Sharon Van Etten Finds New Freedom with Her Band
Sharon Van Etten & The Attachment Theory incorporate synths and darker sonic textures that suit the singer’s cerebral thoughts and powerhouse vocals.
indie rock
Bartees Strange Remains Shockingly Great on ‘Horror’
Fear may have inspired Bartees Strange’s new LP, but the songs on Horror are some of his best to date. He is one of the key artists of this decade.
Sharon Van Etten Remains Her Genuine Self on New Album
In the afterlife, through a fresh gothic sound, and even in her new band, Sharon Van Etten stays true to herself and who she might have become.
Circa Waves Contemplate ‘Death & Love’ on Dazzling LP
Melodic and anthemic British guitar rock is back big time with Circa Waves and their decade-long run of consistently great pop albums.
Moses Sumney’s ‘Blackalachia’ and the Forest
In Moses Sumney’s beautiful 2021 performance film Blackalachia, the forest is a friend, a threat, a looming watcher, and an extension of the narrator’s person.
Bloc Party Discovered Lightning in a Bottle 20 Years Ago
Bloc Party’s first and best record, championed by Franz Ferdinand, still captivates with its youthful energy, political commentary, and emotional center.
Franz Ferdinand Frustrate and Dazzle With ‘The Human Fear’
Franz Ferdinand dazzle and frustrate with The Human Fear, their return to the recording studio after a seven-year hiatus. It’s a patchy album with brilliance.
Zzzahara Combines Thrills and Chills on ‘Spiral Your Way Out’
zzzahara’s new LP is about making the best of a bad situation, of transforming darkness into light. It’s a bittersweet testament to the spirit of Los Angeles.
Lontalius’ Fifth Album Is Successful and Strikingly Mature
Minimalistic and captivating, Lontalius’ new album shows a more concentrated sound. It reflects his growth and marks a high watermark.
Mogwai Find New in the Familiar with ‘The Bad Fire’
Despite moments of overfamiliarity and some flat vocal experiments, Mogwai’s 11th studio record captures a band still reinventing their signature sound.
Illiterate Light Lack Authenticity on ‘Arches’
Illiterate Light would be wise to ignore certain impulses concerned with image in favor of what might naturally set them apart.
Poster Children Discuss 1995’s Brilliant LP ‘Junior Citizen’ at 30
Poster Children‘s Junior Citizen remains a refreshing, barely-polished masterpiece, like garish, late-night anime on steroids. The group discuss the album.