The Wombats’ Pair Less Polish With More Self Loathing
The Wombats’ Oh! The Ocean struggles with authenticity, balancing earnestness and self-critique, yet hints at untapped artistic potential.
indie rock
Cryogeyser’s Memorable Heartbreak-Inspired Level-Up
Alternative rock’s Cryogeyser pour everything they have into this compelling, 1990s-influenced song cycle.
Horsegirl Discover Their Identity on Superb New Album
With Phonetics On and On, Horsegirl move beyond their influences, carving out a distinct identity shaped through time and life experience.
Remembering For Against’s Brilliant Post-Punk Classic
Coalesced is For Against’s masterpiece, creating cinematic sonic spaces to function as containers for insular expressions of self-doubt, regret, and victory.
Television Personalities Unleash Their Radio Sessions 1980-1993
Television Personalities’ Tune In, Turn On, Drop Out offers a fresh opportunity to explore the band and their still-unique, seemingly contradictory pleasures.
Death By Unga Bunga Boldly Fuse Power Pop and Garage Rock
Death by Unga Bunga’s Raw Muscular Power is a wild, humorous blend of power-pop and garage rock, tackling existential crises with infectious energy.
Sharon Van Etten Finds New Freedom with Her Band
Sharon Van Etten & The Attachment Theory incorporate synths and darker sonic textures that suit the singer’s cerebral thoughts and powerhouse vocals.
Bartees Strange Remains Shockingly Great on ‘Horror’
Fear may have inspired Bartees Strange’s new LP, but the songs on Horror are some of his best to date. He is one of the key artists of this decade.
Sharon Van Etten Remains Her Genuine Self on New Album
In the afterlife, through a fresh gothic sound, and even in her new band, Sharon Van Etten stays true to herself and who she might have become.
Circa Waves Contemplate ‘Death & Love’ on Dazzling LP
Melodic and anthemic British guitar rock is back big time with Circa Waves and their decade-long run of consistently great pop albums.
Moses Sumney’s ‘Blackalachia’ and the Forest
In Moses Sumney’s beautiful 2021 performance film Blackalachia, the forest is a friend, a threat, a looming watcher, and an extension of the narrator’s person.
Bloc Party Discovered Lightning in a Bottle 20 Years Ago
Bloc Party’s first and best record, championed by Franz Ferdinand, still captivates with its youthful energy, political commentary, and emotional center.