Year: 2014
Review: Alarms and Controls – Clovis Points
The vocals sound nerdy and a little more chatty than melodic in most places—it’s a little off-kilter, and pop hooks definitely aren’t their strong suits. That being said, they are great musicians—think of them as graduates from the “Omar Rodriguez-López School for Stoned Musicians.” … read more
Review: Alcest – Shelter
With drummer Winterhalter, Neige has left all ties to black metal behind with this release. From honey-laced harmonies on “Opale,” to meandering compositions on “Voix Sereines,” to the Halstead sung, Souvlaki-esque ballad “Away,” the album is filled with lush musical contemplations and triumphant melodies start-to-finish. … read more
Review: Alex Smoke – RS 1403
Alex Smoke does it again with a follow-up release to his 2013 Dust EP. This four-track EP is packed with minimal tech-house beats and industrial-influenced synths. … read more
Review: Ali Muhareb – Mujahedeen
Displaying proof of his musical flair, Ali Muhareb delivers his first solo album, Mujahedeen. Muhareb blends a layered, synth heavy, indie influenced psychedelic trip that is topped off by the combination of repetitive, fuzzed-out angelic vocals. … read more
Review: Allo Darlin’ – We Come From The Same Place
Following their debut’s charming pop smarts and Europe’s astonishing poise, Allo Darlin’ have returned with their third full-length, We Come From The Same Place, brought to the U.S. by indie powerhouse Slumberland Records. … read more
Review: Alison Moyet – minutes and seconds – Live
Alison Moyet = Janis Joplin + Dusty Springfield … read more
Review: Against Me! – Transgender Dysphoria Blues
Though there are a few stinkers, Transgender Dysphoria Blues actually isn’t horrible. “Drinking With The Jocks” and “Osama Bin Laden As The Crucified Christ” kick ass like the Eternal Cowboy and Searching days, and “Two Coffins” is the most paralyzing song I have heard in a long time. … read more
Review: Adrian Krygowski – Roam
After two previous records (Road on the Left, Hope For Us), Krygowski and the band dedicated seven tracks to a soulful consciousness, both instrumentally and vocally. They combine the fiddle, guitar and drums to give each track different musical stresses. Roam is truly an expressive album and will evoke similar emotions in its listeners. … read more
Review: Aidan Baker / thisquietarmy – Hypnodrone Ensemble
thisquietarmy = Caudal + Noveller + several bands on Rocket Recordings … read more
Review: Agnes Obel – Aventine (Deluxe Edition)
Agnes Obel = Joanna Newsom + Feist / Ane Brun … read more
Review: Aan – Amor Ad Nauseum
The first track promised that I was in for something gritty and dark with some snarling, stiff-lipped vocal work—but it lied. The band is great at making lightly psychedelic pop love songs, but they’re definitely their best when they give them an edge. … read more
Review: 100s – IVRY
I must warn you about this reprobate who calls himself “100s” (after the number of times he’s contracted VD no doubt). A long-haired, self-professed pimp whose music has but one purpose—to congratulate despicable sex acts. … read more
