Xiu Xiu’s Jamie Stewart Is All Covered Up on New Record
Born from a cover-song subscription model, Xiu Xiu’s latest album unearths the raw humanity in pop confections. Jamie Stewart discusses this and more.
indie rock
Mitski Disappears with Grace on Eighth Album
On her eighth album, Nothing’s About to Happen to Me, singer-songwriter Mitski employs a country-folk sound to reflect the peace found in isolation.
Jackie West Expands the Strengths of Her Brilliant Debut
Jackie West grows from her immensely satisfying debut album into a follow-up that sees her taking chances while writing beautiful, emotionally striking music.
Kerrin Connolly Swings for the Fences on Brilliant LP
Kerrin Connolly has stepped up her game, with smart, sophisticated arrangements and an arsenal of pop songs that are a quantum leap from earlier music.
Congratulations Show Potential on the Patchy ‘Join Hands’
Potential comes in many forms, and for congratulations, it stems from the musicianship: high and mighty, stealth and singular.
KEELEY’s New Album Sports Soaring Guitars
Rock guitars form the central DNA of KEELEY’s new record, Girl on the Edge of the World, for all the glory it can muster.
Music/All Things Reconsidered/Feature Sub Head/Featured: Top of Home Page/Features/Music Features/Pop Past
PUP Supercharged Their Career and Pop-Punk 10 Years Ago
How a supposed death sentence, PUP’s The Dream Is Over, ignited today’s pop-punk torchbearers 10 years ago.
Take a Trip Through the US Psychedelic Underground 1977-88
A Trip Through the US Psychedelic Underground showcases the richness of 1980s pop music and, by extension, the 1960s pop music that inspired it.
Scott McCloud Powerfully Reflects on the Past
Girls Against Boys singer Scott McCloud shows a quieter, more reflective side in this addictive collection of solo tracks, Forever.
Ratboys Find New Clarity in Old Ghosts on New LP
Singin’ to an Open Chair is a wonderful album that shows Ratboys revving their engine once again, ready to take another long, curious lap around the block.
Joyce Manor Embrace Their Pop Sensibilities
The pop-punk institution Joyce Manor emphasize melody on another hooky collection of melancholy-tinged anthems.
Joyce Manor Talk Bars and Candy Bars
Pop-punk’s Joyce Manor have a new album that’s a fresh take on their patented sound. “Bands in our scene can have songs from a decade ago blow up on TikTok.”