RobertAckley

Sonically impressive, yet a lyrical let down. Perhaps with the brilliance of Country Sleep setting the bar so high, it's difficult to truly appreciate Ivywild in comparison.

The approach is bold, the effect even powerful, but the amount of dissonance permeating this album on every level--vocals, guitar work, effects--is staggering. It's difficult to imagine that many could sit through the full-length of the album, much less, I'm afraid, coming back for repeated listens...

One might not expect too much from a band with a name like Fuck Buttons, and the electronic noise at first may leave those with more delicate listening habits inclined to turn away. However, this album when stuck with couldn't be more rewarding with its gradual builds and epic soundscapes. RIYL The Field, Dan Deacon, and The Chemical Brothers.

After a hiatus of about 4 years since their last release, the music from The Virgins new record sounds almost as if from another band... or another decade. On Strike Gently, they hit a very distinctive retro, Dire Straights-like vibe. The style or certain tracks may be hit-or-miss for some, but the standout tracks--such as opener "Prima Materia," "Flashbacks, Memories, And Dreams," and "Travel Express (From Me)"--are phenomenal. Pay attention to the guitar work to ... read more