Swans: The Great Annihilator / Michael Gira: Drainland
By pairing The Great Annihilator with Drainland, the emotional rawness of Gira and Jarboe's art comes through in full color.
noise rock
Sleigh Bells: Jessica Rabbit
Noise pop duo rise to the challenge of diversifying trademark sound with host of new elements, crafting one of their strongest albums.
Pop. 1280: Paradise
Those wanting to dance with the devil will have a very pleasant time with Pop. 1280's brooding and flashy Paradise.
Deerhoof: Fever 121614
The new vinyl release from the always-reliable Deerhoof doesn't disappoint. Bring ear plugs.
Swans: The Gate
Michael Gira’s lauded experimental rock group returns with an apocalyptic shriek.
Dope Body: Kunk
A top-notch rock record, of the disgusting variety.
Mission of Burma: Signals, Calls, and Marches / Vs.
Thirty years later, Mission of Burma still sounds like the future.
KEN Mode: Success
A little anti-social rage never hurt anybody.
HOLY: Stabs
Stabs is too conservative a psychedelic album to stand out but provides some easy fun while it lasts.
Counterbalance: Hüsker Dü – Zen Arcade
Something I learned today: Black and white is always grey. And this week's Counterbalance takes a look at a 1984 turning point in punk. Turn on the news for the 219th most acclaimed album of all time.
Faust: j US t
Ostensibly a grand experiment, Faust's latest is just another pretentious excuse to avoid the most difficult step in all art: finishing it.
Medicine: Home Everywhere
Home Everywhere is a brave record, one that you have to be patient with.