Black Midi Continue Their March Into Madness with Excellent ‘Hellfire’
With their third LP Hellfire, Black Midi continue to put out adventurous and challenging music that keeps listeners on the tips of their toes.
experimental rock
Wire Finally Embrace the Old, Forbidden Bootleg ‘Not About to Die’
Not About to Die is a bootleg cassette of scrappy Wire demos recorded in the late 1970s that circulated in the early 1980s. It’s finally an official release.
Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds in Berlin: God, of Sorts, Is in the House
Melodic carnage, transcendental lyrics, cathartic delivery, and divine communion between Him and his flock are expected and delivered from Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds performing live in Berlin.
Malka Spigel Updates ‘Gliding’ EP with New Songs for ‘Gliding & Hiding’
Malka Spigel fastens an older EP of reworkings to a newer EP of reworking. Gliding & Hiding is a small-scale revolution and a highly listenable one.
Between the Grooves of Radiohead’s ‘The Bends’
PopMatters takes a deep dive into Radiohead’s first musically important album, The Bends, where the group’s experimental inclinations initially took flight.
Radiohead Became Worldwide Rock Stars 25 Years Ago With ‘OK Computer’
The Bends hinted at Radiohead’s potential, but OK Computer allowed Radiohead the freedom to experiment and started their progression to forward-looking music.
The Smile’s ‘A Light for Attracting Attention’ Possesses Great Musical Depth and Shading
The Smile aren’t a full-on syncretism of Radiohead and Sons of Kemet, but A Light for Attracting Attention proves that it needn’t be.
Horsegirl’s First Love Song Is a Claustral Noise-Pop Cuddle
Chicago teens Horsegirl repackage lovesickness into cozy noise-pop on their new single “World of Pots and Pans” with their debut LP due out in June via Matador.
‘In/Out/In’ Makes a Taut Case for Sonic Youth’s Continued Relevance
In/Out/In, a collection of almost entirely instrumental tracks recorded during Sonic Youth’s final decade, would be a crucial record if it was the only thing they ever recorded.
‘Ants From Up There’ Sees Black Country, New Road Thrillingly Solidify Their Unique Vision
The bold sophomore album from the London experimentalists is a singular work rife with ambitious songwriting and sincere, sharply-observed emotions.
Deerhoof’s Greg Saunier on Making a Joyful Noise in Dreadful Times
Deerhoof’s Greg Saunier, the hyper-expressive drummer, reflects on the band’s longevity, new LP, and the possibility of making a better world.
‘The Velvet Underground’ Film and the Exploding Lou Reed Inevitable
Todd Haynes’ audiovisual blast delves into the creative combat that birthed America’s first great avant-garde rock ‘n’ roll band, the Velvet Underground.
