best albums of 2020 Skeleton

Album of the Week: Skeleton – Skeleton

A short, ripping debut from the Austin metal trio—one that’s definitely going to sound great live.

Galcher Lustwerk : Proof

A brief but inspired hybrid of deep house and hip-hop that adds on the recent ‘Information’ LP.

john carpenter lost themes iii review

Maserati : Enter the Mirror

A psychedelic celebration of propulsive stoner rock.

unknown mortal orchestra v review

Khruangbin : Mordechai

The Texas trio’s first album to feature vocals in every song is a summery, progressive pop LP.

Willie Nelson : First Rose of Spring

The 87-year-old country legend proves once again why he’s a musical treasure.

Inter Arma Garbers Days Revisited review

Inter Arma : Garbers Days Revisited

An absolute scorcher of a covers album from the Richmond metal titans.

debby friday good luck review

Special Interest – The Passion Of

The New Orleans band rebuild punk rock in their own image on their intense second LP.

Hedvig Mollestad Ekhidna review

Hedvig Mollestad : Ekhidna

A powerful set of jazz rock that carries the heaviness of Sabbath with the innovation of Scandinavian jazz.

body void bury me beneath this rotting earth review

Vile Creature : Glory, Glory! Apathy Took Helm!

The Ontario duo craft a form of doom that’s massive yet versatile.

Zoon Bleached Wavves review

Zoon : Bleached Wavves

A shoegaze debut that shows promise for what’s to come.

best jazz albums of 2020 Neptunian Maximalism

Neptunian Maximalism : Éons

A volcanic drone-jazz eruption into a new era of sound.

trail of dead xi bleed here now review

Hum : Inlet

The Illinois group’s first album in 22 years was released without expectations—and impressively surpasses any potential ones.

best boris albums NO

Boris – NO

The Japanese trio’s surprise new release is the most punk they’ve ever sounded.

James Krivchenia : A New Found Relaxation

Big Thief’s drummer delivers an album of unexpected solace among strange, fragmented music.

Bob Dylan Rough and Rowdy Ways review

Bob Dylan : Rough and Rowdy Ways

Dylan contains multitudes on his stellar new double-album.

body dilloway head review

Noveller : Arrow

Sarah Lipstate draws bliss from the chaos of space on her latest set of guitar drones.

Pyrrhon Abscess Time review

Pyrrhon : Abscess Time

A testament to the vast creative breadth of this New York metal band.

Bibio Sleep on the Wing review

Bibio : Sleep On the Wing

Stephen Wilkinson’s latest release draws on folk tradition without ever feeling anachronistic.

arca kick ii review

Arca – KiCk i

As celebratory a set of sounds as the Venezuelan producer has ever put to tape.

John Scofield Swallow Tales review

John Scofield : Swallow Tales

The master guitarist finds an arresting tag team with bassist Steve Swallow and drummer Bill Stewart.