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.
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.
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.
Office Culture’s Sprawling New LP “Finds Beauty in the Shrapnel”
On the occasion of Office Culture’s ambitious fourth album, Winston Cook-Wilson talks about collaboration, influences, and making dumb sounds on a synthesizer.
Market’s ‘Well I Asked You a Question’ Is Twisted Pop Perfection
Producer and multi-instrumentalist Nate Mendelsohn’s (Market) latest songwriting project Well I Asked You a Question is wobbly, unstable, and catchy as hell.
The Clearwater Swimmers Dive into Warm, Fuzzy Distortion
As they’ve proven on their debut, the Clearwater Swimmers click beautifully as a quartet but are also guided by songwriting of the highest order.
Lea Thomas Exudes Warmth with the Expansive ‘Cosmos Forever’
With Lea Thomas and her gifted band at the helm, she has created nothing short of a widescreen, ethereal, sonic gem that one can easily get lost in.
Xiu Xiu’s Latest Album Shows Off Their Irresistible Noise
Xiu Xiu are uncompromising and have an equal appreciation for the beauty in life and all of its dark corners. Here, they mix jarring atonality and eerie calm.
Adeline Hotel’s ‘Whodunnit’ Beautifully Reflects on Breaking Up
Adeline Hotel’s ever-prolific Dan Knishkowy turns inward on his new album, Whodunnit, divorced but devoid of bitterness or blame.