How Melanie Martinez’s “THE VATICAN” Revives an Old Religious Joke
Melanie Martinez’s “THE VATICAN” sounds like a distinctly modern piece of religious provocation, but its central technique is rooted in medieval parody.
electropop
Overmono’s ‘Pure Devotion’ Is Impressive Electronic Music
Overmono’s new LP feels like a step forward as they push into new directions, crafting expansive dance music that retains a deep sense of humanity.
Charli XCX Discovers the Antidote to Fame
On Music, Fashion, Film, Charli XCX turns experimentation into self-deprecation, vindicating pop music’s commercialism.
Ebbb’s ‘Shallow Hits’ Moves From Introspection to Euphoria
Across Shallow Hits, Ebbb establish their signature dynamic, textured sound, where existential weariness and pop euphoria comfortably exist side by side.
The 10 Most Important British Synthpop Songs of 1980
It’s been 46 years since the first explosion of synthpop songs revitalised the UK charts. These are the Moog-infused tracks of 1980 that had the biggest impact.
Icona Pop Perform a Fabulous ‘Ritual’ on Their New LP
At turns romantic, hopeful, and melancholy, Icona Pop’s Ritual is a heart-fluttering experience that touches upon the best of current dance-pop trends.
Charli XCX’s New Album Is a Celebration of the Working Class
Charli XCX, now on her seventh record, pursues the continuum of human feelings and flairs. This may be the most humane entry yet in the grand canon.
Alex Cameron’s ‘Late to Set’ Rewards Every Listen
Alex Cameron’s Late to Set rewards repeat listens with evocative storytelling, emotional ambiguity and impeccable pop craftsmanship.
Doublespeak’s Vince Clarke, Neil Arthur, and Benge on Analog and Their Exciting Collaboration
A modern day elecropop supergroup, Vince Clarke lets Doublespeak’s reputation and carefully curated cover songs speak to their influence.
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.
Charli XCX’s ‘Music, Fashion, Film’ Is Too Cool For Its Own Good
Music, Fashion, Film is Charli XCX desperately trying to find something that feels cool, risky, and exciting to her after having her original vision of cool co-opted.
MISSIO Serve Up the Emotions on ‘Love & Heartbreak’
MISSIO’s Love & Heartbreak should be regarded as an art installation by its own terms, measurements that do credit to the furnished piece.