Reviews

Did not expect this paring to work at all, but I was pleasantly surprised.

Creo que es mi disco favorito de la ELO porque Jeff Lyne andaba aquí cero preocupado por ser el artista pop perfecto (quizás porque creía que ya lo había logrado ser en Discovery). Encantado con los sintetizadores, y envolviendo todo en un concepto en el que un hombre de 1980 es llevado a 2095, alejado así de su época y su gente, Lyne consiguió darle la pátina retrofuturista que acaba siendo fundamental para que sus excesos aquí no parezcan resbalones.

Cuando marcha en busca del himno, se encuentra canciones tan rotundas como 'Twlight' o 'Yours Truly 2095'. Alejado casi del todo del pop orquestal, sorprende verlo enganchado a una new wave saltarina ('From The End of the World'), traer hacia… More

听感不错的，一直很喜欢J. Rawls的beat

Is it wrong that my first thought on track 1 when listening to this for the very first time was thinking it was proof positive of Gonzales' "No Beats"? Yes, it was wrong

Engrossing and endearingly playful, detailed, heartfelt, and fun. The first half of the record—the run from ‘AFV’ to ‘Ur Heart Stops’—is one of the most perfect batches of songs I’ve heard in a while. (The second half doesn’t maintain the momentum or appeal set by the first, but it’s still a great 36-minute listen.)

I’ve seen comparisons to contemporaries (and bands they’re part of) like Water from Your Eyes and Magdalena Bay, but I hear a lot of early-aughts heart-on-sleeve (even twee!) indie pop in this—bands like Architecture in Helsinki, of Montreal, The Unicorns, Tilly and the Wall.

Some of my favorite lines and moments:

From ‘AFV,’ the lines “I finally got… More

I will admit straight up that I've only heard the first few Cure albums. The Cure was a band that I respected from a distance. I assumed that they were, like other bands of their era, making an album every few years and touring constantly. Rising the old highs and good will earned over the years.

I was wrong.

The Cure as it turns out still have things to say and in this album they still sound as youthful and restless as they ever have. This album could have any other band named attached and you might assume that it's the work of some hot new Gothic rock group about to break out, but it's the fucking Cure!

I've done… More

I am a total newcomer to Hop Along but their sound is great. I like that it's not quite like any one of the genres listed on their Wikipedia page but a mysterious soup that contains elements of each of those genres, the tempo of punk, emo vocals, power pop guitar sound.

The lead vocalist, Frances Quinlan, has incredible control of her voice and opts to create melodies that employ more than a few styles within a verse or chorus. She can alternate between straightforward singing, strained vocalization, and speech-singing.

Really great record. Would love to go back in their discography and see how their unique sound evolved.

Fav. Track: Powerful Man

Without failure, every Kendrick release gets better with every single new listen. After my first listen I thought this was slightly phoned in, and more of a victory lap post rap beef dub rather than anything of much substance. Now I'm thinking this might be his best release since TPAB (the jury's still out on if I prefer this to DAMN)... and I can't believe I'm saying that.

Porque daria lo que sé
Por un momento de lucidez
Porque daria lo que sé
Por un momento de lucidez
VEO DESDE AQUÍ EL DERRIBO
DIME QUE ESTÁ CONTROLADO
VEO DESDE AQUÍ EL DERRIBO
DIME QUE ESTÁ CONTROLADO

Si a algunos temas directos (Maquina de Humo, Ciudad de Polvo, Año 2000) a la yugular le añades experimentación en otras direcciones (Hernani 3/En el Edificio Más Alto), pues ahí me tienes en primera fila. Siguiendo de cerca ya.

if you're into experimental rythmic repetitive melodies slowly building up in a clever and playful way, arriving at an euphoric dancey state in which you'd like to stay forever, here's your place.

discovered through https://thequietus.com/tq-charts/albums-of-the-year/albums-of-the-year-best-albums-2024-norman-records/

I think if you were cynical you could say that this album was created and dropped suddenly to capitalize on the public beef between Drake and Kendrick. Instead, the album has some of Lamar's most interesting thoughts about his relationships to his peers and how he sees his place within the artform of rap.

A credible release, with some of Kendrick's best lines yet. Mustard!

Fav. Track: reincarnated

Quite a way off for this release but stoked for it already!
++ A+ for the title.

It’s rare I find an album I never actually had heard of before but I could swore I have. But this one does it completely. The full thing is extremely nostalgic even on first listen, yet it is one of the most unique sounds I’ve ever heard from a band. I’ve never heard a singer go for an old British knight sound, despite hailing from the simple state of Missouri. Yet the overall sound is just, nostalgic indie band that uses an old school keyboard that really drives it home. The guitar and drumming is also just, amazing. Especially in my favorite track ‘He’s A Cop Now’ where the drumming mimics that of a galloping horse… More

Some really fresh takes on trap, techno, and electronica. If not for getting a bit predictable and less experimental toward the end, this would be an instant electronic classic.

A truly beautiful mix. It's hard to articulate just how transcendent and mesmerisingly pleasing this is. A genuine journey that carries a huge amount of emotional resonance for what, at face value, seems so simple. Only disappointed I couldn’t be at Planet Uterus to witness it firsthand.

Perfect for a chill run in a dark park at six degrees and rain in the air.

Thanks for the rec @guarino!

Almost like a Greatest Hits collection of entirely new songs.

Totally effortless listen, despite the dense, genre hopping run time.

I Walk, Non-Metaphorical Decolonization and Writing Poems easily sit with his best songs, along with too many others to name.

It’s not Phenomenal Nature good, which has some songs that are as close to perfect as you can get, but it’s a a comfortable space to exist in.

Jenkins is still on top form when it comes to album centerpieces too - Omakase is reminiscent of the wonderful Hard Drive while still being able to stand by itself.

Makes decent use of sparseness, which allows her to come out hot with tracks like “Breathe Now”, which is an incredible d&b adjacent jazz track obviously influenced by Roni Size, or the title track. Unfortunately the rest of the record is a hit too inconsistent, even with some haunting lyricism. Also pretty into the dynamics on “South Bombay”, “Like The Ocean”, and “Untold”.

Overall, decent jazz and folk. But the shtick gets pretty shticky quick.

Incluso un Kendrick Lamar en piloto automático se mea en el 90% de los raperos de la actualidad. No le va a cambiar la vida a nadie, y ni falta que hace. Disfrutable y con bastantes buenos momentos.

quirky, catchy as hell synth pop. Was more of a fan of her older sound but this is probably the only record with bangers in English, French and German which is quite remarkable.

The algo tried to make me listen to this album for the longest time and you know what gotta hand it to them this really hit the spot for me. Soft, lush sounding retro soul music from Indonesia, expertly crafted and emotional.

In love with the silky production, the amazing guitar and bass tones and Natassya Sianturi sultry vocals.

i didn't think dude had a record like this in him, truly

Imagine if Billy Corgan had gotten to grow his hair long and keep making multilayered psych shoegaze masterpieces instead of going bald and switching to heavily processed middling goth rock.

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 Dummy is nothing short of a masterpiece and one of the strongest debuts in music history. Released in 1994, it helped define the trip-hop genre with its cinematic blend of moody beats, jazzy textures, and Beth Gibbons’ hauntingly beautiful voice. The album doesn’t just stand the test of time—it feels as vital and moving today as it did 30 years ago.

Of course, Dummy features the timeless classic “Glory Box,” a track so effortlessly captivating that it’s no wonder it became their signature song. Its sultry, blues-infused vibe still sends chills down the spine with every listen. But the album’s brilliance goes far beyond the hits. Tracks like “Strangers,” with its raw intensity, and… 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

Akerfeldt y compañía tocando un album de Porcupine Tree, nada puede salir mal. Bellísimo.

Manifesting that TSHA is going to get booked for all points east next year (specifically on the day that I already have tickets for)

Sigue sonando espectacular, de eso no hay duda. Pero esta última referencia pierde en profundidad respecto a Love & Hate y en frescura respecto a Kiwanuka. Temas demasiado planos, entendiendo que se trata de un disco con un sonido más íntimo, pero rematadamente aburridos. Parece que ha perdido un punto de magia. Aún así, como todas sus referencias, tendrá un huequito en la colección.

Easy to say this is an alter ego of Fred Again.. or Barry Can't Swim. Or a combinatie of both. Anyways:

The music is comprehensive to both artists and therefore perfectly for a party at home or in a big stadium. Bangers.

First time I've properly listened to a Linkin Park record since Meteora as a teenager.

Parts of this work and remind me why I was so into them at the time (Heavy Is The Crown).

Other parts just feel like they're going through the motions, it's all a bit bloodless (Casualty). Two Faced in particular feels like it's desperately trying to be a Hybrid Theory song and ends up, at best, sounding like a bad cover version and largely just serves as a reminder of a better album rather than feeling like a continuation.

A little too inconsistent, but man those highs hit like some premium top tier flower. Ironically, the best tracks are the ones where she's not taking herself too seriously. Shoutout to "Stanka Pooh" through "Catfish" and "Beverly Hills", which are some serious West Coast party business.

This is one of those albums I can play 10 times over in and row and not notice.

The Pigeon Detectives’ Wait for Me is a blast of pure indie rock energy that still holds up as one of the standout albums from the mid-2000s. Tracks like “Romantic Type” and “I Found Out” are undeniable bangers, packed with raw riffs, infectious choruses, and the youthful urgency that defined the era. It’s an album that demands to be played loud and, honestly, always puts me in a good mood.

Musically, the album flows seamlessly into its follow-up, with clear parallels in their no-nonsense, high-octane style. Both records feel like they’re cut from the same cloth, capturing a moment when indie rock was at its most vibrant and carefree.

As for the band’s work since 2008? Well,… More

Maxïmo Park’s The National Health is an album that kicks off with incredible energy and intention. The opening tracks, like the title track and “Hips and Lips,” burst with the urgency and sharpness we know and love from the band. They manage to channel a sense of chaos and commentary on the modern world while still keeping things irresistibly catchy. It’s the kind of start that makes you think, “This is why I keep coming back to Maxïmo Park.”

However, as the album progresses, it loses some of that spark. The later tracks, while still solid, don’t quite reach the heights of the first half. In a way, it feels like a metaphor for the band’s… More

Maxïmo Park’s Our Earthly Pleasures might not carry the same raw magic as their debut A Certain Trigger, but it’s an album I enjoy revisiting without feeling the need to nitpick. It’s clear the band approached this record with a sense of maturity, balancing their signature energy with more reflective, layered songwriting. Tracks like “Hips and Lips” and “The Undercurrents” reveal a thoughtful side while still delivering hooks that stick.

The album offers moments of introspection paired with the punchy, danceable beats I’ve come to expect from the band. While it’s hard to follow up such a monumental debut, Our Earthly Pleasures shows the band’s determination to evolve rather than rest on past achievements.… 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

Daptone Records newest stars are bringing a fresh set of tracks to the R&B ethos, sometimes carving a unique place for the band, sometimes being too generic and getting lost in the Daptone canon. If the music sounds too familiar, then you have to rely on your musicianship and lyricism to continue to grow. I do think that Thee Sacred Souls is achieving this with their sophomore release, but there's still room to grow, which will be a fun ride to take with them! They're extremely talented, and tracks like "In the Mirror", "Lucid Girl" and "Live for You" show you just that. This is a great album for some easy listening late at night and you can… More