The Strange, Emotional World of St. Vincent’s ‘Daddy’s Home’
It takes a real human being to be as disgusted with the world as the performance of St Vincent on Daddy’s Home shows. It requires the talents of Annie Clark.
Music Reviews
Big|Brave Live Up to Their Name on ‘Vital’
Montreal experimental metal trio Big|Brave explore damage and the weight of social injustice on Vital. Listen mindfully and you may feel revitalized.
Ben Howard Becomes More Abstract on ‘Collections from the Whiteout’
Ben Howard’s Collections from the Whiteout, produced by the National’s Aaron Dessner, presents a refracted take on the singer-songwriter album.
Keen Dreams Create Majestic, Timeless Noise on ‘The Second Body’
On their debut, The Second Body, New Orleans’ Keen Dreams lean into a 1980s aesthetic while still sounding fresh, vibrant, and forward-thinking.
Pianist Vijay Iyer Looks Back and Ahead with His New Trio on ‘Uneasy’
Vijay Iyer Trio’s Uneasy is a set of modern piano jazz covering a remarkable range, featuring three brilliant musical imaginations playing well together.
Tony Joe White Rocks the Swamp Posthumously on ‘Smoke From the Chimney’
Fans of Tony Joe White will delight at hearing him deliver one more set of songs in his characteristic drawl on Smoke From the Chimney.
Basic Rhythm’s ‘Electronic Labyrinth’ Is a Modernist Dreamscape
Shades of drum and bass, techno, and grime all appear but are warped and distorted via Basic Rhythm’s cool, muscular production style on Electronic Labyrinth.
The Dead Space’s Indie Punk ‘Chlorine Sleep’ Is Half of a Great LP
The Dead Space had promise. Many in Austin saw it from the get-go on their first LP, Faker. However, the sophomore slump hits these guys hard on Chlorine Sleep.
To No One’s Surprise, Metal Weezer Still Sounds Like Weezer
Rivers Cuomo can preach the gospel of Sabbath with all the sincerity he can summon; there’s still no other way to process Van Weezer than with a tongue planted in a winking cheek somewhere.
Natalie Bergman Finds ‘Mercy’ in Gospel Music and a Higher Power
Natalie Bergman’s religious beliefs stimulate her music, but her debut album, Mercy, inspires whether one is a Christian or not.
Jazz Saxophonist Pat Donaher Marks ‘Occasions’ with a Dazzling Band
Lesser-known jazz saxophonist Pat Donaher fronts a well-known band in compositions that shimmer and strut on Occasionally.