Album Review: Julien Baker ‘Little Oblivions’
“Mining the depths of her own hurt and regret as she does, singer-songwriter Julien Baker has positioned herself as something of a modern scholar on the second chance.”
Album Review: The Avalanches ‘We Will Always Love You’
“Despite confronting our planet’s mortality, ‘We Will Always Love You’ is far from an expression of mourning. Rather, it’s a celebration of the cosmic afterlife afforded to us by music.”
Album Review: Taylor Swift ‘Evermore’
“There’s a casualness and a sense of play to ‘Evermore’ that softens its edges and indicates an artist settling into her groove.”
Album Review: The Bug Feat. Dis Fig ‘In Blue’
“Featuring impeccable production and sincere emotions, ‘In Blue’ is a rude reminder of Martin’s dedication to his sound, which is increasingly reflective and always genuine.”
Album Review: Actress ‘Karma & Desire’
“The main shock of ‘Karma & Desire’ is the acoustic pianos, bathed in reverb, and how they fit so easily with Actress’ tripping-in-slow-motion rhythms…”
Album Review: Jónsi ‘Shiver’
“While Cook clearly has his hands on deck operating the machinery, the closing tracks make clear that it’s still Jónsi steering the ship, as impish and wholeheartedly earnest as ever.”
Album Review: Sufjan Stevens ‘The Ascension’
“At its heart, ‘The Ascension’ examines disillusionment and loss of faith – not in God, but in America.”
Album Review: Hurts ‘Faith’
“‘Faith’ is too misguided and confused to be an actively cynical undertaking, but its desperate rush to the lowest common denominator in a bid for the broadest appeal is still nakedly apparent.”
EP Review: BUMPER ‘Pop Songs 2020’
“‘Pop Songs 2020’ is not a disposable work, but neither is it especially serious. It’s light, punchy and brief — a condensed showcase of its creators’ formidable pop songwriting craft.”
Album Review: Angel Olsen ‘Whole New Mess’
“Olsen may have crept back into her shell, but, on ‘Whole New Mess,’ there’s finally enough space for her to invite listeners inside.”