music review

The Cure’s Long-Awaited New Single “Alone” Is a Celestial Lament

The Cure’s Long-Awaited New Single “Alone” Is a Celestial Lament

“Alone” is one of the most devastating songs in the Cure’s entire catalogue, evoking an agonizing sense of loss that can deeply resonate with many listeners.

Kelly Lee Owens trades Brat Summer for Dreamstate Autumn

Kelly Lee Owens trades Brat Summer for Dreamstate Autumn

DJ, singer, and producer Kelly Lee Owens takes the opposite path from Charli XCX, yet meets her at the crossroads of pop and electronic music on Dreamstate.

Yasmin Williams Discovers New Growth in ‘Acadia’

Yasmin Williams Discovers New Growth in ‘Acadia’

Drawing on a range of influences while incorporating a variety of guest musicians, Yasmin Williams has created her most ambitious music yet on Acadia.

Grayson Capps Finds the Joy in ‘Heartbreak, Misery & Death’

Grayson Capps Finds the Joy in ‘Heartbreak, Misery & Death’

These songs will lift your spirit by sharing their sorrow with you. Misery loves company. Grayson Capps’ new album invites one to sing along.

Pale Waves Put Forth Another Solid Effort on ‘Smitten’

Pale Waves Put Forth Another Solid Effort on ‘Smitten’

Pale Waves ride nostalgia like they were old enough to have lived it. Whether their mimicry is incidental or purposeful, Smitten is another enjoyable record.

Wild Pink Achieve a More Authentic Sound on ‘Dulling the Horns’

Wild Pink Achieve a More Authentic Sound on ‘Dulling the Horns’

On Dulling the Horns, Wild Pink deliver reverberating guitars and new instruments that complement their thought-provoking sentiments and introspection.

Fleetwood Mac’s ‘Mirage Tour ’82’ Features the Hits

Fleetwood Mac’s ‘Mirage Tour ’82’ Features the Hits

Culled mostly from previously-released material, this triple-vinyl set catches Fleetwood Mac in the midst of their world-beating commercial phase.

Bo Ramsey Revisits the Past in the ‘Sidetrack’ Lounge

Bo Ramsey Revisits the Past in the ‘Sidetrack’ Lounge

In a world full of shredders, Bo Ramsey reveals the splendor of simplicity in his blues-laden Sidetrack EP. He lets this guitar do most of the talking.

Drug Church Critique Hypocrisy and Retain Their Edge on ‘PRUDE’

Drug Church Critique Hypocrisy and Retain Their Edge on ‘PRUDE’

Drug Church’s PRUDE takes its place alongside Gouge Away’s Deep Sage as a highlight of the year in hardcore that could reach outside the flock.

Photay’s ‘Windswept’ Is an Ecstatic Embrace of Power and Wonder

Photay’s ‘Windswept’ Is an Ecstatic Embrace of Power and Wonder

An emotional and intellectual curiosity pulses through the glitches, polyrhythms, and floating synths of Photay’s Windswept, which feels distinctly personal.

Xiu Xiu’s Latest Album Shows Off Their Irresistible Noise

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.

Adeline Hotel’s ‘Whodunnit’ Beautifully Reflects on Breaking Up

Adeline Hotel’s ‘Whodunnit’ Beautifully Reflects on Breaking Up

Adeline Hotel’s ever-prolific Dan Knishkowy turns inward on his new album, Whodunnit, divorced but devoid of bitterness or blame.