Rachael Sage Finds Hope in Harmony, Turning Tragedy Into Song
For Rachael Sage, songs can do something few public conversations can. They create common ground before people retreat into fixed positions.
alternative pop
Nia Archives Brilliantly Expands Jungle and Revels in Hooks
Nia Archives’ new album captures a gifted artist and producer as she transcends her influences, claiming and reveling in her own bewitching style.
Olivia Rodrigo Is Mature and Disciplined on Third LP
Olivia Rodrigo has always crafted her songs to leave her figuratively smiling and winking at her audience. She takes this skill to new heights on her latest LP.
Nicole Saphos Rocks With Determination
Nicole Saphos’ music grapples with heavy emotions and the buzz of nostalgia, yet never seems derivative. Her songs are fresh, unique, and able to walk through fire.
Britpop Pioneers Squeeze Bring Out the Fun on ‘Trixies’
Squeeze were always ambitious, although never at the expense of fun. Trixies is imaginative, impressive, and most importantly, fun.
The Red Universe of Mari Jasca: Song, Circus, and Soul
Brazilian singer-songwriter and circus performer Mari Jasca is a lover of the Latin American song ideal. She discusses her musical inspirations and songwriting.
Charli XCX Brilliantly Channels Kate Bush and Emily Brontë
Kate Bush and Charli XCX, in their own ways, challenge the vernacular of contemporary songcraft, a commitment that paid off for both women.
Jenny on Holiday’s ‘Quicksand Heart’ Is As Good As Pop Gets
Let’s Eat Grandma’s Jenny on Holiday captures love’s emotions on an intimate, confessional record wrapped in a glossy, pretty synthpop package.
Georgia Knight Is Caught in Desire
What makes Georgia Knight stand out lies in the trip-hop-laced numbers, wherein pulsive and gothic loops are set against breathy vocals and diaristic lyrics.
The Complete Oral History of Caravan Palace’s <|°_°|>
Ten years ago, electro swingers Caravan Palace released a masterpiece that defied even their own fans. <|°_°|> (Robot Face) is what their legacy hangs on.
The Ruen Brothers Keep It Dark on ‘Awooo’
While nothing on the Ruen Brothers’ Awooo sounds explicitly like bluegrass, it’s infused with a dark mood that could clearly have been influenced by Appalachia.
No One Is Crushed in Water From Your Eyes’ Beautiful World
Water From Your Eyes captivate with genre-defying songs sculpted in a utopian sci-fi vein that envision a more hopeful universe.