Fontaines D.C.’s ‘Romance’ Is a Full-Fledged Triumph
Fontaines D.C.’s ‘Romance’ should be considered a high-water mark for them, a work that is equally challenging and considerably more gratifying.
dream pop
Spirit of the Beehive Balance Experimentation and Songcraft
Spirit of the Beehive offer their most rangy yet integrated album, each track striking a notable balance between sonic exploration and hook-leaning songcraft.
Wishy Offer a Fresh Take on Proven Sounds
Wishy’s debut LP reflects a band figuring out their style early in their career, but the strength of this album is likely to catapult them into indie stardom.
The Black Watch Might Be Signaling the Beginning of Their End
With Weird Rooms, John Andrew Fredrick and the Black Watch are at the late height of their powers and perhaps the end of their life as a group.
Pretty When She Cries: Lana Del Rey’s ‘Ultraviolence’ at 10
Lana Del Rey’s Ultraviolence used rock to kickstart a new career direction that culminated in autobiographical work without spoiling the mystery of her persona.
DIIV Go Deep on ‘Frog in Boiling Water’
DIIV’s Frog in Boiling Water aspires to be a statement album, reflecting our zeitgeist of right-wing extremism, global conflict, and environmental collapse.
Jackie West Dazzles on the Stunning ‘Close to the Mystery’
Brooklyn-based singer-songwriter Jackie West effortlessly transcends genres and generations on her outstanding debut album, Close to the Mystery.
Poland’s Coals Seek Solace in Relaxing Melancholy on ‘Sanatorium’
Polish duo Coals always looks for something new in music, and Sanatorium is no different. But in the lyrics and emotions, it’s a return to the past.
Ride Turn Dreamy on New Album ‘Interplay’
Ride continue their second phase with ‘Interplay’, an album full of melodic atmosphere lacking some of the creative yearning heard in their earlier work.
Against All Odds, Laetitia Sadier Is Still ‘Rooting for Love’
Laetitia Sadier of Stereolab sees love as a solution for our contemporary ills, whether personal, political, or planetary. The stakes couldn’t be higher.
Pure Bliss on Mall Girl’s Striking New Album ‘Pure Love’
Mall Girl are in a category of their own. The art-pop trio possess so much potential, and Pure Love is one of the most exciting releases of the new year.
‘In Ribbons’ Reissue Revisits Experimentation of Pale Saints
Delayed a year due to Covid, the 30th anniversary re-release of In Ribbons by Pale Saints last October is a reminder of how expansive shoegaze can be.