Alex E. Chávez’s ‘Sonorous Present’ Is a Beautiful Meditation
Due to the unique mix and execution of all the elements present, Alex E. Chávez’s Sonorous Present is richly rewarding and an astonishing sonic experience.
music review
Max Richter’s ‘In a Landscape’ Connects Nature and Humanity
In a Landscape reconciles nature with humanity through lush soundscapes, and it feels like a revelation for newcomers to composer Max Richter’s oeuvre.
Albert King’s ‘In Session’ Offers a Master Class in Mutual Respect
In Session documents the night a one-time blues jam between guitarists Albert King and Stevie Ray Vaughan turned into a legendary moment.
Loose Cattle Scare the Herd with ‘Someone’s Monster’
Country-rockers Loose Cattle’s Someone’s Monster suggests that we may all be somebody else’s demons while the songs imply we might be our own worst enemies.
Strangerfamiliar’s ‘La Pena’ Is a Haunting Ode to Trauma
The first full-length album from Strangerfamiliar (aka Ilichna Morasky) sees the musician incorporating synths and exotic percussion on a unique set of songs.
Meryl Streek Is Still Angry in ‘Songs for the Deceased’
In Songs for the Deceased Irish avant-garde punk’s Meryl Streek rages against the landlord class, which perpetuates the violent system of precarity.
Tribute LP Shines Light on the Underappreciated David Olney
Can’t Steal My Fire: The Songs of David Olney introduces one of America’s great but overlooked songwriters to a broader audience.
Ross Goldstein Signals a Creative Rebirth with ‘Blunders’
Ross Goldstein’s Blunders embraces the melody and inventiveness of the best pop music but is still unusual and daring enough to stand out.
Luke Wyland Creates Deep, Dreamy Soundscapes on ‘Kuma Cove’
Luke Wyland’s performances provide the usual Zen moments from this type of ambient minimalism, but there’s a hint of darkness within the notes.
Talk Talk Brought Fire and Negative Space to ‘It’s My Life’
When Talk Talk released It’s My Life in 1984, they shook the new wave establishment with great songs and a new approach, while refusing any genre boxification.
Chuck Prophet Enlists ¿Qiensave? for a Lively Cumbia Album
Chuck Prophet’s incorporation of Cumbia music on Wake the Dead feels more natural than it sounds, but he remains himself, and we get the best of both worlds.
Louis Cole Leaves Nothing on the Table
From lush orchestral arrangements to frenetic fusion, Louis Cole’s nothing is arguably his most ambitious and wide-ranging album yet.