On the Fly
Effi Briest – Rhizomes
Brooklyn post-punk troupe Effi Briest tips its hat to its predecessors, absorbs their essence, and generates a mighty fine debut.
Josh Ritter – So Runs The World Away
With So Runs The World Away, Josh Ritter offers up another full-length of polished Americana that doesn’t quite get there.
Indian Jewelry – Totaled
Neo-psychedelic act Indian Jewelry offers up its cleanest effort to date, and it becomes apparent why the songs were once so dense.
1Portugal. The Man – American Ghetto
American Ghetto is an outline sketch of a very good album, but the meat required to fill in the blanks is all but absent.
The Mynabirds – What We Lose In The Fire…
While The Mynabirds’s debut is a serviceable slice of 60s-tinged pop, it can’t quite channel the inspiration into one distinct voice.
Gogol Bordello – Trans-Continental Hustle
Perhaps not quite as raw as past outings, Gogol Bordello’s latest is still anthemic, vibrant, and just what you’d want for a summer trip.
Cowboy Junkies – Renmin Park
Toronto’s Cowboy Junkies channel Chinese culture on Renmin Park, their first of four albums comprising the Nomad Series.
Stone Temple Pilots – Stone Temple Pilots
Stone Temple Pilots fail to infuse 70s grooves into the present rock ‘n’ roll landscape on their eponymous sixth full-length album.
Crystal Castles – Crystal Castles
Crystal Castles are not finished just yet, but this is probably one of the most interesting dance albums to arrive in some time.
Frog Eyes – Paul’s Tomb: A Triumph
Carey Mercer polishes his act on Frog Eyes fifth full-length, yet the band’s most melodic effort isn’t necessarily engaging throughout.
1Male Bonding – Nothing Hurts
Sub Pop newcomers Male Bonding offer a very promising debut, balancing sweet and scrappy brands of rock ‘n’ roll quite nicely.
The Fall – Your Future Our Clutter
Post-punk legends The Fall return with their 28th studio effort Your Future Our Clutter and a renewed sense of fervor and fun.
Avi Buffalo – Avi Buffalo
Long Beach indie-pop troupe Avi Buffalo produces a solid self-titled debut, displaying signs of true promise in its snug slices of reality.
The Kissaway Trail – Sleep Mountain
Sleep Mountain offers a serviceable if slightly derivative journey, both satisfying in its familiarity and dull in its lack of originality.
Horse Feathers – Thistled Spring
Folk/Americana outfit Horse Feathers captures the auspicious spirit of spring on its latest effort, though it may not benefit them.
Menomena