Alex Izenberg Makes a Grand Statement with His Exiles
Alex Izenberg & the Exiles sees the artist take another step in his evolution as a songwriter, and his supporting cast helps him reach that next crest.
domino records
Beth Gibbons Ventures Out on ‘Lives Outgrown’
Lives Outgrown seems like an outgrowth of where Beth Gibbons’ mind and talents have taken her in the past decade, which is to ruminate on how life is a vapor.
Real Estate Go Back to Basics on ‘Daniel’
Daniel‘s “brand-new old-fashioned” version of Real Estate is totally workable but is also a reminder that the old-fashioned stuff was better.
Panda Bear and Sonic Boom Re-interpret ‘Reset’ with ‘Reset in Dub’
Reset in Dub marks another attempt by Panda Bear and Sonic Boom to arrive at a new alchemy between past and present musical traditions.
Protomartyr Showcase Subtle Expansion of Their Shadowy Sound
In Formal Growth in the Desert, Protomartyr have subtly evolved their sound into something not as claustrophobically volatile as previous efforts.
John Cale Collaborates with Contemporary Artists on ‘MERCY’
John Cale enlists Weyes Blood, Sylvan Esso, and Animal Collective to create a dark, unsettling new LP, MERCY, combining darkness with beauty on a knife edge.
Sorry’s Songwriting Tweaks Make for a Big Improvement on ‘Anywhere But Here’
Sorry’s Anywhere But Here pokes at rock and pop conventions without being a full-on piss-take on rock music. It’s more rewarding the more it’s listened to.
The Range’s ‘Mercury’ Is Engrossing, Danceable, and Nostalgic
The not-to-be-missed fourth album by EDM artist James Hinton aka the Range is simultaneously his most retro sounding and forward-looking. Mercury is engrossing.
Wet Leg’s Debut Is Pure Fun, and That’s About It
Wet Leg’s winning self-titled debut, with its constant hookups and insights into young adulthood, is an oasis in a sea of self-serious post-punk.
Franz Ferdinand’s ‘Hits to the Head’ Highlight’s Catchy Tunes and Artistic Shortcomings
Franz Ferdinand’s potential is repeatedly hinted at rather than fully realized on Hits to the Head. But it’s better to show potential than to have none at all.
Animal Collective Give Us Their Most Accessible Album with ‘Time Skiffs’
Time Skiffs finds Animal Collective in a calm, contemplative state yet places them closer in style to most indie rock bands.
Jon Hopkins Quiets the Mind and Opens the Heart on ‘Music for Psychedelic Therapy’
Electronic music’s Jon Hopkins takes a deep dive and goes straight for the heart on Music for Psychedelic Therapy. The question is, will you go?