Thin Lear Creates Sumptuous, Low-Key Chamber Folk
Thin Lear is a complete artist in that his influences are impeccable and apparent in his songs, yet he still crafts his own unique, brilliant voice.
Chris Ingalls
Chris is a Massachusetts native who spent seven years as a broadcast journalist in the U.S. Navy and was also a videotape editor for a CBS affiliate TV station, a newspaper editor at a military public affairs office in Naples, Italy, and a videographer for a cancer research institute. His currently works as an internal communications manager for a large Boston hospital. He was born in 1969 and has been a rabid music fan since at least 1970, thanks to his three older siblings. A PopMatters writer since 2016, Chris is also an occasional guest on the music podcast "Losing My Opinion," and is on Bluesky, Instagram, and X @Ingalls1969. He lives in the leafy suburbs outside of Boston with his wife, son, dog, two cats, and lots of records.
Will Stratton Creates Fascinating Characters in Song
Will Stratton is easily one of the finest songwriters working today, but he’s never flashy or over-the-top about it. Points of Origin is Stratton at his absolute best.
Amulets Experiments in Powerful Ambient Soundscapes
Experimental tape wizard Amulets’ Not Around But Through is a lush, all-encompassing, enveloping sound that consumes the listener whole.
Hour’s ‘Subminiature’ Takes Gentle Ambience Into a Live Setting
Hour temper their unusual style with deep emotion and contemplation. There’s nothing conventional about them, but they always find new ways to provide comfort and joy.
Katy Pinke Soars on Her Brilliant Sophomore Album
Katy Pinke’s Strange Behavior continues to showcase thrilling, inventive songwriting but sees her working with a broader musical palette.
Phillip Golub Experiments with Loops on Mesmerizing LP
Loop 7 is yet another in a series of ambitious experimental projects from Phillip Golub and another stunning home run for Joseph Branciforte.
Sarah Belle Reid Creates a World of Imaginary Bird Calls
Experimental duo Sarah Belle Reid and Vinny Golia use improvisation playfully and imaginatively with a unique new release that’s something truly magical.
Sam Moss Creates Memorable Deeply Affecting Indie Folk
Sam Moss’ talent is creating songs that initially seem harmless but will profoundly affect you. These tracks are to be discovered, savored, and rediscovered.
Savoir Faire Creates a Stunning Blend of Existentialism and Retro Noir
Savoir Faire creates music for all ages and generations, made with skill and panache, eyes looking back with longing and forward with hope.
Asa Horvitz’s ‘GHOST’ Is Deeply Emotional About Death and Loss
Asa Horvitz’s experimental collaboration GHOST has honesty and fearlessness and incorporates themes of loss and grief with help from a custom-built AI system.
Alice Hebborn Blends Environmental Harmony and Ambient Textures
Belgian composer Alice Hebborn’s Saisons takes the listener on a journey through sound and nature. This music feels like a living, breathing thing.
‘Bill Evans in Norway’ Is a Brilliant Recording No One Knew Existed
When Bill Evans was at his best and with excellent musicians backing him up, he was unbeatable and loved by millions. This recording confirms his greatness.