Trumpeter Adam O’Farrill Dances with Brillance on ‘Elephant’
No Elephant has ever been this nimble and dancing. Adam O’Farrill’s new album pops and jabs, hops and slithers. It has all the moves. It’s engaging and impressive.
PopMatters Picks
PopMatters picks the best pop culture for your enjoyment, including music, film, TV, books, games, comics, and more.
Band of Horses’ ‘Everything All The Time’ Is Essential at 20
Band of Horses’ Everything All the Time was a declaration that rock music could be big without being dumb, sentimental without being saccharine.
Mary Ocher’s ‘Weimar’ Has a Stunning, Dramatic Atmosphere
Armed with just a piano and her voice, Berlin-based Mary Ocher is a striking presence on her new record, Weimar.
Jon Irabagon and Quartet Brilliantly Go in Every Direction
As a composer and bandleader, Jon Irabagon wants to open your ears to styles co-mingling. His heart as a musician is big enough to feel and do it all.
Kim Gordon Is at the Height of Her Powers on ‘Play Me’
Indie rock icon Kim Gordon acerbically wrestles with the state of the world over hip-hop and industrial beats on Play Me.
Ben Wendel’s ‘BaRcoDe’ Is Unique and Uniquely Excellent
Ben Wendel has played with groove-oriented rhythms, electronics, and unusual instrumentation, as if jazz tradition were secondary to creativity.
Footballhead Define a New Path for Post-Grunge and Emo
Footballhead outline a vision of post-grunge and emo that breathes a breath of fresh air. They craft a sound that’s nostalgic and new.
Harry Styles Negotiates With Stardom on Fourth Album
Harry Styles negotiates with style and substance on his fourth album, reminding listeners why he long ago transcended heartthrob status.
Jesper Lindell Goes for a Big Adventure on ‘Jackson Highway’
Jesper Lindell and company are faithful to the spirit of the original versions of these songs, but they bring their own energy as well.
Tinariwen’s ‘Hoggar’ Is a Brilliant, Bittersweet Homecoming
Tinariwen’s music is perhaps more poignant than ever, made with a reverence for history and a sense of community that grows stronger over time.
Carolina Chocolate Drops Bring the Past to Delight
Carolina Chocolate Drops’ third album is still revolutionary and lays out a singular vision that’s traditional, innovative, scholarly, and fun.
Los Sara Fontán Fight for a DIY Future on ‘Consuelo’
Los Sara Fontán sound a possible future that can only come through agitation and a total reworking of society, that requires an intentional storm to clear the air.