The New Pornographers Tone Down the Hooks on ‘Continue as a Guest’
Continue As a Guest is a more delicate and less hooky version of the New Pornographers, the most reflective they’ve been since 2007’s underrated Challengers.
merge records
‘The Collected Works of Neutral Milk Hotel’ Are Newly Re-Issued
Essentially a re-issue of a 2011 box set with Neutral Milk Hotel’s recorded work, their legacy remains unparalleled even if there’s not much new to exhume.
Fucked Up Are Just Fine on ‘One Day’
Fucked Up’s One Day possesses a brightness and sense of happiness that’s addictive and optimistic, even if the lyrics at times insinuate the opposite.
H.C. McEntire Finds the Poetic in ‘Every Acre’
H.C. McEntire seeks salvation on Every Acre, but these songs suggest it can be found in how one approaches the world rather than in some supernatural entity.
Archers of Loaf Sound More Mature Than Ever on ‘Reason in Decline’
Archers of Loaf’s Reason in Decline is an excellent record from a great band that has been on a recording hiatus for the better part of two and a half decades.
The Mountain Goats Expose the Limits of Escapism on ‘Bleed Out’
The Mountain Goats’ Bleed Out is a fascinating homage and a meta-commentary on the action film genre and how it soothes our unease in a world on fire.
Ibibio Sound Machine Bring the Electrofunk with Hot Chip-Produced ‘Electricity’
Ibibio Sound Machine hit new heights as they draw on the power of musical currents flowing between Lagos and London on the Hot Chip-produced Electricity.
Destroyer Hit a Career Peak on the Vibrant and Pensive ‘LABYRINTHITIS’
On LABYRINTHITIS, indie rock’s Destroyer address North American anxiousness while successfully tackling styles hitherto untouched by the project.
Hiss Golden Messenger Builds a Sanctuary on ‘Quietly Blowing It’
On Quietly Blowing It, Hiss Golden Messenger brings experienced Appalachian artfulness to provide just the right space to fulfill his vision.
The Mountain Goats’ Say It’s ‘Dark in Here’
Despite few upbeat songs, the Mountain Goats’ Dark in Here is a well-balanced, entertaining album. John Darnielle’s songwriting is as strong as ever.
Dawn Richard’s ‘Second Line’ Is a Triumphant Tribute to Her Musical Roots
Dawn Richard’s Second Line is a gorgeous record featuring fantastic, strange, esoteric sounds playing with house and club conventions. It’s a pioneering record and easily one of the best of the year.
Teenage Fanclub’s Sunny Fatalism on Display in ‘Endless Arcade’
Indie rock veterans Teenage Fanclub continue inspiring into their fourth decade with their latest album, Endless Arcade.