Don’t Wake Me Up is an impressive debut that showcases Phil Elverum’s distinctive lo-fi and indie rock style. The album’s experimental nature means some tracks definitely stand out more than others, and the pacing can feel uneven, with certain songs dragging on too long while others end too soon. Lyrically, the themes in this album hint at ideas that will be developed more in future projects, but the songwriting here still remains strong and compelling.

Personal favorite: ... read more

This project is undeniably intriguing, though the music feels somewhat messy at times, which is understandable given its experimental style. While a few tracks shine, most really fall short, but that’s perfectly acceptable since these are, after all, just tests. There are some interesting ideas scattered throughout this compilation, but personally I think there are just too many songs for its own good, making the experience feel drawn out at times.

Personal favorite: Oh Anna