A fantastic blend of psychedelic pop and rock that reminds me of 70s psych, as well as KGLW's output from ~2015.

Ethereal vocals, beautiful rhythm and pads as well as transcendental mixing, "Earth-Sized Worlds" does a pretty great job of transporting the listener to another plane.

"Scott 4" is a compelling blend of baroque pop and experimental flourishes, with Walker’s vocals firmly anchored in that 1960s singer-songwriter style, walled with big room reverbs. The instrumentation is the standout, weaving in classical touches and period instruments for a rich, textured sound. While the recording and mixing are unmistakably of their time, they hold up well, adding to the album’s charm rather than detracting from it. Lyrically, it’s sharp and ... read more

Truly beautiful

Super interesting. It's got a more positive sound to other Picton songs (even if the lyrics don't give off that vibe) but the instrumentation is crazy as ever.

The instrumentals, beats, and lyrical content are really on-point in this album, but I don’t enjoy the vocals themselves. They tread a fine line between sounding sad and sounding fed-up, and in moments where they lean toward the latter, the tracks feel repetitive, tedious, and altogether boring.

Mirage is a fantastic project with a varied sound that features lengthy instrumentals, amazing solos, and beautiful instrumentation, especially from the keys and synths. The vocals could be stronger in some areas, but considering this album is mainly instrumental, that doesn't detract from the overall experience.

While the concepts and composition at the core of this project are quite simple, the instrumentation and vibe of each track are fun, intriguing, but still raw. It’s the kind of music that makes you want to close your eyes, shut out the outside world, and sway gayly from side to side.

Some songs are a little too bare for me to stay fully focused on them, but overall it's a fantastic album that really shines through in its lyrical content.

BCNR's second album is one that I couldn't stop raving about like a madman when it first dropped in 2022, but since joining AOTY, I’ve somehow managed to neglect writing a proper review for it. Well, better late than never—here it is.

Every track on this record is nothing short of breathtaking, each one a masterclass in its own right. The compositions are intricate and layered, built on these incredible loops that every band member contributes to, weaving together a ... read more

A genuinely fantastic blend of dark, brooding darkwave and gothic rock, infused with upbeat, danceable synthpop and alternative dance elements. The vocals are stylistically diverse, and the instrumentation perfectly captures the essence of each track. This is an exceptionally strong debut album—well worth a listen. My only critique is the opening track, which feels unnecessary and will likely be skipped on future playthroughs.

Super fuzzy, super fun garage punk that doesn't take itself overly serious. It promises a good time and delivers.

Super chill and really well-produced, with a sound that I found truly unique. The vocals here are absolutely beautiful. Sure, there are a couple of tracks that perhaps aren't quite as strong as "Close Enough"'s peaks, but overall, I thought it was a really good listen.

Calling "Cowards" a slump feels like a bit of an overstatement, but when compared to their previous two masterpieces, that is unfortunately the word that comes to mind. The album doesn’t quite capture the same ferocity that made their earlier work so electrifying. That said, there’s still plenty to appreciate—the rich textures created by strings, synths, and harpsichords add a fresh layer of depth, and it’s intriguing to see Squid take a step in a new ... read more

Lorde’s "Melodrama" is the peak of 2010s alt-pop, packed with huge choruses, gorgeous vocals, and incredible production. Songs like "Green Light" and "The Louvre" mix pop and alternative perfectly, while softer tracks like "Writer in the Dark" show off her heartfelt lyrics. I loved the more alternative-leaning moments, but there’s not a single weak track here. "Melodrama" is a powerful, emotional journey that cements Lorde as one of ... read more

Absolutely monstrous flow.

Amazing, heavy, and sorrowful, "Scorched Earth" is a fantatic Blackgaze album with some really melodic sections that I really enjoyed. Sometimes the lyrics are a bit meh, but the vibe is always there. And their cover of "Street Spirit" is exceptional.

"The Fame Monster" is definitely a product of its time. However, that product is catchy, upbeat, and really high-quality. Sure, there are some aspects of the production (mainly in the mastering and overproduction of the slower songs) that can detract from the overall experience, but they don't stop this album from absolutely slapping.

Trying to be as objective as possible, but I really don't enjoy most of the vocals here. They sound like Alvin and the Chipmunks joined a post-hardcore band. While they are skillful and work on some tracks—like "Paper Tracks," for example—they’re not my cup of tea overall.

The instrumentals are mostly solid, though there are moments that feel a little sparse. I think the standout performances come from the bass guitar. The tone is superb, and it holds the low ... read more

A super fun listen. It's a really unique mixture of math rock and neo-psychedelia that just works really well. Mostly chill with some edgier sparkles, especially at on the first track.

Super nice baroque pop. I can see this rating being higher in the context of the album.