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Showing posts from June, 2025

Aesop Rock - Black Hole Superette (2025)

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Aesop Rock's eleventh studio album, Black Hole Superette , marks a contemplative turn in his discography, embracing themes of aging, memory, and everyday observations. Departing from his earlier, more abstract works, Aesop delves into the minutiae of daily life—gardening, shopping at Costco, and watching birds—infusing these experiences with introspective lyricism. Musically, the album showcases his most refined production to date, blending nostalgic 1980s and 1990s hip-hop influences with atmospheric, stripped-down compositions. Tracks like "Snail Zero," "Bird School," and "Black Plums" exemplify this evolution, merging thoughtful lyrics with engaging rhythms. Critics have praised the album's balance of complexity and accessibility, noting its ability to transform the mundane into profound meditations on existence. Pitchfork: Aesop Rock: Black Hole Superette Album Review Bandcamp: Black Hole Superette by Aesop Rock Treble: Aesop Rock:...

Miley Cyrus - Something Beautiful (2025)

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Miley Cyrus's ninth studio album, Something Beautiful , marks a bold and introspective chapter in her evolving artistry. Described as a "hypnotic" and "cinematic" experience, the album delves into themes of healing, impermanence, and self-discovery. Tracks like "End of the World" and "More to Lose" showcase her vocal maturity and emotional depth, while collaborations with artists like Brittany Howard and Naomi Campbell add unique textures to the soundscape. Critics have noted the album's ambitious fusion of genres, blending elements of pop, rock, soul, and psychedelia. Accompanied by a visual film premiering at the Tribeca Festival, Something Beautiful stands as a testament to Cyrus's commitment to pushing creative boundaries and redefining her musical identity. The Times: Miley Cyrus: Something Beautiful review — you have to admire her bravery The Guardian: Miley Cyrus: Something Beautiful review – solid pop that's abo...

Garbage - Let All That We Imagine Be The Light (2025)

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Garbage's eighth studio album, Let All That We Imagine Be the Light , marks a poignant return for the band, blending their signature alternative rock sound with themes of resilience and hope. The album was conceived during frontwoman Shirley Manson's recovery from hip replacement surgery, infusing the tracks with introspection and defiance. Songs like "Chinese Fire Horse" and "R U Happy Now" showcase the band's ability to tackle societal issues with raw energy, while "The Day That I Met God" offers a whimsical yet profound closure. Critics have praised the album's balance of vulnerability and strength, noting its relevance in today's complex world. Overall, Let All That We Imagine Be the Light stands as a testament to Garbage's enduring artistry and their commitment to confronting darkness with light. AP News: Music Review: Garbage are defiant on new album Under the Radar: Garbage: Let All That We Imagine Be the Light ...

Swans - Birthing (2025)

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Swans' seventeenth studio album, Birthing , stands as a monumental culmination of their expansive sonic explorations. Developed over a year-long tour and refined in the studio, the album weaves elements of free jazz, drone, and noise rock into a cohesive tapestry. Tracks like "The Merge" and "Red Yellow" showcase the band's ability to blend harsh noise with rhythmic grooves, creating a ritualistic and immersive experience. Critics have noted the album's synthesis of Swans' diverse eras, from the menacing no wave of their early days to the atmospheric depth of their recent works. As Michael Gira's final foray into the "big sound" Swans, Birthing serves as both a reflection on their past and a bridge to a more pared-down future. Slant Magazine: Swans 'Birthing' Review: A Ritualistic Endurance Test Young God Records: Birthing - Preorder Wikipedia: Birthing (album) Treble Zine: Swans: Birthing Ghost Cult Magazine...

Anyma - The End Of Genesys (2025)

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The End of Genesys marks the culmination of Anyma's ambitious trilogy, weaving a narrative that explores the intersection of humanity and technology. The album's sonic landscape is a fusion of emotive melodies and futuristic rhythms, creating an immersive experience that resonates with listeners. Tracks like "Hypnotized" featuring Ellie Goulding and "Taratata" with Grimes showcase Anyma's ability to blend mainstream appeal with underground sensibilities. Critics have praised the album's cohesive vision and innovative production, noting its cinematic quality and philosophical depth. As a final chapter, The End of Genesys not only concludes a narrative arc but also sets a new benchmark for storytelling in electronic music. Wikipedia: The End of Genesys This Song Is Sick: Anyma Ends An Era With Final Part Of Trilogy 'The End Of Genesys' EDM.com: Anyma Brings Cinematic Closure to Bold Artistic Vision in New Album, "The End of ...

Shapes Like People - Ticking Haze (2025)

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Shapes Like People's debut album, Ticking Haze , is a heartfelt collaboration between husband-and-wife duo Carl and Kat Mann. Blending dreamy melodies with jangly guitar lines, the album evokes the essence of 80s and 90s indie pop. Tracks like "Ambition Is Your Friend" and "When the Radio Plays" showcase Kat's ethereal vocals, drawing comparisons to artists like Kirsty MacColl and The Sundays. The production is both lush and intimate, allowing each song to resonate with emotional depth. Overall, Ticking Haze offers a nostalgic yet fresh take on dream pop, capturing the nuances of love, time, and introspection Louder Than War: Shapes Like People: Ticking Haze – Album Review The Big Takeover: Shapes Like People – Ticking Haze (Jangleshop) I Don't Hear A Single: Shapes Like People - Ticking Haze Janglepophub: Album review ~ Ticking Haze by Shapes Like People (2025) Bandcamp: Ticking Haze | Shapes Like People Genre : Dream Pop Country : U...

Jeffrey Lewis - The EVEN MORE Freewheelin' Jeffrey Lewis (2025)

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The EVEN MORE Freewheelin' Jeffrey Lewis is a vibrant tapestry of wit, introspection, and lo-fi charm. Recorded over four days in Nashville, the album captures Lewis's signature storytelling, blending humor with poignant observations on modern life. Tracks like "Do What Comes Natural" and "Sometimes Life Hits You" showcase his ability to juxtapose self-deprecating lyrics with catchy melodies. Critics have lauded the album's raw energy and authentic feel, noting its balance between playful narratives and deeper reflections. While some may find its unpolished production a departure from mainstream norms, fans of anti-folk and indie rock will appreciate its sincerity and originality. Psychedelic Baby Magazine: The EVEN MORE Freewheelin’ Jeffrey Lewis: Rambling Through His New Record For Folk's Sake: Album | Jeffrey Lewis – The EVEN MORE Freewheelin’ Jeffrey Lewis PopMatters: Jeffrey Lewis Bares All and Is a Bona Fide Freewheeler Hot Pre...

Dead Pioneers - Po$t American (2025)

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Dead Pioneers' sophomore album, PO$T AMERICAN , delivers a scathing critique of systemic oppression through a fusion of hardcore punk and spoken word. Frontman Gregg Deal, a Native American visual and performance artist, channels his activism into tracks that confront colonialism, capitalism, and white supremacy. Songs like "Mythical Cowboys" and "The Caucasity" dismantle romanticized narratives of American history, while "A.I.M." pays homage to the American Indian Movement. The album's raw energy and incisive lyrics have drawn comparisons to acts like Rage Against the Machine and Public Enemy, positioning Dead Pioneers as a formidable voice in contemporary protest music. PO$T AMERICAN stands as a powerful testament to resistance and the enduring fight for justice. Joyzine: Album Review: Dead Pioneers – PO$T AMERICAN The Sleeping Shaman: Review: Dead Pioneers 'PO$T AMERICAN' The Punk Site: Dead Pioneers - Po$t American Loud...

Clipping. - Dead Channel Sky (2025)

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Clipping.'s sixth studio album, Dead Channel Sky , ventures into a cyberpunk-infused soundscape, merging industrial hip hop with speculative narratives. The album oscillates between abrasive noise elements and rhythmic beats, creating a dystopian atmosphere that challenges conventional hip hop structures. Tracks like "Dominator" and "Change the Channel" showcase the trio's ability to blend aggressive production with intricate lyricism. While some critics feel the album doesn't delve as deeply into its conceptual themes as previous works, others praise its innovative approach to genre fusion. Overall, Dead Channel Sky stands as a bold exploration of futuristic soundscapes and societal commentary. The Needle Drop: Clipping. - Dead Channel Sky Album Review Bandcamp: Dead Channel Sky by clipping. Sub Pop: Clipping's Dead Channel Sky The Guardian: Daveed Diggs' sci-fi rap trio Clipping Sputnikmusic: Clipping. - Dead Channel Sky Rev...