Konstantin

I must admit, I cannot pinpoint the moment I first encountered Ane Brun’s music. This is unusual for me, as I usually remember how I discover such incredible artists. Perhaps it was through a TV show like Bones, Peaky Blinders, or Normal People—all of which I highly recommend—or through a film such as If I Stay (2014) or Becoming Astrid (2018). I’ve even wondered if it was introduced to me by a friend, but honestly, the memory escapes me.

Regardless of how it started, what I do know is this: Ane Brun’s voice is otherworldly, a rare instrument that carries emotion so deeply it can move you to tears. And Live at Berwaldhallen, recorded with… More

Costello Music by The Fratellis is an absolute gem of an album that continues to shine just as brightly as it did when it was first released. From the opening riffs of “Henrietta” to the iconic, rowdy sing-along anthem “Chelsea Dagger,” every track bursts with an energy and charm that’s impossible to ignore. It’s raw, it’s playful, and it’s packed with unforgettable hooks that stay with you for years. The album captures the spirit of a band having the time of their lives, and that energy is contagious. It’s the kind of record that grabs you on the first listen and doesn’t let go.

Even now, I can’t think of many debut albums… More

Fever Ray’s self-titled debut album from 2009 is a stunning work that solidifies its place as one of the most remarkable debut albums ever created. While it undeniably carries echoes of Karin Dreijer’s previous work with The Knife, this album begins to carve out a new, hauntingly personal sonic identity.

From the opening moments to tracks like “Triangle Walks,” the record immerses listeners in a rich, atmospheric landscape of dark, icy electronic beats and Dreijer’s unmistakable vocals. There’s a hypnotic intimacy to these songs, an emotional depth that feels simultaneously raw and otherworldly. It’s the kind of album that doesn’t just accompany your day—it transforms it.

The visual side of Fever Ray is… More

The National’s Rome is nothing short of a masterpiece. This album captures a haunting yet immersive atmosphere that draws you in right from the start. Listening to it, I couldn’t help but be reminded of a Massive Attack concert I attended in Italy some years ago—a night where the air felt heavy with emotion, and every note seemed to ripple through the crowd. The same gripping intensity can be found here, distilled into each song.

Matt Berninger’s voice is, as always, pure magic. It’s like the anchor to a stormy sea of instrumentation—steady, rich, and incredibly emotive. Nearly every track demands to be played at full volume, not just to hear but to feel… More

The Strokes’ Is This It is a debut that feels as fresh and electrifying today as it did when it first dropped in 2001. It’s not just an album; it’s a defining moment in indie rock history, capturing a raw, youthful energy that instantly pulls you in and doesn’t let go.

The opening track, “Is This It,” sets the perfect tone—a mesmerizing start with its laid-back groove and Julian Casablancas’ unforgettable vocals, which stay with you long after the song ends. From there, the album only gets better. “Someday” is a nostalgic anthem, effortlessly blending melancholy and hope. “Last Nite” is an instant classic with its infectious riffs and sing-along chorus. “Hard to Explain” layers emotion… More

Portishead’s self-titled second album is a masterpiece that, for me, slightly edges out their acclaimed debut, Dummy. While Dummy introduced the world to their dark, cinematic trip-hop sound, Portishead feels more intense, experimental, and emotionally profound—a natural progression for a band willing to push their boundaries.

Tracks like “All Mine,” with its haunting orchestral arrangements, and “Humming,” with its creeping unease, showcase the band’s ability to create music that feels both timeless and otherworldly. “Over” is a highlight, drenched in longing, and “Only You” combines Beth Gibbons’ heart-wrenching vocals with atmospheric textures that linger long after the song ends. Every track is crafted with meticulous detail, immersing you in a rich, shadowy soundscape that reveals new layers… More

Maxïmo Park’s A Certain Trigger is, without question, one of the strongest debut albums I’ve ever encountered. From the moment it begins, it grips you with an energy that feels both urgent and effortless. The sound is incredibly catchy, blending sharp indie-rock riffs with a rhythm section that propels each track forward. It’s the kind of album that immediately imprints itself on your mind.

What makes A Certain Trigger even more special is its lyrical depth. The words are so vivid, so relatable, that they feel like they could have been pulled from your own experiences. There’s a personal, almost conversational tone to Paul Smith’s delivery that adds an unforgettable authenticity. Tracks like “Apply Some… More

Review of Torso by Soap&Skin

With Torso, Soap&Skin once again proves her mastery in transforming familiar songs into deeply personal interpretations. This cover album is a bold and hauntingly beautiful journey through reimagined classics, all filtered through her unique artistic lens.

The album opens with Mystery of Love (originally by Sufjan Stevens), where her ethereal voice brings a tender intimacy to the already poignant track. Voyage, Voyage, previously explored on Narrow, returns with even more depth, its melancholic undertones elevated in this version.

Her take on David Bowie’s Girl Loves Me is daring and hypnotic, pushing boundaries with its raw intensity. And then there’s What’s Up, the iconic anthem by 4 Non Blondes—… More

“Straight from the Heart” by Ann Peebles feels like a dear friend sharing her deepest secrets with you. Listening to this album is an intimate experience—Peebles’ voice, so genuine and rich with feeling, reaches out and pulls you into her world. Each song is a chapter in her story, full of heartache, resilience, and a vulnerability that feels beautifully raw.

Dillon’s “Live at Haus der Berliner Festspiele” is a mesmerizing experience that transports listeners into the heart of her captivating live performance. The album beautifully captures the intimate atmosphere of the concert, showcasing Dillon’s haunting vocals and intricate melodies that resonate deeply. Each track unfolds like a story, weaving together emotions that range from vulnerability to empowerment.