Cheekface Get a Little Funky and a Bit Angry on ‘Podium’
Cheekface’s oddball point of view is a big draw, but their willingness to turn their sardonicism toward current events is a good way for them to meet the moment.
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.
Old Crow Medicine Show Celebrate America at 250 Years
Ketch Secor’s insistence on making a “Hooray for America!” record ends up putting Old Crow Medicine Show in an awkward position.
Weird Nightmare’s Power Pop Is Hard-Rocking and Catchy
Weird Nightmare’s take on classic power pop is hard-rocking and catchy, but the songwriting is rarely distinct enough to rise above the level of pastiche.
They Might Be Giants Are As Delightfully Weird As Ever
They Might Be Giants produce banger tracks, some really weird, very successful experiments, and another handful of songs where listeners’ mileage may vary.
Arlo Parks Dances the Pain Away with ‘Ambiguous Desire’
Ambiguous Desire is a dance pop album, but since this is Arlo Parks, it’s a low-key, introspective one. The indie dance pop feel is a successful sonic shift.
The Brook and the Bluff’s Strong Songwriting Boosts Their Music
The Brook and the Bluff’s Werewolf is a solid, straightforward album that will satisfy anyone looking for a classic rock fix.
Revisiting Drive-By Truckers’ ‘Decoration Day’ Is Rewarding
Decoration Day was the album that proved Drive-By Truckers weren’t going to be a flash in the pan. It’s a triumph from start to finish.
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.
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.