Elephant9 and Terje Rypdal Blaze on ‘Catching Fire’
Elephant9’s new LP is a showpiece for what can happen when masterful instrumentalists follow the muse, fueled by an audience that locks into every twist.
experimental
Nate Mercereau Is Challenging the Notion of “Genre” Itself
From writing with Shawn Mendes to helping André 3000 break genre barriers, guitarist Nate Mercereau’s latest breaks ground by ignoring labels and limits.
The New Freedom of Jawbox’s Zach Barocas
Drummer for post-hardcore legends Jawbox, Zach Barocas is living his best life creating jazz with friends in New Freedom Sound. He discusses his new music.
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.
Ambient Composer Rafael Anton Irisarri’s Dispersion of Belief
For a record conceived of following the 2016 US election and a global pandemic, ambient maestro Rafael Anton Irisarri is ready to soundtrack our downfall.
Ionnalee’s Bilingual Gambit to Hear the End of Every Song
Ionnalee has electronic LPs under multiple monikers, but she uncovers her full songwriting prowess by dropping a double-album split between English and Swedish.
Max Jaffe Takes Experimentalism to Another Level
Percussionist Max Jaffe chronicles his years in New York City with the twitchy, unsettling, experimental jazz of Reduction of Man.
No More Apocalypse Father Plead We Are Winter’s Blue and Radiant Children
On their first missive, We Are Winter’s Blue and Radiant Children create beauty amid the contemporary horror of a vicarious, voyeuristic existence.
Nala Sinephro Composes Cosmic Jazz on ‘Endlessness’
Nala Sinephro’s Endlessness is music that is good for the ear, the mind, the heart, and the very future of the philosophical orientations of jazz.
One Pioneer to Another: Laurie Anderson Meets ‘Amelia’
Trailblazing avant-garde artist Laurie Anderson tells the story of Amelia Earhart in a wonderful, engaging musical documentary.
Budokan Boys’ ‘Are You Sick?’ Is Darkly Comic Madness
The deeply strange but sonically seductive duo Budokan Boys unleash a typically bonkers new EP. ‘Are You Sick?’ Highlights their odd, dark world.
Chuck Johnson Creates Shimmering Ambient Soundscapes
Chuck Johnson’s soundscapes have a widescreen feel with pedal steel guitar, twangy fingerpicking, and well-executed use of synthesizers and meditative drones.