Yes - Close to the Edge
80

The title track delivers heavily, and then it becomes more of a prog jam. Which one cannot quite hold against it, as the project would become derivative if all other portions tried to imitate the first song.

\\\ Light - Decent 8 ///

Model/Actriz - Winnipesaukee
90

Churning, siren-like soundscape with cutting drums and vocals.

\\\ Strong 8 - Light 9 ///

Model/Actriz - Pirouette
90

Vocals lean melodic and softer compared to 2023's Dogsbody, yet the instrumentation is just as hard-hitting. Vulnerable and personal.

\\\ Strong 8 - Light 9 ///

black midi - Schlagenheim
80

Flustered and immense instrumentation paired with Greep's one-of-a-kind vocals. But not all moments need to be up in your face, Midi realizes this. Thus making Schlangenheim a quite interesting and enjoyable experience.

\\\ Decent - Strong 8 ///

Siouxsie and the Banshees - Juju
80

Siouxsie delivers powerful vocals that fit in terms of tonality and energy. The synths stand out in many instances without bathing in it (unlike other gothic artists), while killer guitar riffs are complemented by impressive drum fills. Overall, this is a solid gothic album with a pleasing arrangement.

\\\ Strong 7 - Light 8 ///

The Flaming Lips - Embryonic
80

A wonderful and intriguing project that is stylistically all over the place but stays true to being itself.

\\\ Strong 7 - Light 8 ///

90

Shearling straddles the line of ambient and noise with a slew of other genres. Yet they do it so effortlessly. Gorgeous moments are intertwined with terrifying dissonance. This album is, by all means, awe-inspiring. My only criticisms reside with Alex's current vocal styling compared to prior works. It can be sort of one note on this album, whereas on efforts like 2023's "The Lamb as Effigy", his inflections are multifaceted.

\\\ Strong 8 - Light 9 ///

Jefre Cantu-Ledesma - In Summer
80

Stunningly beautiful. The lush soundscapes create a blissful summer feel. I would love to listen to this with my eyes closed while enjoying the warmth of the sun. Prelude feels disjointed from the rest of the project, though.

\\\ Strong 7 - Light 8 ///

Model/Actriz - Damocles
90

It isn't just up in your face; the brashness Model/Actriz brings has incredible depth. The tones they incorporate are awe-inspiring as they emanate harmony and melody similar to that of Shoegaze.

\\\ Light - Decent 9 ///

Model/Actriz - Suntan
90

Such a stark contrast between the keyboard (I assume) and the left field industrial-esque drums. Love how they're able to compile these aspects into an absolute heavyhitter of a song.

\\\ Light - Decent 9 ///

Model/Actriz - No
80

Abrasive as always, yet mesmerizing in melody.

\\\ Decent - Strong 8 ///

Model/Actriz - AVA
70

Brutal. Soundstage is shallow in some aspects.

\\\ Decent - Strong 7 ///

Model/Actriz - 100€
70

The true start of Model/Actriz, and it is solid. Instrumentation is quite louder than the vocals, but that isn't an issue considering where the two tracks go stylistically.

\\\ Light - Decent 7 ///

Model/Actriz - Diva
84

Churning guitar riff and compelling vocals. Really invested in the lyrical nature of this one.

John Coltrane - Giant Steps
80

Simply lovely.

\\\ Strong 7 - Light 8 ///

Cities Aviv - Accompanied by a Blazing Solo
90

Cover knew its rating already.

\\\ Strong 8 - Light 9 ///

GRAVEDGR - 6 FEET UNDER
20

If the cliche "hardcore" aspects didn't sell you the album, the Masked Wolf/Eminem leftover flows definitely will.

\\\ Light - Decent 2 ///

The Angelic Process - Weighing Souls With Sand
80

Bathing in sound and poignant vocal melodies, Weighing Souls With Sand is an unabashedly dense experience.

\\\ Decent - Strong 8 ///

Missouri Executive Order 44 - Salt Sermon
70

Missouri Executive Order 44 brings a brash sound that immediately kicks off and lasts practically the whole album. Given the context behind the band's name, this is warranted. The harsh aspects of this album do not necessarily evolve, but for a 15-minute experience, it doesn't overstay its welcome.

\\\ Strong 6 - Light 7 ///

Monzack - Monzack (Vol.3)
70

This project emanates dreamlike horns and what feels like a callback to J Dilla or The Avalanches with modern inspiration, such as the snappy drums, soulful vocal chops, or the soaring guitar found on Track 2. While there may not be much progression, it procured a unique selection of sounds and was enjoyable. Thank you, @oneword1, for recommending this EP; I really appreciate it!

\\\ Strong 6 - Light 7 ///

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