Everything Feels Alright: The Promise Ring’s ‘Very Emergency’
The Promise Ring’s Very Emergency succeeds by subverting expectations but delivering ten nuggets of power pop and a rebuke of the emerging emo tropes.
Brian Stout
Brian's work has been featured in PopMatters and The Ryder magazine.
Cursive’s Tim Kasher Discusses the Artist’s Life and ‘Devourer’
“I fit through a pinhole of success,” notes indie rock titan Tim Kasher on Cursive’s ninth full-length album. “I’m lucky as hell that I’m able to do this.”
Cursive Soundtrack Your Existential Dread on ‘Devourer’
Devourer‘s songs are the best Cursive have released since 2003, balancing a noisy attack and withering lyrics with some of their prettiest, accessible tracks.
The Jesus Lizard Return With the Uncompromising ‘Rack’
Rack is another thrilling chapter from the Jesus Lizard, one of the most significant noise bands ever and whom many groups claim as a heavy influence.
WHY? Find Hope in Heartbreak on ‘The Well I Fell Into’
WHY?’s The Well I Fell Into is a harrowing hip-hop journey, but one that belongs on the shelf for the next time heartbreak comes calling.
Featured: Top of Home Page/All Things Reconsidered/Features/Interviews/Music/Music Features/Pop Past
Jawbox Discuss ‘For Your Own Special Sweetheart’ at 30
Jawbox’s major label debut is their most beloved album, a perfect marriage of songwriting and production that sounds as thrilling today as it did 30 years ago.
Fucked Up Create Anthems in Minutes on ‘Another Day’
Canadian hardcore legends Fucked Up channel 1970s riffage and wear a hard-won optimism well on Another Day. It’s among their best albums.
GEL’s Restlessness Is Thrilling on ‘Persona’
Hardcore punk band GEL’s ability to weave new influences into their sound while remaining instantly identifiable sets them apart. They’re a breath of fresh air.
Emo’s Ogbert the Nerd Deliver ‘What You Want’ on New LP
Ogbert the Nerd sound exuberant. There is a beating heart and pathos under the hooks, and they have much to offer listeners outside of emo’s ardent fans.
Tim O’Brien of Blood Is a Multi-Dimensional Man
It’s raucous, it’s queer, and it’s uncompromising. Blood’s Tim O’Brien is sticking to his guns. “I won’t change the [band] name for the sake of search engines.”
Blood Deliver Catharsis on ‘Loving You Backwards’
Blood’s LP builds and occasionally explodes, providing catharsis in sounds more than shouted lyrics. It sounds more like a balm than ripping off a Band-Aid.
Los Campesinos! Deliver Their Definitive Statement on ‘All Hell’
That All Hell is another high-quality release is not the least bit surprising; it’s Los Campesinos!’s best record and likely one of the finest of the year.