Fruit Bats’ Sketchbook Album Feels a Bit Too Even
On Baby Man, Fruit Bats’ minimalist-maximalist approach showcases his vocal capacity, but it will only be relished when the mood hits just right.
merge records
Superchunk Have No Hope… Well, Maybe a Little
Chapel Hill legends Superchunk continue their remarkable second run on the catchy, political Songs in the Key of Yikes. Mac McCaughan chats with PopMatters.
Superchunk Reckon with the State of the Union
Chapel Hill’s finest Superchunk return with another ten songs of righteous, catchy anger and dark humor. It’s one of the best records of their reunion era.
Sacred Paws’ Bright, Upbeat Rock Is Back in Action
Sacred Paws are defined by Ray Aggs’ always-in-motion guitar lines and Eilidh Rodgers’ hyperactive snare drum rolls. Here, they add banjo, and synths to their sound.
Camera Obscura Find That Life Goes On No Matter the Direction
Earlier, Camera Obscura contrasted their mocking pessimism of adult life with innocence. The group may still be twee, but their sneer has become more of a frown.
Ibibio Sound Machine Elevate Their Sound on ‘Pull the Rope’
Ibibio Sound Machine have gone from exciting transcontinental party upstarts to a soulful, sophisticated phenomenon. Pull the Rope is a refreshing new chapter.
Superchunk’s ‘Foolish’ Is Genre-Defining Indie Heartbreak
Foolish was Superchunk committing to staying indie amid turmoil, and the scene is better for it. Their discography is filled with iconic singles defining American indie rock.
Rosali’s ‘Bite Down’ Sounds Classic
Rosali’s Bite Down is a deceptively smooth ride that threatens to pull you under at any moment. Its classic sound draws from Fleetwood Mac and 1970s music.
Mary Timony Explores Grief with Clear Eyes on ‘Untame the Tiger’
Rock guitar virtuoso Mary Timony’s Untame the Tiger is a clear–eyed, unsentimental, top-shelf record that emerged during hard times.
Torres’ ‘What an Enormous Room’ Shows 12 Years Is Enough
Torres’ new LP cements her position as an iconic musician and signifies a final breakthrough into the stratosphere of musical history.
Superchunk Document Their Late Style on ‘Misfits & Mistakes’
Superchunk’s Misfits & Mistakes is a fascinating glimpse of them trying new things while reaffirming their signature contributions to the indie rock canon.
Hiss Golden Messenger Find Reasons to ‘Jump for Joy’
Hiss Golden Messenger’s Jump for Joy switches up the mood considerably, offering a bouncy set of tracks of youthful enthusiasm and maturing gratitude.