Michael Kiwanuka Delivers ‘Small Changes’ on New Record
Michael Kiwanuka’s most striking quality remains his voice, which has the power to evoke deep feelings, as his idols did for another generation.
Michael Kiwanuka’s most striking quality remains his voice, which has the power to evoke deep feelings, as his idols did for another generation.
Chuck Prophet’s incorporation of Cumbia music on Wake the Dead feels more natural than it sounds, but he remains himself, and we get the best of both worlds.
On the effervescent EELS, Being Dead make good on their promise not to repeat themselves on any song and dart through styles with relative ease to produce a gem.
Soccer Mommy wrestles with profound loss on her new record, which is more organic and grander than anything she has released before.
Pixies’ latest LP, featuring new bass player Emma Richardson, is another solid but not earth-shattering effort. It’s clever, if not cute, with a charming theme.
On Funeral, Arcade Fire found catharsis in music while processing grief for the loss of loved ones. As a result, they shifted the course of indie rock.
On Dulling the Horns, Wild Pink deliver reverberating guitars and new instruments that complement their thought-provoking sentiments and introspection.
Sunset Rubdown return without electric guitars and create some beauty that can be added to Spencer Krug’s substantial catalog as an auteur.
Enumclaw’s sophomore LP, Home in Another Life, again delivers 1990s alternative sounds but is confessional in nature and speaks to what ails us.
On Manning Fireworks, MJ Lenderman describes down-and-out characters with his usual witty charm, all while showcasing his exceptional musical abilities.
Definitely Maybe is the definitive statement in the Oasis catalog, an album of its time but also transformative in what was yet to come.
Fontaines D.C.’s ‘Romance’ should be considered a high-water mark for them, a work that is equally challenging and considerably more gratifying.