Xiu Xiu Successfully Evoke a David Lynchian Cinematic World
Eraserhead Xiu Xiu succeeds brilliantly as an evocation of David Lynch’s cinematic world, while proving less convincing as a recording intended to stand on its own.
experimental
Taiga Ultan Creates Tight Constrictions to Break Free of Them
Taiga Ultan’s Shade Zero demonstrates that conscious music-making never fully abandons rules, even if those rules are not to have rules.
Sunken Cages Creates a Cosmic Dance Writ Small on “Drums and Flowers”
Sunken Cages has spent the past 20 years building a uniquely idiosyncratic soundworld fusing Indian instruments with pristine electronic production.
Horse Lords Expand Their Sound on Hypnotic Album
There is a beautifully down-to-earth aspect to Horse Lords’ new LP and they are confident in their signature sound while still finding ways to keep it fresh and unique.
Tyler Sabbag’s ‘Novella’ Is a Glorious Cinematic Musical Journey
On Novella, composer Tyler Sabbag conjures a wonderful, sun-kissed orchestral jazz vibe that’s just in time for summer.
Mukqs Creates Calm Chaos on an Otherworldly LP
Under the Mukqs moniker, Max Allison keeps topping himself. Juckport is another wild sonic ride from the forward-thinking Hausu Mountain label.
The Street Photography Nature of Solo Improvisational Music
Bill MacKay, Douglas McCombs, and Tashi Dorji’s improvisational music mirrors Garry Winogrand’s street photography.
Brandon Seabrook Conjures a Vivid ‘Hellbent Daydream’
Brandon Seabrook’s Hellbent Daydream suggests the logic of dreams with a musical precision that is more caffeinated than gauzy. It sparkles with originality.
When Lee “Scratch” Perry and Mouse on Mars Teamed Up
When Mars on Mars were in the studio with Lee “Scratch” Perry in late 2019, they didn’t realize they were getting the last chance to capture his essence on tape.
Sharada Shashidhar Broadens Her Horizons on New LP
Vocalist and composer Sharada Shashidhar experiments with style and instrumentation, resulting in an exciting hybrid of spiritual jazz and alternative R&B.
Aaron Wyanski Boldly Rearranges Arnold Schoenberg
Composer and pianist Aaron Wyanski transforms the notoriously difficult Pierrot Lunaire by Arnold Schoenberg into lounge jazz.
Adam Schatz Creates a Passionate, Unique Improvisation
Prolific jazz saxophonist Adam Schatz, known for his work as an in-demand sideman, takes a bold step forward with Civil Engineering, Vol. 1.