I was honestly expecting to get next to nothing out of this, but there is some semblance of value on Harry Style's newest entry into his discography, despite an overall lackluster affair. Undoubtedly, this is a cathartic record for the former One Direction member with many tracks delving into his internal complexity, offering introspective glimpses into his flaws and his desires. These glimpses do develop into rather tedious reiterations over the course of the record, never evolving beyond ... read more

Best single so far! This record is going to be spendid

I think it's an alright track. I just know they're capable of more, though:/

The lyrical and thematic depth of this record quite literally cannot be exaggerated. Each and every syllable of every word on every line in every verse is aligned with intention. It is a deliberate glimpse into a cynical society, a digital society, and science-fictional society. A society that has already enveloped our reality in a thick smog, one that is proving near impossible to traverse. I could probably write a convoluted, lengthy essay dedicated each particular lyrical nuance, but ... read more

Cage the Elephant pull no punches with their debut record, vying to levy critiques at the authoritarian and tyrannical habits of our society and our government to erratic and sporadic instrumentals hinged to the strings of the guitar. Such lyrical and thematic depth was not the expectation when introduced to this project (a recommendation from my bestie, actually), but it was a pleasant surprise. The record's cover establishes with haste that the band is undergoing an analysis of human and ... read more

Heaven 2 is all about dichotomy — and it succeeds when analyzed from that lens specifically — but the record begins to crumble under the scrutiny of other major musical limbs. First of all, I'm not exactly sure I'd refer to this as Indie Pop. Perhaps it meets the criteria, but I get predominant waves of ambient sounds in the instrumentals throughout this record. What it certainly isn't is Indie Rock, but I digress. I think the ambient sounds personally turn me off to ... read more

Really clunky, and devoid of much rhythmic value for me to find much enjoyment

What batshit crazy timeline are we in that Rob Zombie is the voice of reason? Who is the Great Satan, anyway? Zombie himself? The politicians and governments that claim to serve their citizens while betraying their word at each and every opportunity, opting to bridle them instead? Society itself not only for their persistence, but their willingness to isolate and abandon their neighbours to the rabid beasts that prey throughout the streets (and our governments)? It's probably some ... read more

Em Beihold's debut record is one that absolutely nails its thematic intentions in its infancy, but loses sight of its focus over the course of its shortened run-time. The conceptual idea of her portrayal as figures of notoriety from both historical contexts such as van Gogh, and the context of mythological literature such as unicorns and goblins, is an intellectual one. To vocalize her introspective inability to adopt a permanent personality, harping on her own flaws and doing so by ... read more

While I suppose it can be classified as shoegaze, it doesn't really consist of the components, in my opinion. Everything is so overblown and dramatized that it's just difficult to envelop yourself into. Sure, the instruments perform in a shoegaze-esque capacity. But it just doesn't flow. Not to mention that for whatever reason I found the vocals on this record quite perturbing. Perhaps it was the incessant echoing, or maybe it is simply something I cannot discern. Regardless, I ... read more

Starbenders are quickly emerging as one of my favourite modern bands. Their pristine 80s/90s rock and roll sound manages to preserve an equilibrium of both nostalgia and distinctive instrumental orchestration to the highest extent: a feat that sounds challenging in theory, and undoubtedly is a marvel of their talent that they can capture such. The band is privy to the exact instance that an instrument is required, and only once it graces the listener's ears do they comprehend that its ... read more

This is a very massive attempt from Gorillaz with The Mountain. There is no shortage of portions to appreciate, but the record is not devoid of some glaring issues, some of which fester and become overbearing on the project as a whole. The instrumentals on here are, for the most part, a highlight. The inclusion of Indian culture and instrumentals is quite creative, and to lift it into heightened prominence is an intriguing direction for Albarn to strive toward. It links together the thematic ... read more

I have always had respect for Yungblud. Ever since I saw the reverence and affection he showed Ozzy, and the respect and reverence that was reciprocated toward him by the Prince of Darkness himself, I have had a soft spot in my heart for him, despite never really listening through any of his projects myself (outside of a couple tracks here and there). Thus, I have attempted to analyze this record without any biases to corrupt the score. Thematically, this is a success. The audience is well ... read more

The first few tracks on this record truly enthused me to the idea of Leigh-Anne, and convinced me that this was going to be a stellar debut. Unfortunately, she recedes into more generic and formulaic tracks as the work progresses, and it really soured my taste. There is something utterly personable about the first few tracks that feel unique and self-representative — it is just a shame that she lost grip of that sort of glamour. I will give credit where it is due: I thought the ... read more

What bothers me most about this record — other than, no offense, Duff's less-than-stellar vocals — is that the concepts and topics she is writing and singing about had potential. They are interesting, at times relatable, and certainly hold pass an invisible threshold of significance. The thing is, it all collapses from there. She makes little effort to build upon these themes, and instead the lyricism is bland for it. Writing in more metaphorical and even, at times, hyperbolic ... read more

How an album can be both overrated and overhated is honestly astounding. Obviously, this is not a creation of pure divinity. But it isn't some abhorrent blasphemy to the musical climate, either. It's a really, really great record. Turner probably performs his greatest vocal accomplishments on this album (if not their follow-up, Tranquility Base Hotel & Casino), exemplified by his hollering background vocals and smooth leads. It juxtaposes the resurgence of grime-covered ... read more

The Arctic Monkeys missed with this one. They attempt a reversion of sorts, while intending to depict it as an evolution. Suck It and See presents a return to the reliance on the guitar in the instrumentals, already a near impossible task considering the expectations established on Favourite Worst Nightmare. Even with the such a reliance on that first album, the drumming maintains its own weight and presents an impeccable cohesion. That isn't the product on this record, Suck It and See ... read more

The Arctic Monkeys always introduce a new sound through each record, like a vessel to communicate the band's thoughts, and on Humbug they trade their energetic guitar strumming for more methodical, percussion-based instrumentals. While the palpable, hasty energy on Favourite Worst Nightmare invigorated a significant amount of the band's following, they have never opted to remain stagnant. To the Monkeys, a talented band is never comfortable with complacency, and so they dial back the ... read more

Could very well be my favourite Arctic Monkeys record. It manages to maintain the energetic instrumentals from Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not, while constructing much improved vocal additions from Alex Turner. The lyricism remains unconventional, but not to a detriment of the record, instead a perk. Each lyric feels like it holds a greater significance, a distinct purpose, while its predecessor felt unconventional for merely the benefit of being referred to as ... read more

I am a major Arctic Monkeys fan, and I wanted to enjoy this record more, but it truly possesses some glaring shortcomings. Alex Turner would later refine his vocals into something certainly more palatable, thus the debut sound isn't exactly brilliant to any extent. As soon as Favourite Worst Nightmares he would begin to vocalize with some quality rather than a manufactured grit that sounds intentionally poor. The lyricism on this record is also rather unconventional, which isn't ... read more