album review

  • On their latest album, the Antlers work to improve the lo-fi recording quality they were dealing with on their last album, and they definitely succeed in that department. The instruments and the mix sound absolutely fantastic. But there are more changes. First off, the storytelling that made their past LP

  • On Helplessness Blues, Fleet Foxes improve just about everything that they were doing on their last album. Keep in mind the key word here is “improve,” not change. Yes, the band is still walking down the same path they were on their previous LP, but they’re much further down

  • Natural Child’s 1971 is an attitude-heavy set of rock tunes that emulate everything from power pop to the kind of classic rock they play on the AM band. Stylistically, this LP is all over the place, which is kind of surprising since the 7” EP I reviewed of theirs

  • On their debut full-length on Deathwish, Deafheaven take their seamless blend of black metal, post-rock, and post-hardcore to a new level of musicianship and recording quality. Though this may not be the most original black metal record on the block–yes, a lot of groups have been putting tons of

  • On their latest album, Explosions In the Sky gives the appearance of evolution with some added instrumentation: acoustic guitar, strings, hums, looped percussion, and other miscellaneous noises. However, the band hasn’t really altered their playing style or sonic qualities that much. The mood has changed a little, but this

  • On their latest album CunninLyngusits bring some seriously cinematic production. All of the atmospheric textures make the perfect setting for lyrical themes dealing with dreams. Of course, “dreaming” isn’t limited to what you see in your sleep. This LP delves into fantasies of all shapes and sizes: sexual, violent,

  • The overarching theme on Apocalypse seems clear, but the chapters in this story are kind of vague, making it difficult for me to really get into this album. As usual, the instrumentation behind Callahan’s deadpan vocals is simple and honest. It serves mostly as a stage for his poetic

  • Craft Spells’ debut LP is a mutated mixtape of the best sounds new wave had to offer. It’s a kind of shy LP, but the tunes will definitely stick with anyone willing to lean in and give a close listen. Though it doesn’t reinvent the wheel, this thing

  • Radiohead’s latest LP is a fan-pleasing piece of work. It’s loaded with beautiful and well-recorded sounds, and even Thom Yorke’s songwriting shows some muscle with moments like “Lotus Flower” and “Separator.” But there’s something that clicks away and eats away at the first half of this

  • Cloud Nothings’ self-titled LP for Carpark is a celebration of old school pop punk, and it’s filtered through a lo-fi lens. Is this album for you? Find out in this review: Review: Cloud Nothings- Self-Titled Stream tracks: /cloudnothings