Annie & the Caldwells a Deliver Soul-Stirring Triumph
Annie & the Caldwells’ Can’t Lose My (Soul) blends gospel fervor and deep grooves into a triumphant, soul-stirring album that reaches for transcendence.
Reviews
Reviews of popular culture related areas, including music, film, TV, books, games, comics, and more.
Joy Burklund Crafts Irresistible Power Pop on ‘Songbouquet’
While Joy Burklund’s Songbouquet sounds inspired by many of the classic pop and rock records that preceded it, it also affirms the power of community.
Playing ‘Monster Hunter Wilds’ Is Catharsis for Resisting Authoritarianism
In its cathartic gameplay, Monster Hunter Wilds shows that even the world’s grandest predators can fall when their weaknesses are understood and exploited.
Heartworms’ Debut Makes a Claim For Greatness
Heartworms’ Glutton For Punishment is a highly intelligent, essentially perfect album. At 37 minutes long, it’s a precision-cut diamond.
Yes’ Close to the Edge Appears in a New Super Deluxe Edition
Yes’ Close to the Edge remains a progressive rock landmark, but Rhino’s new Super Deluxe Edition does little to further that legacy.
The Lathums Create Delightful British Rock on New LP
The Lathums have fulfilled the promise of “Crying Out” with a series of singles and two hit albums. Now, they have released a hard-hitting third album.
Is Wilco’s ‘A Ghost Is Born’ Reissue the Perfect Box Set?
That most of the extras on Wilco’s A Ghost Is Born gel into a cohesive listen is a hell of a triumph. That they entice enough for repeat listens is nothing short of a miracle.
Jesse Welles Sounds Assured on the Multidimensional ‘Middle’
Youthful Arkansas native Jesse Welles has been at it for years but moves beyond protest music to the sophisticated alternative country of Middle.
Soul Man Mike Farris Is Brilliant Digging Up His Roots
Mike Farris recapitulates his musical past in a way that posits him as an artist with plenty of forward momentum even as he builds on history.
Circuit des Yeux’s Glorious New LP Is Modern-Day Alchemy
Circuit des Yeux’s work, including her singular voice, conjures the grand epics, the metamorphoses that the ancients whispered and sang about.
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.
Nels Cline’s Forward-Thinking Jazz Is Superb
Trailblazing guitarist and Wilco secret weapon Nels Cline is back with a bracing new jazz quartet recording and joined by similarly forward-thinking musicians.