Damn. DAMN! I was expecting to be disappointed. And I'm not. I'm very excited for this album. His interesting instrumentation is back, his writing is better, his vocals are more mature, hell almost everything is more mature... good shit. I prefer Alexander over Guitar Song, but I can appreciate that Guitar Song is probably more representative of the full album which is a great sign.

So fucking weird... so fucking cool...

Everything about this just... makes sense to me? Normally I have to force myself to like experimental records, but this somehow settles itself into the most perfect little cranny in my heart. Obviously most of these tracks I wouldn't listen to on their own, but as an experience this is incredible and unforgettable.

Not rating this because I can't put a number to it. Not out of some moral apprehension, but I literally just can't. I need ... read more

Whoaaah. Jesus fuck. One of my favorite songs of the year. Production, instrumentation, composition, vocals, all great. Can't wait for the album.

Very much enjoyed this album. Super fun and the lyrics are hilarious as always. Genuinely every part of her style and persona but executed to its best yet. If you've enjoyed any of her songs or are even just interested in her as an artist I would highly recommend listening. This is THE album for her.

Favorite Tracks: Grilling Friends! II, Water Balloon, Rock Paper Scissors
Least Favorite Tracks: N/A

This album seems to have very mixed reception, and that's completely understandable - this album is very much a left turn for the band, and also followed their worst received project to date, Good Dog, Bad Dream.

I personally love this album. It has grown off of me a bit, but I overall really enjoy it, and it is honestly my favorite project by them. All of this is very debatable, but to me this record feels very diverse and also cohesive. No track feels useless, though there are ... read more

There's very little to say that hasn't already been said. This project is objectively great, and very important in the history of rock. Everyone should give this at least one try. Extremely detailed and well constructed, along with some interesting theming.

I personally think they could have worked in the theme a little more, but that's very much just a personal preference, and some might really enjoy that the theming is a bit lowkey.

I don't have any major issues with ... read more

This is like the Twin Fantasy of indie rock.

Favorite Tracks: Beach Life-In-Death, Nervous Young Inhumans, Bodys, Cute Thing
Least Favorite Track: High to Death

Note: This review excludes all bonus tracks.

Great, great synthpop album. Catchy, charming, eccentric, and funny. The personality present in these songs might be one of its greatest strengths. Very replayable, has something for almost everyone.

I personally think that this record is at its best when it uses rockier tones, but the electronics are no doubt the focus of the style here. It's executed very well.

I think my most major issue with the record is that the mixing can get a bit ... read more

Angsty and very fun power pop. While the writing lacks some substance, this is an easy and enjoyable listen. It can get kinda samey at times, since the production and instrumentation isn't very diverse and rich, but it does what it wants to very well.

I'm excited to see what she makes next. Her more experimental songs on this like Adam And Eve and Birdbath are very exciting and I hope to see more of that, even though the rest is so catchy.

Favorite Tracks: Adam And Eve, Reaper ... read more

In my A Rush of Blood to the Head review, I say that I consider it too safe to be truly incredible. This record is Coldplay pushing their limits. Much more experimental, and nearly entirely successful. Overall an even better experience than AROBTTH. Definitely their magnum opus in my book.

Favorite Tracks: Life in Technicolor, Yes
Least Favorite Tracks: N/A

Cohesive and satisfying. It's only flaw is being too consistent and therefore not branching out enough to be truly incredible. Some boring spots, mostly in the back half.

Favorite Tracks: Politik, In My Place, The Scientist, Clocks, A Rush of Blood to the Head
Least Favorite Tracks: Green Eyes, Amsterdam

Genuinely my favorite lo-fi album of all time, EASILY. This album captures an indescribable magic.

Tons of issues, but very easy to ignore. It's cute and journalistic. I think this record shows some of Cavetown's best qualities in a very raw and premature way. I get a lot out of this, especially as a die-hard Cavetown fan and a young artist, but unless you match one of those labels there isn't much to get here. Love, love this thing, but hard to give a high score considering how ... read more

I wanted to love this SO BADLY, but at the end of the day I just feel kinda confused. Maybe it's the fact that the first 3 tracks are a perfect run, or the production is much poppier than normal, but something isn't working for me. I hope with more listens my mind is changed, but for now I'm gonna keep listening and hope something makes sense.

Edit 5/27/24: I think I'm starting to get it... I think the issue was that I went into this album expecting a magnum opus, and ... read more

Ehhh... kinda dropped the ball here. I'm sure it fits better on the full album, but this is a lame single. Smithereens did this type of song so much better, even Tear in My Heart.

Edit 6/30/24: I still don't like this version that much. The acoustic version is so much better. It isn't as bad as I initially thought, but I see no reason to listen to this over the album version. I'm super glad we got the album version, especially since it's actually on the album. Good ... read more

Brad ruined the score

Edit 6/30/24: I still agree with the above statement, but I have more to say.

This is a beautiful but very easy to hate album. It's cohesive and theatrical, but sometimes a bit pretentious and lost in the sauce. Most of the issues are in the second half. Track 6 is pretty awful. The concept of The Mind Electric is admirable, but not very fun to listen to. Labyrinth is fun to listen to but insanely cringe.

All together though, I appreciate the effort and this was ... read more

A surprising return to form for him. Loving this.

I genuinely like Soul Train. I said it. Couldn't catch me listening to it though.

Unimpressive. Too short, lacks diversity, extremely safe, and unsatisfying. The production is better, the vocals are slightly better, but the writing is shockingly bland. I loved his previous project DDOD, which makes this even more of a shame.

Just weak. Band seems completely directionless. I miss when they copied The 1975.

a masterclass in indie rock