Like a stripped-down Slowdive, or a somewhat more commercial Grouper, Madeline Johnston with her Midwife project positions herself as one of the leading figures in the slowcore genre at the moment. In the dreamy soundscape, there are so many sublime layers that surface if you just listen carefully. With a background in post-metal, there comes a natural darkness, but the nods to ambient make the album feel peaceful and almost meditative to listen to.
Following up on the masterful An Overview on Phenomenal Nature can't have been easy, but the fact is that Cassandra Jenkins manages to outdo herself. The New York-based singer-songwriter's musical expression has been further refined. Jazzy, smooth, or to use an extremely bourgeois word: sophisticated, pop with elements of indie rock makes the '60s meet the '90s in a completely natural way. Not to mention Cassandra's singing voice, which is one of the most pleasant things you can treat your ears to right now. One of the absolute best albums of the year.
I never thought I would listen to a whole album by Jack White again but I was proven so wrong. Currently on repeat, matching my brain (that is on vacation).