Lido Pimienta is an artist I came to with curiosity, drawn by the critical acclaim and the promise of a vibrant blend of art pop with Spanish and Latin influences. On paper, this fusion seems both compelling and culturally rich, but in execution, her latest record falls noticeably flat. While there’s clear intention and an effort to craft an emotional, atmospheric experience, the album ultimately feels like a slow burn that never fully ignites.

The project is marked by an overall sense ... read more

Cuco is an artist I hadn’t revisited much since 2019’s "Para Mi", a record that arrived during the indie boom where acts like Boy Pablo and Cairo were shaping the dreamy, lo-fi soundscape that defined a whole era of bedroom pop. That period was intimate, DIY, and deeply emotional and Cuco was right at the heart of it.

Now in 2025, Cuco returns with "Ridin’", a record that marks a subtle but noticeable evolution in his sonic palette. While he still leans ... read more

After nearly 20 years away, mclusky returns with a record that not only defies expectations, but completely crushes them. The kind of "rust" you might expect after such a long hiatus is nowhere to be found; if anything, the band comes back sharper, more charismatic, and just as brash as ever.

Across 13 tracks, mclusky seamlessly blends noise rock and post-hardcore influences, making for a dynamic and unpredictable listen. Their ability to swing between sarcasm, self-awareness, and ... read more

billy woods' GOLLIWOG is, by many accounts, a masterclass in experimental, abstract hip-hop: a dense, dissonant, and often uncomfortable experience that invites its listeners to sit with darkness rather than escape it. From its opening moments, this record makes clear that it is not here to entertain in any traditional sense, it’s here to provoke, disturb, and confront.

The horrorcore-infused production is the album’s most immediate and visceral quality. The beats lurch and ... read more

PinkPantheress’ newest mixtape lands exactly where you'd expect but not much further. While I’ve found her recent work enjoyable, especially the catchy single “Tonight,” this project falls into the trap of predictability. The mixtape features flashes of her charm; some tracks definitely go hard, but they never reach their full potential. The production, though polished, often blurs together. Each song bleeds into the next with little sonic distinction, leaving the ... read more

Kali Uchis’ newest record is a strong and enjoyable listen, especially when experienced as a whole. It thrives in casual and radio settings, with lush, textured production and a polished aesthetic that flows smoothly from track to track. The transitions are especially well-crafted, creating a seamless sonic experience that feels carefully curated.

However, when you dive deeper into the finer details, some flaws begin to surface. One of the most noticeable issues is how the production ... read more

Flume and JPEGMAFIA’s latest collaboration We Live in a Society is an ambitious yet frustratingly underwhelming effort. What could have been a groundbreaking meeting of two boundary-pushing artists instead feels like a disjointed studio jam session—chaotic, unfocused, and often difficult to engage with.

Flume, known for his textured and innovative production, surprisingly brings very little substance to the table here. Much of the sound design feels thrown together; filled with ... read more

The latest release by Men I Trust, Equus Caballus, is a stunning follow-up that elevates everything they’ve done before. While Equus Asinus was already an immersive, emotionally rich experience, Equus Caballus pushes their sound further, delivering something even more captivating and refined. The band continues to masterfully craft dreamy, lush atmospheres built on warm bedroom pop textures and subtle instrumentation.

From start to finish, the album feels seamless. Though there are minor ... read more

"Pirouette" by Model/Actriz is a dance-punk album that starts off with promise but ultimately stumbles in execution. The opening tracks are energetic, punchy, and sonically captivating, setting the stage for a bold, chaotic, and danceable experience. The rhythm section is tight, the vocals aggressive yet infectious, and it’s clear the band has something to say.

However, the momentum built in the first half gets lost after the interlude on track five. From that point forward, ... read more

Car Seat Headrest’s latest record, The Scholars, is both compelling and exhausting. At its best, it showcases the band’s signature blend of raw emotion, introspective lyricism, and dynamic instrumentation. The standout track, “Gethsemane,” is an 11-minute triumph; constantly evolving, never overstaying its welcome, and filled with existential weight that provokes deep reflection.

However, pacing is a serious issue. Clocking in at around 70 minutes, the album’s ... read more

Sha La La is a charming indie/alternative debut that leans into emotional simplicity with a breezy, approachable sound. While Winnetka Bowling League may fly under the radar compared to more prominent acts in the genre, they carve out a unique space with heartfelt songwriting and understated production. The album’s 10 tracks strike a balance between introspective and feel-good, with warm, often nostalgic instrumentation and soft pop-rock influences.

The opener immediately hints at a ... read more

CINEMA, the debut album by The Marías, is a dreamy, genre-blending journey that marked the beginning of the band’s ascent into indie stardom. Rooted in bedroom pop but elevated with elements of jazz, psychedelia, and Latin influence, this record feels both ethereal and intentional in its execution. From the fast-paced, vibrant opener to the sweeping string sections that punctuate much of the album, CINEMA establishes a rich sonic world that invites full immersion.

What truly sets ... read more

Submarine by The Marías is a genre-blending triumph; an ethereal blend of bedroom pop, psychedelic soul, and lush orchestration that feels both delicate and deliberate. María Zardoya’s soft, emotive vocals glide across some of the most stunning string arrangements in recent memory. The album demands immersive listening; it’s not background noise but a carefully crafted sonic world.

While not every track chases catchiness, the vibe remains consistent and cohesive. ... read more

Beach Bunny’s Tunnel Vision is a record I didn’t expect to arrive so soon, and yet, its release left me both curious and underwhelmed. Ever since their breakout single “Sports” introduced me to the indie world, I’ve associated the band with a fresh yet emotional approach to indie pop-rock. Vocally, the album feels flat. Lili Trifilio’s delivery, while charming at times, lacks dynamic range across the tracklist, making many songs blur into one another. Much of ... read more

"WITHERED" by d4vd is a tender and emotionally rich debut that leans into heartbreak through his signature bedroom pop sound. His polished vocals and strong songwriting create a vulnerable, confessional atmosphere, making the record feel intimate and deeply personal. At its best, the album recalls early Frank Ocean, particularly the Lonny Breaux era, offering a raw, soul-searching tone that hints at d4vd’s artistic range.

While some tracks skim the surface emotionally and ... read more

"viagr aboys" by Viagra Boys is a dance-punk odyssey that instantly caught my attention upon its announcement. As someone who’s always been curious about the group but never fully dived in, this project felt like the right moment and for the most part, it didn’t disappoint. The album is a mixed bag in the best way, blending raw punk energy with unexpected softness that makes for a dynamic and textured listen. It opens in an off-kilter fashion, early tracks are decent but ... read more

"HEELS HAVE EYES" by Westside Gunn is a tight, 10-minute EP that delivers slick East Coast-inspired production layered with gritty flows and sharp lyricism. Westside makes smart use of well-chosen samples, which elevate the atmosphere and give the project a textured, cinematic feel. It's brief but engaging, showcasing his artistry without overstaying its welcome.

That said, while the EP is technically impressive and enjoyable, it feels more like a niche experience rather than ... read more

There’s something deeply sincere and grounded about Forty by Blu and August Fanon. It plays like a reflective journal; stories from a forty-year-old man grappling with what it means to live, love, lose, and grow. The album traverses a spectrum of moods: joy, contentment, vulnerability, and even self-doubt. Blu’s lyricism feels wise but unpretentious, offering earned insight rather than forced profundity. While the pacing can drag at times; especially in the opening tracks, the ... read more

There’s something disheartening about how internet hype can elevate artists based more on controversy than talent. Dave Blunts, much like others before him, has been given a platform not through artistic merit, but through spectacle. His latest release, "You Can’t Say That", is a painfully poor attempt at music, riddled with unrefined ideas and off-putting execution.

As someone who’s followed Blunts' online presence since his early rise, I’ve always found ... read more

"via crucis" by Scrim, one half of $uicideboy$, is an ambitious 30-track journey that blends gritty trap with more melodic, emotionally charged cuts. With such a lengthy tracklist, there are bound to be highs and lows; standout tracks emerge, but there are also moments that blur together. Scrim stays largely faithful to his signature style, with dark, introspective lyrics, haunting atmospheres, and a heavy use of autotune that at times echoes the sound of Astroworld-era Travis ... read more