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Showing posts from May, 2025

Boldy James - Conversational Pieces (2025)

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Conversational Pieces marks the third collaboration between Detroit rapper Boldy James and Los Angeles producer Real Bad Man. The album showcases a shift towards jazz-infused, drumless soundscapes, diverging from the more aggressive boom-bap style of their previous works. Tracks like "Bag It Up" and "Burn in Hell" delve into Boldy's reflections on street life and personal struggles, while "It Factor," featuring El-P, highlights his lyrical prowess over minimalist production. Critics have noted the album's introspective tone and the duo's evolving chemistry, with UndergroundHipHopBlog praising its jazzier feel compared to earlier collaborations . While some fans on Reddit have expressed a desire for more varied features, the album is largely seen as a strong addition to Boldy's prolific 2025 output   UndergroundHipHopBlog: "Conversational Pieces" Feels Jazzier Than Boldy James' Previous Material with Real Bad Man (Albu...

The Callous Daoboys - I Don’t Want to See You in Heaven (2025)

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I Don’t Want to See You in Heaven showcases The Callous Daoboys' evolution, blending their signature mathcore chaos with newfound melodic elements. The album introduces a dystopian concept, presenting itself as a "Museum of Failure," allowing vocalist Carson Pace to explore personal themes of heartbreak, addiction, and self-reflection . Tracks like "Lemon" and "Two-Headed Trout" highlight the band's ability to merge aggressive riffs with catchy hooks, drawing comparisons to Linkin Park's nu-metal era. Critics have praised the album's dynamic range and emotional depth, noting its balance between intensity and accessibility . While some may find the album's experimental nature challenging, it stands as a testament to the band's growth and willingness to push genre boundaries. The Guardian: The Callous Daoboys: I Don't Want to See You in Heaven review Kerrang!: Album review: The Callous Daoboys – I Don’t Want To See You ...

Tƶrzs - MenedƩk (2025)

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MenedĆ©k marks Tƶrzs's return after a six-year hiatus, delivering a deeply introspective and emotive instrumental post-rock experience. The album's title, meaning "Refuge" in Hungarian, encapsulates its thematic focus on shelter and introspection. Tracks like "Egy Pillanatban a VĆ©gtelen" showcase the band's ability to craft expansive soundscapes that balance melancholy with moments of brightness. Critics have praised the album's intricate compositions and emotional depth, noting its capacity to evoke profound reflection and solace. Overall, MenedĆ©k stands as a compelling addition to the post-rock genre, offering listeners a sanctuary of sound. GBHBL: Album Review: Tƶrzs – MenedĆ©k (Pelagic Records) Metal Temple: Tƶrzs – MenedĆ©k All About The Rock: Hungarian post rock trio TƖRZS release new album MenedĆ©k Bandcamp: MenedĆ©k by TƖRZS Genre : Post Rock Country : Hungary Final Verdict: 68% (Good Album) Yearly Ranking: 42th / 366 Highlight :...

Pelican - Flickering Resonance (2025)

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Flickering Resonance marks Pelican's return after a six-year hiatus, reuniting with founding guitarist Laurent Schroeder-Lebec for the first time since 2009. The album delves into a rich tapestry of sounds, blending post-metal, post-rock, and alternative influences. Tracks like "Gulch" and "Indelible" showcase the band's ability to merge dreamy alt-rock with hulking doom elements, while "Flickering Stillness" and "Wandering Mind" explore post-hardcore and shimmering prog territories   Critics have lauded the album's cohesive execution and emotional depth. Kerrang! describes it as "muscular and mesmeric," highlighting its seamless integration of diverse influences . Metal Epidemic praises the band's comfort in their sound, stating that Flickering Resonance builds upon a foundation that was "painstakingly laid," offering a source of brightness in challenging times . Sputnikmusic notes the album's earn...

Nytt Land - Songs of the Shaman (2025)

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Songs of the Shaman by Nytt Land is a profound journey into the spiritual traditions of Siberia, blending ancient shamanic rituals with contemporary dark folk elements. The album features traditional throat singing, handcrafted instruments, and lyrics in original languages, aiming to preserve the authenticity and power of the ancient spells and songs. Critics have praised the album's immersive quality and its ability to transport listeners to a different time and place, highlighting tracks like "Eikule Yekule" and "Hailambi Xulembi" for their evocative soundscapes. While some may find the album's deep dive into ritualistic themes challenging, it stands as a testament to Nytt Land's dedication to cultural preservation and musical innovation. Bandcamp: Songs of the Shaman by Nytt Land Facebook: NYTT LAND - Songs of The Shaman (Album Review) Album of The Year: Nytt Land - Songs Of The Shaman Reviews Genre : Nordic Ritual Folk Country : Russia F...

F5ve - SEQUENCE 01 (2025)

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SEQUENCE 01 marks a bold and genre-defying debut for f5ve, blending elements of J-pop, hyperpop, and dance-pop into a cohesive and energetic collection. The album showcases the group's versatility, with tracks like "Underground" and "Magic Clock" highlighting their ability to merge traditional J-pop sensibilities with futuristic production. The collaboration with Kesha on "Sugar Free Venom" adds an international flair, further emphasizing their global aspirations. Critics have praised the album's production quality and the group's dynamic performances, noting that while some tracks may feel brief, the overall experience is refreshing and innovative. SEQUENCE 01 positions f5ve as a rising force in the global pop landscape. Y Wikipedia: Sequence 01 Clash Magazine: f5ve - SEQUENCE 01 | Reviews Phoenix Talks Pop Culture Japan: F5VE's first album has launched – Sequence 01 (album review) Audilous: F5ve Redefines J-Pop with Glob...

Pup - Who Will Look After The Dogs? (2025)

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Who Will Look After the Dogs? marks a significant evolution in PUP's sound, blending their signature punk energy with introspective themes. The album delves into topics like aging, mental health, and personal growth, showcasing a maturity in their songwriting. Tracks such as "Hallways" and "Concrete" highlight this shift, offering a more nuanced approach to their music. While some songs like "Paranoid" revisit their earlier, more aggressive style, the overall tone of the album reflects a band embracing change and vulnerability. Critics have praised this direction, noting the band's ability to balance raw emotion with catchy melodies, resulting in a compelling and relatable record. Pitchfork: PUP: Who Will Look After the Dogs? Album Review Kerrang!: Album review: PUP – Who Will Look After The Dogs Exclaim!: PUP Bark Back at Millennial Malaise on 'Who Will Look After the Dogs?' Treble: PUP : Who Will Look After the Dogs? | Al...

Kali Uchis - Sincerely, (2025)

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Sincerely, is Kali Uchis' most intimate and emotionally resonant album to date. The project delves into themes of motherhood, grief, and self-reflection, inspired by the birth of her first child and the loss of her mother. Tracks like "Sunshine & Rain…" and "ILYSMIH" showcase her ability to blend vulnerability with lush, dreamy soundscapes. Critics have praised the album's cohesive production and Uchis' evolution as a songwriter, noting its balance between introspective lyrics and vibrant instrumentation. While some reviews point out areas for deeper lyrical exploration, Sincerely, stands as a testament to Uchis' commitment to her craft and her emergence as a formidable presence in the neo-soul and R&B scenes. Pitchfork: Kali Uchis Shares New Song "Sunshine & Rain..." From Sincerely, Album: Listen AP News: Kali Uchis pours her heart into new album 'Sincerely,' Los Angeles Times: Kali Uchis’ new album ā€˜Sin...

Zhaoze - The Triangle ¦ äø‰č§’č”Œ (2025)

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The Triangle | äø‰č§’č”Œ represents a significant evolution in Zhaoze's musical journey, blending traditional Chinese instruments with post-rock sensibilities. The album showcases the band's signature use of the electric guqin, creating a soundscape that is both ethereal and grounded. Live performances, such as the "Triangle Special Concert in Shenzhen," highlight the band's commitment to fusing Eastern and Western musical traditions, offering audiences a transcendent experience. While some listeners may find the fusion unconventional, many appreciate the band's innovative approach to genre-blending. Bandcamp: Zhaoze – The Triangle | äø‰č§’č”Œ YouTube: Zhaoze – 1911 (Live in Triangle Special Concert in Shenzhen 2024) YouTube: Zhaoze – Standing in Wind (Live in Triangle Special Concert in Shenzhen 2024) Genre : Post Rock Country : China Final Verdict : 72% (Very Good Album) Yearly Ranking: 17th / 360 Highlight : 1911 4th Mov. ¦ äø€ä¹äø€äø€ ē¬¬å››å›ž (live) Made me think o...

Jenny Hval - Iris Silver Mist (2025)

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Iris Silver Mist is a sensory-rich exploration of memory, identity, and transformation. Inspired by a fragrance of the same name, Jenny Hval crafts an album that blurs the lines between sound and scent, presence and absence. Tracks like "To Be a Rose" and "The Artist Is Absent" showcase her ability to weave poetic lyrics with experimental soundscapes, creating a dreamlike atmosphere. Critics have praised the album's immersive quality and its delicate balance of vulnerability and innovation. While some listeners may find its abstract nature challenging, Iris Silver Mist offers a profound and evocative listening experience for those willing to engage deeply. Pitchfork: Jenny Hval: Iris Silver Mist Album Review The Guardian: Jenny Hval: Iris Silver Mist review – intoxicating tribute to the emotive pull of memory Far Out Magazine: Jenny Hval – ā€˜Iris Silver Mist’ album review The Line of Best Fit: Jenny Hval: Iris Silver Mist review – memory sensory...

mclusky - the world is still here and so are we (2025)

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After a two-decade hiatus, mclusky returns with The World Is Still Here and So Are We , delivering a raw and energetic collection that reaffirms their place in the noise rock landscape. The album kicks off with "Unpopular Parts of a Pig," immediately showcasing their signature blend of jagged riffs and sardonic lyrics. Tracks like "Way of the Exploding Dickhead" and "Hate the Polis" exemplify their ability to merge abrasive soundscapes with biting humor. Critics have praised the album's consistency and the band's seamless reintegration into the modern music scene, noting that their sound remains as compelling and relevant as ever. While some listeners may find the relentless intensity challenging, longtime fans will appreciate the band's unwavering commitment to their distinctive style. Kerrang!: Album review: mclusky – The World Is Still Here And So Are We The Quietus: The world is still here and so are we Glide Magazine: After Tw...

Sleep Token - Even In Arcadia (2025)

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Even in Arcadia marks a significant evolution in Sleep Token's sound, blending their signature metalcore roots with elements of pop, R&B, and electronic music. The album delves into themes of identity, fame, and vulnerability, with tracks like "Caramel" and "Damocles" offering introspective lyrics and genre-defying compositions. While some critics praise the band's bold experimentation and emotional depth, others feel the album lacks cohesion and strays too far from their heavier origins. Nevertheless, Even in Arcadia showcases Sleep Token's willingness to push boundaries and redefine their place in the modern music landscape. Pitchfork: Sleep Token: Even in Arcadia Album Review Kerrang!: Album review: Sleep Token – Even In Arcadia Louder Sound: Even In Arcadia review: Sleep Token's new album is ambitious, intense and painfully honest Rolling Stone UK: Sleep Token ā€˜Even In Arcadia’ review: UK alt. metal enigmas explore a bold new...

Djo - The Crux (2025)

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The Crux marks a significant evolution in Djo's musical journey, blending nostalgic influences with modern sensibilities. Recorded at Electric Lady Studios, the album showcases a shift from Keery's earlier synth-heavy productions to a richer, guitar-driven sound reminiscent of late '60s and '70s pop. Tracks like "Basic Being Basic" and "Delete Ya" highlight his ability to craft catchy melodies while delving into themes of identity and self-reflection. Critics have praised the album's cohesive production and Keery's growth as a songwriter, noting its balance between introspective lyrics and vibrant instrumentation. While some reviews point out areas for deeper lyrical exploration, The Crux stands as a testament to Keery's commitment to his craft and his emergence as a formidable presence in the indie music scene. Pitchfork: Djo: The Crux Album Review Far Out Magazine: Djo – ā€˜The Crux’ album review The Guardian: Djo review - ...

Mark Pritchard & Thom Yorke - Tall Tales (2025)

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Tall Tales is a compelling fusion of Mark Pritchard's intricate electronic production and Thom Yorke's evocative vocals, resulting in a soundscape that is both haunting and immersive. The album delves into themes of dystopia, technology, and existential angst, with tracks like "A Fake in a Faker’s World" setting a tone of digital disarray grounded by Yorke's human touch. Critics have praised the album's atmospheric depth and the duo's ability to blend ambient textures with pop sensibilities, creating a work that is as challenging as it is rewarding. While some listeners may find the album's experimental nature demanding, its rich sonic tapestry offers a profound listening experience for those willing to engage with its complexities. Pitchfork: Mark Pritchard / Thom Yorke: Tall Tales Album Review AP News: Music Review: Radiohead's Thom Yorke and Mark Pritchard team up for inventive 'Tall Tales' The Line of Best Fit: Mark Pritcha...

Blondshell - If You Asked For A Picture (2025)

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Blondshell's sophomore album, If You Asked For A Picture , delves deeper into the complexities of personal growth and emotional introspection. Building upon the raw energy of her debut, Sabrina Teitelbaum explores themes of identity, relationships, and self-reflection with a matured perspective. The album's soundscape blends '90s alt-rock influences with contemporary indie nuances, creating a cohesive yet dynamic listening experience. Tracks like "Thumbtack" and "T&A" showcase her lyrical prowess, balancing vulnerability with assertiveness. Critics have praised the album for its candid storytelling and sonic evolution, marking it as a significant step forward in Blondshell's artistic journey. Pitchfork: Blondshell: If You Asked for a Picture Album Review Exclaim!: Blondshell's 'If You Asked for a Picture' Is Exposure Therapy NME: Blondshell – ā€˜If You Asked For A Picture’ album review Far Out Magazine: Blondshell - If Y...

Billy Woods - GOLLIWOG (2025)

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GOLLIWOG stands as a haunting and complex exploration of horror, history, and identity. billy woods crafts a surreal soundscape that intertwines elements of horrorcore with incisive social commentary. The album delves into themes of systemic oppression, inherited trauma, and existential dread, all delivered through woods' dense and evocative lyricism. Collaborations with producers like The Alchemist, EL-P, and Kenny Segal contribute to the album's unsettling atmosphere, blending dissonant strings, ambient textures, and fragmented beats. Critics have lauded GOLLIWOG for its daring thematic content and innovative production, marking it as one of the most compelling releases in contemporary hip-hop. Pitchfork: How billy woods Created His Latest Masterpiece, GOLLIWOG The Guardian: Billy Woods: Golliwog review - one of the most engrossing, unnerving records you'll hear this year The Line of Best Fit: billy woods – GOLLIWOG review The Skinny: billy woods album r...