collier Djesse Vol. 33.0
The UK based, reharmonization guru, is back with his third installment of his Djesse series and the fourth album in his discography. Oh, man does Jacob pull out all the stops for this album from bringing on the likes of T-Pain, Ty Dolla $ign, Rapsody, Daniel Caesar, and others while also creating a rather odd reharmonization of several classic soul and RnB tracks from years past. Some of the strongest tracks come off this album like ?Count the People?, ?Time Alone With You? and ?He Won?t Hold You?. However, some of the worst tracks also come out with this record. In general, this record feels like an odd novelty record with a whole lot of filler for no reason. But still, it is one of the strongest albums for Jacob, but he still suffers from the same problem: thinking he is really doing something amazing when he really is just making nothing that special.
Ingested Where Only Gods May Tread3.5
It?s really really heavy, pummeling, and grand deathcore/brutal death metal. For 45 minutes straight you will get slapped right in the chest with extreme guitar riffs, explosive drums, and satanic screams. What works best for this album for me though is the diversity of screams to make the record full of life. The worst part of this though is the length since it can be a bit too long and you will end up with a pretty splitting headache from this record.
Guitar Fight from Fooly Cooly Soak3.5
A.G. Cook 7G4.5
Washed Out Purple Noon2.0
Washed Out?s debut album, Within and Without was one of the defining chillwave records for the 2010s and for the genre as a whole. Many people know of this genre because of it?s relaxing and easily qualities to it (i.e. it?s what made lo-fi hip-hop into a genre). However, many artists can never fully pull it off without sounding cheese or uninspired. Ernest Greene on his sophomore record made another solid chillwave record, although it was grabbing at the same ideas as his previous. From their he came out with a new chillwave style with Mister Mellow in 2017 and it was a great EP/LP with neo-psychedelia vibes and plunderphonic undertones. On his most recent release he goes back to a more basic sound, however it doesn?t really grab at what chillwave is today. It is a rather bland and one-dimensional album (other than the opening track ?Too Late?). Ever since George Clanton?s Slides came out chillwave will never be the same and this album is suffering from that problem.
Good Tiger Raised in a Doomsday Cult4.0
The four-piece UK based math rock and progressive rock band have dropped their third album and it is everything I have ever wanted from the band. Their last two records, A Head Full of Moonlight and We Will All Be Gone both have the same issues. Some tracks are amazingly memorable and captivating, while others are so painfully boring and derivative. This band really knows how to write some powerful and memorable hooks with soaring vocals that some songs just stick in your head for months. With their new album, they finally write one hell of a consistent record and I am beyond proud that they finally were able to do it. So many great and memorable songs on here that it?s hard to pick one as the best. The worst part of this album is I think the closing track is a bit lackluster compared to the other ten tracks on here. Otherwise a great album with great performances.
Tkay Maidza Last Year Was Weird, Vol. 24.5
Just like with Aminé?s release above, Tkay Maidza (aka Takudzwa) bring through with a mind-blowingly progressive pop-rap album with so much charm and diversity that it makes you think what happened between this and her last EP/LP in 2018. Track after track for 26 minutes you will be shown the absolute diversity, she has with her voice that sometimes it even feels like she is her own feature. The only downside is I really do wish there were more here, but what is here is truly breathtaking and will leave any hip-hop fan thinking about what is next. A truly great album from front to back that all people should hear this.
Amine Limbo4.0
Damn what a step forward for the Portland rapper. On his debut, he showed potential with his witty and energetic lyrics and flows. But, lacked an original sound and direction. However, on his sophomore outing, he blasts all my expectations out of the park with such a tight record. So many amazing bangers and tracks with countless witty bars on here. The only downside is the two songs ?Riri? and ?Easy?. Also, the features on here are fairly amazing and don?t distract from the powerful flows Adam brings.
Glass Animals Dreamland2.5
Dreamland is a very odd third album for the four-piece UK based psychedelic pop group. Their debut was an interesting and magical neo-psychedelic fusion with trip-hop. While their sophomore record was an indietronica and art-pop fusion with neo-psychedelia ideas and bases. Now on their third album, they keep with this trend but bring in a lot of trap and odd RnB influences as well. In many ways, this is a weird step to the side rather than a step forward or backward. Several songs are trap bangers with a lot of charisma and youth. While other tracks are bland and underdeveloped. Also, many of the instrumentals seem to throw away from their last full-length that it begs the question: what have they been doing for the last four years. This is an okay record, some people will find a lot of joy with it, while old fans will find a lot of problems with it (especially the extremely corny and bland lyrics compared to previous records).
Jaga Jazzist Pyramid3.5
The eight-member Norwegian based jazz band has released their long-awaited eighth full-length album and it's a solid jazz record with a lot of great nu-jazz and space rock/post-rock elements to keep you entertained for the 40 minutes. Only four tracks, but each brings a big punch and a lot of charm. From start to finish you will be given a heavy dose of synthesizers, energetic drums, witty strings, and atmospheric guitars. My biggest gripe with this album is I wish there was more and some of the tracks where more flushed out. Plus, this really doesn't feel like an album. It feels more like 4 tracks recorded at different times. Nothing really comes together for me. However, it is still an interesting nu-jazz record and goes up there with the big dogs in the genre.
The Fall of Troy Mukiltearth3.0
On the bands 6th(ish) studio album, they seem to continue coming back to form with their brand of math rock infused aggressive post-hardcore. However, they have left the mathcore scene entirely for a more melodic hardcore sound then what they presented on their debut. In many ways, this album is a slight step forward on the instrumental, groove, and progression front. However, it is also several steps backwards as well on the structure, melodies, and recording. Some tracks here have some very memorable hooks and grooves, while others have some very rough recording procedures, bad vocal deliveries, and boring guitar cords. The band seems to be trying to grab at their old sound without fully going for it. This is a shame because this band has always had huge potential, however, they are never able to fully grasp that. Alas, this is still a decent album and anyone who is a fan of post-hardcore should listen to it.
The Microphones Microphones in 20203.5
Honestly, I could go on and on about this record. At first listen I absolutely hated it. One song that goes on for 45 minutes straight, it takes 8 minutes to get to the first word, and the real kicker?there are only two cords on the whole thing, two guitar cords. Also, it doesn?t make it any easier that I am new to the whole microphones band and therefor Phil Elverum as a whole. So, if you have never listened to his music or the bands music then I wouldn?t start here because for 45 minutes Phil will take you through the life of him as a child, the creation and life of The Microphones, the Creating and life of his solo material, and then a meta-analysis of what this album is, will be, and lead towards. However artistically this is something no artists has ever really done before. In general, it really seems he has created the genre of post-progressive, but there is an odd progression to it, but there is no sonic or lyrical climax to go with it. Several times throughout the track there will be build into distorted guitars and drums, loud ambient drones, or angelic piano cords. But they all fizzle out quickly and none of them really come back later. So, in conclusion it is really something. This album is bigger than the space it fits in?and that is something to really admire. Otherwise this is trash.
Imperial Triumphant Alphaville4.5
It is not everyday that I find a black metal album that I like, and it is even rarer to find a black metal album that I enjoy. Well on the NYC three piece bands fourth album they blow there previous three albums out of the water with this extremely challenging, sophisticated, and abstract record. From the very opening track ?Rotted Futures? you feel mesmerized by the opening saxophone distorted drone that leads into some pummeling guitars and drums. However, as you continue through this album you will notice a lot of avant-garde ideas thrown in throughout the whole record. Especially on many of the back end or starts of tracks. You are in for a rough listen, but a truly amazing journey when you press play on this record. The only negative I have is the closer doesn?t really do much to wrap anything up, it sort of just ends with nothing to prove.
Madeline Kenney Sucker's Lunch3.5
Madeline Kenney has released her third outfit and it is some steps forward. On her last record, it was a solid and whimsical indie rock album and she continues that sound on her new album over here. From start to finish you will be taken through a lush and reflective indie rock album with a lot of interesting influences. It?s a solid release my biggest negatives are that she still doesn?t exactly have a full sound of her own, plus the closing track is a rather odd change of pace from the rest of the album. Also, the mixing can be a bit much at times. Still happy to see her move forward with this sound and can?t wait to continue to see her develop into the future.
Lauren Bousfield Palimpsest2.5
Glitch music is always an interesting genre to come across in the modern era because of how much it has been redefined since it?s inception in the mid to late 80s. In the past it was a light and somber sounding style of electronic music. But, with the inception of PC music we are seeing a huge transformation in the realm of loud glitch music and this continues down that path. In general, this is an okay glitch pop and electro-industrial album. There are a lot of clever ideas and beats on this. But, in general the vocals are very tacky sounding and seem like an afterthought. Also, the mixing of the vocals has the time is so washed out and swallowed by the synth beats. It is an average glitch pop album, with a lot of decent ideas. But it gets one-dimensional fast.
Taylor Swift Folklore4.5
Logic No Pressure4.5
On Logic?s sixth and supposedly last album in his career he brings it back to the original sound he created on Under Pressure (with major production by NO I.D.). Logic throughout his career has always been a bit of a hit or miss artists. Making some really strong jazz rap albums such as No Pressure and The Incredible True Story, but also making some of the worst hip-hop for the decade on Confessions of a Dangerous Mind and Everybody. From front to back on No Pressure you are given some strong jazz rap beats and great production sampling and interpolates. Plus it is some of the most personal music Logic as ever made with talking about having a baby and how he looks at the current rap scene. Honestly, A2Z is the only song that could have been stronger, with the idea being creative but the execution isn?t great. Still a really solid album and a great way to close out a career.
Jessy Lanza All the Time3.5
Canadian Artist Jessy Lanza has released her long awaited third album. If you have never listened to Jessy?s music then you are in for some exciting experimental RnB in the same lane as someone like Kelela and others are doing where they are pushing alternative/contemporary RnB into new places with the inclusion of more experimental electronic elements and all over this album there are heavy UK Bass and glitch pop influences. There isn?t a moment where some wonky synth cords or beats wiz right by you like a car on a highway. My only negatives are two of the tracks right in the middle: ?Alexander? and ?Ice Cream? are not as strong as the other tracks, also the sound can be a bit stale by the end of the album. Otherwise it is the strongest showing for Jessy since she has fully mastered this sound and style.
Lupe Fiasco and Kaelin Ellis House3.0
Lupe Fiasco has been around the block for a long time and has some extremely strong albums in his discography. So, when he dropped this EP I didn?t know what to expect because I haven?t been a huge fan of the last few albums he has released. He is going through an abstract hip-hop faze and on this new EP that is still present with some very low-key piano playing. In general, it?s a very odd album talking about fashion and modeling. With these odd interlude parts by Virgil Abloh that don?t really add much to the album. In many ways, you can compare this album to something of Qualle Chris but with less bite. It is still a decent EP and I enjoy the first three core songs, but the closer is a bit of bland and lengthy track that doesn?t fit with the rest of the EP.
Skullcrusher Skullcrusher3.5
The debut EP from the American singer/songwriter. A short little indie folk album with a lot of slowcore sort of influences like Julien Baker and others like her. On the 12 minute EP you will be taken on a surreal and almost haunting album on self-doubt and depression. Nothing to mind blowing and the use of an interlude on an EP is a bit odd, but still a solid release and look forward to seeing what she does into the future.
Haken Virus4.5
On the companion album to their 2018 Vector, Virus shows that the UK band not only knows exactly what they are doing with progressive music, but how to seamlessly make two concept albums in a two year period. From the opening track you know exactly what you are in for and it comes as no surprise that the album is filled with amazing guitar playing, memorable bridges, great changes of pace, and some very interesting experimentations thrown in on some of the melodic interludes. In general, it?s a bit better than the last album with a lot more memorable songwriting. My only complaint is that the closer is a huge change of pace then the rest of the album which throws me off every time it comes on.
Kamaal Williams Wu Hen2.5
A brand new album from the UK based nu-jazz artist, and it is a bit of a mixed bag of tracks. For example, the opening song is a dazzling show of strings and sax, while the next track is a bland and one dimensional jazz-funk bit. This pattern continues throughout the whole album with some really strong songs, and then some really bland songs. I feel Kamaal really didn?t put a lot of effort on this project or very often left it to do other things.
George Clanton & Nick Hexum George Clanton and Nick Hexum3.5
It?s been two years since George Clanton gave us Slide, the genre definining Chillwave record that blew people away with it?s combination of synths, sounds, and guitars/drums. Now on the follow up he brings in the likes of 311s? Nick Hexum to play some more clean and psychedelic guitars. On the surface this is still a very solid release in the whole ethos of George Clanton, however for him this seems more or less like ten songs that were b-sides from Slide. All the tracks still showcase the very droning bliss of chillwave, but now layered with these very bland guitar riffs and somewhat odd Nick vocals.
Arca KiCk i3.5
If you haven?t heard of Arca that is okay, you have more then likely heard her production somewhere. For example, she has produced for the likes of Kanye West, Bjork, Blood Orange, Frank Ocean, FKA Twigs, Kelela, and some other artists. However, Arca is much more than just a producer, her solo material as influenced the experimental, avant, and pop scene for years. Since her three EP?s in 2012 and now on her fourth LP, she has slowly gone through several pop genres. On her most recent album, though she is doing two big things. First, she is casting a wider net by making her music more accessible for the everyday lister/radio listener. She is also capturing everything she has ever done sonically and lyrically into one tight 36 minute full-length record. From start to finish you will be enthralled by the wonderful world of Arca. Right from the opening track you will know what it feels like to be an Arca listener. With all that said I love the idea of making a platter for new listeners to see what her music and style are like. However, this also leads to the album being a rather disjointed listening experience since she goes from deconstructed club to ambient pop relatively quickly. Also, the features she brings on more sound like her producing for those artists rather than making her own style with the artists (especially on the Bjork and Rosalia features). In general, this is still a great listen if you are new to her or an old-time fan looking for a good sample album, but it can be not enough for the fan looking for a true Arca project.
Amarionette [US] Sunset On This Generation3.0
The Chicks Gaslighter3.0
Kllo Maybe We Could4.0
Lianne La Havas Lianne La Havas4.5
Nicolas Jaar Telas2.0
Illuminati Hotties FREE I.H: This Is Not the One...4.5
Protomartyr Ultimate Success Today4.0
Greer Lullaby For You3.5
Blu and Exile Miles2.5
Oliver Tree Ugly Is Beautiful4.5
Dinner Party Dinner Party2.5
Buzzard Buzzard Buzzard The Non-Stop EP2.5
DMA's The Glow2.0
Kacy Hill Is It Selfish If We Talk About Me Again3.5
The Midnight Monsters3.0
Donna Missal Lighter2.5
July Talk Pray for It1.5
Tim Baker Survivors4.0
100 Gecs 1000 Gecs and the Tree of Clues4.0
Bagdadski Vor Колхида2.5
The Russian band's debut album has a lot of bite and potential. However, this album is plagued with being extremely one-dimensional and heavily influenced by its influences. For 25-minutes you will hear the same math-rock noodle that was on American Football?s debut sprinkled with envy melodic hardcore influences. Plus, track after track sounds like the exact same song so it can be a bit boring after a while. But still, there is a lot of potential here and I believe in the future this band will be able to produce something special in the screamo genre.
Holy Wave Interloper3.0
On their fourth full-length LP, the five-member band from El Paso, Texas continue down the bath that they started with their 2014 album ?Relax? however they continue to dive deeper and deeper into generic. Right from the opening track you feel an odd familiarity that you have heard this sound done before. Then the rest of the album continues and that feeling persists. However, you also continue to somewhat enjoy the record. In all seriousness, though they sound like Tame Impala, Beach Fossil, Real Estate, Pink Floyd (early), and the Beatles (mid). However, they play everything very well and the sound scrapes and structures are something to listen to this album for. It?s just hard to love this album when it sounds so generic. Also, the album is way too long and by the 30-minute mark I was really over the washed-out guitar sounds and over-produced synth chords.
Phoxjaw Royal Swan3.0
The four-piece UK based band has released their debut and it's filled with quality ideas and great execution, but many of the songs try to grab at the same glory the top 3 or 4 tracks have. The opening track sees a powerful post-hardcore infused art-rock song with heavy lyrics and charisma. While songs like "Teething" are a winding and energetic alternative rock song with some great guitar riffs. But then many of the other tracks that make this album up all try to achieve the same power these two songs and two others achieve. Also, the heavy Thrice influence can be a bit distracting. With all that though this is still a solid debut for such a young and new band.
Remo Drive A Portrait Of An Ugly Man1.5
Khruangbin Mordechai1.5
The three-piece, Houston based group are on their third full-length album and they are definitely still making music that sounds amazing in production and style, but so painfully boring that I have a hard time sitting through the whole thing. To start with every song is basically the same exact thing over and over again that by the third song you feel that you have heard everything there is to offer. Also, the vocals feel like such an afterthought on this record and they, for the most part, should have been left out. The best part about this album is that the idea is solid, and the execution is solid, but they really needed to add something to this record other than what was already here. If you are looking for a one-dimensional psychedelic rock album then look no further.
HAIM Women In Music, Pt. III2.5
I would imagine most people have heard of the three-piece sister band from California, Haim. They took both the radio scene and the reviewing scene by storm with their 2013 record ?Days Are Gone? which was a mature sounding pop-rock album with a lot of personalities from the three sisters. So many people wondered what they would do next, well in 2017 they followed it up with a subpar record ?Something to Tell You? where they tried to rehash the joy and simplicity of their previous release, with lackluster success. Now they are their third release ?Women In Music, Pt. III?. A similar scope and style as their debut, but sonically this record is all over the place, as well as their influences. The reason ?Days Are Gone? was so popular was because it captured the nuance of 90?s pop rock, without selling it sort. While on this record the trio looks for a new direction and sound. However, instead of picking on sound, they create a hodgepodge of styles from alternative country to synth-pop. Honestly, there are only two lackluster songs on this record in my eyes, but there is nothing that makes me think, wow they should explore that style or sound. For example, several songs on here give me Fleetwood Mac vibes (especially ?Leaning on You?), but I would rather listen to the original. Or ?I Know Alone? sounds like an original Charlie XCX song from 2013, which I would rather listen to Charlie?s version. So, this record is a carbon copy of many different artists and songs, that I would rather listen to the original than this.
Klo Pelgag Notre-Dame-des-Sept-Douleurs4.5
Chloé Pelletier-Gagnon, aka Klô Pelgag, is a French Canadian who has been making music since 2009. I have never heard of her up to this point and I am extremely ashamed that I haven?t because what this album creates is an amazing atmosphere that gives you the experience of exploring the forest, going on an adventure, or seeing ghosts in a haunted house. However, this album is much more than an experience. It is a showing of what baroque pop is capable of when you combat it with prog pop and art pop as well as some chamber pop and novella. This album is an amazing sonic experience from front to back that all should experience if you are looking for an exciting pop album that shares the like of a Julia Holter project. My only negative is that the conclusion of the album is a bit quick and stale, it should have never been added and just closed on the last actual song. Otherwise, this is an absolutely gorgeous record to listen to.
Neptunian Maximalism Eons3.5
Maud The Moth Orphnē4.0
The Spanish born; UK based solo act of pianist Amaya López-Carromero showcases the power of avant-garde music with her third album. This being my first exposure to her music and I am absolutely floored by what she crafts on this record. From the opening track, you are shown the vast beauty and horrifying nature of this record. Hypnotic piano cords, explosive drums, haunting violin, and they all come together to form one hell of an expansive listen. My biggest complaint with the album is many of the tracks all build into nothing which leaves me wanting a bit more from the tracks. Otherwise a great album in the baroque pop camp.
MIKE Weight Of The World3.5
Underground hip-hop, a genre that will pull you in and keep you there. MIKE is on his sixth album, and he is fairly consistent with one album per year. However, Mike has always been an ambiguous figure for me musically. Sometimes he comes through with powerful lyrics, soothing instrumentals, and odd beats. Plus, he has always been lower on my abstract hip-hop bar than others like Earl Sweatshirt and MAVI. However, on his most recent record, he comes through with some of his most powerful lyrics and best instrumentals to date. So many great samples come through on this record. However, there is still plenty of WTF happened on this record which has always plagued his music for me. Especially on several tracks that have no sense of direction (which is weird to say because the appeal of these records is because they are so one-note). In conclusion, this is the best album in the genre to date, but it still leaves me underwhelmed and makes me want to listen to others like him that have a better understanding of instrumentals.
Make Them Suffer How to Survive a Funeral4.0
Make Them Suffer is a five-piece Australian metalcore and deathcore band that has one of the most solid record release history out of anyone in the genre. They have stuck with their pummeling, hard-hitting, and emotional record outputs, and ?How to Survive a Funeral? is no different. Tracks are filled with brutal drum fills, heavy guitar riffs, and aggressive screams, and soaring cleans/screams. Everything you would ever want from Make Them Suffer returns and although for a lot of people this is a bit of a hit or miss record. For me there is a lot of ideas the band continues to play with that I am all for; the ambient synth chords, the extremely potent female vocals, and the extremely honest lyrical content. For me, this is the strongest showing from the band since their debut record and I am all for it. The biggest mistake with this record is that some of the tracks aren?t as hard-hitting as others and there is one song that sticks out like a sore thumb near the end of the tracklist. But, this is still a great, and short, metal album that people should check out if you're looking for something heavy.
John Legend Bigger Love1.5
If you don?t know who John Legend is at this point then maybe you should stop hiding in the rock you live in. John Stephens is one of the modern-day radio pop legends that for years no one could escape from. However, in the past, many of his success makes sense because he made romantic yet inspiring neo-soul and pop-soul music that would resonate with me and his fans. Through the years though John has slowly lost his classic and unique sound and more or less gave it up for a more radio-friendly sound. On his eighth, and worst, album John seems to be grabbing at every billboard 100 trope he can get his hands on to land at least one song on the charts to make him as much money as he can. No one deserves to have these songs. The writing is extremely week, the instrumentals and beats are half baked ideas, and his lyrics and vocal presence feel the most phoned-in yet. The only saving grace of this record is that some of the songs are still catchy to listen to. But for a whole listening experience, this is abysmal and if I was a long term fan, I would be livid and heartbroken with what he has presented here. This is the least interesting and worst executed album yet and I honestly don?t see him changing anything into the future.
Phoebe Bridgers Punisher3.0
Phoebe Bridgers, the indie-folk artist who took the American heart by storm when she dropped her 2017 debut record ?Stranger in the Alps?, a poet, yet heart-wrenching indie-folk piece with as much heart put into it as a progressive pop album but the staleness of a Chinese fortune cookie. On her sophomore record ?Punisher?, the California singer comes out with an even more patience-testing indie-folk piece with even more haunting poetic lyrics in which Phoebe portrays her sadness and bittersweet look at life in the current day and age. However, she definitely increases her instrumentals on this record more than the last. With brighter guitars, more interesting atmospheric synths, and bonier drum fills, she gives the listener a better taste of what she can do. However, for me, the small steps forward in songwriting and production don?t make up for the pure lack of sparseness and uninteresting instrumentals this is filled with. Track after track you are given a drier version of the last song with some more depressing lyrics that really aren?t as interesting as you would want them to be. In a lot of ways, this tries to be a premium slowcore album without the soul. I don?t know; it?s good, but not great. I know a lot of people love her and will back her up on this, but for me, I would much rather listen to who she is influenced by rather than her.
Baauer Planet′s Mad3.5
Harry Rodrigues has released his sophomore record and he steps forward in so many ways from his previous release that it?s weird to even think those records came out by the same person. Throughout the whole record, you will be greeted with explosive EDM style beats, bouncy jungle instrumentation, and danceable UK bass for 39 minutes straight. Honestly, there isn?t a dull moment on this whole record. My negatives are though that this album is one dimensional and after a while, you feel like you have heard everything there is to offer. Plus, many of the songs follow the same EDM formula that it can be grating after a while. But, all together this is a surprising and enjoyable EDM and jungle record that anyone who is a fan of EDM has to try this.
Owen The Avalanche3.5
On Mike Kinsella?s tenth album he continues to dazzle his audience with gorgeous folk instrumentation, precisely placed indie rock synths and guitar chords, and emotionally potent and raw emo lyrics. Emo has seen much of a change in the last few years with the advent of emo-rap (which I really think should be called nu emo) as well as the slow advent of post-emo. Mike Kinsella?s most successful band defined what emo was with American Football's debut album in 1999 and changed the way we perceive emo with the bands 2019 third self-title. On this solo project, we continue to see this progression of emo with him continuing to discuss the hardships that come with being an adult, losing the ones you love, and the alcoholism. Track after track is a gentle yet sophisticated look at emotion and love. I cannot recommend this album enough, the only fall back is not all the songs are as high as the best tracks.
Protest the Hero Palimpsest3.5
The four-piece Canadian band has finally released their long-awaited fifth album and they continue to make powerful progressive metal music with very high pitched vocals. In some ways, this is a lot of great things coming together. From the amazing instrumentals that keep your foot tapping or head bobbing to the twisting lyrics attacking different historical events that we as a human race still need to learn from. While in other ways there are things that the band still hasn?t been able to fix since their inception in 2006, i.e. the record goes on for far too long. The best tracks here are really amazing and bring a lot to the table. While other tracks could have been left on the cutting room floor. I still enjoy this record a lot and recommend it to anyone who is a fan of progressive metal because you won?t be disappointed.
Jessie Ware What's Your Pleasure?4.5
Welcome to Future Nostalgia?s mother. Jessie Ware is a London based artist who is one of the few artists who can go toe to toe with the likes of Fiona Apple and Kate Bush at the same time. On her newest release ?What?s Your Pleasure? she jumps headfirst into the nu-disco trend. Not only does she execute it with flying colors, but she continues the huge influence of people like Robyn and Kate Bush without staying true to her own house tinted soundscapes. From start to finish you will be shown the mature world of Jessie Ware and what it likes to dance all night with the one you love, while also being dazzled by the lush atmosphere that she produces. Honestly, every song on her completely teleports you back to the ?70s, while also reminding you that this is 2020 with all the smooth funky disco beats but the amazing production of the modern era. There is absolutely nothing wrong here it?s just the one song ?Adore You? is a minuscule step down from the rest of the tracks here. Otherwise, this is a perfectly executed record, and everyone deserves to listen to this record. Actually, I mandate you to listen to this record because if it wasn?t for that one track this would be a perfect record.
Nuvolascura As We Suffer From Memory and Imagination3.5
Nuvolascura is a four-piece screamo and emoviolance band from L.A. and honestly, I had never heard of them until I started looking at people's top halfway list of 2020 and honestly, I am quite surprised by what I was presented with. For such a short album there is a lot of emotion put into all the lyrics and sound. Dealing with the everyday life of dealing with depression, this album is extremely brutal both sonically and lyrically to listen to; and I absolutely love it. The biggest downfall of this album is that everything comes out the same after a while and a lot of the interludes don?t feel necessary for how short this record is. Also, the record can be a bit scattered at points where the focus is put on different instruments which is a bit weird. Plus the vocals are so muffled out by the instrumentation that it can be hard to even hear Erica sing.
As Real Marveless3.5
A three-piece post-metal and shoegaze outfit from Portland, Maine have delivered their debut album and all around there is a lot of promise for this band based on what is present here. All the way through you will be taken on a winding and long-winded post-metal and metalcore album that doesn?t relent for one minute on the 52-minute album. However, there is a lot of work the band needs to do to fully come into their own sound because they really just sound like every offshoot of this sound from Astronoid to Deafheaven. They definitely started in the right place, they just need to fully develop themselves into the future. So, I look forward to seeing what this band will create in the future.
Clap! Clap! Liquid Portraits2.5
Christiano Crisci?s fourth record under the Clap! Clap! Name and in general, it is filled with a mixed bag of results. Some of the tracks here are hard-hitting fusions of African folk music and bouncy UK bass. Both in other instances, it is a dry experiment combining these genres or other genres. However, for Christiano this is no new problem since, for me at least, all his albums fall into this same issue where some tracks work really well, and others don?t work as well. I never can understand what is happening on his records because the first few tracks always grab me in, but as soon as you get towards the middle everything falls down again and I am instantly bored. In some ways, he seems to be taking influence from 90?s UK house seen without keeping all the flair of that scene. I don?t know this album is okay at the end of the day. Will always keep coming back to his music because I really do feel that one day he will figure out this sound and create something spectacular with it, but for now, it?s still the same issue.
GoGo Penguin GoGo Penguin4.0
GoGo Penguin is a three-piece nu-jazz outfit from Manchester, England. They made themselves famous in the jazz community with their 2014 release ?v2.0?, a very grandiose take on minimalism and modern jazz composition. From there they continued to work with this sound with their 2016 release ?Man Made Object? and their 2018 release ?A Humdrum Star?, their strongest release yet. Now on their fifth release, their self-title they seem to be continuing the sound that they made famous. In all honestly, this album is amazing in its own right. It?s grand but still minimal. The drums, piano, and double bass complement each other so fluidly that it?s hard not to be transported with this album. However, my biggest drawback with this album is the group is become too comfortable with this style. For a sound, they pioneered and mastered it?s time for a new change of pace and on the last two tracks ?To The Nth? and ?Don?t Go? you can hear that with a new change of pace bringing in more atmospheric synths and heavy double bass playing than normal. So, this is a magnificent release and if you have never heard the band before then please listen to this record, it?s amazing. But I want them to move forward with their ideas rather than sticking to the formula they have done for the third time now.
GUM Out In The World2.5
Ex-drummer of Tame Impala, Jay Watson, has released his fifth record under the GUM name and it?s honestly the best step forward he has done, but at the end of the day, he still pairs in comparison to Tame Impala and others in the neo-psychedelic scene (i.e. Flaming Lips, Animal Collective, and Ween). From start to finish you will be greeted with soring and heavy-hitting psychedelic passages with overdubbed vocals that take you on a trip right back to the 70s. Not to say this album is bad by any means, it has a lot of decent neo-psych songs crafted with a lot of heart. But there are other songs that seem very lazy for a 2020 neo-psych release when we have heard this sound dozens of times before. However, Jay is slowly coming into his own sound by making more of his drums the presence of the tracks than normal, but he still isn?t doing anything amazing to make me stop on my tracks and listen to a track again. So, in conclusion, this is a fine release but it?s nothing to write home about.
Thomas Azier Love, Disorderly3.5
Thomas Azier is a Dutch pop singer and musician who has put out his fourth record. I am new to the artist and I wasn?t sure what I was getting myself into, but I was pleasantly surprised by a well-crafted electropop and art-pop album with a lot of new wave and chamber pop elements. From the very first track ?Love, Disorderly? you are introduced to the very jagged and broken sounding pop soundscape that Thomas has crafted. You will also slowly realize how haunting this album is as Thomas goes through the downward spiral that the internet can have on us physically and emotionally. The bouncy industrial synth drums add to the haunting orchestral arrangements. The few negatives I have are that first the album is a bit short and many of the songs I feel could have explored more sonically. There are a lot of great ideas and soundscapes presented here and I would love to see more. Also, the vocals could have used a touch less umph, especially on tracks ?Concrete?, and ?Entertainment?. In conclusion, however, it is still a pleasant dystopian feeling pop album that anyone should try if you?re a fan of new age.
Naeem Startisha4.0
On his debut solo album, the traditional hip-house producer creates an experimental soundscape that weaves in and out of several different genres in the hip-hop and RnB scenes. Naeem Juwan starts out with a neo-soul driven track back up with haunting industrial style beats, then going to the next track a trap-style hip-hop banger. From there on the third track, we get a heavy-hitting hardcore hip-hop style track. Then we are shown a bouncy and tasteful hip-house track. This weaving continues on for the rest of the album, however, at its core there is a solid presence of experimental hip-hop. In many ways, this record sees influences by the likes of Yves Tumor and JPEGMAFIA. The biggest drawback is that although I love the jumping of sounds, it still seems a bit of a stretch some of the time, plus many of these tracks don?t build into the strongest finish. Also, the closing track doesn?t have the best punch that I would want it to. In conclusion, this is still a great record that any hip-hop fan should listen to.
Chloe x Halle Ungodly Hour3.5
Chloe and Halle Bailey are a jack of all trades sister duo, starting as actors and now
making a run for it in the music industry. However, the biggest catch is that they are
some of the most talented actors turn artists that I have heard in a while. Especially
for two sisters coming out of the Disney acting scene. On their sophomore record they
improve on all fronts, but one (that I will get to later). Sonically the beats are the
strongest I have heard from them in a long time; bouncy, atmospheric, and sensual. The
production is a bit clean but still makes them sound crisp over the instrumentals. The
only thing is the lyrics and song structures can be a bit…stretched and cringy. This
definitely is a huge deterrent some of the times because the lyrics really make you stop
and think about what you are doing with your life. Also, the last two tracks are much
weaker than the previous eleven tracks. In conclusion, they are going in the right
direction and are slowly starting to get their own sound which I am elated for them. They
really only need to work on lyrical substance and musical structure, but still a solid
release from the sisters.
Photay Waking Hours3.5
On his fifth record, Evan Shornstein creates his most powerful record yet. Taking heavy influence from Sufjan Stevens work as well as 90s techno music, he creates a blissful yet somewhat jagged electronic release with a lot of ambient textures, indie aesthetics, and in your face techno style beats. From the intro track ?Existential Celebration? you are greeted to a progressive build of chimes. While other tracks are more in your face. My largest complaint with this record is stylistically these tracks jump all over the place. Also, most of the tracks don?t fully come out, the same issue he had on his previous releases. However, this is still his strongest release yet and a great and short electronic album. Give it a whorl for something a bit different.
Material Girl Tangram4.5
Material Girl is a bit of an enigma in the music world. The Philadelphia based producer and artist has finally come out with his debut solo record and holy shit what a debut it is. If you have never listed to sound collage, then welcome. Sound collage in short is taking several sound bits and/or sonic soundscapes (original or sampled) and putting them together like a picture collage. So, many of the ideas might not sound that fluent, but the best artist in the genre always have a common ground they come back to. On material girl?s debut, he does this extremely perfectly. Track after track you will have a whimsical jazz rap style backing instrumental but he throws in some wild sound bites and scrapes that perk up your ears when you hear it. From what I can tell the influence of the record is from the hectic nature of life and how one minute you could be having a good day and one small thing can send you crashing down. My small negative is several of the tracks or sub-tracks sort of cut out right in the middle of it which leaves a sour taste in my mouth for the few seconds it happens. Otherwise, this is a nearly flawless album that everyone should check out if your wanting an adventure.
Covet technicolor4.0
Covet is a three-piece band from California lead by Yvette Young (YouTube guitarist). Their debut record effloresce, was a great debut but had a lot of shortcomings to it that a lot of debut albums have in the instrumental genre; lack of interest from start to finish. On their sophomore record technicolor, however, they blow all expectations out of the water by producing one of the most interesting instrumental math rock albums I have heard in a long time. From start to finish there is a great weaving of lush soundscapes that will take your ears on an introspective drive. Every song is packed with great math rock chord progressions, post-rock synths and back-up guitar chords, and some great vocals on three of the tracks. My biggest complaint is the guitars from time to time (especially on the last track) can be too heavily re-verbed/washed out. Other than that, this new record is a great rock album that uses math rock as a lovely soundscape rather than a noodle-fest that many other bands in the genre seem to be doing.
Ebonivory The Long Dream I3.5
If you actually follow my music reviews or know me, you know that I love progressive music. Progressive metal was one of the first music genres that I really fell in love with. So many new artists in this genre I have a very critical lens towards. This five-piece Australian progressive metal band has finally released their second full-length album since 2015 and in some ways its equally as good as the last, while in other ways this is to similar to the last one. As you listen through this record you will be greeted with soaring vocals, powerful and heavy prog metal riffs and fills, and winding songs that scratch at the itch I always love in this genre. However, in the grand scheme of things, this is only all that different from anyone else out there in the prog metal scene. Plus, everything they have done here seems more toned down then what they did on their last record. So, it leaves me wondering what in the world happened between the last five years? In conclusion, this is a perfectly great progressive metal album and gives me a good satisfaction. However, in the grand scheme of things, it?s really nothing new or mind-blowing, both for the scene as a whole or for the band. But I look forward to seeing what the band does in the future.
Rolling Blackouts Coastal Fever Sideways to New Italy3.5
This is the first record that I am hearing from the five-piece Austrian based band. This is their sophomore record on Sub Pop Records, and I am truly impressed with the band. The record is doused in lushes alternative rock instrumentation with jangle pop and indie rock soundscapes done throughout the whole project. There is no real bad track here, but none of the tracks fully stick out as truly spectacular. However, they do have a unique sound that allows them to stand out from the jangle pop and indie-pop scene. For example, their sound is much rawer and, in the moment, then a lot of artists today. In conclusion, I really like this, but there are a lot of limitations of the sound that is presented here, and again nothing on here is fully standout-ish. But, it deserves your attention if you are into this style or sound.
Armand Hammer Shrines3.0
Armand Hammer is one of those underground rappers that has always been fairly low on my list of favorites (also MF Doom) even though so many people love their music. In general, the flow to me is so boring to listen to, the instrumentals never give me enough to continue listening, and most features never sound good enough with them to warrant it. The duo of Billy Woods and EUCLID see fit to drop their fourth full-length album and for me, it is their strongest project yet. This is the first time where all the features bring a lot of great presence and everyone sounds solid together. Also, many of the beats are more interesting and diverse than what is common in an Armand Hammer project. However, the tracks that don?t have a feature are the most underwhelming to me and I have a really hard time getting into the dense lyrics when the instrumentals and flows put me to sleep. In conclusion, there is a great reason to listen to this album and to this duo if you are looking for some heavy lyrical content based on politics, philosophy, and metaphysics. But, for me, it?s still as boring as their other records, but their strongest to date.
Currents The Way It Ends4.0
The four-piece Australian metalcore band has finally released their sophomore record and for me, it is stronger than their last record, but they are still stuck in the same sound. The whole album is a great rush of guitars and drums. The screams are crushing in the best way possible as well. This is a great metalcore album in today?s day and age. However, there is nothing new here that hasn?t been done before. They do the sound extremely well, but it?s nothing new and that is the biggest complaint I have with this record.
Emery White Line Fever1.0
Oh, Emery why do you have to keep doing this to me. If you don?t know Emery, they are a five-piece emo band from South Carolina that have a fairly deep and inconsistent set of albums out there. They have now released their eighth full-length album and content-wise it is their weakest release to date, which upsets me because their 2018 release Eve was one of my favorite records of that year. From start to finish you are given a half baked set of alternative punk tracks that show some of the weakest writing (both sonically and lyrically). The full charm of Eve was the alternative tint they put onto their sound, but with this new record, everything is humdrum. Playing is fairly lazy, lyrics are fairly cringy or all-over the place. In conclusion, there is only one true highlight on this record, ?Civil War?, but for the future, the band really needs to sit down and find a new direction.
END (USA-NJ) Splinters From An Ever-Changing Face1.0
Run the Jewels RTJ44.5
What is there to say that hasn?t already been said about RTJ. They are one of the best duos in the rap game right now, and maybe one of the greatest rap groups to exist today. They also have one of the most consistent record outputs that is around today (other than Kendrick and Denzel). On RTJ4 they continue the heavy wordplay, political banter, reflection, and flaunting. However, what they create on their new record is above what they have ever done before. There is honestly no dull moment on here and you could go through the lyrics for hours and pick out unlimited amounts of satire, wordplay, and introspective. However, what makes this so powerful is because of everything happening in the world right now. In your backyard, human beings are fighting for their rights. RTJ4 is the anthem to protest and injustice towards black individuals and RTJ are the leaders of that protest and fighters to the injustice. My only negative is that the very last track goes on for longer than it should be. It could have ended after five minutes but it has a rather weird closer.
Ecke Wu 表演 Performance4.5
Ecke Wu is a bit of an ambiguous figure in the music world since you cannot find anything about the band or the leader of it. But this is their second record since their 2015 debut Fade, and they stick to the same formula but execute it with flying colors this time around. From front to back you will soar through ambient shoegaze drones on top of some very lush post-rock style guitar plucks. This sounds like a 40-minute ambient album more than a shoegaze record, but there is so much more here than most ambient albums. The lead singer presents these hushed vocals that complement the instrumentals so well. You will not be disappointed if you want a spaced-out little album. My only complaint is that everything does sound the same after a while, but honestly, that is okay for the most part.
Lady Gaga Chromatica3.5
honestly I never expected to fully enjoy another Lady Gaga album since her debut album the Frame. However on this most recent project she finds some new footing in a sound that she is fairly use too, but executes fairly well. From start to finish you are given a house pop album with a lot of flair, style, and flamboyancy. Not all the tracks here are strong and most of the features are fairly awkward (except for "Sour Candy"). But, some of her strongest songs in years show up. The biggest downfall is although the soundscapes are great they sound dated (even though this song was only popular 7-10 years ago). In conclusion, its a really solid album and I find it really enjoyable to listen to for the most part.
Holy Hive Float Back To You2.5
From start to finish you are given a rather one-dimensional tour of indie rock and how in many cases indie rock can be an excruciating listen. However, there are some great tracks here with some emotional singing and songwriting. But for the most part this is just okay. I really don't hate it, but I am also not really loving it.
Mrs. Piss Self-Surgery3.5
If you have never listened to Chelsea Wolfe (vocals and guitar) and/or Jess Gowrie (bass and drums) then you are in for some dark music. Chelsea hits you over the head with some of the darkest lyrics she has ever written, while you ate pounded with some heavy hitting drums. This album might be only 25 minutes in length, but they do what they need to and then they leave. The biggest flaw with the album is the production is sometimes so lo-fi and washed out that everything sounds so inaudible. This is nothing new for Chelsea, but man it sounds so annoying at times. Otherwise this is a really pleasant surprise and I really look forward to seeing if they do anything more together.
Hakushi Hasegawa Bones of Dreams Attacked!4.0
If you haven't had the chance to listen to his bombastic debut album from last year then I would really start there because it is infinitely times better and had more thought put into it than this one. From first listen this is a complete change of direction for the Japanese nu-jazz artist. However these songs are coming from a very different emotional state then the last. The last record was bight, loud, energetic, and in-your-face. This record is much lighter, softer, sophisticated, emotional, and in-depth. Many of these songs sound live and in the moment with very little production. However, the airy piano jazz melodies pair so nicely over his very lush and off kilter singing style. I cannot recommend this album enough it is really good. One of the best piano albums I have heard this year. The biggest flaw is this album is very one dimensional and some of the tracks do go for a lot longer than it should. But again you really need to try this if you want some emotional and light piano jazz music.
Sewerslvt IRLY3.5
After coming through with one of her best records to date this year, the Canadian atmospheric drum and bass artist releases a small EP/B-sides project showing that she continues to escalate the genre higher. For 20 minutes you're giving some strong tracks with a lot of deep atmosphere and heavy jungle influence that any drum and bass fan should be happy with. The biggest downside for this EP is that the last two tracks are not as heavy hitters as the first two. Also, the first track is a real standout from the other three tracks on the record. Still a decent showing and look forward to what she puts out into the future.
Backxwash God Has Nothing To Do With This Leave Him Out Of I4.0
Backxwash is one of those hip-hop artists who bleeds the line between full blown horrorcore and tasteful experimental hip-hop. A fusion that many have tried and only a few have ever been able to fully pull off. On her newest album she talks about forgiveness and being a transgender black woman in a world that won't except her. The production is dark, the lyrics are stabbing, and the style is haunting. However, there is so much style and flair on the project that it?s hard to not feel a bit overwhelmed by everything happening so quickly. In general, it?s a short project and in my opinion that is the weakest part of it. I wish there was more substance to a lot of the tracks because what is here is extremely well done. In conclusion it?s still a fabulous and amazing sophomore record from the Canadian MC, and I will continue to look for new and amazing music.
Dai Dai Dai ∅3.0
Dai Dai Dai is a two (ish) Japanese based noise-pop band that has finally released their debut album after two EP?s and several singles. What you should expect with this album is, well a lot. Right from the intro track you are shown the fast world of breakcore and noise pop. Loud synth leads, explosive drums, auto-tuned vocals, all while everything seems to be flying by you. Every track here presents some great ideas, but several times that idea completely falls flat because of a lack of direction or lack of understanding. This isn?t a bad album, especially if you want a decent introduction to the world of breakcore and noise pop, but in comparison to the likes of melt-banana and others, these flounder in comparison.
Medhane Cold Water3.0
A rather new-comer to the experimental hip-hop genre and it is a decent showing. He has a few other projects and singles but this is, for all intense and purposes, his debut album and it has some strong elements to it, however in general this feels and sounds like a weaker Earl Sweatshirt. The strength here is the witty and insightful lyrics all over the project. Plus some of the beats are some solid jazzy beats with solid production. In conclusion it's still a solid release and I look forward to seeing what he does into the future, but for now he needs more of an identity.
Hugh Hardie 7 Tunes in 7 Days3.0
I was blown away last year with his absolutely stunning drum and bass album Shadows & Silhouettes. Now he has made a little EP/LP while in quarantine and you can tell that he made these songs very quickly. It?s not they aren?t good, but they aren?t as hard-hitting or sonically textured as his last album. You can also tell he is still in the same mindset as that record since many of these seem like B-sides from S&S. Altogether it?s a decent experience but I will just leave it as is and look forward to a more flushed-out project.
Ray Pink3.0
Honestly, this sounds really good. It?s not breaking any new ground on the shoegaze sound that they are playing off of (or the noise pop sound either). But it sounds really damn good. The biggest problem with this record is why in gods name is it an hour long. They could have trimmed not only the songs that aren?t as impactful as the others but trimmed all the songs in general because they run on for much longer then they should. It kind of sounds like they wanted a post-rock sort of structure, but why not do a post-rock album at that rate. In conclusion, individually and broken-up this is a quality shoegaze record, but together this record is a monster to get through. Also, the mixing of the guitar work is sometimes so washed out that you cannot tell the notes apart anymore so that could have been fixed.
Owen Pallett Island4.5
I am slowly understanding what leads me to give an album a perfect rating or a high praised 4.5/5 compared to other albums. There is a specific feeling I obtain while listening to albums like this one and the few others who get this honor. There is a deep emotional connection I gained while listening to this beautiful piece of art. From the opening ambient passage to the breathtaking chamber folk tracks laced though out the hour listen. From the lyrics to the instrumentals crafted there is not a moment where I don?t think it is perfect. So many memorable moments and ideas are thrown on this album that it?s impossible to go through them all. The only small downside is the interludes are a bit odd since they don?t give any sense of movement or closure for an instrumental style or lyrical concept. Otherwise, A stunning showing from the ex-Arcade Fire violinist.
Rafael Anton Irisarri Peripeteia4.5
It?s not every day when a drone album hits me so hard. In the past drone, albums have always rubbed me the wrong way. Most of them are too long, monotonous, and uninteresting to keep me listening to them. On the other hand, however, ambient music has really taken off for me once I fully realized its potential and with this new project from the American producer, I have found something spectacular. From front to back for 45 minutes you will be greeted with building drones that are placed over serein and blissful ambient textures that are complimented so well together that it makes me feel like I am floating in the clouds with a nice warm sun on me, thinking about philosophical ideas. The only negative I have is that many of the songs sorts of trail off really quickly and I could really see many of these songs building into each other. Otherwise, this is a nearly flawless and amazing album for the summertime.
Caligula's Horse Rise Radiant3.5
The five-piece Australian progressive metal and rock outfit are finally back with their fifth record and it?s another strong showing for one of the best progressive outfits in modern music, even if it is one of their weakest albums. From the very opening track you are blasted with heavy rifts, soring guitars, hard drums, and infatuating vocals. Every track here builds so beautifully together and gives you one wholistic listen from front to back. Plus, the closer is one angelic and amazing progressive rock anthem with several phases and builds. In general, it?s a solid release, however for Caligula?s horse it's all sounds they have done and mastered on their previous records, and fully realized and executed on their last record, which was there best yet. With this album we see them playing it safer than usual, which is fine. They needed an album with more simple properties. I see a huge album coming in the next few years, but for now this will be perfectly fine.
The 1975 Notes on a Conditional Form3.5
Here we are, several setbacks, several grandiose singles, and much hype we are presented with the 1975?s most recent record and in short it is the best record they have ever produced ever, but it still gives me much questioning on what Matty was thinking while making the record. I don?t have enough time to go into too much depth with this, but from opening to closing Matty, and his truly spectacular producing team: George Daniel and Jonathan Gilmore, sweep us through a whole slew of different genres and styles. From post-hardcore to UK deep house and everything in between, Matty writes some of the greatest songs to ever be graced with my ears; especially ?If Your Too Shy (Let Me Know)?, ?People?, ?Me and You Together Song?, and ?Frail State of Mind?. However, why in gods name is this almost an hour and a half long. All the interludes could have been left on the cutting room floor (especially ?The End (Music for Cars)? and ?Streaming?); they add nothing to the record sonically or stylistically. Also, the intro track, as great as it might be message-wise, it sticks out like a sore thumb immediately and leaves you scratching your head on why it's nearly five minutes long. In conclusion though, for all the sonic styles and detours, Matt does one hell of a job making them all sound perfect together, and I have no idea how he did it. So, I am very happy with this record, I hope that he doesn?t do this again though.
Uboa The Flesh of the World2.5
Uboa is an artist that sits in several genres but sounds nothing like them. She has created her own form of experimental, dark, ambient, and noise music that only a few other artists have ever come close to (Lingua Ignota is the only one who comes to mind). In other words, she takes the style of noise and adds a lot more texture to the abrasiveness of it all. On her most recent EP, that she has made during quarantine, she talks about the current issue of body dysmorphia and fat-shaming but over some very haunting drones. If you have never listened to her music this honestly isn?t a great place to start because this isn?t her best work (go to her 2019 record ?The Origin of My Depression? for a great look at depression). You can tell she is playing around with more synth-driven instrumentation rather than the more piano/ambient instrumentation she is known for. I will say though it makes me excited to see where she will go into the future with these sounds because there is an idea here, it?s not fully tapped into yet though.
Jeff Rosenstock NO DREAM4.0
eff Rosenstock has been making punk music for a long time, and in some circles he is one of the only modern examples of solid punk music that grabs influence from traditional 80s and 90s punk while also being original in his own right. NO DREAM is another stellar example of a solid punk record with the sound he made famous with his 2016 WORRY, but now with more drawn out post-punk influenced ideas. However, he also brings in the sound of 90s and early 2000s skate punk to add a huge soring influence on his very political banter or self-reflecting lyrics. Every song here is a heavy-hitting banger and leaves right when it needs to. The biggest complaint I have is that this album can be very one dimensional if you aren?t ready for it, plus not all the songs are as great as others sonically. Otherwise, it?s a really great album and you should check it out if you are looking for something old, but new.
$ilkmoney Attack of the Future Shocked, Flesh Covered, Meatb4.0
On the Richmond native's third album, he pulls all his previous sounds, lyrical content, and ideas into one conscious record. There is a lot of great political banter from start to finish, great jazz-rap/boom bap style beats, and a lot of abstract (i.e. psychedelic) instrumentals, and just great rapping. The biggest negative I have is that his flow is very one-note and doesn?t change all that much from start to finish. But, otherwise, this is a great record and I look forward to seeing what he continues to do into the future.
Charli XCX How I'm Feeling Now3.5
Charlie XCX has seen fit to make an album in a month (which is nothing new to her) and honestly this really came out well. From the opening track, you are given a very quick showing of what you are in for a noisy and abrasive pop album written by someone who is anxious about what is currently going on with the COVID isolation. I will say this record will not make normal pop fans happy if you are not used to noise pop, then this isn?t for you because this record has its moments of noise. My only downside is that not all the tracks hit as hard as others, and the sound style is a bit all over the place. Also, the production can be a touch to noisy at times (especially on the closing track).
Moses Sumney grae3.5
When I first heard part one of this record I was absolutely floored by how impressive it was. Moses Sumney was taking so many great influences and combining them to achieve an intricate, sensual, introspective, and bright record about sexuality, toxic masculinity, love, life, lessons, and many more. The second of the record, however, takes a much more docile approach to the neo-soul style he was working with on part one. Right out the gate we are shown the more ambient, secluded, isolated, and soft sounds that he will explore for the rest of the album. However, some tracks don?t have enough presence to keep my ears intrigued over Moses?s vocals. Overall, I still really enjoy this record but it is very one-sided in the presentation and the lyrical content is a bit all over the place. In many ways, this seems like a very unfocused project that he really wanted to seem focused. It really feels like he kept picking parts up and down the last few years and threw it together on a double album.
Jason Isbell Reunions3.5
Me and country music have a fairly distant relationship. Many of the pop-country artists that you hear at every college party, a bar in the middle of nowhere, indie show, etc. have given the long history of country a sour taste in a lot of old-time fans mouths. For me, it?s an annoying genre that doesn?t seem to progress sonically or lyrically (there are some exceptions to this, i.e. Orville Peck, Sturgill Simpson, and John Prine). However, Jason Isbell and his backing band the 400 Unit throw it back to an early 2000s arena rock-inspired alternative country album. Each track goes through the heartbreak of being a father, husband, friend, and citizen with these seismic country-rock ballads. Is this perfect, no some of the tracks are too one-note, and some of the production is a bit overdone. Plus, the record is a bit long in some parts, but this is an impressive album that any fan of country music should listen to.
Nick Hakim WILL THIS MAKE ME GOOD4.5
Two Fingers Fight! Fight! Fight!2.5
Amon Tobin and Joe Chapman come through with a rather odd fourth full-length album since the group?s inception in 2009 (plus their last record was in 2012). Bringing back some classic wonky beats and styles they don?t really drive forward the genre. This album suffers from a lot of what Amon Tobin has been suffering within his own solo material since 2007; it doesn't sound like a complete and flushed out record. Also, it sounds like two guys having some fun and making some random beats that don't really make any sense together. Especially in 2020 with wonky and halftime music taking heavy changes in the last decade. It?s just a so-so record with some interesting points, but it gets stale fairly quickly.
Seori ?depacse ohw4.0
This was a bit of surprise for me because I just assumed this was going to be some more modern RnB that we are continually pressed within today's age. However, when I started this little EP I was awestruck with how blissful, whimsical, and forward-thinking this Korean RnB album is. In many ways, it is taking Ariana Grande's influence put twisting it into what makes K-Pop such a sticky sound. Overall it?s a very pleasant listen, she definitely needs to narrow her sound though because she is going through a lot of different RnB styles on this eighteen-minute EP.
Hayley Williams Petals for Armor4.5
Haley Williams, one of the most well-known names in music today, especially the most well-known name if you had an ?emo? phase when you were younger. Well, she finally comes through with her own solo work to test the waters on what she can do for the music scene, and in my opinion, she almost nailed it. What Haley is able to produce sonically is something that very few artists today can do. Part 1 of the three-part record shows her grasping Art rock style instrumentals a-la Radiohead's ?Ok Computer? and ?In Rainbows?. Lyrically she discusses the issues of being apart of a toxically controlling relationship and what that can do to you emotionally during and the several months (or years) after you leave said relationship. Part 2 of this record sees Haley dabbling in a Talking Heads, New Order, and Primal Scream style alternative dance with lyrics about her final acceptance of what happened in that relationship and her moving on from it. Lastly, we get a fairly new style of sounds of New Wave made popular by most bands in the 80s with lyrics about the freshness of a new, non-toxic, relationship. In conclusion, she is influenced by all these sounds from past artists, but she revives them into a very fresh, fun, and sunny sound that is again something not many artists can do. My only flaw with this is the track ?Cinnamon? isn?t as fleshed out as the other tracks (especially the opening with the very winy oh-oh's).
Kehlani It Was Good Until It Wasn't2.5
Let me start by saying this doesn?t sound bad by any means. From the introduction, you know what you are getting into for the rest of the album. A trap based RnB record with tongue-in-cheek lyrics about the club, sex, drinking, dating, etc. What makes this album so iffy is that for one the influences on this record are so obvious that it?s fairly distracting for me. For example, almost all the songs are basically weaker versions of Ariana Grande, T-Pain, Beyoncé, etc. I would much rather listen to those artists then listen to someone basically imitating them. She desperately needs her own sound and there are some good examples of her exploring who she is as an artist. But for the most part, she needs soul searching.
Choir Boy Gathering Swans4.0
Choir Boy is a four piece group based out of Ohio and now on their sophomore record they are doing what they do best but with a touch more flair. In general you will be presented with a lush and expansive synthpop and new wave experience with very low vibrato style vocals. Track after track you are taken on synth roller coaster with so many bright shimmering elements that it makes you feel right out of an 80s romance movie. However this is anything but romantic, lyrically this is a cry for gender equality and the end to toxic masculinity. My only negative with this is that the weaker tracks here really derail me from fully enjoying this album. Also the Cure influence is rather blatant. But I still really love this album and if you want some classic 80s sound with modern production (and it not being cheese and hell) give this a go.
Little Simz Drop 63.5
If you never listened to her last record that came out last year you need to because it was one of the best albums of 2019. However, on her new EP, she shows a transition towards a more minimal sound with darker lyrics and beats. She is also going in a much more Kendrick Lamar influence it seems that what she showed on her last album. My biggest gripe with this record is a lot of the tracks are only two-ish minutes and once she gets a good flow, it?s over. Plus, not all the beats fit nicely with her monstrous flows. It?s a solid EP though and I look forward to seeing where this takes her into the future.
O'Brother You and I2.5
Post-rock and I have a very shaky relationship. Most post-rock bands never stick the landing for me because of how boring everything is. I get it the instrumentals take a backside to the very powerful instrumentals, but like I can?t even concentrate on the lyrics when the instrumentals bore me to tears (which is saying a lot because I like a good amount of ambient music). I will say this album does bring a lot more to the table then other bands like them do because of their incorporation of post-hardcore, but like the bands, previous releases had more presence to them. This record is just one-note song after another. I don?t know I don?t mind it and I would come back to it for a peaceful album, but god some of these tracks have me falling asleep.
Man Man Dream Hunting in the Valley of the In​-​Between2.5
The six-piece Philadelphia based band is on their sixth installment and the original charm of this band is slowly going away. From the opening track (not including the short intro track) you think to yourself okay a Queen inspired band again. But it has some fun and quirky elements to it. As you go along through the record those elements start to dull but the sound is still fun. However, by halfway the Queen influence is so distracting, the charm is basically gone, and you slowly realize that there are still 25 minutes left till the end of the album. There isn?t enough sonic diversity between the tracks, so you grow rather tired of the sound. Plus, there isn?t enough instrumental integrity within the songs, to make it feel like its own project. The best way to sum up this album is it feels like they wanted to make a baroque pop album but somehow forgot to add the crucial sounds of that style. So, this album falls so far downhill after the first half.
Austra HiRUDiN4.0
What a gorgeous record. Katie Stelmanis is the sole member of the original new wave outfit from Canada. This band has been through many different iterations of itself at this point but on HiRUDiN we see a flourishing attempt at indietronica mixed with art-pop. Is this going to blow your pants off?no not really, but it is still a lovely little album with some really strong songwriting. It?s dragged down by the strong Fiona Apple and Angel Olsen influences. Also, this album doesn?t have a concrete sonic direction, many of the tracks are all over the place with different ideas, but they all sound good on their own. It?s just not a solid cohesive listen.
Umbra Vitae Shadow of Life3.5
A really solid debut from the supergroup led by Converage?s lead singer Jacob Bannon. If you want some fast-paced, in your face, somewhat brutal death metal and metalcore then this is for you. The biggest downfall is that the first half and the second half of the record are wildly different. The first half is your run of the mill death metal, which is fine; not reinventing the wheel, but brings some great power. The second half though is where the album really shines where the record takes a more deathcore and metalcore approach. But man, the last song ?Shadow of Life? is by far the best song here. I hope that the group produces some more albums in the future, but for now, this is really solid.
Drake Dark Lane Demo Tapes1.5
I don?t think Drake needs much of an introduction at this point. He is one of the biggest artists of the modern rap scene and in instances he deserves to be there. He has influenced countless artists, however on his most recent release (and in some cases his last few full-length albums: Scorpion and Views) sees the artist grabbing any generic, lowest common denominator, and derivative pop-rap, cloud rap, and trap idea that we have seen in the last few years. For an artist to inspire so many rappers in the scene right now, he is now getting influenced by those around him to boost his stream numbers just to get a few more extra dollars. The only small saving grace of this mixtape is some of the cloud rap beats and flows are some of the strongest I have seen Drake rap over since Thank Me Later and Take Care. I have lost all hope that Drake will do anything anymore, but who knows; new decade.
Boston Manor Glue4.0
Boston Manor are one of those bands (like Circa Survive) that are in a genre, but I have a hard time comparing them to everyone else in the genre. The English 5 piece band has released their third record and it sees the band doing what they do best but bring in more influences of industrial rock and grunge rock. From start to finish you will be greeted with their hard-hitting post-hardcore sound, but it sounds a lot different than any other post-hardcore band out there right now. My only flaw with the record is that the songs don?t always have the same cohesive topic to them, and the instrumentals can be a bit all over the place. Also, the album is a bit long with 51 minutes to it, I think some of the back half songs could have been cut (especially the obvious Linkin Park influence song). But this is just a solid as hell rock record for this year.
Car Seat Headrest Making a Door Less Open4.0
The legendary 4 piece indie rock definers, Car Seat Headrest are back with their 12 (ish) record and it?s a somewhat drastic change from what they are previously known for. From their inception in 2010 to their groundbreaking record Twin Fantasy, they have changed what indie rock meant. Now we see them slowly changing their sound for a more synthpop and indietronica direction and I am all for it. They are taking many inspirations from The Strokes and others like them, but they are bringing a much-needed breath of air to the indietronica genre. I will say the sound isn?t fully fleshed out and the record is a bit too high quality for what I like to hear from them, but still a solid release.
Johanna Warren Chaotic Good4.0
The Florida based singer/songwriter Johanna Warren is on her 7th record as a musician and her 5th under her own name and for me, she finally sticks the landing on a perfect sound she has been trying to figure out since her sophomore record ?numun? in 2015. This is not as soul-crushing as Julian Bakers last record in 2017, but man if you really want some absolutely heart blowing slowcore style lyrics with some great contemporary folk melodies this will be up your ally. I will say by the back half of the album, it loses some pace that she built through the first half. Also, the passing of this album for whatever reason takes a huge holt right near the end. But the closer is everything I have ever needed from a slowcore album.
Gesu no Kiwami Otome Streaming, CD, Record2.0
For what I can see, the reviewing community that I follow is in love with this record and I am not exactly seeing why. Like on the surface this record should be amazing. The innovative use of funk bass lines, the progressive nature of it all, and the fun-loving atmosphere the Japanese band is able to produce is a concept most artists in this vein don?t play with. But listen after listen, after the first few tracks (not including the last few tracks), this is extremely derivative. In my opinion, they aren?t really fusing the genres like I would want them to. Everything is just being mashed together with no real charm. Like for a fun idea of an album, I get really bored pretty quickly.
Nova Charisma Exposition III2.0
The third EP from the Donovan Melero (of Hail the Sun) and Sergio Medina (of Stolas) side project is out and I am still underwhelmed with what they are doing. This is a side project band that over and over again I think should be amazing, but every time I go back to their releases, I feel like this is just a watered-down version of their own bands. So, if you want this sound, just go to their original bands and you?ll be happier.
Dance Gavin Dance Afterburner3.0
The ninth album from the five-piece Sacramento post-hardcore legends continues to dive deeper into their unique brand of hardcore music that has taken the 2010?s by storm. Without this band, I honestly would have never fallen in love with heavier music all way back in middle school. Now is this as good as their original material?it?s always hard to say because this band has gone through so many lineup changes, but at this point, it's their fifth album with the same five members and I have to say this band is losing steam. I give Will and Tilian huge props for being able to pump out album after album every two years since 2005, however, I noticed on the last album and definitely on this record that the band is losing steam. Jon?s screams seem so forced at this point and his lyrics are becoming so cringy that even a hot topic kid from 2008 would feel the same way. There are still some really great songs on here, especially the last 4 or 5. The closure is a great new direction and sound I would love to hear them go down. However, most of this seems so drab and unemotional that I honestly wish the band would break up?which I don?t want them to do because I love DGD.
Kali Uchis To Feel Alive3.0
Is this what we wanted to hear from Kali Uchis, not really. Her very spectacular debut album from 2018 saw her really playing with the sounds of Latin pop and contemporary RnB in a mature and flirtatious way. However, a lot of that is missing on this EP (which seems to be a snippet of her next LP). Many of the tracks seem underwritten and thrown together at the last minute. The production is a bit loud and even at points the instrumentals completely wash out her signing. I still enjoy it for her amazing voice, but I wish she would put more thought into everything.
Quelle Chris, Chris Keys Innocent Country 24.0
Trivium What the Dead Men Say2.0
I don?t know why I thought I would like the new Trivium album. The four-piece Orlando, Florida band are on their ninth studio album and it sees them going back to the drawing board in some good ways, but mostly not great. I really enjoy metalcore and will continue to search for new and exciting bands in the genre. I don?t like thrash metal?both classic and modern. The sound is so damn boring to listen to. After about twenty to thirty minutes I am about over the soaring guitars and fast-paced drums. This album sees the band going back to their past while trying to keep to their present and most of it comes off and classic, but stale and boring as the album progresses. I don?t know if it is me not liking the genre of thrash that is keeping me away from this album or if it is the band, but God I don?t really like coming back to this.
Katatonia City Burials4.0
This is just some really solid alternative metal and progressive metal with some gothic elements thrown in and art rock elements also thrown in. One of the classics of the genre on their eleventh record and I am happy to see them come back to form after a bit of doglegging for a while in the 2010s with Dead End Kings and The Fall of Hearts. This project isn?t perfect, it gets bogged down in itself after a while. Some of the tracks also go on a bit longer than they probably needed to be, and the instrumentation can get a bit one-dimensional after a while. Overall, though, it is a very solid release for the long term four-piece Swedish band
Alina Baraz It Was Divine2.5
I have been following Alina?s music since she released her first EP with the phenomenal Dutch producer Galimatias. Five years later we finally get her debut album after a fairly boring second EP in 2018. Have I wowed away by this?no not really. Is this a direction I am glad to see her going in?no?kinda?ehh. First off, this record is bloated to hell. If she trimmed out much of the middle this would have been much better because there are some seriously stunning tracks here. Second, the features, for the most part, seem like a tack on at the last minute. The only exception is the Smino feature. In general, I don?t despise this because she brings that airy and chill sounds that I loved from her 2015 release, but this is so over-bloated.
Other Lives For Their Love4.5
I am absolutely in love with this record. From the opening track with the alternative country guitar passages and the sweet chamber pop orchestration. This flows from track to track as lead singer Jesse Tabish takes us through the haunting, yet loving, story of two romantic lovers. I honestly have not seen the hype of this band in the past. They were always a second rate indie-folk band, but on their 2015 release they really homed in on their chamber popcraft, and on this one, they take a much more singer/songwriter direction and it pays off big time. My only flaw is sometimes the tracks don?t fit well together sonically. Especially in the middle of the album where guitar ballads and chamber orchestration go back and forth for five tracks.
Ulcerate Stare Into Death and Be Still2.5
This is one of those underground death metal bands that get so much hype that you have to listen to it. However, every time I come back to it, I get lost in exactly why. The songs are giant, catastrophic, and winding I will give it that. Plus, making death metal sound so dense and intricate is something many bands have struggled with for years. Where I get stuck with this and many bands like them is that I get so boarded with the sound after 20 minutes. For all the building these tracks have, I feel no pay off at the end of it.
Smino She Already Decided3.5
Some of the best beats and flows come from this new mixtape from the Chicago rapper. However, it can also be said some of the most cringy lyrics Smino has ever said also show up on this record. Also, there are way too many interludes that disrupt the whole flow of this record since they come up with almost every single song. Also, the track ?2MuchFront? plays twice, which is really awkward to hear. Like did they even listen to the whole thing before they released it? Otherwise, I am still happy with what Smino present for us here and brings a nice light to the Chicago sound he is known for.
Tom Misch and Yussef Dayes What Kinda Music3.0
I honestly don?t know what to really think about this record. In some instances, Yussef has some of his most clean and most energetic drumming of his whole career?however, in other cases there are some really underwhelming and underwritten tracks here. The first half of the record is some really solid tracks with great experimentation that fits Tom?s voice so well. However, most of this album seems like Tom and Yussef playing around with their instruments and for whatever reason putting those seasons onto a record. Some of the instrumental tracks are pretty smooth, but most are so one-note I question what happened. I don?t know, I enjoy it but I wish the two focused more on everything.
Fiona Apple Fetch the Bolt Cutters4.5
Fiona Apple is one of those artists that only produces an album every six to ten years, but when she releases an album it is meet with high praise. There is good reason for that since what she can produce in her melodies, instrumentals, poetic lyrics, and overall mood is something many artists and musicians try and most fail. All her records have this building poetic theme that comes to a large climax at the end of the record. Fetch The Bolt Cutters is no different and she does it with more style and flair then every before. In many ways this is a life story of how Fiona came to be who she is today, but it?s done with so much wit and humor that it would put to shame some of the best poets to ever write. All these tracks have these off-kilter jazz instrumentals that work so fluently with her vocals that it comes through light butter. Plus, everything about this album is so damn unique, nothing out there has ever sounded this lush yet so off (Julia Holter is a close example). Please for the love of god you have to try this record if you love some revolutionary pop music.
Enter Shikari Nothing Is True and Everything Is Possible4.5
It?s not everyday when a band that has put out five relatively trash records not only turn themselves around, but also revolutionize the genre of dance punk and do it with a great political commentary edge. All their past records really sounded like a group of guys playing around with no direction, however on their last record they started to play around with what they would fully develop on this new album; dancecore. I wish I had more space to go into better explanation but you have to listen to this for yourself to fully feel the heavy, sophisticated, and playful tracks with more humor than you would ever expect from a group of British electro-rockers.
Rina Sawayama Sawayama4.5
I will say outright I wasn?t of fan of her debut EP, and I still am not. Everything about it seems like a random conglomeration of indies that never stuck the landing. However, the ideas where there and I was very excited to see what she did with them. Well, here we are, and holy shit did she nearly nail it. Not many artists can be influenced by every late 90s and early 2000s popular genre and fuse them to near perfection. Many tracks come together with these heavy alternative metal guitar riffs that you would have heard all over alternative radio stations in the 2000s. While other tracks sound like if Brittney Spears was back in her prime. And then there are the tracks that put them together and sounds like what Poppy is also slightly doing today. This album is the completed ideas that I desperately wanted from the middle part of Charlie XCX?s record and even more.
pulses. Speak It Into Existence3.5
Pulses have been around for a while, however they have never been able to put themselves onto the map and I understand why. In many ways I really enjoy this record and I am pretty biased towards it since I love this style. The band brings a lot of interesting hip-hop elements that bands like Andres and Amarionette have failed at. But they still are desperately searching for a unique sound and they still sound like Dance Gavin Dance, Eidola, and A Lot Like Birds. I think they are getting there but aren?t quite there yet.
Robby Hecht Me and the Fool I've Been1.5
Honestly, not many albums make me fall asleep so quickly. The first two tracks are some really great indie folk tracks, but the rest of the album is some very slow and boring acoustic guitar music that Robby cannot sing over even if his life depended on it. There is no life to any of these tracks and by the end your feeling like he achieved nothing for this genre.
Westside Gunn Pray for Paris3.5
I don?t know what is in the water right now for all the Buffalo rappers coming out with records this year. Westside Gunn has always been a loose cannon when it comes to his music. Many of his albums have some strong highlights to them with off the wall rhymes and flows, but the rest can be very underwhelming and underdeveloped. On his 2020 release he seems to be turning a new leaf by really bring together all his strengths and bringing in some very unique guests that add to his dark flows. For the most part I really enjoy this record, but the last few tracks can see Gunn really going back to what he always has done; flounder.
Jaunt All In One3.0
I cannot lie, I really enjoy this record. It?s everything I wish beach fossils would do with their music; classically infused chill rock. However, much of this album doesn?t really go anywhere. So many great ideas don?t really come together into a cohesive feel. For example, many of the tracks have these orchestral snippets that only last for a few seconds and then they are gone. I don?t know I wish they did more with all these tools than just sort of throw them around. It isn?t bad by any means, but I wish there was more here.
The Black Dahlia Murder Verminous2.5
Azusa Loop of Yesterdays4.0
Welp we got more of this shoegaze and heavy music fusion that has been creeping up throughout the last decade as bands like Deafheaven have made blackgaze so popular. However, this sophomore record from the supergroup from metal bands Dillinger Escape Plan and Extol and vocals from pop band member Eleni from Sea + Air, fuse post-hardcore with shoegaze. I have to say for the most part this thing hits heavy and keeps your ears peaked during the surf rock sounding guitar chords. My biggest gripe (and it?s a grip I have with most of this style) the sound does get stale after a while since bands usually don?t change anything up through the track.
Sparta Trust the River2.5
The four full-length album from the four-piece Texas band is several steps back from what they used to be like. Originally this band was one of the envelope pushers when it came to the new wave of post-hardcore bands coming up in the early 00s. However, what we get here sounds like an old band dropping all their aggression for an alternative rock sound that hasn?t been popular since Bush was in the white house. I will say the record is a treasure trove of some of the better sound highlights of alternative rock from New Order, Nirvana, Foo Fighters, Jimmy Eat World, and other bands like them. In general, the first half of the record is a decent showing of some older style alternative rock, the second half is a lost cause though.
Active Child In Another Life2.5
Signer, songwriter, and producer Patrick Grossi has released his third full-length record and it?s the best material he has ever written, but it?s also still very so-so with the extremely distracting James Blake influence and uninspired songwriting. Some of the songs here really show Patrick?s growth in writing some extremely emotional and moving tracks that are backed by very blissful and minimal instrumentals. But, most of the tracks here are so underdeveloped and lack true direction that has plagued him since his first record in 2011.
Laura Marling Song For Our Daughter3.0
The British singer comes through with her 7th studio album and it is equal parts the most focused record in her discography, but also her most stylistically baron record out of her discography. I think the first half of the record is a very charming set of folk-rock ballads that really move me emotionally. The second half of the record tries way too hard to be overly sentimental contemporary folk ballads that she loses any sort of charm that she builds up in the first half. The problem with the second half of this record is her vocals are not strong enough to be put over these very minimal acoustic ballads which are disappointing because the lyrics on this record are something to talk about. In general, I still liked more than I disliked, but still that back half needs some work.
The Strokes The New Abnormal4.5
So the Strokes are back, and it might be the best album they have ever written. The five-piece band lead by Julian Casablancas has been around since the start of the 2000s and they have always left a bad taste in my mouth. What people always saw as innovation in indie rock, I saw as really annoying. However, on their most recent release they brought in legendary producer Rick Rubin and he helps them produce the greatest and freshest work. From start to finish this is a groovy indie rock record with so many great textures, synth chords, and progressions that I keep listening and thinking this can?t be the same band. Like this would be perfect if it wasn?t how overly loud everything can be at points. Seriously, this thing is wildly amazing.
Foreign Fields The Beauty of Survival4.0
I love folk music, especially when it is blended with so many elements and this record is light-fully (but tastefully) dipped in many genres. I wish the last three tracks had as much presence as the rest of the record has. But otherwise great album.
NNAMDI BRAT4.5
Holy sweet jesus this is an album. Honestly, there is nothing out there I have ever heard that is quite like this. A mixture of math-rock/pop and hip-hop is something that really shouldn?t go together, but the way it comes together on this record is almost magical. Plus, the idea of making these upbeat beats and instrumentals while talking about the issues of being a ?brat? in the music industry today is one hell of an ingenious way of writing things. Everything sounds so smooth and lush. My only thing is I wish he said more and did more on the tracks, but other than that what he does say is something to marvel over. If you want some brockhampton type music but with math rock inspired and directed instrumentals then please you have to listen to this.
Tops I Feel Alive4.5
TOPS is a four-piece soft rock and indie pop band from Montreal, and they are coming through with one hell of a great pop record. I have always had a hard time getting into this Fleetwood Mac influenced indie pop and through the years the number of people doing it are few and far between. However, TOPS produces a fun, light, and airy piece of indie and dream pop that keeps my ears pleased from start to finish. There is only one song on here that I am not a huge fan of, and they need to come together with some more original sounds. But other than that, this is almost perfect.
M. Ward Migration Stories4.5
M. Ward (Matthew Ward) has been making music for well over two decades at this point and he is one of the main masterminds with the wave of indie folk. However, over the years his music has fallen over the wayside. On his tenth record he finds himself exploring some very classic sounds in americana, but with his own M. Ward flavor, while also exploring the current (and heart wrenching issues) over immigration. I am absolutely in love with the record and I have been listening to it so much to better understand everything about it. Take a listen for yourself you will not be disappointed.
Emancipator Mountain of Memory3.0
There is a lot of material here for a downtempo record; nearly an hour. I like much of what this record wants you to feel and experience?to chill out to some light and peaceful ear-candy music. However, this record overstays its welcome pretty early on and the ideas become fairly dry fairly quickly. For somewhat legends in the downtempo genre, they aren?t adding anything of interest to this genre. However, I still enjoy bits and pieces of it and it?s a pretty good record to listen to while doing work, so I am going to bump it up a bit from average.
Red (USA) Declaration3.5
Red, 4-piece band from Nashville, has been around for a while. Making music since 2004 and have been at the forefront of the alternative metal revolution seen in the mid-2000s. Their seventh record they are bringing it back to the roots and if you look at it that way, they hit it out of the park. This is heavy hitting yet sophisticated in a way that many of the best alternative metal bands sound. The biggest thing about this record is it overstays its welcome after a while. For being a 38-minute record, it feels much longer, and it has to with the sound does get a bit stale. For the most part, however, this is a very solid release and a much-needed step up from their ?all-over-the-place? last two or three records.
Empress Of I'm Your Empress Of4.0
Honestly, before this record, I have never been a huge fan of Lorely?s music. It was always rather derivative dance-pop with an electropop twist. Now, on her third record your going to be getting the same idea and sound, but there is a subtle nuance she presents and honestly, she nails it on the head. Each track has a flavor of experimentation that I have heard from Arca and Charlie XCX that make this record extremely fun to listen to. It?s bouncy, energetic, and playful, but it is also more mature, ridge (in a good way), and slightly experimental. Honestly, I wish she went a little bit further and some of the back-half tracks are a bit bland, but for the most part, I am extremely impressed with what Lorely has done here.
Purity Ring Womb3.0
If you are a fan of Grimes then you might be a fan of this. The third record from the duo and its been five years, so how are they sounding. Well, for the most part, the exact same they have been sound. Is that a bad thing? No?but yes. There is a great feeling of lack of progress being presented here and I wish they explored a bit more in original soundscapes. Now, there are some heavy bangers in the tracklist and for the most part, I enjoy it. But, I just want more progress, more diversity, and better ideas here.
Rod Wave Pray 4 Love1.0
I kind of see the hype with this record. But god damn is this painfully boring to listen to. His flow is so one-note. He says nothing of importance the whole record. Not to say he isn?t trying to say something of importance, but the rhyme scheme and bars are just so dumb sounding. Also, every single song sounds the exact same over and over and over again. Also, the production and energy are so low. He doesn?t sound like he cares at all that he is saying, and the beats/melodies are so low energy. Overall, if you like this then good for you because this record is going in the trash for me.
Anna Burch If You're Dreaming2.5
Anna?s debut record ?Quit the Curse? was a fun and exciting contemporary folk record with some nice alternative country sounds. On her sophomore release, we get a much slower, quieter, and low-key record. In some ways, I wasn?t really looking for much on this record because she is already kind of a one-note artist. However, I wish there was more here than what she presented. Much of the tracks go on and on for three, four, and five minutes without getting anywhere. Now there are some great highlights here and there, but for the most part, I am neither here nor there with this release. But, it?s definitely a few steps back for Anna.
Thundercat It Is What It Is3.5
A new release from the bass enthusiast and nu-jazz ?expert? Thundercat, is everything that I have enjoyed about his previous releases, but also everything I haven?t liked about his past releases. I shouldn?t say it like that though because Stephan does take some steps forward on this project that I am glad to see. For instance, this is a much more focused and narrow record than his last (37 minutes, 15 tracks compared to 51 minutes and 23 tracks). However, there are still tracks that are so thin and weak that I would either wish he did more with them or cut it from the tracklist. However, the songs that do stick the landing really stick the landing. Especially when he brings in other artists to sign with him or help with instrumentals (i.e. Childish Gambino, BADBADNOTGOOD, Ty Dolla Sign, etc.). Still a funky listen and solid release, but wish he would come together with a more solid sound style then he has continued to present.
Yves Tumor Heaven To A Tortured Mind4.0
Another solid release from the Florida electronic producer. Although it?s a much different album than his previous works, in that now he is producing a modern soul record. In the past, you would expect to hear some experimental sound collage with some eerie and provoking vocals. However, now we are seeing a stripped back and but more concise and focused soul record. In the past, many of his records were stylistically all over the place and nothing really came together well, but now we are seeing a more direct, mature, and focused sound from him. My biggest gripes with this project are sometimes the instrumentals can wash out his vocals to the point where everything is colliding oddly. Also, sometimes I wish he would explore more with some of the tracks, in that many of them end without much build or presence. Lastly, he still has the problem of trying too many things in a small amount of space. Especially with some of the shorter tracks or interludes, sounds and textures sort of happen, but then end and the direction changes. But, otherwise I?m pretty happy with this direction and look forward to seeing what he does next with it.
August Burns Red Guardians1.0
Yaeji What We Drew3.5
New York City electronic producer Yaeji, Kathy Lee, is a bit of an oddball when it comes to music. She has always been in the very minimal, but sonically textured camps. In other words, many of her songs have these low-key instrumentals but can be layered with ambient synth arpeggios, techno-style beats, and high-pitched vocals. In some instances, this style and sound come off amazing, but in other instances, the track gets washed away by the annoying vocal passages. However, there is still a lot of great ideas present on this mixtape and I will look forward to a full album in the coming years.
Born Ruffians JUICE3.0
Post-punk has a long history, and Born Ruffians are apart of the many continuing to keep the original sounds of the Velvet Underground, Paul Simon, E Street Band, Oasis, etc. alive. In some ways, they do a pretty good job. In other ways, this is your run of the mill post-punk and indie rock album. I enjoy it though and you should too if you have the time, it?s a short 9 track, 29-minute record so why not.
Dua Lipa Future Nostalgia4.5
Funny people ask me why I don't like pop music. I feel like this is a terrible question because in many respects they mean popular music and not the genre pop. In a quick and dirty way, I do like popular music and this is another example of popular pop music being executed almost perfectly. From the writing to the production, to the singing, this album shows that there is greatness out there. My only flaw is that the second to last track doesn't fit with the album really, but it's still really good. Also, the closer is a fairly weak closer that doesn't sound all that interesting for such a great message.
Little Dragon New Me, Same Us4.0
A great showing of how to do Neo-Soul and Art pop and funk. They execute it so sensually and groovy that you want to move your body through the whole record. My gripe with this record is I wish they pushed the sound farther and did more with it, some of the songs are so one-note and don't have much presence, while others are beyond lush. But still a great showing!
Knxwledge 19883.5
It's really good instrumental hip-hop. But it's also nothing to write home about really. Most of the songs kind of fell the same and it's more or less just a jam session that Knxwledge had 50s, 60s, 70s, 80s, and 90s soul, funk, gospel, and jazz. So overall I enjoy it, but I wish it was filled with more than what is presented here.
Igorrr Spirituality and Distortion4.0
Igorrr is an electronic artists who does things in a very unconventional way by fusing so many different genres and through the years each album becomes more and more refined. On his most recent release, the French artist is showing off his chops for making the weird sound so great. The biggest gripe is he could have shaved off a few of the last 5 or 6 tracks, because after 40 minutes I wish the record would end already. Otherwise, it's a great great album!
Jacaszek Music For Film3.5
A haunting, atmospheric ambient and modern classical piece that is a great peace to listen to while reading or doing other things, but when I fully sit down to listen to it it's textually missing a lot of what makes really amazing ambient music really amazing. But I still enjoy it for the feeling it gives me: someone is watching you at all times.
Basia Bulat Are You in Love?2.5
The first half of the record is a decent showing of indie-folk and chamber pop with country elements to it. However, the second half of the record is much more water down ideas. Plus the mixing, for the most part, isn't great.
Half Waif The Caretaker4.0
A really stellar 3rd album for Nandi. Everything sounds so lush and surreal. Like you're floating on an eternal cloud. My only negative is that the record doesn't play around enough with more sounds and it becomes one-dimensional after a while.
Nicolas Jaar Cenizas1.5
I mean its not really that great. For an artists who makes pretty amazing deep house music, his take at atmospheric ambient music really isn't there at all.
Nine Inch Nails Ghosts VI: Locusts5.0
Trent Reznor makes the absolute perfect dark ambient record. Every single song after another is a dreary, ominous, nightmarish blend of ambient, drone, modern classical, crossover jazz, avant-pop, etc. For such a dense album, everything comes by in an instant and there is no breathing room for any of it. Honestly, I could go on and on about how amazing this ambient album is but if you want an engaging listen from front to back you need to hear this record. It?s subtle but you will be like your being watched and followed the whole time.
Nine Inch Nails Ghosts V: Together4.0
It has taken me a bit to get to these two records since at first, I thought they were boring. But, now after further investigation, I have truly come to love these records. But, let's start with the worse of the two ?Together?. This record is a really strong showing of what Trent Reznor can do with sound and texture. On this record, he gives you a light and airy (yet oddly off-putting) ambient drone record. This is the light before the storm. Every song slowly builds into these loud and cacophonous drone pieces that give you so much joy and ear candy. My negative is one specific song he uses these excruciating high pitches (like the ones your psychology teacher gives you to test your hearing) and man it hurts my ears. Otherwise, this is a perfectly great record.
Sufjan Stevens and Lowell Brams Aporia4.5
Honestly, I have absolutely loved the last two projects Sufjan has put out that are ambient pieces that have the soundscape of space. I really have nothing negative with this record other than I wish some of the production wasn't so washed out. Otherwise, I am blown away by this almost masterpiece.
Childish Gambino 03.15.203.5
I have always been a passive listener of Donald?s music. I have never truly understood his massive success, but he has always produced amazing songs, but subpar records. This is no different. Some amazing songs here, but some true head-scratchers.
Moaning Uneasy Laughter2.5
Changing it up from their last record, which I liked quite a bit. However, this seems blander and there is less heart here than in the last. It?s just okay
Lapsley Through Water4.0
A really great record from the English singer. The only flaws are really in the lack of full potential being utilized here. I wish she pushed further and really gave us a ?wow? record.
Brian Eno and Roger Eno Mixing Colours2.0
Some of these tracks really elicit strong emotions in me, but most of that is gone once the record keeps playing because of how bogged down this is. It also seems very uninspired at points.
Conan Gray Kid Krow2.5
Wears his influences on his sleeves and not really that interesting from front to back but some solid songs written here and I look forward to seeing what he will do in the future once he finds his full sound.
The Weeknd After Hours4.0
Not going to lie Starboy, BBtM, and Kiss Land are not my favorite records and the Weeknd still has some of the same issues here as he has always had: lack of diversity. However, he is finally putting himself on the path towards success with this new record and for the most part, I?m loving it.
Clarence Clarity DEAD SCREEN SCROLLS4.0
The man with so many different trades, and on his most recent record he goes for a full-blown ambient record and honestly, it?s pretty great. The only thing is the sound does get stale after a while.
Haru Nemuri LOVETHEISM4.0
Not as great and pungent as her debut record was, but they are going for a bit of a different sound here and I think she will need some more time to explore this style. But for now, it?s still super exciting to see her explore these new pop sounds.
Ian William Craig Red Sun Through Smoke4.5
For whatever reason I have been on a kick with some pretty experimental music, which honestly isn?t like me. However, this is one hell of a gem. If you want some really interesting ideas on an ambient album that keep you wondering ?how did he achieve that sound? then please listen to this, it?s nearly flawless.
Zebra Katz Less Is Moor4.5
Jay Electronica A Written Testimony3.0
Caitlyn Smith Supernova3.5
Two Feet Pink3.0
Code Orange Underneath4.5
Porches Ricky Music3.5
The Districts You Know I'm Not Going Anywhere4.5
The Garden Kiss My Super Bowl Ring3.5
Hilary Woods Birthmarks4.0
Invent Animate Greyview4.0
orchards Lovecore3.5
Yumi Zouma Truth or Consequences4.0
Dogleg Melee4.5
Lychgate Also Sprach Futura3.0
It?s not anything amazing, but if you want some post-metal inspired death metal then this might be your speed. For me it?s missing a lot of what I love about progressive metal that they are trying to do.
Silverstein A Beautiful Place to Drown1.0
Megan Thee Stallion Suga3.5
U.S. Girls Heavy Light4.0
Caroline Rose Superstar3.0
Jhene Aiko Chilombo2.5
R.A.P. Ferreira purple moonlight pages4.0
Stephen Malkmus Traditional Techniques2.0
Irreversible Entanglements Who Sent You?3.0
In reality, this should be better. It?s a social commentary on the issues African Americans still face in today?s society, but the execution is so off. Also, the recording is extremely annoying, Moor Mothers voices can get so drowned out by the ensemble that it?s impossible to hear. Plus, the horns are way louder than the drums and the which can get exasperating.
Kassa Overall I Think I'm Good4.5
Christine and the Queens La vita nuova3.5
Tycho Simulcast3.5
Caribou Suddenly4.5
Four Year Strong Brain Pain4.0
The Orielles Disco Volador3.0
Shell of a Shell Away Team3.5
Vladislav Delay Rakka4.0
Power noise is not a genre that comes up very often or a genre that I particularly enjoy since it can be a bit harsh of a sound style. However, this 45-minute power noise and post-industrial fusion has such a great texture and soundscape to it, it's hard not to find it enjoyable. This album will not be for everyone, actually, it probably won't be for most people. If you aren't ready for the heavy, dense, and thick, noise passages then this isn't for you. However, what the Finland experimental electronic producer is able to create is so serein and captivating from something so abrasive and jagged. The biggest downfall is that it can be one-dimensional by the end of the record. Otherwise, I really am enjoying this album.
Disclosure Ecstasy4.0
Princess Nokia Everything Sucks3.0
Princess Nokia Everything Is Beautiful4.0
Machine Girl U-Void Synthesizer3.5
The Word Alive Monomania1.5
Polaris The Death of Me2.0
King Krule Man Alive!4.5
Grimes Miss Anthropocene4.0
Royce da 5'9 The Allegory4.0
Katie Pruitt Expectations4.0
Allie X Cape God4.0
Banoffee Look At Us Now Dad4.0
Pat Metheny From This Place4.5
Moses Sumney grae: Part 14.5
Binary Code Memento Mori3.0
The long time, five-piece, progressive metal band have released their third record and they still are having a lot of trouble finding any sort of footing in the complicated world of progressive metal. It?s not this record is bad, it has some solid songs on here that have a great build to them, especially the tracks that have more post-metal inspired instrumentation. However, this record sounds so singular and not collective, which is hard to say for a band obviously using progressive metal as their main sound. Track after track nothing goes together, and they are jumping from sound to sound. Plus, there are several underwhelming songs on here. Overall, I have never found this band to be that monumental in the prog-metal scene, but I will always come back for more because each record is a little better than the last.
Skyforest A New Dawn3.5
Omerta Hyperviolence3.0
Rap metal, the genre that most people forget about and only think of Rage Against the Machine. Well, there is a slew of rap-metal bands coming out every so often and some of them do catch my attention. Omerta is one of those artists and they are mixing rap-metal with a lot of different genres and styles from industrial to hyperviolence/grindcore. However, this record 100% wears their influences on their sleeves from classic rap-metal outfits like Rage and Body Count to more modern outfits like Attila and Faith no More to even the trap metal scene of ghostemane and others. So, at the end of the day, this is a very solid debut, but they really need to establish their own sound, which I believe they have because of how diverse a range this band has. Also, the lyrics could really use a step up from the cringe-fest.
Dealer (AUS) Saint4.0
A truly solid release for the debut 5 piece Australia metal band. They still need to find their sound because for a sound they are meshing Code Orange and Volumes together. However, they bring so much energy that it?s easy to overlook this.
Bambara Stray4.0
Post Animal Forward Motion Godyssey3.0
Great American Ghost Power Through Terror1.5
Beach Bunny Honeymoon3.5
EDEN no future2.5
Tame Impala The Slow Rush3.5
DreamWeaver (JP) Cloud93.5
On the debut album from the Japanese artist, she brings to life a genre (new age) that many people really only know about because of their yoga studio and/or massage therapist. On the short 30 minute record, she presents a lot of ambient textures, nuance, charisma, and charm without suffering from being one-dimensional or uncharismatic. The biggest downfall of this project is how short it is, plus I wish she flushed out more of the sonic soundscape of each song.
Green Day Father of All Motherfuckers1.0
Khruangbin and Leon Bridges Texas Sun4.0
Denzel Curry and Kenny Beats Unlocked4.5
Oh Wonder No One Else Can Wear Your Crown3.5
HMLTD West of Eden4.0
Envy The Fallen Crimson4.5
A.A.L. (Against All Logic) 2017-20193.5
Loathe I Let It In And It Took Everything4.5
The Lone Bellow Half Moon Light3.5
Hayley Williams Petals For Armor I3.5
Medasin RIPPLS4.5
Ainsoph Ω - V3.0
Leeched To Dull the Blades of Your Abuse2.5
Destroyer Have We Met4.0
Dan Deacon Mystic Familiar4.0
Polica When We Stay Alive3.5
Frances Quinlan Likewise3.0
A.A.L. (Against All Logic) Illusions of Shameless Abundance2.5
Squarepusher Be Up a Hello1.5
Acetantina Temple of Null3.0
Vaporwave is always a tough genre to review because of how bazaar it can be and where it originated from. There really has only been one amazing vaporwave album and that was Macintosh Plus in the early 2000s. Since then many artists have tried to reach the same success but with no avail. The closest was 2018's Slides by George Clanton. However here we see a Sudan artist really bringing in an interesting modern approach with trap and glitch influence. It's not to say this album is amazing, because it's not. It does become grating after a few listens. But there are still solid ideas here and the best album so far from her.
Gezan ç‹‚(KLUE)4.0
Noise rock can sometimes take on some wild properties when artists really try to push the boundaries. For example, people like Daughters and Uboa have take noise rock to soaring heights. Gezan is a four-piece band from Tokyo and they are incorporating a lot of art rock and dubbed elements. For example, much of the first half of the track has these bursts of growled screams that sound like the famous intro to ?Down with the Sickness? (and honestly, I?m pretty sure it is the snippet of the actual track. While the second half is some powerful art rock/alternative rock power anthems. My gripe is that this record is very two-sided in what it wants to achieve, and because of that the noise rock album is two-faced. Otherwise, I am really impressed with the styles coming together and the overall oddity of this. Hopefully, they are able to incorporate these sounds better into future releases.
Tricot Makkuro4.5
Zeroh Blqlyte4.5
Sewerslvt Draining Love Story4.0
Bonny Light Horseman Bonny Light Horseman3.5
Caspian On Circles3.5
Nero di Marte Immoto2.5
Thy Catafalque Naiv3.0
Jeff Parker Suite for Max Brown3.5
Novelists C'est La Vie4.0
REOL Kinjitou4.0
Eminem Music to Be Murdered By1.0
Anti-Flag 20/20 Vision1.0
Mac Miller Circles4.5
Algiers There Is No Year3.0
Alice Boman Dream On3.0
Holy Fuck Deleter2.0
The Innocence Mission See You Tomorrow4.0
Pinegrove Marigold3.5
Ulla Tumbling Towards a Wall3.0
An above-average album. You will get a lot of this static drone that persists over most of the tracks. But the most forefront part of this album is the lovely bit of glitchy synths and chimes that come in throughout the listen. The biggest drawback of this (and it?s a big one) is the mixing can get so damn distracting. Like none of the instrumental components mesh together in the mix and they all fight each other for the limelight. However, it?s still a soothing little listen from front to back.
Poppy I Disagree4.0
Field Music Making a New World3.0
Georgia Seeking Thrills3.0
Selena Gomez Rare1.0
Mura Masa R.Y.C3.5
Bohren und der Club of Gore Patchouli Blue3.5
Denzel Curry 13lood 1n + 13lood Out Mixx4.5
Mora Mothaus Overture To A Dream3.0
Lennon Stella Three. Two. One.3.5
My first experience with Lennon and it?s a pleasant surprise. On her debut album, she plays with contemporary RnB lyrics with a lot of great electropop beats that bring so much energy without being so corny. Most of the record sees Lennon playing with all sorts of styles and influences from Taylor Swift, Lorde, and Lana del Rey to the likes of MGMT and Charlie XCX. However, that is her biggest drawback she might have bit off more than she could chew. Plus the influences sometimes get into the way of my full enjoyment of this because I think wow that would have been better as a (insert influence here). But, I am really pleased with what she was able to present her for her debut record and look forward to her journey for finding her own sound.

2019
Bring Me the Horizon Music to Listen to...3.5
Maison Book Girl Umi to Uchuu no Kodomotachi3.0
Harry Styles Fine Line2.5
Nova Charisma Exposition II3.5
Goldroom Plunge / \ Surface3.0
Coldplay Everyday Life4.0
Blood Incantation Hidden History of the Human Race4.5
Hikes Mahal Kita4.0
Vi Som Alskade Varandra Sa Mycket Det Onda. Det Goda. Det Vackra. Det Fula.1.5
Sleep Token Sundowning3.0
Deaton Chris Anthony B OY3.5
Tei Shi La Linda3.0
Madeon Good Faith3.5
Hakushi Hasegawa Air Ni Ni4.5
Liturgy H.A.Q.Q.4.0
FKA Twigs Magdalene4.5
Moor Mother Analog Fluids of Sonic Black Holes4.5
Mount Eerie Lost Wisdom, Pt. 23.5
Andy Stott It Should Be Us2.5
Royal Coda Compassion3.5
Earl Sweatshirt Feet of Clay3.0
Counterparts Nothing Left to Love4.5
Electric Callboy Rehab1.0
Mappe Of The Isle of Ailynn4.0
Stray from the Path Internal Atomics1.5
TR/ST The Destroyer - 22.5
Turnover Altogether3.5
Wilderun Veil of Imagination4.5
Norma Jean All Hail2.5
Leprous Pitfalls4.0
Longwave If We Ever Live Forever2.0
Kanye West Jesus Is King2.5
VIS Light Lost3.5
Slow Hollows Actors3.5
McCafferty The House With No Doorbell3.5
Caroline Polachek Pang3.0
Anna Wise As If It Were Forever4.0
Jimmy Eat World Surviving3.5
Floating Points Crush4.5
Jacques Greene Dawn Chorus4.0
clipping. There Existed an Addiction to Blood5.0
Battles Juice B Crypts2.5
Dream State Primrose Path4.0
Hovvdy Heavy Lifter2.5
Patrick Watson Wave4.0
Strawberry Girls Tasmanian Glow4.0
Uneven Structure Paragon3.5
From Indian Lakes Dimly Lit2.0
Ehh they have never been able to really impress me since their sophomore project.
Common Holly When I say to you Black Lightning3.0
Big Thief Two Hands3.0
Waterparks FANDOM2.5
Bent Knee You Know What They Mean4.5
The Devil Wears Prada The Act4.0
Mavi let the sun talk4.5
Danny Brown uknowhatimsayin¿3.5
Angel Olsen All Mirrors4.5
Issues Beautiful Oblivion3.5
City and Colour A Pill For Loneliness4.0
Seizures Reverie of the Revolving Diamond4.5
GoGo Penguin Ocean In a Drop (Music for Film)-EP2.0
I Met a Yeti Yeti Camp4.0
Opeth In Cauda Venenum3.5
Tinlicker This Is Not Our Universe3.5
Delta Sleep Younger Years4.5
Vacationer Wavelengths2.5
Dayseeker Sleeptalk4.0
Gilla Band The Talkies4.5
65daysofstatic replicr, 20193.5
The Comet Is Coming The Afterlife4.5
SeeYouSpaceCowboy The Correlation Between Entrance And Exit Wounds4.0
Telefon Tel Aviv Dreams Are Not Enough4.5
Brittany Howard Jaime4.5
Daedelus The Bittereinders5.0
Kobra and the Lotus Evolution2.5
Chastity Belt Chastity Belt3.5
The Number Twelve Looks Like You Wild Gods4.5
Cult of Luna A Dawn to Fear1.0
Mxmtoon The Masquerade1.5
Maia?s debut album in 2019 was something that oddly resonated with me, which is odd because I am not exactly the demographic for it; straight, white, adult, etc. But through the years I now know why, it?s charming and truly original in its presentation. ?The masquerade? is truly one of the best bedroom pop albums to be out there because it has this drastically honest and potent quality to it. Well through the years mxmtoon?s music has gotten farther and farther away from that quality and on her new album, I feel we are the farthest away from that. Some of the blandest and most anti-posh music she has created. The only thing likable about the album is the first track and the closing track.
Gloo (UK) XYZ2.5
JPEGMAFIA All My Heroes Are Cornballs5.0
Hobo Johnson The Fall of Hobo Johnson4.5
Charli XCX Charli4.5
Sampa the Great The Return4.0
Chelsea Wolfe Birth of Violence4.0
Men I Trust Oncle Jazz2.5
Long Beard Means To Me4.0
Luke Temple Both-And3.5
Microwave Death is a Warm Blanket4.0
Tiny Moving Parts Breathe3.5
EarthGang Mirrorland3.5
Lana Del Rey Norman Fucking Rockwell!4.5
Common Let Love3.5
SiR Chasing Summer1.0
Whitney Forever Turned Around4.0
Wage War Pressure2.5
DZ Deathrays Positive Rising: Part 13.5
Nina Keith MARANASATI 191114.5
Missy Elliott Iconology3.5
Rapsody Eve3.0
Brockhampton Ginger4.5
Taylor Swift Lover2.0
Jay Som Anak Ko4.0
Knocked Loose A Different Shade of Blue4.0
De La Noche & Howard Ivans Blue Days, Black Nights2.5
ghost orchard Bunny3.0
Amarionette [US] Evolution2.5
Nova Charisma Exposition I3.0
Red Velvet The ReVe Festival: Day 23.5
Hoodie Allen Whatever USA3.0
Sleater-Kinney The Center Won’t Hold2.0
Snoh Aalegra - Ugh, those feels again2.5
Shura forevher3.5
Abram Shook The Neon Machine2.0
Field Mouse Meaning3.0
Friendly Fires Inflorescent4.0
Jadu Heart Melt Away4.0
peaer A Healthy Earth4.0
Press Club Wasted Energy2.5
Channel Tres Black Moses4.5
The Comet Is Coming Trust in the Lifeforce of Deep Mystery4.0
King Gizzard and The Lizard Wizard Infest the Rats' Nest2.5
Bon Iver i,i4.0
The Contortionist Our Bones3.5
Slipknot We Are Not Your Kind4.0
Pete Yorn Caretakers2.0
Unprocessed Artificial Void4.5
Bas Spilled Milk 12.0
Lilith (USA-MA) Safer Off3.0
Half Alive Now, Not Yet4.0
Electric Youth Memory Emotion3.5
Black Milk Dive3.0
Cross Record Cross Record3.5
clairo Immunity3.5
Little Boots Jump2.5
Mauno Really Well2.0
Oliver Tree Do You Feel Me?3.0
Nerija Blume2.5
Chance the Rapper The Big Day1.0
Rich Brian The Sailor5.0
NF The Search3.0
Cuco Para Mi4.5
Hibou Halve2.5
De Lorians De Lorians4.0
Datach'i Bones3.5
Dorian Electra Flamboyant4.0
Nas The Lost Tapes II3.5
Above and Beyond Flow State5.0
Baltra Ted4.5
Lingua Ignota Caligula4.5
Alarmist Sequesterer3.0
Blood Orange Angel's Pulse4.5
Big K.R.I.T. K.R.I.T. Iz Here3.0
Hippo Campus Demos II4.0
Jaden Smith Erys1.0
Dreamville Revenge Of The Dreamers III3.0
Hugh Hardie Shadows & Silhouettes4.5
Ingrid Michaelson Stranger Songs2.5
Horse Jumper of Love So Divine4.0
Poppy Choke4.0
Resavoir Resavoir (2019)4.5
Thom Yorke Anima4.0
Mark Ronson Late Night Feelings3.5
Black Midi Schlagenheim4.5
Cassius Dreems2.5
Mannequin Pussy Patience5.0
Bedouine Bird Songs of a Killjoy5.0
Holy Ghost! Work2.0
Air Review How We Got By3.0
The Callous Daoboys Die on Mars4.5
GHOSTEMANE Human Error4.0
Red Velvet The ReVe Festival: Day 13.0
Thank You Scientist Terraformer5.0
Baroness Gold and Grey3.0
Crumb (USA-NY) Jinx3.5
Christopher Willits Sunset4.0
Bill Callahan Shepherd in a Sheepskin Vest3.5
The Dangerous Summer Mother Nature5.0
Hippo Campus Demos I2.5
GoldLink Diaspora4.5
Osatia All In Time3.5
Drowse Light Mirror4.0
CHON CHON3.5
Plaid Polymer2.5
Cehryl Slow Motion3.5
Jambinai ONDA4.0
Wovoka Gentle Start Clanging Cymbals3.5
NOT WONK Down the Valley4.5
Remo Drive Natural, Everyday Degradation4.5
Daniel Wohl État4.5
Denzel Curry Zuu4.5
100 Gecs 1000 gecs4.5
Miley Cyrus She Is Coming1.0
Flying Lotus Flamagra4.5
Destrage The Chosen One3.5
Fleshgod Apocalypse Veleno4.0
Middle Kids New Songs For Old Problems3.5
Fire! Orchestra Arrival4.5
Tyler, the Creator IGOR4.5
Kurt Travis There's a Place I Want to Take You3.5
Duckwrth The Falling Man4.0
Carly Rae Jepsen Dedicated3.0
Injury Reserve Injury Reserve5.0
Brad Mehldau Finding Gabriel4.5
Com Truise Persuasion System3.5
Olden Yolk Living Theatre4.5
slowthai Nothing Great About Britain4.0
Holding Patterns Endless4.0
Rhye Spirit4.0
Ari Lennox Shea Butter Baby4.0
Vampire Weekend Father Of The Bride4.0
TOBi Still4.0
Frank Carter and the Rattlesnakes End of Suffering2.0
Big Thief U.F.O.F.4.0
Caterina Barbieri Ecstatic Computation4.0
The Physics House Band Death Sequence3.5
Courtney Swain Between Blood and Ocean4.0
Amon Tobin Fear In A Handful Of Dust4.0
Bear's Den So that you might hear me2.0
Ceres We Are A Team4.0
Kevin Morby Oh My God2.0
Teen Daze Bioluminescence4.0
Otoboke Beaver Itekoma Hits2.0
AJR Neotheater1.0
Spiritbox Singles Collection4.5
King Gizzard and The Lizard Wizard Fishing For Fishies1.0
Kevin Abstract ARIZONA BABY3.0
Volumes Coming Clean2.5
Lolo Zouai High Highs To Low Lows2.0
Pivot Gang You Can't Sit With Us3.0
Lizzo Cuz I Love You4.0
Gus Dapperton Where Polly People Go To Read4.0
Kelsey Lu Blood4.5
Drugdealer Raw Honey3.5
Loyle Carner Not Waving, But Drowning3.0
Kevin Abstract Ghettobaby3.5
Delta Sleep Ghost City Rarities3.0
Anderson .Paak Ventura4.0
MISSIO The Darker The Weather // The Better The Man3.0
Intellexual Intellexual3.0
The Chemical Brothers No Geography4.0
Numenorean Adore3.5
Lowly Hifalutin3.0
Glen Hansard This Wild Willing4.5
Secret Band LP23.5
Periphery Periphery IV: Hail Stan4.0
Weyes Blood Titanic Rising4.0
Jai Wolf The Cure to Loneliness3.0
Kings Kaleidoscope Zeal4.5
Jaws (UK) The Ceiling4.5
Billie Eilish When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go?4.5
C Duncan Health4.0
Devin Townsend Empath4.0
Laura Stevenson The Big Freeze2.0
Quelle Chris Guns4.0
Free Throw What's Past Is Prologue4.0
Lenzman Bobby4.5
American Football American Football (LP3)5.0
Apparat LP54.5
La Dispute Panorama4.5
Lucy Rose No Words Left4.5
Nilufer Yanya Miss Universe4.5
Andrew Bird My Finest Work Yet2.5
Johnny Booth Firsthand Accounts3.5
Flume Hi This is Flume5.0
Maverick Sabre When I Wake Up4.5
Tricot Repeat3.0
Zacari Run Wild Run Free4.0
Helado Negro This Is How You Smile4.5
Holding Absence Holding Absence4.5
Stella Donnelly Beware of the Dogs3.5
Foals Everything Not Saved Will Be Lost - Part 13.5
Sigrid Sucker Punch3.5
オオãƒã‚· (Ohashi) æ³¢ã®ã¯ã˜ã¾ã‚Š (Nami no Hajimari)3.5
Iri Shade3.0
The Japanese House Good At Falling4.0
Nonlocal Forecast Bubble Universe!4.0
Little Simz Grey Area4.5
Solange When I Get Home3.0
Lily and Madeleine Canterbury Girls3.0
Kerli Shadow Works4.5
Julia Jacklin Crushing3.0
Feels Post Earth2.5
And The Kids When This Life Is Over4.0
Yola Walk Through Fire4.5
Homeshake Helium3.0
Florida Georgia Line Can't Say I Ain't Country1.0
Methyl Ethel Triage4.0
SWMRS Berkely’s On Fire4.0
One Ok Rock Eye of the Storm1.5
XXX SECOND LANGUAGE5.0
Cara Neir Part III / Part IV4.0
Uboa The Origin Of My Depression4.5
Cass McCombs Tip of the Sphere4.0
Emarosa Peach Club4.0
Ariana Grande Thank U, Next2.0
Jessica Pratt Quiet Signs5.0
Talos Far Out Dust3.0
HEALTH VOL. 4 :: SLAVES OF FEAR3.0
Polkadot Stingray UchÅten4.0
Default Genders main pop girl 20194.5
Girlpool What Chaos Is Imaginary4.5
Beirut Gallipoli4.0
Astronoid Astronoid4.0
Bring Me the Horizon Amo3.5
Sneaks Highway Hypnosis2.5
Westside Boogie Everything’s For Sale2.0
SeeYouSpaceCowboy Songs for the Firing Squad4.0
Better Oblivion Community Center Better Oblivion Community Center3.0
Polyenso Year of the Dog3.0
Mike Posner A Real Good Kid3.5
Toro Y Moi Outer Peace3.0
James Blake Assume Form3.5
Two People First Body4.0
Mree The Middle3.0
Sungazer Sungazer Vol. II3.5
Matana Roberts COIN COIN Chapter Four: Memphis4.0
Yvette Young Piano EP4.5

2018
Currents I Let the Devil In4.5
Haywyre Panorama: Discover3.5
The 1975 A Brief Inquiry into Online Relationships3.5
Earl Sweatshirt Some Rap Songs3.5
Jaden Smith The Sunset Tapes: A Cool Tape Story2.5
Anderson .Paak Oxnard3.0
Memphis May Fire Broken2.0
Ryley Walker The Lillywhite Sessions4.0
Joseph Shabason Anne4.5
Maisha There Is A Place5.0
Boygenius boygenius4.0
Emery Eve5.0
Vessel Queen of Golden Dogs4.5
Grapetooth Grapetooth3.0
Smino NOIR4.0
All Get Out No Bouquet2.5
Silent Planet When the End Began5.0
Swizz Beatz Poison3.5
Dan Mangan More or Less4.5
Vince Staples FM!3.5
Sun Kil Moon This Is My Dinner3.5
Poppy Am I a Girl?4.0
The Struts Young & Dangerous3.5
Julia Holter Aviary4.5
Daughters You Won't Get What You Want4.5
Robyn Honey4.0
Haken Vector4.5
Novo Amor Birthplace4.5
Summer Walker Last Day Of Summer2.5
Papercuts Parallel Universe Blues1.5
Peter Bjorn and John Darker Days2.5
Empress Of Us3.5
Polyphia New Levels New Devils4.5
VOLA Applause of a Distant Crowd5.0
Hands Like Houses -Anon.3.0
The Dodos Certainty Waves3.5
Phony Ppl mÅ'zÄ-ik4.0
Kasra Ski Mask5.0
GHOSTEMANE N/O/I/S/E4.0
Cursive Vitriola4.0
Boy Pablo Soy Pablo4.5
Tokyo Police Club TPC3.0
Twenty One Pilots Trench3.5
Monuments (UK) Phronesis3.5
Madeline Kenney Perfect Shapes4.0
Hippo Campus Bambi5.0
The Joy Formidable AAARTH2.5
Hail the Sun Mental Knife4.5
Logic Young Sinatra IV4.0
Brockhampton Iridescence4.5
Dead Letter Circus Dead Letter Circus (2018)3.0
Mutual Benefit Thunder Follows the Light2.5
Madder Mortem Marrow3.5
Thrice Palms3.0
Arcane Roots Landslide EP3.5
Noname Room 254.5
Jungle For Ever4.0
Innanet James Keep It Clean4.0
Pale Waves My Mind Makes Noises3.0
Bob Moses Battle Lines3.5
We Were Promised Jetpacks The More I Sleep The Less I Dream4.5
St. Paul and The Broken Bones Young Sick Camellia3.0
Yotto Hyperfall4.0
Yves Tumor Safe in the Hands of Love3.5
Steve Hauschildt Dissolvi3.5
Vinyl Theatre Starcruiser4.0
Muncie Girls Fixed Ideals3.0
Tash Sultana Flow State4.5
Wild Nothing Indigo3.5
IDLES Joy as an Act of Resistance3.0
Iron And Wine Weed Garden4.0
Szun Waves New Hymn to Freedom4.0
Eminem Kamikaze2.5
Bas Milky Way4.0
Blood Orange Negro Swan4.5
Nothing Dance On The Blacktop2.5
Ariana Grande Sweetener3.5
Blue October I Hope You're Happy3.5
Osees Smote Reverser4.0
Avantdale Bowling Club Avantdale Bowling Club4.0
Amine OnePointFive3.0
Tirzah Devotion3.0
ERRA Neon4.0
Delta Sleep Ghost City4.5
Iglooghost Clear Tamei4.0
Iglooghost Steel Mogu4.0
Mid-Air Thief Crumbling5.0
Tides of Man Every Nothing4.5
Dorian Concept The Nature of Imitation4.0
Mac Miller Swimming3.5
Nostrum Grocers Nostrum Grocers3.5
Choker Honeybloom5.0
Denzel Curry TA13OO4.5
Ross From Friends Family Portrait3.0
Plini Sunhead4.5
Deafheaven Ordinary Corrupt Human Love5.0
Between the Buried and Me Automata II4.5
Covet effloresce4.0
Dwellings Lavender Town4.0
Let's Eat Grandma I'm All Ears3.5
Florence and the Machine High as Hope4.0
Gang Gang Dance Kazuashita3.5
Kamasi Washington Heaven and Earth5.0
Panic! at the Disco Pray for the Wicked3.0
Vein.fm Errorzone5.0
Vacationer Mindset4.0
Amarionette [US] AMVRI4.0
Nas NASIR4.5
Mike Shinoda Post Traumatic3.0
Mayday Parade Sunnyland3.5
Sophie Oil of Every Pearl's Un-Insides5.0
Leon Vynehall Nothing Is Still5.0
Dance Gavin Dance Artificial Selection4.0
Zeal and Ardor Stranger Fruit5.0
Snail Mail Lush4.5
Kids See Ghosts Kids See Ghosts4.5
Kanye West ye1.0
This is just a stupid release! Like beyond stupid!
Ben Howard Noonday Dream5.0
Father John Misty God's Favorite Customer4.5
LUMP (UK) LUMP2.5
Tancred Nightstand4.0
Hyukoh 24 : How To Find True Love and Happiness3.0
Pusha T DAYTONA4.5
Bernice Puff: In the Air Without a Shape3.0
Dream On Dreamer It Comes and Goes4.0
Tricot Potage4.5
The Afterimage Eve4.5
Courtney Barnett Tell Me How You Really Feel3.0
Marian Hill Unusual4.5
Jean-Michel Blais Dans Ma Main5.0
Illuminati Hotties Kiss Yr Frenemies3.5
Sevendust All I See Is War2.5
Arctic Monkeys Tranquility Base Hotel and Casino3.0
Parkway Drive Reverence1.0
Leon Bridges Good Thing3.0
Royce da 5'9 Book of Ryan4.0
DJ Koze knock knock4.0
Thy Catafalque Geometria4.5
Jon Hopkins Singularity4.0
Eternal Summers Every Day It Feels Like I'm Dying​.​.​.4.5
Royal Coda Royal Coda3.5
Forth Wanderers Forth Wanderers3.5
Post Malone beerbongs and bentleys1.0
Janelle Monae Dirty Computer2.0
Sectioned Annihilated4.0
TesseracT Sonder3.5
Kimbra Primal Heart4.0
Post Animal When I Think of You In a Castle3.5
Haru Nemuri Haru to Shura5.0
The Aces When My Heart Felt Volcanic3.0
Dr. Octagon Moosebumps3.5
Underoath Erase Me3.0
Tom Misch Geography4.5
Rainbow Kitten Surprise How to: Friend, Love, Freefall3.5
Kali Uchis Isolation4.0
Saba Care For Me4.0
Jukebox the Ghost Off To The Races2.5
The Garden Mirror Might Steal Your Charm4.5
The Voidz Virtue3.5
Her Her4.0
Jean Grae/Quelle Chris Everything's Fine4.0
ITEM Sad Light4.0
The Republic of Wolves shrine4.5
Yamantaka // Sonic Titan Dirt4.0
Jack White Boarding House Reach2.5
Guided by Voices Space Gun2.0
Lissie Castles4.0
Gengahr Where Wildness Grows3.5
Bishop Nehru Elevators3.5
Hot Snakes Jericho Sirens2.5
PRhyme PRhyme 24.0
Mount Eerie Now Only4.5
Drowse Cold Air4.5
Young Fathers Cocoa Sugar4.0
Remo Drive Pop Music2.0
Between the Buried and Me Automata I3.5
Meshell Ndegeocello Ventriloquism4.5
McCafferty Yarn3.5
Rolo Tomassi Time Will Die And Love Will Bury It5.0
Moaning Moaning3.5
Moby Everything Was Beautiful and Nothing Hurt4.0
Olden Yolk Olden Yolk4.5
Lionlimb Tape Recorder4.5
Towkio WWW3.0
S. Carey Hundred Acres4.5
The New Age Placebo4.0
A.A.L. (Against All Logic) 2012-20175.0
U.S. Girls In A Poem Unlimited4.5
Endless Heights Vicious Pleasure5.0
Belle and Sebastian How to Solve Our Human Problems4.0
Belle and Sebastian How To Solve Our Human Problems, Pt. 34.5
Loma Loma4.0
The Plot In You Dispose3.5
GoGo Penguin A Humdrum Star4.5
Son Lux Brighter Wounds4.5
MGMT Little Dark Age3.5
Good Tiger We Will All be Gone3.5
Rhye Blood4.5
DZ Deathrays Bloody Lovely3.5
Rich Brian Amen3.0
Anna Burch Quit The Curse4.0
Don Broco Technology4.0
Field Music Open Here3.5
Marmozets Knowing What You Know Now4.0
Tiny Moving Parts Swell3.0
Mimicking Birds Layers of Us5.0
The Dangerous Summer The Dangerous Summer4.0
RAT BOY Internationally Unknown2.5
Caroline Rose Loner4.0
The Go! Team Semicircle4.5
tUnE-yArDs I Can Feel You Creep Into My Private Life1.5
SiR November4.5
EDEN Vertigo4.0
JPEGMAFIA Veteran4.5
Moon Taxi Let the Record Play2.0
Of Mice and Men Defy1.5
Cane Hill Too Far Gone1.0
Sorry if you find this good, I find it extremely boring and I would rather listen to korn or slipnot than this cane hill record, and I don?t like either of them that much either. They did a better job though
Hanz Plasty I2.0
Meat Beat Manifesto Impossible Star2.0
Shopping The Official Body1.5
They Might Be Giants I Like Fun1.0
Belle and Sebastian How To Solve Our Human Problems, Pt. 23.0
A Grave with No Name Passover5.0
Cadence Weapon Cadence Weapon3.5
George Clanton Slide3.5
Typhoon (USA-OR) Offerings5.0
Camila Cabello Camila2.0
The Neighbourhood To Imagine1.0
Avatar Avatar Country1.5
BORNS Blue Madonna3.0
Shame (UK) Songs of Praise4.0
Tonight Alive Underworld1.5
Porches The House1.5

2017
King Gizzard and The Lizard Wizard Gumboot Soup3.5
Brockhampton SATURATION III4.5
N.E.R.D. NO ONE EVER REALLY DIES3.5
Eminem Revival1.0
For All Eternity The Will to Rebuild4.0
Tom Rogerson with Brian Eno Finding Shore3.0
Belle and Sebastian How To Solve Our Human Problems Pt. 14.0
Kendrick Lamar DAMN. Collector's Edition1.0
Glassjaw Material Control4.5
At the Drive-In Diamanté3.5
Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds Who Built the Moon?1.5
Jaden Smith Syre3.0
Gingerlys Gingerlys4.0
King Gizzard and The Lizard Wizard Polygondwanaland3.5
Taylor Swift Reputation1.0
Hail the Sun Secret Wars5.0
Evanescence Synthesis3.0
Toothgrinder Phantom Amour3.0
Moonspell 17554.0
Like Moths to Flames Dark Divine3.0
Bibio Phantom Brickworks2.0
Converge The Dusk in Us3.5
Adimiron Et Liber Eris4.0
Sam Smith The Thrill of It All4.0
Red (USA) Gone3.0
Julien Baker Turn Out The Lights5.0
10 Years (How to Live) As Ghosts3.0
Ne Obliviscaris Urn4.0
Big K.R.I.T. 4eva Is a Mighty Long Time2.5
Trivium The Sin and the Sentence2.0
Destroyer Ken1.5
Kllo Backwater1.5
Adelitas Way Notorious1.0
Esmerine Mechanics of Dominion2.0
Lindstrom It's Alright Between Us As It Is1.5
Makthaverskan Ill1.5
Matthew Good Something Like a Storm1.0
Sons of Apollo Psychotic Symphony2.0
Vuur In This Moment We Are Free - Cities2.0
We Came As Romans Cold Like War4.0
Veil of Maya False Idol2.5
Veil of maya gets way way way to much hype to me! Yes they are talanded musicians and make some pretty heavy metalcore and deathcore fusion, but like its nothing original! None of there work is that original
And So I Watch You From Afar The Endless Shimmering4.5
Nai Palm Needle Paw4.0
I the Mighty Where the Mind Wants to Go / Where You Let it Go3.5
Niall Horan Flicker1.5
Circuit Des Yeux Reaching For Indigo3.5
In Search of Sun Virgin Funk Mother4.0
The Front Bottoms Going Grey1.5
Beck Colors4.0
Godsticks Faced With Rage3.5
King Krule The OOZ5.0
Stick to Your Guns True View3.5
St. Vincent Masseduction1.0
Daniel Cavanagh Monochrome1.5
Wolf Parade Cry Cry Cry1.0
Sorry...but not sorry this is just super boring and unoriginal
August Burns Red Phantom Anthem2.0
Liam Gallagher As You Were3.5
Courtney Barnett and Kurt Vile Lotta Sea Lice3.0
Citizen As You Please2.0
Shigeto The New Monday4.0
Kamasi Washington Harmony of Difference5.0
Ibeyi Ash3.0
Wolf Alice Visions of a Life4.0
The World Is a Beautiful Place... Always Foreign3.5
Iglooghost Neo Wax Bloom4.5
The Movielife Cities In Search Of A Heart4.0
The Clientele Music for the Age of Miracles4.0
Rapsody Laila's Wisdom4.5
Circa Survive The Amulet4.5
Lights Skin and Earth3.0
Enter Shikari The Spark2.0
Chelsea Wolfe Hiss Spun4.5
Sufferer Sufferer4.0
Arcane Roots Melancholia Hymns4.5
Foo Fighters Concrete and Gold3.0
The Contortionist Clairvoyant4.5
Caligula's Horse In Contact5.0
Ariel Pink Dedicated to Bobby Jameson1.5
Deer Tick Deer Tick Vol. 21.0
Deer Tick Deer Tick Vol. 11.0
Gary Numan Savage (Songs from a Broken World)2.0
Nothing More The Stories We Tell Ourselves4.5
Hundred Waters Communicating4.0
The National Sleep Well Beast2.0
Alvvays Antisocialites1.0
God these vocals are attrotious...sorry alvvays fans I just think the singer is super annoying
Deerhoof Mountain Moves4.0
Zola Jesus Okovi3.0
Mutemath Play Dead3.5
The Dream Syndicate How Did I Find Myself Here?3.0
Epica The Solace System3.5
Cloud Control Zone3.5
Dalek Endangered Philosophies4.0
Hercules and Love Affair Omnion3.0
Septicflesh Codex Omega4.5
Tera Melos Trash Generator1.5
Queens of the Stone Age Villains2.5
The War On Drugs A Deeper Understanding4.5
Brockhampton SATURATION II3.5
Joseph Shabason Atyche4.0
PVRIS All We Know of Heaven, All We Need of Hell1.0
Turnover Good Nature3.5
Steven Wilson To the Bone3.5
King Gizzard and The Lizard Wizard Sketches of Brunswick East (w/ Mild High Club)4.0
Grizzly Bear Painted Ruins3.0
Cloakroom Time Well1.5
Gang of Youths Go Farther in Lightness4.5
Brand New Science Fiction2.0
Milo Who Told You To Think?​?​!​!​?​!​?​!​?​!4.5
Mondo Cozmo Plastic Soul2.0
It was meh...trying to hard to get this 60's and 80's fusion sound that makes it awkward with his raspy country sounding voice!
Mystery Skulls One Of Us1.5
Briana Marela Call It Love1.5
If you want to fall asleep. Pretty bad dream pop album if you ask me but whatever
Manchester Orchestra A Black Mile to the Surface2.0
Make Them Suffer Worlds Apart4.0
Less Art Strangled Light1.5
Julia Michaels Nervous System1.0
Oceans Ate Alaska Hikari4.5
Foster the People Sacred Hearts Club3.5
Tyler, the Creator Flower Boy4.5
Japanese Breakfast Soft Sounds From Another Planet4.0
Dayseeker Dreaming Is Sinking /// Waking Is Rising4.5
Silverstein Dead Reflection2.5
Picturesque Back to Beautiful2.0
The Acacia Strain Gravebloom1.5
Washed Out Mister Mellow4.5
Yvette Young Acoustics EP 24.0
Vince Staples Big Fish Theory4.0
King Gizzard and The Lizard Wizard Murder Of The Universe3.0
Imagine Dragons ÆŽVOLVE1.0
311 Mosaic1.5
Igorrr Savage Sinusoid4.5
Fleet Foxes Crack-Up4.5
Portugal. The Man Woodstock2.0
CHON Homey3.5
Royal Blood How Did We Get So Dark?3.5
Oh Wonder Ultralife3.5
Fyfe The Space Between2.5
Rise Against Wolves2.5
Volumes Different Animals3.0
The Birthday Massacre Under Your Spell2.5
Phoenix (FRA) Ti Amo2.0
Stevens/Dessner/Muhly/McAlister Planetarium4.0
Brockhampton SATURATION4.0
AJR The Click1.0
Eidola To Speak, to Listen3.5
alt-J Relaxer3.0
Roger Waters Is This The Life We Really Want?3.5
Beach Fossils Somersault4.0
Halsey hopeless fountain kingdom1.0
All Time Low Last Young Renegade1.5
Miss May I Shadows Inside3.5
Free Throw Bear Your Mind3.5
Thunder Dreamer Capture1.5
Nick Hakim Green Twins4.5
MISSIO Loner3.5
A bit repeative and influences on this are a bit obvious, but a cool album with a cool idea. Needs more to really set it out in this vast electronic world we're in here!
Jlin Black Origami2.0
This just feel odd to me. Like I can see why pitchfork gave this a high review, but I just ant enjoy it. At least you very weird people somewhat agree this was okay!
Fire from the Gods Narrative Retold4.0
MisterWives Connect the Dots2.5
Linkin Park One More Light1.0
Boy Pablo Roy Pablo4.5
Tricot 34.5
Vinyl Theatre Origami4.0
Paramore After Laughter3.5
Harry Styles Harry Styles4.0
Girlpool Powerplant4.0
Sinjin Hawke First Opus3.5
A Lot Like Birds DIVISI4.5
At the Drive-In in•ter a•li•a3.5
Ho99o9 United States Of Horror3.0
Mac DeMarco This Old Dog2.0
Ian William Craig Slow Vessels3.5
Gorillaz Humanz3.5
All That Remains Madness2.0
Foster the People III3.0
Hyukoh 231.5
Incubus (USA-CA) 82.5
While She Sleeps You Are We4.0
Eternity Forever Fantasy4.0
Actress AZD2.0
Kendrick Lamar DAMN.3.5
Falling in Reverse Coming Home3.0
Ulver The Assassination of Julius Caesar4.5
The Smith Street Band More Scared of You Than You Are of Me4.5
Cold War Kids LA Divine2.0
Arca Arca4.5
Father John Misty Pure Comedy5.0
The Chainsmokers Memories...Do Not Open1.0
Mount Eerie A Crow Looked At Me4.5
Northlane Mesmer4.0
Knox Hamilton The Heights3.5
Righteous Vendetta Cursed3.0
Sorority Noise You're Not As ____ As You Think3.5
Stolas Stolas3.0
Spoon Hot Thoughts4.5
Remo Drive Greatest Hits4.5
The Shins Heartworms1.5
King Gizzard and The Lizard Wizard Flying Microtonal Banana2.0
Hippo Campus landmark4.0
Disperse Foreword4.5
Electric Guest Plural2.5
They have a cool sound and the singles that they have made are really cool and creative, but a good deal of the rest of the album is very dry or uncreative. They need to step back and learn a bit what to do differently
Rag'n'Bone Man Human4.0
Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness Zombies on Broadway4.0
Quelle Chris Being You Is Great...4.0
Elbow Little Fictions3.5
Some really cool songs that the band definitely put a lot of thought into. the first 3 songs and last 3/4 songs are very well thought out and have a good deal of substance. The middle 3/4 don't have enough in them to drive the album home. So definitely would recommend, but be careful!
Neil Cicierega Mouth Moods4.5
Tom Misch 5 Day Mischon4.5

2016
Enemies Valuables4.5
Post Malone Stoney1.0
Bring Me the Horizon Live at the Royal Albert Hall4.0
Animals As Leaders The Madness of Many4.5
Avenged Sevenfold The Stage3.0
From Indian Lakes Everything Feels Better Now3.0
Dance Gavin Dance Mothership5.0
The Devil Wears Prada Transit Blues3.5
Danny Brown Atrocity Exhibition4.5
Artifex Pereo Passengers3.5
The Dear Hunter Act V: Hymns with the Devil in Confessional5.0
Glass Animals How To Be A Human Being3.5
Fire from the Gods Narrative3.0
Plini Handmade Cities4.5
The Color Morale Desolate Divine3.0
Amarionette [US] Repeating History4.0
The Amity Affliction This Could Be Heartbreak2.5
Sianvar Stay Lost4.0
Jason Richardson I4.0
Crown the Empire Retrograde4.5
Honne Warm On A Cold Night4.0
Periphery Periphery III: Select Difficulty4.5
Snail Mail Habit2.5
BADBADNOTGOOD IV3.5
Ian William Craig Centres4.5
Silent Planet Everything Was Sound4.5
Hail the Sun Culture Scars5.0
I See Stars Treehouse2.0
Astronoid Air4.0
Dance Gavin Dance Tree City Sessions4.5
Pierce the Veil Misadventures2.5
Radiohead A Moon Shaped Pool4.5
Greaver The Faun3.5
Folded Like Fabric Luxuries4.5
Polyenso Pure In The Plastic4.5
Japanese Breakfast Psychopomp2.5
The Word Alive Dark Matter2.5
Hands Like Houses Dissonants3.0
Haywyre Two Fold - Part 24.0
The 1975 I Like It When You Sleep, For You Are So Beautiful Yet So Unaware of It1.5
Panic! at the Disco Death of a Bachelor4.5

2015
Covet Currents4.0
Picturesque Monstrous Things3.5
Arca Mutant4.0
Our Oceans Our Oceans4.5
Dream On Dreamer Songs of Solitude3.5
Earthside A Dream In Static5.0
Arcane Roots Heaven and Earth5.0
Hippo Campus South3.0
A ton of potential for this band. But they need to narrow down there sound. As well at the production could use some work. But the new singles for the new LP are super crisp and nice so excited for there first LP to drop!
Julia Holter Have You In My Wilderness5.0
Folded Like Fabric I Tried4.5
TesseracT Polaris4.0
Bring Me the Horizon That's the Spirit4.0
The Dear Hunter Act IV: Rebirth in Reprise4.5
The Afterimage Lumière4.5
This is like Dance Gavin Dance but much heavier and I love it
New Navy Lakeside3.0
Tame Impala Currents4.0
Quelle Chris, Chris Keys Innocent Country4.0
Slowing Inertia Comfort, Is The Death Of Creativity3.5
Kaddisfly Horses Galloping on Sailboats5.0
Delta Sleep Twin Galaxies4.0
Seoul I Become A Shade4.0
Make Them Suffer Old Souls2.5
Hyukoh 223.5
Alina Baraz and Galimatias Urban Flora4.0
Some cool Electronic/Indie vibes. Hope for something more from her!
Oddisee The Good Fight4.0
Kamasi Washington The Epic4.5
Ni Les insurgés de Romilly2.0
Dance Gavin Dance Instant Gratification4.0
Hikes Hikes [reissue]4.5
CHON Grow5.0
Liturgy The Ark Work2.0
Kendrick Lamar To Pimp a Butterfly5.0
Plini The End of Everything4.0
Broadway Contexture: Gods, Men & The Infinite Cosmos3.0
Fyfe Control4.5
VOLA Inmazes5.0
Periphery Juggernaut: Omega5.0
Periphery Juggernaut: Alpha4.5
Palisades Mind Games2.5
2014
Silent Planet The Night God Slept5.0
Stolas Allomaternal3.0
Amarionette [US] Picture Perfect3.0
From Indian Lakes Absent Sounds5.0
Flying Lotus You're Dead!5.0
Wild Party Phantom Pop3.5
Marmozets The Weird and Wonderful Marmozets2.0
Hail the Sun Wake5.0
alt-J This Is All Yours3.0
Vinyl Theatre Electrogram3.0
The Contortionist Language5.0
Hyukoh 204.0
Osatia Sky People3.5
The Color Morale Hold On Pain Ends2.0
The New Age Think Too Much; Feel Too Little4.0
Royal Blood Royal Blood4.0
FKA Twigs LP13.5
Sungazer Sungazer Vol. I3.5
Crown the Empire The Resistance: Rise of the Runaways3.5
Volumes No Sleep4.0
Vacationer Relief4.0
Rain City Drive Through Art We Are All Equals3.5
Monuments (UK) The Amanuensis4.5
The Word Alive Real.3.0
Glass Animals Zaba4.0
The Amity Affliction Let the Ocean Take Me4.0
Visitors BLUESHIFT4.0
Kurt Travis Everything Is Beautiful4.5
Closure in Moscow Pink Lemonade4.5
BADBADNOTGOOD III4.0
Elenora Luna Amante4.5
Haywyre Two Fold - Part 14.0
Yvette Young Acoustics4.5
Memphis May Fire Unconditional4.0
Periphery Clear3.0
Sianvar Sianvar5.0

2013
Amarionette [US] Amarionette3.5
Eminem The Marshall Mathers LP 23.0
Oddisee Tangible Dream4.0
A Lot Like Birds No Place5.0
ERRA Augment3.0
I See Stars New Demons4.0
Plini Sweet Nothings4.0
Dance Gavin Dance Acceptance Speech3.5
Panic! at the Disco Too Weird to Live, Too Rare to Die!2.5
The 1975 The 19751.0
Born of Osiris Tomorrow We Die Alive3.0
Washed Out Paracosm2.0
tsosis First Contact2.5
Hands Like Houses Unimagine3.5
SECRETS Fragile Figures4.0
Dream On Dreamer Loveless3.5
TesseracT Altered State4.5
Vampire Weekend Modern Vampires of the City1.0
Arcane Roots Blood and Chemistry4.5
Bring Me the Horizon Sempiternal4.0
The Color Morale Know Hope3.0
My Chemical Romance May Death Never Stop You4.5
Stolas Living Creatures4.0
Plini Other Things4.0
Rhye Woman2.5
Galcher Lustwerk 100% Galcher2.0
Overly long and sometimes extremely derivative hip house and deep house record that really has a hard time standing out from a lot of this style that has popped up the last year or so.

2012
Igorrr Hallelujah4.5
Crown the Empire The Fallout4.0
From Indian Lakes Able Bodies3.0
Kendrick Lamar good kid, m.A.A.d city5.0
In Fear and Faith In Fear and Faith 4.0
Mac DeMarco 22.0
Tame Impala Lonerism3.0
The Amity Affliction Chasing Ghosts4.0
Elenora Avant-Garde4.5
Pierce the Veil Collide with the Sky3.5
Hail the Sun Elephantitis5.0
Periphery Periphery II: This Time It's Personal5.0
The Word Alive Life Cycles4.0
alt-J An Awesome Wave3.5
Make Them Suffer Neverbloom2.5
Arca Stretch 13.0
Vacationer Gone3.5
Hands Like Houses Ground Dweller4.0
Amarionette [US] Dangerous Times and My Dangerous Ways3.5
Haywyre The Voyage4.0

2011
Northlane Discoveries4.5
A Lot Like Birds Conversation Piece3.5
Volumes Via4.0
Chelsea Wolfe Apokalypsis4.5
Gary Numan Dead Son Rising2.0
Dream On Dreamer Heartbound4.0
Kendrick Lamar Section.804.0
Fleet Foxes Helplessness Blues5.0
tsosis Underwater Tell Each Other Secrets4.5
Panic! at the Disco Vices & Virtues5.0
TesseracT One3.0
Dance Gavin Dance Downtown Battle Mountain II4.0
DeVotchKa 100 Lovers4.5

2010
My Chemical Romance Danger Days: The True Lives of the Fabulous Killjoys3.0
Kanye West My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy2.5
Tides of Man Dreamhouse4.5
The Word Alive Deceiver4.0
The Devil Wears Prada Zombie4.0
Pierce the Veil Selfish Machines3.5
Tame Impala Innerspeaker4.5
Flying Lotus Cosmogramma5.0
Circa Survive Blue Sky Noise4.0
Periphery Periphery3.5
Vampire Weekend Contra3.5

2009
Tides of Man Empire Theory4.0
The Dear Hunter Act III: Life and Death4.5
Dance Gavin Dance Happiness4.5
Closure in Moscow First Temple4.0

2008
Kanye West 808s and Heartbreak2.0
Tame Impala Tame Impala3.5
Dance Gavin Dance Dance Gavin Dance3.0
nuito Unutella4.5
Fleet Foxes Fleet Foxes4.5
Fleet Foxes Sun Giant3.5
Panic! at the Disco Pretty. Odd.4.0
O! The Joy Zen Mode2.5
Some great potential here with it, but most of the songs are to drawn out and the band is trying to hard to sound like the Fall of Troy and The Speed of Sound Underwater! But, looking forward to what comes out of the band in the future!
Vampire Weekend Vampire Weekend2.5
2007
Radiohead In Rainbows5.0
Kanye West Graduation4.0
The Dear Hunter Act II: The Meaning of, & All Things Regarding Ms. Leading4.5
Dance Gavin Dance Downtown Battle Mountain4.0

2006
Dance Gavin Dance Whatever I Say Is Royal Ocean4.0
My Chemical Romance The Black Parade5.0
The Dear Hunter Act I: The Lake South, the River North4.0
Alexisonfire Crisis3.5

2005
Panic! at the Disco A Fever You Can't Sweat Out4.0
Kanye West Late Registration4.0

2004
My Chemical Romance Three Cheers for Sweet Revenge2.5
Madvillain Madvillainy2.0
Kanye West The College Dropout3.5

2003
The Mars Volta De-Loused in the Comatorium3.0
Kaddisfly Do You Know People Can Fly?3.5

2001
The Innocence Mission Small Planes4.0
Radiohead Knives Out4.0

2000
Radiohead Kid A4.5
At the Drive-In Relationship of Command5.0
1999
American Football American Football5.0

1998
Refused The Shape Of Punk To Come4.0
Massive Attack Mezzanine4.5
1997
Radiohead OK Computer5.0

1996
Dr. Octagon Dr. Octagonecologyst4.5
1995
Oasis (What's the Story) Morning Glory?5.0
Radiohead The Bends3.5

1993
Radiohead Pablo Honey1.5
1991
Talk Talk Laughing Stock5.0
Nirvana Nevermind3.0
1977
Billy Joel The Stranger5.0
1973
Pink Floyd The Dark Side of the Moon5.0

1971
Jethro Tull Aqualung4.5

1970
The Beatles Let It Be4.5

Unknown
Wilma Vritra Burd4.5
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