The Smile’s ‘A Light for Attracting Attention’ Possesses Great Musical Depth and Shading
The Smile aren’t a full-on syncretism of Radiohead and Sons of Kemet, but A Light for Attracting Attention proves that it needn’t be.
experimental rock
Horsegirl’s First Love Song Is a Claustral Noise-Pop Cuddle
Chicago teens Horsegirl repackage lovesickness into cozy noise-pop on their new single “World of Pots and Pans” with their debut LP due out in June via Matador.
‘In/Out/In’ Makes a Taut Case for Sonic Youth’s Continued Relevance
In/Out/In, a collection of almost entirely instrumental tracks recorded during Sonic Youth’s final decade, would be a crucial record if it was the only thing they ever recorded.
‘Ants From Up There’ Sees Black Country, New Road Thrillingly Solidify Their Unique Vision
The bold sophomore album from the London experimentalists is a singular work rife with ambitious songwriting and sincere, sharply-observed emotions.
Deerhoof’s Greg Saunier on Making a Joyful Noise in Dreadful Times
Deerhoof’s Greg Saunier, the hyper-expressive drummer, reflects on the band’s longevity, new LP, and the possibility of making a better world.
‘The Velvet Underground’ Film and the Exploding Lou Reed Inevitable
Todd Haynes’ audiovisual blast delves into the creative combat that birthed America’s first great avant-garde rock ‘n’ roll band, the Velvet Underground.
Spirits Having Fun Serve Up Odd, Engaging Mix of Styles on ‘Two’
Experimental rockers Spirits Having Fun live up to their name on their sophomore album, Two. It’s an ethereal and playful ride.
‘Velvet Underground’ Soundtrack Could Use More Idiosyncratic Curation
The soundtrack for Todd Haynes’ new documentary on Velvet Underground contains unimpeachable music but fails to offer a cohesive argument about the iconic band.
Melvins Go Acoustic But Still Sound Somehow Like, Well, the Melvins
At its finest, Melvins’ Five-Legged Dog is downright transgressive, suggesting all sorts of alternate-history narratives for these Washington-bred weirdos.
Matthew E. White Takes Us on a Joyride on ‘K Bay’
Matthew E. White’s K Bay puts you on a sonic roller coaster ride of ups and downs and dangerous curves. It’s a series of constant thrills.
Crossing Boundaries: An Interview with Liars’ Angus Andrew
Liars’ founding member Angus Andrew talks with PopMatters about revisiting the band’s past work and creating a new sci-fi album, The Apple Drop.
Darkside Are Torn Between Convention and the Avant-garde on ‘Spiral’
While Darkside’s Spiral includes moments of virtuosic integration there are other moments where the album seems to lack a unifying aesthetic.