Album Reviews 1863
Giovanni Guidi : Avec Le Temps
A unique jazz record that sometimes leaves the listener out of the equation.
Lambchop : This Is (What I Wanted To Tell You)
An album that solidifies Kurt Wagner's ability to not only stay relevant, but experimental after all these years.
CHAI : PUNK
The Japanese indie pop group piles hooks on hooks on hooks on their second album.
The Faint : Egowerk
A more finely tuned sound for the Omaha synth pop group on their return to Saddle Creek.
Album of the Week: These New Puritans – Inside the Rose
The UK art-rock outfit, slimmed to a duo, turn their intricate layers into a more accessible form of avant pop.
Stephen Malkmus : Groove Denied
The former Pavement frontman's latest set of electronic music is a bit of a tough sell.
Light Conductor : Sequence One
Members of Young Galaxy and Besnard Lakes combine for a meditative and hypnotic set of music.
David Torn, Tim Berne & Ches Smith : Sun of Goldfinger
An ambitious work of experimental, cinematic jazz.
Matmos : Plastic Anniversary
An accessible album created from the sounds of disposable materials.
Helado Negro : This Is How You Smile
Roberto Lange delivers a more expressive and intensely beautiful set of songs.
Octo Octa : For Lovers
A brief set of creative, euphoric tracks capturing a quintessential late '90s idealism.
Album of the Week: The Comet Is Coming – Trust In the Lifeforce of the Deep Mystery
A vision of future jazz from the Shabaka Hutchings-guided electro-jazz trio.
James Yorkston : The Route to the Harmonium
Nine albums in, the singer/songwriter remains a steady voice of calm and poetry.
Children of Bodom : Hexed
Heaviness alone can't save this disappointing album from a typically strong death metal band.
Vanum : Ageless Fire
The New Mexico black metal band's latest is familiar, but still carries strong songs.
Album of the Week: Solange – When I Get Home
Ms. Knowles puts grown-folks' blues and concerns into a consistently stunning beat-tape format.
Kaleikr : Heart of Lead
A fully-formed and impressive debut release from the Icelandic black metal band.