underscores is at it again. "u" is the perfect pop album. when i heard the singles i was completely prepared for a fully upbeat, love-heavy, pop album. i was completely taken aback by the back half of this album. completely gutted me. while as not as huge and conceptual as 2023's "wallsocket," this album is the perfect next step. april's melody writing is out of this world. she fucking killed it.
"ghostholding" by venturing is a masterclass in making the instrumental hurt. jane perfectly paces and executes this album. to think that this is the same person who only a few years ago claimed they were horrible on guitar is truly unfathomable. this record, classically overstimulating -- as all jane remover should be -- is still heavily restrained for the majority of it. it is incredible to hear such a raw record from jane and i deeply hope they'll continue to expand on ... read more
"perverts" asks a lot from the listener, as most reviews mention, but if you're willing to lay down in the dark, preferably on the floor, and surround yourself with some devastating drone music, you will not regret it. "perverts" is unforgiving and desolate, and so, so human.
my track-by-track breakdown:
perverts - i will admit, personally, getting a recorded version of hayden's rendition of "nearer, my god, to thee" makes this track a worth listen on ... read more