PopMatters Picks

Tryp Tych Tryo Debut with a Splendid Album of British Jazz

Tryp Tych Tryo Debut with a Splendid Album of British Jazz

British jazz is a multicultural melting pot merged with the jazz tradition. The variety of sounds has lacked the Slavic element so far. Enter Tryp Tych Tryo.

Brazilian Hip-Hop Artist Laíz Makes Bold Moves on ‘Ela Partíu’

Brazilian Hip-Hop Artist Laíz Makes Bold Moves on ‘Ela Partíu’

Throughout Ela Partíu, Laíz makes clear just how much more she is: strong, tender, and an outstanding new figure in globally-minded hip-hop.

MJ Lenderman Finds the ‘Fireworks’ in Everyday Life

MJ Lenderman Finds the ‘Fireworks’ in Everyday Life

MJ Lenderman creates sounds that somehow cut into his listeners’ heads and hearts, even when the songs’ sonics resemble that of the garage band next door.

The Complicated Life of Moby Grape’s Skip Spence

The Complicated Life of Moby Grape’s Skip Spence

This bio about Moby Grape’s Skip Spence dissects and casts a glowing light on his work as a composer of some of the most influential music of San Francisco’s psychedelic scene.

Overthink Dance-Punk’s the Dare at Your Own Risk

Overthink Dance-Punk’s the Dare at Your Own Risk

The Dare’s What’s Wrong With New York? is euphoric, massive, funny, blissfully unironic, and finally real male pop. I wouldn’t overthink it.

The Jesus Lizard Return With the Uncompromising ‘Rack’

The Jesus Lizard Return With the Uncompromising ‘Rack’

Rack is another thrilling chapter from the Jesus Lizard, one of the most significant noise bands ever and whom many groups claim as a heavy influence.

MetalMatters: The Best Metal Albums of August 2024

MetalMatters: The Best Metal Albums of August 2024

In August’s best metal, Mamaleek defy categorization, Teeth evolve their dissonant death metal, and Vomitrot bounce between death/doom and black metal.

Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds Declare “Now Is the Time For Joy”

Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds Declare “Now Is the Time For Joy”

Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds’ Wild God teems with creative ambitions and sacred content. An ode to the surprise of joy, it is an audacious, reaching record.

Sabrina Carpenter’s Glittery Matrix on ‘Short n’ Sweet’

Sabrina Carpenter’s Glittery Matrix on ‘Short n’ Sweet’

Sabrina Carpenter’s Short n’ Sweet displays her ability to imbue pristine pop production with personal flair, sparking a long overdue breakout.

‘Belaya Polosa’ Expands Molchat Doma’s Industrial Palette

‘Belaya Polosa’ Expands Molchat Doma’s Industrial Palette

Belaya Polosa is full of Molchat Doma’s most complex and overtly human music, organically integrated into their melancholy post-punk atmosphere.

Five Excellent Recent Books Blending Music and Personal Narrative

Five Excellent Recent Books Blending Music and Personal Narrative

Music writing often combines the personal, political, and historical in new and inventive ways revealing the interconnectedness of these categories.

MJ Lenderman Continues Upward Trajectory with ‘Manning Fireworks’

MJ Lenderman Continues Upward Trajectory with ‘Manning Fireworks’

On Manning Fireworks, MJ Lenderman describes down-and-out characters with his usual witty charm, all while showcasing his exceptional musical abilities.