Jazz Pianist David Virelles Meets the Elders in Trio Imagination
Trio Imagination’s David Virelles is one of the most interesting pianists on the scene, conjuring music that integrates his heritage into inquiring contemporary jazz.
Reviews
Reviews of popular culture related areas, including music, film, TV, books, games, comics, and more.
Dallas Burrow Shows He’s From Texas in Hard-Earned Truths
Like Dallas Burrow, Townes Van Zandt was a proud Texan, and one presumes he would be pleased to see his music celebrated as part of this brilliant Lone Star fest.
Sova Beautifully Reinvents Her Sound on ‘Alight!’
Sova’s Alight! is filled with sonic possibilities, borrowing bits and pieces from jazz, classical, soul, and ambient experimentalism.
Cor de Lux Explode on ‘Year of the Horse’
North Carolina’s Cor de Lux level up in every way with their third release, Year of the Horse, an exhilarating blast of noise rock with heart.
Bill Gunn’s ‘Personal Problems’ Is a Milestone in American Indie Filmmaking
With its rough framing, shaky handheld shots, and available light, Bill Gunn’s Personal Problems anticipates the documentary aesthetic of 21st-century vérité-lite TV shows.
Liana Flores’ New EP Is More Focused and Self-Assured
And So It Goes blends Liana Flores’ Brazilian roots with high-quality songs and outstanding vocals, wrapped in a modern jazz-pop style.
The Sick Man of Europe Fight Against Digital Passivity
The attention economy is built upon passivity. Yet the Sick Man of Europe’s music is a pail of cold water to wake us up in the age of complicity.
Ridley Scott’s Low-Key ‘The Dog Stars’ Hides in Plain Sight
A welcome departure for Ridley Scott, slow and contemplative, The Dog Stars is a nuanced work of social commentary disguised as a survivalist film.
This Is Lorelei Surprises with ‘The Singer in My Band’
Nate Amos’ most heralded project, This Is Lorelei, swaps out electropop for bluegrass and folk with The Singer in My Band.
Red Spirit Singers Remind Us That Tradition Is for Today
In its instrumental simplicity, Land of the Sun is exceptionally vibrant, an album in which Red Spirit Singers remind us that tradition is not only alive but part of today.
Bonobo’s ‘Distance in Static’ Is a Well-Earned Victory Lap
Distance in Static is like a conversation between two halves of Bonobo’s brain. It’s a bold statement and shows him finding new ways to connect with audiences.
A Place for Owls Build Strength Upon Strength on ‘All Thieves, Vol. 1’
A Place for Owls’ new album demonstrates the fruitfulness of collaborating with others, whether that looks like leaning on them or borrowing from them.