Pleasure Systems Brings Light to Grief-stricken Folk with “Everything I Need”
Pleasure Systems’ “Everything I Need” is built from familiar textures: warm and lush vocals, bedroom synths, and vividly drawn scenes of domesticity and quiet.
track review
Lorde’s “Solar Power” Is Fresh and Nostalgic at the Same Time
Even if “Solar Power” might be Lorde’s happiest song to date, the track isn’t as vibrant as the name suggests. And that’s exactly why it’s perfect.
BTS Own the Brand of Joy Pop Like No Other in “Butter”
BTS’ “Butter” drives on nostalgic funk-pop instrumentals, undeniable positive vibes, catchy and relatively easy lyrics to sing along.
Mr. Bungle Return with First Recording Since 1999, A Cover of “Fuck the USA”
Mike Patton's Mr. Bungle release a cover of the Exploited's "Fuck the USA". But what does it mean beyond its general timeliness?
Michelle Vezilj’s Debut Song “Fire Goes to Die” Is Powerful (track review)
Michelle Vezilj's debut song "Fire Goes to Die" is about reclaiming power after a sexual assault and shifting the narrative from victim to victor.
Bibio Creates a Type of Dream Folk with “Curls” (track review)
Bibio broadens out his sound and blends acoustic instruments with electronics to create a gentle form of folktronica on "Curls".
Daniel Romano – “Empty Husk” (track review)
On "Empty Husk", Daniel Romano depicts the essential belief that any type of forward progression begins with a quiet revelation.
The Avett Brothers – “Roses and Sacrifice” (track review)
As fans expect from the Avett Brothers, "Roses and Sacrifice's" jaunty music masks the underlying emotional upheaval.
Kinnie Starr – “I’m Ready” (track review)
Kinnie Starr's "I'm Ready" is about closure, moving on, and the good times to come.
Bonnie ‘Prince’ Billy – “Blueberry Jam” (track review)
Bonnie 'Prince' Billy's "Blueberry Jam" is a drug-induced, fruit-fueled criticism of the world we live in today.
Punch Brothers – “Like It’s Going Out of Style” (track review)
Punch Brothers' "Like It's Going Out of Style" is the hushed final track on a relatively quiet but brilliantly composed collection of songs.
Kaelan Mikla – “Litil Dyr” / “Manadans” / “Reykjavik til stader” (track review)
Kaelan Mikla have captured the musical essence of Iceland, and the resulting sound is unique and mesmerizing.