Reviews

‘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.

Sima Cunningham Soars and Soothes on the Brilliant ‘High Roller’

Sima Cunningham Soars and Soothes on the Brilliant ‘High Roller’

The different lyrical, musical, and emotional avenues indie folk’s Sima Cunningham travels throughout High Roller shows an artist overflowing with ideas.

Premee Mohamed’s Sci-Fi ‘We Speak Through the Mountain’ Is a Call for Cooperation

Premee Mohamed’s Sci-Fi ‘We Speak Through the Mountain’ Is a Call for Cooperation

Premee Mohamed’s We Speak Through the Mountain is a school story set in a future that looks startlingly close to our times, sentient fungal infections notwithstanding.

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.

Billy Strings Takes Over Berkeley’s Greek Theater

Billy Strings Takes Over Berkeley’s Greek Theater

Guitar virtuoso Billy Strings has been on quite a roll over the past few years, winning widespread acclaim for his energetic live performances.

Moira Smiley Calls for Peace and Community on ‘The Rhizome Project’

Moira Smiley Calls for Peace and Community on ‘The Rhizome Project’

It would be unfair to put Moira Smiley’s work in a single box, but it seems fitting to note how fully she embodies the core ideals of contemporary folk music.

WHY? Find Hope in Heartbreak on ‘The Well I Fell Into’

WHY? Find Hope in Heartbreak on ‘The Well I Fell Into’

WHY?’s The Well I Fell Into is a harrowing hip-hop journey, but one that belongs on the shelf for the next time heartbreak comes calling.

Osheaga Festival 2024: Extremely Hot to Go!

Osheaga Festival 2024: Extremely Hot to Go!

After almost four years of darkness, violence, cultural malaise, and fascism’s threat, today’s young generation fight back with sincere joy at Osheaga.

‘Five Years Old Memories’ and Naïve Art in Video Games

‘Five Years Old Memories’ and Naïve Art in Video Games

Japanese visual artist, Komitsu’s newest work “Five Years Old Memories” is a colorful interactive documentary. It reimagines old CD-ROM software for the digital era.

Vanessa Williams Returns with the Excellent ‘Survivor’ After a Lengthy Break

Vanessa Williams Returns with the Excellent ‘Survivor’ After a Lengthy Break

After listening to Survivor, one thing that remains clear is that Vanessa Williams thrives on being an old-school Entertainer with a capital E.

Fucked Up Create Anthems in Minutes on ‘Another Day’

Fucked Up Create Anthems in Minutes on ‘Another Day’

Canadian hardcore legends Fucked Up channel 1970s riffage and wear a hard-won optimism well on Another Day. It’s among their best albums.

Fontaines D.C.’s ‘Romance’ Is a Full-Fledged Triumph

Fontaines D.C.’s ‘Romance’ Is a Full-Fledged Triumph

Fontaines D.C.’s ‘Romance’ should be considered a high-water mark for them, a work that is equally challenging and considerably more gratifying.