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Flora Hibberd - Swirl (2025)
Swirl , released on January 17, 2025, is the debut album by Paris-based British songwriter Flora Hibberd. The album is a rich tapestry of sound and meaning, influenced by Hibberd's background as a translator. She explores the nuances of language, decoding the slippages where English and French intertwine, creating moments of strange poetry that reveal hidden threads of life. Produced by Shane Leonard in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, Swirl features contributions from musicians such as JT Bates, Ben Lester, Pat Keen, and JE Sunde. The album blends influences ranging from Jason Molina's straightforward indie rock to Josephine Foster's mystical folk and the surrealist lyrics of Bertrand Belin. Tracks like "Auto Icon" echo the art-rock stylings of Cate Le Bon, while "Code" marries lyrics inspired by textile artist Anni Albers with delicate guitar lines. Overall, Swirl is a meditation on communication, capturing fleeting moments that might never occur again. Source...
A.M.E.N. - Argento (2025)
Argento , released on January 17, 2025, is A.M.E.N.'s second album, presenting an intimate and avant-garde exploration of jazz and blues, interwoven with dark doom elements. The album comprises five tracks—"Brindisi," "Magia," "Mistero," "Omicidio," and "Cadaveri"—each inspired by the films of Italian horror director Dario Argento. The compositions evoke the atmosphere of a smoky New Orleans jazz club, with Erba del Diavolo's vocals delivering a haunting and emotive performance. Critics have praised the album for its ability to blend genres seamlessly, creating a melancholic yet captivating soundscape. The piano and clarinet arrangements, combined with subtle guitar solos, contribute to a rich and immersive listening experience. Overall, Argento is recognized as a bold and innovative work that challenges traditional genre boundaries. Sources: Liverpool Sound and Vision Review The Razor's Edge Review Music In Belgium Review ...
Ela Minus - DÍA (2025)
DÍA , released on January 17, 2025, marks a significant evolution in Ela Minus's sound, blending introspective lyrics with expansive electronic production. The album navigates the middle ground between hyperpop and house, delivering tracks primed for dance floors while maintaining lyrical depth. Songs like "Broken" showcase her ability to craft infectious melodies layered with emotional vulnerability. Critics have praised DÍA for its mature directness and sensitive songcraft, noting that Ela Minus successfully combines experimental elements with pop sensibilities to create a cohesive and immersive listening experience. Overall, DÍA is recognized as a bold step forward, solidifying Ela Minus's position in the contemporary electronic music scene. Sources: Treble Review Everything Is Noise Review Stereogum Album of the Week Domino Music Announcement Genre : Electropop Country : Colombia Final Verdict: 58% (Forgettable Album) Yearly Ranking : 22th / 24 Highlight :...
The Weather Station - Humanhood (2025)
Humanhood has garnered acclaim for its intricate blend of genres and emotional depth. It is described as "the most full-throated creation from The Weather Station to date," highlighting its cohesive and immersive nature. While the album "struggles to move on from its predecessor," it effectively charts "the stages of a personal breakdown" through subtle arrangements. Observers note that the album is "prickly and less accessible than the Canadian band’s previous work," reflecting a deliberate push towards innovation. Overall, Humanhood is recognized for its complex emotional landscape and the band's commitment to evolving their sound. Clash Magazine Financial Times Slant Magazine Genre : Art Pop Country : Canada Final Verdict: 67% (Good Album) Yearly Ranking: 1st / 23 Highlight : Humanhood Made me think of: Big Thief Angel Olsen Tori Amos #newalbum #newalbum2024 #albumrelease #newmusic #albumoftheday #nowspinning #NowPlaying #musicdiscove...
Skinner - New Wave Vaudeville (2025)
New Wave Vaudeville has been met with positive reviews for its raw energy and inventive sound. Clash Magazine describes it as "a brilliantly infectious oddball debut," noting its blend of abrasive yet catchy elements reminiscent of the late 1970s no-wave movement. HeadStuff praises the album for inviting listeners into "a world of angular riffs, brooding vocals, and relentless energy," highlighting its contemporary yet timeless feel. The lo-fi production and inclusion of saxophone add a visceral richness, capturing the essence of the genre while marking a significant evolution in Skinner's sound. Sources: Clash Magazine Review HeadStuff Review Skinner's Bandcamp Genre : Dance Punk Country : Ireland Final Verdict: 56% (Forgettable Album) Yearly Ranking : 21th / 22 Highlight : Tell My Ma Made me think of: Teenage Jesus and The Jerks Swans Sonic Youth #newalbum #newalbum2024 #albumrelease #newmusic #albumoftheday #nowspinning #NowPlaying #musicdiscovery...
Lil Baby - Wham (2025)
WHAM showcases Lil Baby's evolution as an artist, blending his signature trap sound with introspective lyrics and high-profile collaborations. The album features notable guest appearances, including Young Thug's first verse since his release from incarceration on the track "Dum, Dumb, and Dumber," which also includes Future. Critics have highlighted tracks like "Redbone," featuring GloRilla, and "By Myself," featuring Rod Wave and Rylo Rodriguez, as standout moments that demonstrate Lil Baby's versatility and ability to craft compelling narratives.Commercially, WHAM debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200, marking Lil Baby's fourth consecutive chart-topping album. The project moved 140,000 album-equivalent units in its first week, with 12 tracks entering the Billboard Hot 100.Overall, WHAM solidifies Lil Baby's status as a leading figure in contemporary hip-hop, delivering a project that balances mainstream appeal with artistic depth. ...