Bob Vylan - Humble As The Sun
85

Bob Vylan's album "Humble As The Sun" is the groundbreaking magnus opus that we were all hoping for from the duo's with the unwavering spirit. From the empowering title track to the rebellious anthem "Get Yourself A Gun" every song on this album exudes a sense of hope and defiance. Bob Vylan's vocals, coupled with Jerub's harmonious accompaniment, create a unique sound that is both powerful and uplifting.

Tracks like "Reign" and "Dream Big Kid" harness ... read more

English Teacher - This Could Be Texas
95

The English Teacher album 'This Could Be Texas' is nothing short of a masterpiece. From the mesmerizing vocals of frontwoman Lily Fontaine to the dynamic range of musical influences, this album is a true work of art with even the odd misjudged moment adding to it's overall charming innocense.

Fontaine's poignant lyrics capture the essence of urban, working-class life with a blend of nostalgia, introspection and ambition that is both raw and beautiful. Each track on the album almost feels like ... read more

Vegyn - The Road to Hell Is Paved with Good Intentions
65

The latest album from Vegyn, "The Road to Hell Is Paved With Good Intentions" is paved with emptiness that revealing a multitude of flaws.

Despite Joseph Thornalley's impressive collaborations and diverse influences, the album lacks depth and fails to standout amongst this months releases. Thornalley's commendable attempt to experiment with new production methods and instruments like piano and guitar feels like a forced kind of psychedelia that the tracks could have done without. ... read more

Vampire Weekend - Only God Was Above Us
90

As the opening track boldly declares, "Fuck the world" Vampire Weekend's fifth album, "Only God Was Above Us", marks a slight departure from the sprightly pop of their previous work but no need to fret the energetic melodies are still present on enough tracks.

This new release is a reinvention as they evolve towards a more sophisticated sound, evident in songs like the magnificent "Classical" and the emotive "Capricorn". With subtle jazz influences and ... read more

Tusks - Gold
70

Tusks' album 'Gold' is a captivating journey that transports listeners to ethereal landscapes and introspective realms.

Drawing equal comparisons to London Grammar and DJ Shadow, Emily Underhill's sound is a unique blend of dreamy melodies and haunting beats. The album beautifully explores themes of love, loss, and solitude, creating a mesmerizing listening experience.

Through her evocative lyrics and atmospheric soundscapes, Underhill's artistry and storytelling prowess, leaving a lasting ... read more

The Goalie's Anxiety At The Penalty Kick - The Iliad and the Odyssey and the Goalie's Anxiety at the Penalty Kick
75

"The Iliad and the Odyssey and the Goalie's Anxiety at the Penalty Kick" by The Goalie's Anxiety at the Penalty Kick is a sophomore album that blends of desolate and hopeful songs together almost as if there's no difference between the two.

The contrasting vocal styles of Ben Curttright and Becky Hanno add depth and variety to the music. With a foundation in acoustic guitar, the band builds vast soundscapes that mix melancholy with moments of optimism. The album's rich arrangements ... read more

Still House Plants - If I don't make it, I love u
80

Still House Plants has created a mesmerizing journey with their album 'If I don't make it, I love u'. The London post-rock trio's music doesn't use typical song structures and delves into a realm of collective flickering that captures the essence of the post-rock genre.

Their sound, beautifully fractured and alive, feels like a raw display of nerve endings, offering listeners a glimpse into the very moment of a Still House Plants song coming to life. The trio's telepathic interplay is evident ... read more

Still Corners - Dream Talk
75

Anglo-American duo Still Corners deliver their sixth album, 'Dream Talk,' a mesmerizing 10-track journey through dream pop landscapes.

Embracing their signature sound while introducing subtle experimental elements, 'Dream Talk' offers a unique experience compared to their previous couple of albums. From the haunting melancholy of "Today is the Day" to the dynamic energy of "The Dream", Still Corners masterfully guide listeners through a range of emotions. Tessa Murray's ... read more

St. Vincent - All Born Screaming
70

St. Vincent's album 'All Born Screaming' marks a significant turning point in Annie Clark's musical journey. The album blends various genres and experiment with different musical textures while maintaining a distinct storytelling approach.

Despite deviating from her previous high-concept albums, 'All Born Screaming' retains a contemporary sound that reflects Clark's artistic evolution. The album may lack cohesiveness or reach the highs of previous projects, but it offers a captivating glimpse ... read more

Nia Archives - Silence Is Loud
90

Nia Archives has truly outdone herself with her debut album, 'Silence Is Loud'. In a musical landscape brimming with talent, Nia shines as a multifaceted artist who effortlessly navigates the realms of jungle, post-rave, and even indie rock with unparalleled finesse.

Each track on the album exemplifies her boundless creativity and emotional depth as well as her powerful vocals and masterful production skills. From the wistful melodies of the title track to the dynamic rush of 'Tell Me What ... read more

Mount Kimbie - The Sunset Violent
70

Mount Kimbie's album 'The Sunset Violent' marks a bold departure in their musical journey, it flaunts a diverse range of influences and sounds. From the haunting post-punk vibes of "The Trail" to the dreamlike melodies of "The Figure in the Surf", the album offers a unique blend of electronic, indie rock, and ambient elements.

Collaborations with artists like King Krule add depth and richness to the tracks and makes the album less of a binary listening experience. While ... read more

Meshell Ndegeocello - Red Hot + Ra: The Magic City
75

The Meshell Ndegeocello album 'Red Hot & Ra: The Magic City' is a profound homage to Sun Ra, the jazz luminary known for his groundbreaking compositions and visionary musical exploration.

Ndegeocello's intricate orchestration and collaboration with a diverse ensemble of talented musicians deliver a poignant tribute to Sun Ra's enduring legacy. It is a very welcome addition to this months releases and will hopefully inspire renewed interest in Fusion Jazz's quintessential eccentric. - ... read more

Maruja - Connla's Well
90

Every now and then, an album comes along seemingly from nowhere and then defies expectations and pushes the boundaries of its genre. Maruja's latest offering, 'Connla's Well', is one such album.

This EP is a stunning display of musical talent and creativity that unveils the band's evolution since their debut release, 'Knocknarea'. From the hauntingly beautiful instrumental pieces to the raw emotional power of tracks like 'The Invisible Man' and 'One Hand Behind the Devil', 'Connla's Well' ... read more

Lynks - ABOMINATION
75

Lynks' album 'ABOMINATION' is a whirlwind of bold, dance-inducing tracks that push boundaries and challenge norms. Each song follows a pattern of laugh-out-loud lyrics with faux shocking and innuendo-laden club tunes that are refreshingly honest and comedic.

While the beats and synth waves get your body moving, Lynks' lyrics delve deep into self-reflection and vulnerability. Tracks like “New Boyfriend”, “Tennis Song”, and “CPR” tease and taunt with deft ... read more

Lizzy McAlpine - Older
65

Lizzy McAlpine's latest album, "Older", marks a significant milestone in her musical journey. With poignant lyrics and a melodic sound, the singer delves into the complexities of growing up, love, and self-discovery.

Despite experimenting with new production elements and an added level of maturity, McAlpine stays true to her indie-folk roots, her raw talent and authenticity is never too far away. Through her music, she captures the fleeting nature of confidence and the universal ... read more

Kindsight - No Shame No Fame
70

Kindsight's album 'No Shame No Fame' is a vibrant blend of indie pop that captivates has a fresh sound and countless infectious melodies.

The band's homage to ophthalmic pop is evident throughout the album, adding a unique touch to their music. While some tracks exhibit C86 stylings, Kindsight's sound remains firmly in the modern day.

With standout songs like 'Madhouse Breakout Multitool' and 'Killing Eye', this album is a delightful listen that will surely brighten your day, even if it ... read more

Judith Hill - Letters From a Black Widow
65

Judith Hill's album 'Letters From a Black Widow' is a bold exploration of a personal inner world.

Drawing on her experiences with loss and adversity, Hill weaves a narrative of resilience and self-discovery throughout the album. While throughout the album Hill's vocal prowess and musical versatility is evident, the album falls short in terms of cohesive storytelling and thematic development and to be honest has a better back story than anything present on the album, Hill worked with Prince ... read more

Jane Weaver - Love In Constant Spectacle
75

Jane Weaver's album 'Love In Constant Spectacle' is a mesmerizing journey through the avant-garde realms of British indie pop. With her 11th solo album, Weaver effortlessly blends experimental elements with mainstream appeal.

The collaboration with legendary producer John Parish adds depth to her sound, striking a balance between innovation and accessibility. Tracks like “Emotional Components” and “Univers” exude radio-friendly vibes, without compromising Weaver's ... read more

Iron & Wine - Light Verse
65

The release of Iron & Wine's album 'Light Verse' has left me feeling underwhelmed. It falls short of the monumental achievements found in the band's earlier works. While the album excels in its reflective nature, it lacks the innovative spark that characterized Iron & Wine's earlier albums, some of which I still regard as near masterpieces.

The album's gentle and mellow folk sound, while pleasant, fails to reach the soul-stirring heights of classics like "Muddy Hymnal" or ... read more

Gustaf - Package Pt. 2
85

Gustaf's album 'Package Pt. 2' is a breath of fresh air for fans of No wave/Post punk revival. The sophomore album delivers an energetic and uniquely modern twist.

The hypnotic and chaotically controlled opening track "Statue" sets the tone for the record, followed by the strong vocal performance and driving rhythm of "Close". Tracks like "What does it mean" and "Starting and staring" has the band's cohesive grooviness in abundance, while "I ... read more

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June Playlist