6/10
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Xibalba’s latest album is best when it’s at its most pummeling.
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Black Curse displays great foundational elements on its debut album, but also runs short on ideas.
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Pray for Paris does Westside Gunn’s established style well for the most part, but isn’t likely to convert many nonbelievers.
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Thundercat’s muddy mixes remain his Achilles’ heel on the otherwise enjoyable It Is What It Is.
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The Garden’s devil-may-care eclecticism remains both a blessing and a curse.
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The impact of Loathe’s ferocious riffs is sometimes dampened by the band’s obvious points of influence.
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Royce 5’9 is in rare form as both an MC and producer on The Allegory, an album somewhat marred by occasionally questionable messaging and a muddled concept.
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While often pretty and groovy, Makaya McCraven’s reimagining of Gil Scott-Heron’s swansong tends to drain the suspense and emotional potency out of its source material.
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The Slow Rush‘s deep cuts don’t deliver on the promise of its introspective and infectious lead singles.
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Likewise‘s plain instrumental palette doesn’t do much to complement Frances Quinlan’s unique voice.
