With ethereal orchestration and June McDoom's enchanting vocals, "With Strings" is an EP that captivates with its delicate beauty. The gentle instrumentation perfectly complements McDoom's touching lyrics, creating a soundscape that feels both intimate and expansive. While the brevity of the EP may leave listeners wanting more, it undoubtedly showcases McDoom's talent and artistry. - Darren Kusakabe

Meet Leatherette an Italian Post-Punk band with a saxophone player thrown in for fun. Their 2nd album "Small Talk" fails to impress, despite its unique take on the genre. While "Bureaucracy Apocalypse" hits the mark, the more tender songs fall flat and "Ronaldo" doesn't live up to its quirky aspirations.

Leatherette are one of those great idiosyncratic bands and definitely something different to the usual suspects but overall "Small Talk" leaves you ... read more

"Los Angeles" the collaboration of Lol Tolhurst, Budgie, and Jacknife Lee, showcases their diverse expertise, merging various genres into a moody, dark, and captivating instrumental journey.

Enhanced by the artistic contributions of notable musicians, the album offers a unique and immersive experience. While the vocals add depth, the instrumental arrangements are equally compelling, leaving one immersed in an avant-garde landscape of darkness. It may not quite stand up to repeated ... read more

Marnie Stern's album, The Comeback Kid, is a powerful testament to her extraordinary talent as a guitarist. With a polished fifth LP, she firmly establishes her place among her era's most commanding musicians.

The album's noisy yet melodic sound, blending elements of punk, grunge, and surf rock, showcases Stern's distinctive style. In her pursuit of self-expression, she fearlessly experiments with unconventional choices, resulting in vibrant tracks like "Plain Speak" and ... read more

"You Are So Alive", the debut album from Meadow Meadow, is an underwhelming collection of tracks that fails to live up to its title. While the album has its moments, it is ultimately weighed down by a lack of energy and it's gentle ambling nature.

The songs meander along without much purpose, and the duo's attempt to expand their sound by bringing in a full time drummer and bassist since their Debut EP often results in a disjointed and unfocused sound."You Are So Alive" is ... read more

Micko & The Mellotronics' the current songwriting alias of Micky Westmoreland, who some may remember as the leftfield Techno artist The Bowling Green, are back and as indebted to The Monochrome Set and The Television Personalities as Westmoreland is in this latest guize, the Mellotronics live performances have been lauded for some time as spectactularly energetic and an experience in their own right.

In truth their 2nd album "Le Vice Anglais" is a disappointment. The album's ... read more

In "Origin of You" Mindy Meng Wang and Becky Sui Zhen intertwine personal narratives of migration, motherhood, grief, and identity through the enchanting melodies of the guzheng. Wang, a trailblazing Chinese-Australian composer, merges traditional Chinese music with diverse Western genres, creating a unique and captivating tapestry. From the heart-aching strains of "Téng" (Pain) to the ethereal void of "Kōng" (Emptiness), the album resonates with raw ... read more

Drawing inspiration from a post-COVID world and recorded in the secluded confines of their Helsinki studio and an Anttola cabin, the Finnish elemental noise controllers Musta Huone unveil a musical journey that defies categorization with "Valosaasteen sekaan".

The album's opening track, a degraded reel-to-reel tape of mall muzak, serves as a haunting gateway into the band's anarchic sonic topography. As the layers of sound unravel, the listener is immersed in a symphony of jagged ... read more

O.'s debut EP "Slice" is a groundbreaking musical offering that masterfully blends jazz and experimental rock, leaving listeners captivated by its unique and exhilarating soundscapes. With masterful production from Dan Carey, the EP captures the duo's raw energy, creating an immersive experience that showcases their exceptional talent and innovative approach to music.

The four tracks on "Slice" embark on a journey, transitioning from moments of ambient stillness to ... read more

Penelope Scott's simultaneous EPs, "Mysteries for Rats" and "Girl's Night" showcase her unique voice and writing style, blending electronic and guitar-based sounds with witty and introspective lyrics.
While the EP's have their highlights, they falls short on a number of occasions. On standout tracks like "Pseudophed" Scott's rough-around-the-edges folk style shines through, while "Gross" delves into hyperpop-adjacent romantic malaise. "Cabaret" ... read more

Penelope Scott's simultaneous EPs, "Mysteries for Rats" and "Girl's Night" showcase her unique voice and writing style, blending electronic and guitar-based sounds with witty and introspective lyrics.

While the EP's have their highlights, they falls short on a number of occasions. On standout tracks like "Pseudophed" Scott's rough-around-the-edges folk style shines through, while "Gross" delves into hyperpop-adjacent romantic malaise. ... read more

Quannnic's "Stepdream" is a remarkable musical journey that seamlessly blends noise pop, noise rock, and alt rock to create a unique and captivating soundscape. The album's concept and abstract lyrics allow listeners to form their own interpretations and develop emotional attachments to the music. The versatility in sound keeps the listener engaged throughout the album, with dynamic shifts between calm verses and explosive choruses. The album's production is top-notch, with ... read more

"Little People, Big Dreams" is an inspiring book series for children that portrays the journeys of trailblazing individuals who transformed the world. It celebrates the achievements of Harriet Tubman, Amelia Earhart, Marie Curie, and many other remarkable figures. The series emphasizes the power of determination, courage, and perseverance in overcoming obstacles and making a positive impact. The series is a valuable resource for young readers, encouraging them to dream big and work ... read more

Raveloe's "Exit Light" is a captivating blend of folk, dream pop, and poignant storytelling. Kim Grant's collaboration with talented musicians creates an enchanting journey of self-discovery.

The album confronts life's tempests and encourages finding meaning in experiences. Tracks like "Countertop" and "The Chair is Nowhere" delve into intense moments of solitude and the search for escape. "Rustle in the Leaves" explores irrational fears with haunting ... read more

In their sixth studio album, "Carried in Sound" Smoke Fairies confront loss and grief with raw honesty and strength. The album's deeply personal themes resonate, exploring the profound impact of loss and the challenges faced by individuals and their loved ones.

With close harmonies, crystalline vocals, and captivating songwriting, Smoke Fairies deliver a fairly decent slice of Chamber Pop. "Carried in Sound" stands as Smoke Fairies ode to the power of healing and forging ... read more

Spiritual Cramp's debut album falls short of its Garage Rock contemporaries and its attempts at catchy hooks and anthemic choruses feels gimicky at best.

The Bay Area band's blending of punk, reggae, and dub comes across as a derivative pastiche of their influences, with frontman Michael Bingham's lyrics often relying on simplistic political slogans and unengaging anecdotes. The hope seems to be that enough energy and po-going will make up for a lack of substance and a compelling musical ... read more

Storm Franklin is a collaboration between former Howling Bells singer Juanita Stein and producer Ben Hillier. It is a testament to their combined mastery, that results in a musical tapestry that captures the essence of contemporary solitude with poignant lyrics and captivating soundscapes.

Juanita's voice, a mesmerizing force of nature, glides effortlessly over the album's musical landscape, enveloping listeners in its magnetic femininity. Her emotive delivery and heartfelt storytelling bring ... read more

The Tara Clerkin Trio's latest EP, "On the Turning Ground" is a mesmerizing blend of jazz, folk, and electronica that invites listeners on an immersive journey through the natural world and the vibrant urban landscapes of Bristol, England.

The trio's intricate instrumental arrangements and Clerkin's vocals create a soundscape that is both intimate and expansive, evoking a sense of wonder and contemplation. With its seamless transitions between acoustic and synthetic elements, ... read more

"Summer Moon" the latest album from There Will Be Fireworks, is a disappointment. The indie rock band seems to be aiming for inoffensive radio play, resulting in music that lacks substance and fails to capture the essence of their earlier work.

It's 10 years since their last album and the hope that their bland Lewis Capaldi meets Glasvegas sound will have the kind of mass appeal that they can use for their retirement fund screams out of every note. On top of this their teenage angst ... read more

University's debut EP, "Title Track" emerges as a thrilling and unconventional masterpiece. With an audacious disregard for conformity, the band embarks on a noisy odyssey of raw scuzzy rock. From the opening salvo of "EDY" a 90-second burst of distorted vocals and industrial noise, University sets the tone for an album that revels in its own chaotic energy. "Egypt Tune" follows, propelled by a mystic guitar riff and thunderous drums, while "King Size ... read more