Reviews
2Ariel Pink’s Haunted Graffiti – Before Today
Weirdo recluse Ariel Pink finally comes out of his shell with a shower of infectious pop songs on Before Today.
Janelle Monáe – The ArchAndroid
One of funk’s brightest rising stars releases her stunning debut LP, filled with plenty of funk, energy, personality, and guest spots.
2Mi Ami – Steal Your Face
Mi Ami may not be cast under a cool light, but that’s probably best as their sophomore album is a dizzying Africanized scorcher.
Born Ruffians – Say It
Ontario’s Born Ruffians offer up a sophomore release that leaves listeners wondering what happened to the band from their debut.
3Band of Horses – Infinite Arms
Seattle indie favorites stumble through their third album and first for a major label as the countrified vibe doesn’t always connect.
1Paul Weller – Wake Up The Nation
This is one of the rawest and most intimate releases of Paul Weller’s career and it’s easily among his finest solo works to date.
The Hold Steady – Heaven Is Whenever
Anthemic rockers The Hold Steady shift gears a little bit on Heaven Is Whenever and by doing so may lose fans along the way.
Small Black – Small Black EP
Brooklyn synth-poppers Small Black make their first contribution to the chillwave movement and it isn’t smooth sailing throughout.
4LCD Soundsystem – This Is Happening
LCD Soundsystem’s rumored final album This Is Happening has to go down as a bit of a disappointment given the band’s past triumphs.
The Dead Weather – Sea Of Cowards
The Dead Weather continues to spin its distinctive take on blues-rock as Jack White and Alison Mosshart shine once more.
Doves – The Places Between
The Places Between is a great reminder of what Doves are capable of and will fill any gaps you may have missed along the way.
Sleigh Bells – Treats
Sleigh Bells’ debut full-length succeeds on the strength of its deft genre-melding and ability to retain a sense of fun all at once.
Hole – Nobody’s Daughter
Whether or not Nobody’s Daughter constitutes a proper Hole album, the songs themselves ultimately fail to impress.
Tokyo Police Club – Champ
If you were looking for just one reason to believe in Tokyo Police Club again, the group offer up more than their fair share here.
The Apples In Stereo – Travellers In Space And Time
The latest from indie-pop outfit The Apples In Stereo has one foot in both the present and future, rendering this trip uneven.
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