MJ Lenderman Finds the ‘Fireworks’ in Everyday Life
MJ Lenderman creates sounds that somehow cut into his listeners’ heads and hearts, even when the songs’ sonics resemble that of the garage band next door.
Music
The Complicated Life of Moby Grape’s Skip Spence
This bio about Moby Grape’s Skip Spence dissects and casts a glowing light on his work as a composer of some of the most influential music of San Francisco’s psychedelic scene.
Overthink Dance-Punk’s the Dare at Your Own Risk
The Dare’s What’s Wrong With New York? is euphoric, massive, funny, blissfully unironic, and finally real male pop. I wouldn’t overthink it.
The Jesus Lizard Return With the Uncompromising ‘Rack’
Rack is another thrilling chapter from the Jesus Lizard, one of the most significant noise bands ever and whom many groups claim as a heavy influence.
Ambient Composer Jon Hopkins Shares His Latest ‘RITUAL’
British ambient composer Jon Hopkins creates dark, intimate landscapes of analogue and electronic sound on his new “ceremonial” album RITUAL.
Claude Fontaine Wafts in Tropical Dreamscapes on ‘La Mer’
From the first notes of her sophomore album La Mer, it’s clear that singer-songwriter Claude Fontaine is a chanteuse, and it’s not a role she takes lightly.
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MetalMatters: The Best Metal Albums of August 2024
In August’s best metal, Mamaleek defy categorization, Teeth evolve their dissonant death metal, and Vomitrot bounce between death/doom and black metal.
Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds Declare “Now Is the Time For Joy”
Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds’ Wild God teems with creative ambitions and sacred content. An ode to the surprise of joy, it is an audacious, reaching record.
Sabrina Carpenter’s Glittery Matrix on ‘Short n’ Sweet’
Sabrina Carpenter’s Short n’ Sweet displays her ability to imbue pristine pop production with personal flair, sparking a long overdue breakout.
‘Belaya Polosa’ Expands Molchat Doma’s Industrial Palette
Belaya Polosa is full of Molchat Doma’s most complex and overtly human music, organically integrated into their melancholy post-punk atmosphere.
Sima Cunningham Soars and Soothes on the Brilliant ‘High Roller’
The different lyrical, musical, and emotional avenues indie folk’s Sima Cunningham travels throughout High Roller shows an artist overflowing with ideas.
Frank Zappa’s Serious Transformation: ‘The Perfect Stranger’ at 40
A prolific conductor and a sophisticated synthesizer make for an under-appreciated but vastly important album in Frank Zappa’s prodigious catalog.