Midlake – The Courage of Others
| Rating: | 3.0 / 5 |
| Label: | Bella Union |
| Website: | — |
Expectations are a real bitch. I loved Van Occupanther. A lot. A whole lot. So my anticipation for the follow-up was quite high. Surely, they'd bust out some new jams like "Young Bride" or "Roscoe," right? Right?! No. No, they will not. They will focus on their more somber,... More
Future of the Left – Travels With Myself And Another
| Rating: | 3.0 / 5 |
| Label: | 4AD |
| Website: | — |
I was never a huge Mclusky fan, but was curious to hear the new project and it sounds much the same -- aggressive, snarky, strained rock songs. Check that, Rawk songs. And I don't say that with a bit of negativity. There's an anxious energy mixed with a respect for the pop... More
Spoon – Transference
| Rating: | 4.0 / 5 |
| Label: | Merge Records |
| Website: | spoontheband.com |
I totally went into this record thinking this was it, this was going to be the first Spoon record I was legitimately disappointed in. I figured their track record has been so good for so long now (with me, at least) that they had to trip up at some point and this was likely... More
Yeasayer – Odd Blood
| Rating: | 4.0 / 5 |
| Label: | Secretly Canadian |
| Website: | yeasayer.net |
As most anyone knows that has downloaded the leak, the album takes the band in a much fuller zone of production and dancier, accessible songs. Fortunately they've also mixed in a hefty dash of extremely weird and dark overtones to it all as well; a combination you wouldn't... More
Them Crooked Vultures – Them Crooked Vultures
| Rating: | 4.0 / 5 |
| Label: | Interscope |
| Website: |
The supergroup rarely works well - as there are typically so many clashing egos that nothing really ever shines. Fortunately that's not so much the case here. Each player does their thing incredibly well but never tries to steal the show. The songs are a bit jam-tastic at... More
Blitzen Trapper – Black River Killer
| Rating: | 4.5 / 5 |
| Label: | Sub Pop |
| Website: |
A solid EP is always a treat as it rarely has time to mess things up. Such is the case with this single from Furr mixed with a bunch of tracks previously only available on CD-R's from the bands show. The majority of tracks are the more quiet, storytelling Blitzen Trapper... More
Girls – Album
| Rating: | 2.5 / 5 |
| Label: | True Panther Sounds |
| Website: |
I wanted to love this, I really did. I think Lust for Life is one of the finer gems to come out this year.. it's familiar and enjoyable and destined for commercial licensing. However, the rest of the record feels like some slow jams from Elvis Costello - not a bad thing but... More
Flaming Lips – Embryonic
| Rating: | 3.5 / 5 |
| Label: | Reprise |
| Website: | flaminglips.com |
While I heavily enjoy the pop styles that Flaming Lips are capable of deploying I do love it when they get a bit weirder. Embryonic is more than just a bit weirder - it's a lot weirder. It's their finest stab at an epic prog rock album in my opinion. A blend of the two... More
Atlas Sounds – Logos
| Rating: | 4.0 / 5 |
| Label: | Reprise |
| Website: | myspace.com |
Obviously the collab track with Panda Bear is the main highlight here but the ambient, languid pop style present on the whole is a welcome addition to my ears. This is pretty much perfect for putting on repeat while you hang out with friends, enjoy a brisk night or slumber... More
Port O Brien – Threadbare
| Rating: | 4.0 / 5 |
| Label: | Tbd Records |
| Website: | portobrien.com |
Takes the sound of their first record and properly expands upon it. Overall a very laid back, quiet vibe - perfect for winter listenings. There's a sad, dark and somewhat ominous vibe that shows itself every so often that is very appreciated. Previous album was okay, this... More


