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Amyl and The Sniffers - Cartoon Darkness (2024)

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Cartoon Darkness represents Amyl and The Sniffers’ most daring project to date, combining blistering punk energy with a newfound sonic diversity. Amy Taylor’s vocal dynamism and unapologetically direct lyrics drive the album’s rebellious tone, tackling themes of consumerism, sexual autonomy, and societal expectations. Produced by Nick Launay (known for his work with Nick Cave and Yeah Yeah Yeahs), the album captures raw aggression alongside moments of introspection and genre-blending—ranging from the punk-forward “Jerkin’” to the glam-influenced “U Should Not Be Doing That.” Tracks like “Chewing Gum” mix nostalgia with defiance, while “Bailing on Me” softens the tone, revealing vulnerability beneath the band’s tough exterior​ Glide Magazine   Silent Radio   Clash Magazine . Genre : Punk Rock Country : Australia Final Verdict: 70% (Very Good Album) Yearly Ranking: 57th / 786 Highlight : (both added to my 2024 best of) Big Dreams U Should Not Be Doing That Made me think of: I...

Devin Townsend - PowerNerd (2024)

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PowerNerd finds Devin Townsend in a playful yet focused mode, delivering a high-energy mix of heavy rock riffs, synth-led hooks, and self-referential humor. The album was composed in a fast-paced, experimental environment, with Townsend allowing spontaneity to shape the sound. Tracks like the title opener “PowerNerd” set the tone with anthemic choruses and synth-pop energy, while “Knuckledragger” channels 80s metal through video game-like synths and quirky vocals. Townsend’s unique humor surfaces in tracks like “Ruby Quaker,” where he combines metal with unexpected country and honky-tonk elements​.  Townsend’s vocal versatility stands out as he shifts from heavy metal roars to emotive balladry across the album. Tracks like “Dreams of Light” offer introspective moments, contrasting with intense, groove-driven songs like “Gratitude.” Special guests, including Jamey Jasta of Hatebreed, add to the album’s dynamism. Overall,  PowerNerd  is an exuberant addition to Townsend's ...

Oddleaf - Where Ideal and Denial Collide (2024)

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Oddleaf’s debut album, Where Ideal and Denial Collide , is a fresh entry in progressive rock, combining lush, symphonic elements with retro influences from bands like Camel and Renaissance. The album, produced and recorded with exceptional attention to sonic detail, explores themes of environmentalism and human disconnection from nature, creating a rich narrative across its six tracks. Musically, the album mixes haunting flute lines, Mellotron textures, and dynamic shifts between electric and acoustic instrumentation, with standout vocals from Adeline Gurtner that are both emotive and ethereal. Tracks like “Life” and “Back in Time” balance infectious, vintage-inspired melodies with introspective lyrics, giving the album a timeless yet urgent feel. This blend of pastoral and dark themes marks Where Ideal and Denial Collide as a promising and inventive contribution to the prog scene​ The PROG Mind   Prog Rock Central   Prog Rock Central . Genre : Progressive Rock Country : Fran...

Touché Amoré - Spiral In A Straight Line (2024)

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Spiral In A Straight Line showcases Touché Amoré at their most ambitious, merging raw post-hardcore energy with emotional, experimental touches. Returning with producer Ross Robinson, the band explores themes of resilience and self-reflection through varied sonic elements, from hardcore to shoegaze-inspired sections. Notable tracks include "Hal Ashby," which pairs explosive punk drums with introspective lyrics, and "Finalist," a standout for its anthemic structure and crowd-ready intensity. Guest appearances by Lou Barlow on "Subversion (Brand New Love)" and Julien Baker on the closing track "Goodbye For Now" lend a dynamic contrast, adding melodic depth to the album’s emotional weight. Overall, Spiral In A Straight Line is a testament to the band’s evolution and continues to capture the cathartic core of Touché Amoré’s sound​ Pitchfork   Distorted Sound Magazine   The AU Review   Noizze . Genre : Post Hardcore Country : US Final Verdict: 61% ...

Confidence Man - 3AM (LA LA LA) (2024)

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3AM (LA LA LA) by Confidence Man is a bold, high-energy homage to '90s rave culture and UK garage, pulling listeners into a hedonistic night-out vibe. Recorded during late-night “cooked sessions” in London, the album pulses with massive beats, trance-like synths, and lyrics that are as cheeky as they are carefree. Tracks like "SO WHAT" and "I CAN'T LOSE YOU" blend infectious house grooves with irreverent, party-centric lyrics that showcase the duo’s uninhibited charisma. The closing title track provides a cool-down moment, offering a touch of introspective calm to wrap up the night. The album is a playful yet polished ride through dance-pop nostalgia that is bound to become a fan favorite for club-goers and festival stages alike​ Clash Magazine   When The Horn Blows   Rolling Stone UK Genre : Dance Pop Country : Australia Final Verdict: 61% (Good Album) Yearly Ranking : 508th / 782 Highlight : Sicko Made me think of: MGMT Hot Chip LCD Soundsystem #newalbum...

Melted Bodies - The Inevitable Fork LP (2024)

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The Inevitable Fork LP is an intense, genre-bending journey that continues Melted Bodies’ exploration of chaos, blending metal, punk, electronic elements, and sharp social commentary. This sophomore release features abrasive, frenetic tracks like "Bloodlines" and "The Hot Dog Contract" while also diving into personal and existential themes about choice, survival, and identity. Known for their erratic and unpredictable sound, the band mixes aggressive metal riffs with moments of reflective calm, offering listeners both visceral intensity and cerebral depth. The album’s thematic focus on life's pivotal decisions adds a cohesive narrative to their signature sonic experimentation​ Everything Is Noise   AMPLIFY THE NOISE   MetalSucks . Genre : Avant-Garde Metal Country : US Final Verdict: 65% (Good Album) Yearly Ranking: 279th / 781 Highlight : Bloodlines Made me think of: Daughters Xiu Xiu Sleepytime Gorilla Museum #newalbum #newalbum2024 #albumrelease #newmusic #...

Rag'n'Bone Man - What Do You Believe In? (2024)

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Rag'n'Bone Man’s third studio album, What Do You Believe In? , brings a fresh wave of soulful authenticity. The album is deeply personal, blending his signature gravelly blues vocals with modern production elements. Tracks like "Rush of Blood" and the title track delve into themes of faith, resilience, and self-discovery. Collaborations with producers like Mike Elizondo help balance lush, gospel-like arrangements with stripped-back acoustic moments, making the record dynamic and introspective. While his raw vocal power remains central, this album leans more towards optimism and growth than his previous works​ Michael Percy   TotalNtertainment   5 things to do today   PCN Magazine . Genre : Pop Soul Country : UK Final Verdict : 63% (Good Album) Yearly Ranking : 415th / 780 Highlight : Rush Of Blood Made me think of: Hozier James Morrison George Ezra #newalbum #newalbum2024 #albumrelease #newmusic #albumoftheday #nowspinning #NowPlaying #musicdiscovery #PopSoul #Rag...