Bon Iver’s “SABLE, fABLE” is a sweeping art pop journey marked by lush production, layered textures, and a bold mix of sonic experimentation. The album balances fragility and grandeur, with Justin Vernon’s distinctive vocals weaving emotional depth throughout. His charisma as an artist shines here more than ever, grounding even the most experimental moments in sincerity.

The record starts off slowly, which may initially feel like a misstep, but it quickly finds its ... read more

"Pink Hell" by HONEYMOAN is a lackluster effort that feels more like filler than a meaningful addition to the indie pop landscape. While the band attempts to blend dreamy textures and pop melodies, the result is a safe, uninspired collection of tracks that struggle to stand out. The production feels flat and unadventurous, often relying on generic indie tropes that we've heard countless times before. Vocally, there’s potential; there are moments where the singing sounds ... read more

"More Chaos" by Ken Carson is a frustratingly hollow entry in the rage/trap genre. Across 21 tracks, the album suffers from a lack of personality, cohesion, and innovation. The mismatched flows and aggressively overprocessed production create a chaotic listening experience; one that’s more exhausting than engaging. It feels bloated, with little variation or momentum throughout most of its runtime.

However, the final three tracks show a glimmer of potential. The choruses open up ... read more

“Revengeseekerz” by Jane Remover is a bold and chaotic evolution in their sound, diving headfirst into an experimental, rage-fueled aesthetic. Compared to their previous project ghostholder, which showed promise but felt somewhat restrained, this album feels like a leap forward. The production is easily one of its strongest aspects; layered, abrasive, and bursting with texture. Jane weaves aggressive, glitchy rage beats with dreamy, lo-fi moments, creating a disorienting yet ... read more

"Forever Howlong" by Black Country, New Road is a highly anticipated release that largely delivers on the promise of its stellar singles. The production is lush, whimsical, and richly layered, and the vocals are heartfelt and engaging. However, some tracks take too long to develop, and the pacing can feel sluggish at times; particularly with the abundance of songs stretching past the five-minute mark. While I would’ve loved a few tighter, punchier tracks to balance the mood, the ... read more

“star” by 2hollis is a debut full of stylistic exploration; dipping into club, pop, and singer-songwriter realms with a wide-ranging palette. While the variety is admirable, it often feels more scattered than cohesive. Compared to the more focused and confident singles that preceded it, the album plays things surprisingly safe.

The strongest moments lie in the quieter, introspective tracks: songs like “Eldest Child” showcase 2hollis’s potential for emotional ... read more

"Goldstar" by Imperial Triumphant is an abrasive, chaotic love letter to New York; laced with dissonance, jazz-noir chaos, and avant-garde metal flourishes. It’s a challenging listen that starts off disjointed and even off-putting at first, but once the record’s vision clicks, its layered madness begins to take shape.

That said, it’s not without flaws. The first half drags, with some tracks overstaying their welcome, and the overwhelming wall of sound can feel more ... read more

"Based On A True Story" by Will Smith is a disappointing return from one of rap’s original icons. Despite his legacy, the album feels uninspired; marked by elementary flows, surface-level lyricism, and repetitive references to the infamous slap incident, which grow increasingly cringeworthy as the album progresses.

There’s a sense that Will had time, resources, and potential to create something meaningful, but the result feels rushed and overly safe. The production ... read more

"Glory" by Perfume Genius is a graceful and polished art pop record, marked by soft, emotive vocals and bright, well-crafted production. It’s an accessible listen, with a lush atmosphere that many will appreciate. However, despite its elegance, the album plays things too safely, lacking the bold experimentation that could have elevated it further.

The production and songwriting, while beautiful, feel restrained; never quite pushing the boundaries of what Perfume Genius is ... read more

"Lonely People With Power" by Deafheaven is an intense and dynamic LP, blending crushing metal instrumentation with piercing black metal vocals to create an immersive listening experience. The sheer power of the production, from the blistering guitar work to the thunderous drumming, makes for a gripping ride, though the vocal style may be a barrier for some.

Personally, I struggled with the harsher black metal vocals; screaming and screeching that, while true to the genre, ... read more

"Days Before Dreamboy" by Lil Nas X is an EP with moments of promise but an overall uneven execution. While some tracks fail to land, others show flashes of creativity and strong production. It’s not my favourite listen, but it’s far from unlistenable. There’s potential here; just not fully realized in this project.

"More" by Wallows is a competent but ultimately generic indie release that struggles to stand out. While there are bright spots; particularly "Learn to Love Again", which captures the band’s signature charm; the overall execution feels uninspired. The production leans too heavily on airy, washed-out textures, missing the dynamic edge that could have elevated the project. Vocally, the EP has its rough patches. While Wallows' unpolished style can work in their ... read more

"Portrait of My Heart" by SPELLLING has its moments of brilliance, but when stacked against her previous masterpiece, The Turning Wheel, it feels like a step back. While still a well-crafted album, it lacks the boldness and adventurous spirit that made its predecessor so compelling. SPELLLING’s vocals remain as hypnotic and infectious as ever, effortlessly weaving through the album’s lush, well-arranged production. However, the record plays things a bit too safe. The ... read more

"I Said I Love You First" by Selena Gomez and Benny Blanco is a painfully uninspired pop record, drowning in generic production and forgettable melodies. While the album is polished, it lacks originality, relying on predictable beats and songwriting that fails to leave a lasting impact. One of its most striking aspects, though not in a good way, is its over-the-top, cringeworthy lyricism. Packed with awkwardly intimate and overly "freaky" moments, it often feels more ... read more

"Hornet Disaster" by Weatherday is an ambitious emo and noise pop record, arriving with immense hype. As the follow-up to their 2019 debut, it’s a clear testament to artistic growth, proving that Weatherday is willing to evolve. The production is polished and thoughtfully layered, creating an immersive, textured soundscape that feels both chaotic and intentional.

However, while the instrumentals shine, the vocals remain a point of contention. Weatherday’s voice, though ... read more

"Equus Asinus" by Men I Trust is a beautifully immersive album, embodying the essence of bedroom pop with its dreamy production, delicate vocals, and seamless cohesion across all 14 tracks. This was a mesmerizing, atmospheric experience that feels both intimate and transportive. While not without its flaws, as tracks like "Paul's Theme" and "Unlike Anything" feel somewhat weaker compared to the rest, the album more than makes up for it with its emotional depth ... read more

"Is" by My Morning Jacket is a solid addition to their discography, showcasing both strengths and shortcomings. The song selection across the 10-track album is well-curated, with a strong opening that immediately draws listeners in. However, as the record progresses, the momentum falters, and the latter half doesn’t quite sustain the energy or intrigue of the beginning.

The production, while polished and precise, leans too heavily on familiar territory. It feels safe; competent ... read more

"From the Private Collection of Saba and No ID" is a thoughtfully crafted album that seamlessly blends melody, introspection, and engaging lyricism. The project exudes a sense of purpose, standing as a testament to the distinction between genuine artistic passion and the more commercialized, formulaic approach often seen in rap today. Saba’s sharp lyricism, paired with No ID’s seasoned production, creates a cohesive and immersive listening experience.

The album’s ... read more

"Constant Noise," integrates electronic elements like EDM and techno, the record delivers a moody, textured soundscape that complements Kingsley Hall's incisive sociopolitical commentary. That said, while I appreciate the album's importance and the weight of its sociopolitical themes, this particular interpolation of these problems doesn’t fully connect with me. The EDM/techno production, in particular, doesn’t sit quite right given the discussion at hand. ... read more

I am neither a brunette, nor a girl, nor sad; but this record is something else. Japanese Breakfast is an artist I had heard of before but never really paid much attention to. However, this album is lush, sweet, and undeniably tinged with melancholy. The production is rich and textured, effortlessly smooth and beautiful. The lyrics are equally tender and evocative. From start to finish, the album stands on a strong foundation, carrying its emotional depth all the way through.