Colin Miller Arrives at a Tentative Peace on His Magnificent LP
There’s something hopeful Colin Miller reaches for here, even in the darkest places, that makes Losin’ endlessly replayable. Smile through the tears.
indie folk
The Golden Dregs Find Connections with Strangers
The Golden Dregs’ LP tells of ordinary people experiencing ordinary moments in London. It’s like Raymond Carver meets Michael Bracewell, narrated by Tom Waits.
Satomimagae Builds Dynamic Atmosphere on ‘Taba’
Aesthetically cohesive, Satomimagae’s Taba consists of many sounds and feelings. It’s geometrically organic and takes her even further afield in invigorating ways.
Beirut’s ‘A Study of Losses’ Is an Impressive Feat
Zach Condon’s (Beirut) commission to compose music for a Swedish circus works well as an album but serves better as an artistic statement.
Quickly Quickly Offers Catchy Hooks and Layered Arrangements
Quickly Quickly’s melodies make this a catchy, very listenable record. The oddball sounds and layered arrangements make it a treat to dig into this album repeatedly.
Jeffrey Lewis Bares All and Is a Bona Fide Freewheeler
Jeffrey Lewis has plenty to say, and his distinctive outlook remains intriguing and often provocative. He goes to dark places, but finds gratitude in a hundred ways.
Bon Iver Finds Inner Peace on ‘SABLE, fABLE’
Bon Iver’s fifth studio LP SABLE, fABLE shifts from the stark beauty of the original EP to include uplifting sounds that are as enjoyable as they are personal.
The Ophelias Outdo Themselves on the Brilliant ‘Spring Grove’
The Ophelias sound like they are just getting to their best work on Spring Grove, and it is thrilling to hear them push themselves to new heights.
Ollella Makes the Political Personal on ‘Antifragile’
Ollella’s Antifragile has enough beauty to remind us of how liberating having respect and an open mind can be in these troubled times.
Okkervil River’s ‘Black Sheep Boy’ Is Still Brilliant at 20
Okkervil River’s complicated and flawed masterpiece, Black Sheep Boy, found inspiration in an unexpected place, ultimately becoming career-affirming.
Jeffrey Martin: Emissary of Heartrending Songs
Jeffrey Martin doesn’t just sing a song; he unearths its pain. His songwriting is exhilarating in its honesty and grief, constantly storming forward like a tempest.
Cornelia Murr Has a Hypnotic Way of Expressing Self-Discovery
Cornelia Murr’s new LP finds the artist at her most refined. The songwriting is imaginative and introspective; she has a hypnotic way of expressing self-discovery.