Mr. Bungle’s ‘California’ Still Feels Fresh 25 Years Later
Despite not being strictly metal, Mr. Bungle’s unhinged musical adventurousness showed heavy metal could get weird and silly without losing the heaviness.
Chris Conaton
Chris Conaton graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Music Education from Michigan State University. After bouncing around in several different music teaching jobs as well as a stint working at Lowe's in Michigan, he moved to Houston, Texas. He now teaches elementary school music in suburban Houston. Aside from a couple of minor freelance gigs and keeping a blog specifically for writing reviews, PopMatters is his first regular writing gig.
Pom Poko Merge Complicated Guitars and Catchy Hooks
Pom Poko have figured out how to combine complex math rock with big pop hooks, but their willingness to stretch beyond these styles makes Champion intriguing.
Of Montreal Return with Catchy Musical Hooks
There’s enough strong material to keep longtime Of Montreal fans feeling connected while Kevin Barnes continues to indulge wherever their musical muse leads.
LØLØ Brings Genre Agnostic Approach to Heartbreak
LØLØ’s anything-goes approach to rock music and a strong sense of melody make her debut album a winner, even if the lyrical topics get a bit repetitive.
Pillow Queens Bring the Rock to ‘Name Your Sorrow’
Dublin’s Pillow Queens have a pair of strong singers and solid musicianship, but their songwriting is a bit hit-and-miss on their third LP Name Your Sorrow.
Khruangbin Are Still Easygoing and Effortlessly Cool
A LA SALA delivers on what Khruangbin are known for: chill, mostly easygoing guitar melodies backed by a deep rhythm section groove.
Phish Loaded Up on Guest Stars for ‘Hoist’ 30 Years Ago
Phish’s Hoist was their fifth LP and they were in the mood to try new things. Consequently, it felt like their version of a big commercial swing.
The Avett Brothers Are in Long-Term Career Mode
The Avett Brothers’ new self-titled album is solid but not spectacular, which can happen after a group have settled into a long-term career mode.
Lynks Balances Swagger and Self-Doubt on His Catchy Debut
ABOMINATION has a secret weapon: Lynks’ ear for catchy musical hooks. It’s a rollicking record that’s equal parts swagger and self-doubt.
Vampire Weekend Return to Form While Adding New Wrinkles
Only God Was Above Us demonstrates that melodic, clean guitars are welcome but optional and that Vampire Weekend have plenty of other tricks up their sleeves.
Call Me Spinster’s Debut Pleasantly Jumps Through Genres
Indie pop’s Call Me Spinster possess rock-solid songwriting. Regardless of genre, they have a strong command of melody and an ear for intriguing arrangements.
The Dead South Return with a Dark Bluegrass-Adjacent LP
The Dead South’s Chains & Stakes picks up where their last LP, 2019’s Sugar & Joy, left off. These 13 tracks lean toward hard-edged bluegrass and dark stories.