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.
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.
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.
Great Grandpa Mix Acoustic Rock With Welcome Surprises
Great Grandpa sound like a solid acoustic rock band for most of Patience, Moonbeam. Then they pull out a Radiohead pastiche, a trip-hop track, and things get more interesting.
Liverpool’s Courting Successfully Try Some New Ideas
Despite a title nearly as long as the record itself, Courting’s ambitious attempts to stretch beyond basic guitar rock pay off richly on their third album.
Coheed and Cambria Offer Fresh Ideas on Muscular Hard Rock
Coheed and Cambria are in a contemplative mood, but that doesn’t stop them from deploying their trademark intricate guitar riffs and catchy choruses.
Jason Isbell Is Dazzling With Just His Voice and a Guitar
Given Jason Isbell’s track record as a songwriter, it’s no surprise that a completely stripped-down album turns out to be one of his best.
Fake Fruit Are Caught Between Catchy Hooks and Sloppy Playing
When Fake Fruit find a strong musical hook on Mucho Mistrust, their songs are a lot of fun. When they don’t, their sloppiness comes to the fore.