\\\ Light - Decent 8 ///

\\\ Strong 8 - Light 9 ///

\\\ Strong 7 - Light 8 ///

\\\ Decent - Strong 8 ///

\\\ Decent - Strong 6 ///

\\\ Decent - Strong 7 ///

"Born Into Trouble as the Sparks Fly Upward" handily recalls the emblematic anguish that Efrim and his collective are known for. This project is rough around the edges, but certainly awes the listener. As with most Godspeed records, A Silver Mt. Zion incorporates aspects of hope and despair. Even though the concept has been utilized extensively, it doesn't seem to tire. It's nondescript, radiant with emotion, but always seems to observe society. I believe that is why ... read more

Calm puts competent instrumentation at the forefront, while letting vocals lie in the back. This adds some interesting textures, but overall blurs the scope of the record.

\\\ Strong 5 - Light 6 ///

While Frank leads a different life, it makes sense why Blonde resonates deeply with people. Vivid storytelling and compelling production.

\\\ Decent - Strong 8 ///

Enjoyable and smooth, but a considerable lack of variance.

\\\ Light - Decent 5 ///

Beaming with shoegaze influence, Pink jostles you around for 30 minutes straight before giving you a breath. But just as you catch your breath, they take you through the longest and arguably the harshest track yet. Boris exemplifies why they are masters of layering sound and giving their songs dynamic pacing on this record. Stunning.

\\\ Light - Decent 9 ///

\\\ Light - Decent 9 ///

\\\ Decent - Strong 9 ///

Scenery approaches with laid-back shimmering grooves until it arrives at the album's magnum opus, Early Summer. This track features percussion-dense and awe-inspiring sections, interwoven with piano and other accompaniments. With the remaining songs, it descends back into downtempo rhythms. When listening, the panning and sound engineering throughout the project are done masterfully. A pleasant and surprising record from Ryo Fukui.

\\\ Strong 7 - Light 8 ///

House featuring John Cale sees Charli explore darkwave, a facet of sound new to her. Even if just for a film.

\\\ Light - Decent 7 ///

For Alto is a free jazz record that opens itself to many cabinets of sound using a single saxophone. Anthony uses his lungs to their fullest, all while choosing to keep it raw. It's harsh, all over the place, and I'll be damned if it isn't impressive.

\\\ Light - Decent 7 ///

the book about my idle plot on a vague anxiety, despite its title, is a beautiful album with driving drums and twinkly guitars. Boasting math rock that is just lovely.

\\\ Light - Decent 8 ///

\\\ Light - Decent 6 ///

\\\ Strong 5 - Light 6 ///

\\\ Decent - Strong 5 ///