Magic Fig Successfully Blend Prog- and Psych-Rock
San Francisco’s Magic Fig combine the gentler side of 1970s prog-rock with dashes of 1960s psychedelic folk and 1980s video game-style synths.
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.
Slow Crush’s ‘Thirst’ Proves They Are Aptly Named
Slow Crush’s Thirst has scattered interesting musical moments, but much of it is buried under constant guitar noise and not enough melody.
Indie Pop’s Hunny Create Great Indie Rock Hooks
SPIRIT! isn’t just fun and catchy, it’s also sneakily well-written. Indie pop band Hunny deserve extra listens to allow their hooks to sink in fully.
Sloan’s ‘Based on the Best Seller’ Is Relaxed and Poppy
Catchy melodies and big guitars are the order of the day on Sloan’s 14th album, with a side of Chris Murph’s jauntier piano-driven songs to change things up.
Frost Children Go for Synthpop and Almost Pull It Off
With SISTER, Frost Children haven’t quite figured out the balance between engaging songwriting and just reaching for the big hooks.
Neko Case’s Fascinating New LP Is Full of Melodies
Neko Case’s new album brings her signature blend of achingly beautiful melodies, idiosyncratic songwriting, and, of course, a song about an animal.
Nova Twins’ New Album Is a Fascinating Polyglot
Nova Twins’ willingness to draw from essentially any music style of the last 40 years and incorporate it into their sound makes their music a fascinating polyglot.
The Beths Level Up Again with Their Excellent New Record
The Beths’ Straight Line Was a Lie is full of catchy hooks, big guitar riffs, and often introspective lyrics. The New Zealand quartet are at the top of their game.
Molly Tuttle Goes Solo with Delightful New Record
Molly Tuttle’s So Long Little Miss Sunshine finds her stretching out her sound, though her songwriting and guitar skills continue to be on full display.
The Swell Season Sound as Beautiful as Ever
Despite its eight tracks covering a variety of emotional territory, the overriding feeling of the Swell Season’s Forward is one of a joyful reunion.
Quickly Quickly Offers Catchy Hooks and Layered Arrangements
Quickly Quickly’s melodies make this a catchy, very listenable record. The oddball sounds and layered arrangements make it a treat to dig into this album repeatedly.
Sacred Paws’ Bright, Upbeat Rock Is Back in Action
Sacred Paws are defined by Ray Aggs’ always-in-motion guitar lines and Eilidh Rodgers’ hyperactive snare drum rolls. Here, they add banjo, and synths to their sound.