Flora Hibberd’s ‘Swirl’ Is a Stunning Debut
Flora Hibberd displays grace, timelessness, an accurate ear for classic songcraft, and production touches that wrap Swirl in a glorious bow.
Chris Ingalls
Chris is a Massachusetts native who spent seven years as a broadcast journalist in the U.S. Navy and was also a videotape editor for a CBS affiliate TV station, a newspaper editor at a military public affairs office in Naples, Italy, and a videographer for a cancer research institute. His currently works as an internal communications manager for a large Boston hospital. He was born in 1969 and has been a rabid music fan since at least 1970, thanks to his three older siblings. A PopMatters writer since 2016, Chris is also an occasional guest on the music podcast "Losing My Opinion," and is on Bluesky, Instagram, and X @Ingalls1969. He lives in the leafy suburbs outside of Boston with his wife, son, dog, two cats, and lots of records.
Death Sneeze Embrace Avant-Garde Punk and Much More
Death Sneeze’s debut album is noisy, multifaceted, boundless, and cacophonous but contains a million unique moments ripe for discovery.
Will Mason Quartet’s Glorious Celebration of Microtonal Chamber Jazz
Drummer and composer Will Mason used modernist paintings, poetry, and compositions as chief influences on this hypnotic new album.
Dave Mackay Dives Into Electronics on ‘The Looking Chamber’
In a reaction to the pandemic, British jazz pianist Dave Mackay explores synthesizers on his adventurous new release, ‘The Looking Chamber’.
Opa’s ‘Goldenwings’ Is a South American Jazz Fusion Classic
Opa’s Goldenwings is an influential Uruguayan jazz album that somehow got lost in the shuffle but is gloriously brought back to life with love and care.
Passepartout Duo Reinterpret Synthesizer As an Intelligent Talking Machine
Experimental music is too often dismissed by many as cold and calculated. Passepartout Duo are here to tear down that myth with Argot.
Father John Misty Beautifully Chronicles Our Messed-Up World
Father John Misty has come as close to perfecting his artistry as anyone can. Mahashmashana is a masterpiece of exceptional songwriting and performance.
Alex E. Chávez’s ‘Sonorous Present’ Is a Beautiful Meditation
Due to the unique mix and execution of all the elements present, Alex E. Chávez’s Sonorous Present is richly rewarding and an astonishing sonic experience.
Strangerfamiliar’s ‘La Pena’ Is a Haunting Ode to Trauma
The first full-length album from Strangerfamiliar (aka Ilichna Morasky) sees the musician incorporating synths and exotic percussion on a unique set of songs.
Ross Goldstein Signals a Creative Rebirth with ‘Blunders’
Ross Goldstein’s Blunders embraces the melody and inventiveness of the best pop music but is still unusual and daring enough to stand out.
Luke Wyland Creates Deep, Dreamy Soundscapes on ‘Kuma Cove’
Luke Wyland’s performances provide the usual Zen moments from this type of ambient minimalism, but there’s a hint of darkness within the notes.
Charlie Kaplan Embraces Melodic, Psychedelic Grooves on ‘Eternal Repeater’
Office Culture’s Charlie Kaplan takes a little from garage rock and folk rock, producing his most satisfying solo release to date. It genuinely mesmerizes.