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Jon Spencer

Spencer Sings The Hits!
In The Red (2018)

Garage rock is a term that no longer gets a lot of usage - dissipating into the ether after the resurgence and seeming demise of the genre around the mid-00s. The thing is, it never died. We just forgot where to look. And when it comes to unabashed, unapologetic garage rock, you need look no further than Jon Spencer. He … Read more

200 Words Or Less

Neon Cities

Toulouse
Independent (2018)

The fourth in a string of 2018 releases from Denver-based synth duo Neon Cities, the Toulouse single presents a pair of tracks that showcase distinct sides of the group's sound. With warm synth and hazy, barely there vocals placed on top of a relaxed rhythm and buzzing bass groove,the more pop-oriented title track creates a nostalgic 1980s vibe replete with … Read more

Mitski

Be the Cowboy
Dead Oceans (2018)

Pop comes in many forms. Sometimes you find it on the radio as the nation’s favorite dance hit. Occasionally you’ll hear it pulsating from the walls of your favorite nightclubs. Then, sometimes, it pours out of the anxious head of an artist just looking to create something. Mitski’s fifth studio album, Be the Cowboy, explores different avenues of the genre. … Read more

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Mudhoney

Digital Garbage
Sub Pop (2018)

2018 marks the 30th year of existence for Seattle stalwarts, Mudhoney. 30 years on for most bands usually means one or two tired original members clinging to the past - Rewarming leftover albums on tour while an even more tired and bleary-eyed audience leaves early because they have to work the next day. Not so with The Mudhoneys. Digital Garbage … Read more

The Carvels NYC

Everything With You Is A Travesty EP
Independent (2018)

Let me tell you something about reviewing and how it is decided what will get a review on here. Sometimes it is very straight forward: our dark overlord gives a direct order to review something. Luckily (for me at least) life is keeping him too busy to that stuff too often. That’s when I get to browse through the seemingly … Read more

Deafheaven

Ordinary Corrupt Human Love
Anti (2018)

When I first heard that Deafheaven had released a new record, I was skeptical. The thing is, I’m not entirely sure why because the band has more than proven themselves with their past records Sunbather and New Bermuda. Both records killed, but with a band that has already explored the ins and outs of metal, I questioned how they could … Read more

Planet B

Planet B
Ipecac (2018)

There’s been few bands in recent memory as polarizing as The Locust. Upon the first few listens, they sound like the aural equivalent of severed nerve endings after an industrial lathe accident. But if you stick with them - and particularly if you’ve ever had the pleasure of seeing them live, what once seemed all pandemonium and chaos becomes clear … Read more

Dead Can Dance

Dionysus
PIAS (2018)

During the 80s and the rise of darkwave, Dead Can Dance was one of the visionary acts that begun experimenting with the darker sound of gothic rock. Built around two magnificent vocalists, Brendan Perry and Lisa Gerrard, the project evolved from its darkwave roots into something much more potent and unique. In their first phase, Dead Can Dance took on … Read more

Brendan Kelly & The Wandering Birds

Keep Walkin’ Pal
Red Scare Industries (2018)

Does the world really need a ska-tinged surf song about waterboarding? How you answer that question will probably answer how you feel about this record as a whole. Not that such a concept is really a surprise for those who have followed Brendan Kelly’s musical output and sense of humor over the years. While I personally think “Boardin’ USA” feels … Read more

Krakow

Minus
Karisma Records (2018)

What is this? Metal? Sure, but how and what do I classify it? Krakow combines a few eclectic styles to overtake metal and spin it into a unique sound—something that takes time to digest. It has distorted guitars, yes, rough vocals, yes, screaming, yes. When metal stops being so self-conscious hiding in a mask of distortion, dials it back 30 … Read more

Bad Sports

Constant Stimulation
Dirtnap (2018)

With Bad Sports, the songs are often about the hooks. The band utilizes traditional rock structures with song titles embedded in the chorus and predictable progressions. It’s largely about where they kick the extra energy into their songs that sets them apart, and it’s usually got a bit of swagger when they do kick.“Gains and Losses” is a really good … Read more

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Death Valley Girls

Darkness Rains
Suicide Squeeze (2018)

Of all the phrases ever used to describe Ramones, “re-inventing the wheel” was most certainly not one of them. Some took this as disparaging, but what they did was take the design of the wheel and perfected it. There’s nothing wrong with this. We need bands like Ramones, and in this case, Death Valley Girls to provide that firm foundation … Read more

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Johnny Marr

Call the Comet
New Voodoo Records (2018)

With the release of his latest effort Call the Comet, Johnny Marr solidifies himself as one of the strongest solo artists in music today. However, no one seems to know this as he is forever in the shadow of his former bandmate Morrissey, who manages to cover-up substandard songwriting with endless media-grabbing pull-quotes and tour cancellations. Call the Comet is … Read more

Future Girls

Motivation Problems
Dirt Cult (2018)

Future Girls’ debut full-length is one I’m going to have a tough time describing. Motivation Problems fits well within the Dirt Cult Records catalog. It’s punky, but there’s more going on. It’s melodic in focus with some rough-around-the-edges touches, both musically and in the recording. Twelve songs race past in just 27 minutes, but it feels diverse even within that … Read more

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