Review Roundup #5
Ten more albums from this year that I thought were great and deserve your attention (links to the albums are embedded in the album art) :
A Dream Is All We Know
The Lemon Twigs
Pop Rock
A masterful blend of sugary pop-rock with intricate and expansive arrangements, the D’Addario brothers showcase their multi-instrumental talents, incorporating elements like theremin, flutes, and harpsichord into their music. A Dream Is All We Know highlights their ability to merge professional songwriting with psychedelic influences, resulting in catchy yet complex pop songs. This album solidifies The Lemon Twigs' maturity as songwriters, transcending their earlier comparisons to classic acts like Simon and Garfunkel (though the very obvious comparisons to Beatles and Beach Boys are still incredibly present), and establishing them as standout artists in their own right.
Highlights: “My Golden Years”, “Sweet Vibration”, “Ember Days”
Look to the East, Look to the West
Camera Obscura
Indie Pop
Camera Obscura's Look to the East, Look to the West is their first album in over a decade, blending ethereal and whimsical tones with their signature indie pop sound. With its melodic vocals, experimental arrangements, and themes of feminism and resilience, the record showcases the band's ability to mix genres, incorporating elements of country and rock, resulting in a sophisticated yet approachable record perfect for summer listening.
Highlights: “Liberty Print”, “Big Love”, “Sleepwalking”
Pull the Rope
Ibibio Sound Machine
Afro-Funk
Ibibio Sound Machine's newest is a high-energy fusion of African rhythms and electronic dance music. With their unique blend of highlife, Afrobeat, and disco, they create a vibrant and infectious sound that encourages movement and joy. The tracks feature a mix of catchy hooks, dynamic brass sections, and face-blasting electronic beats, showcasing the band's ability to meld traditional and modern musical influences. Eno Williams' vocal performances—as always—should be noted for their emotive delivery, even when singing in the Ibibio language, effectively transcending language barriers to convey powerful emotions. Pull the Rope is a lively and compelling addition to the band's already supremely wonderful discography.
Highlights: “Pull the Rope”, “Got to Be Who U Are”, “Mama Say”
Affection
Bullion
Synthpop
Affection is a playful and experimental alt-pop record that showcases Nathan Jenkins' intricate production skills and knack for catchy, diverse soundscapes. The album features collaborations with artists like Panda Bear, Carly Rae Jepsen, and Charlotte Adigéry, adding variety and depth to its tracks. While it could seem a bit jumbled, the album's charm lies in its eclectic mix of shimmering melodies and rhythmic fun—A LOT of fun—that highlights Bullion's ability to blend confessional tones with vibrant, spring-like atmospheres, making this record a joyful and engaging listen from start to finish.
Highlights: “A City’s Never”, “Your Father”, “Cinch”
Diamond Jubilee
Cindy Lee
Hypnagogic Pop
Cindy Lee has already garnered critical acclaim for their genre-blending and experimental approach, but Diamond Jubilee marks a significant evolution in Patrick Flegel’s musical journey from post-punk to a more eclectic sound. The double album, self-released on Flegel’s Realistik label (and only available on YouTube and—get this—GeoCities), combines elements of 50’s girl group pop, 60’s psychedelia, and lo-fi indie rock, creating a nostalgic yet innovative soundscape. The album shows great emotional depth and an intricate thematic exploration of love, loss, and memory, highlighting Flegel’s evocative melodies and lyrical strength. A bittersweet magnum opus, Diamond Jubilee is a defining portrait of Flegel’s—and by definition, Cindy Lee's—fascinating artistry.
Highlights: “Kingdom Come”, “If You Hear Me Crying”, “Don't Tell Me I’m Wrong” (can’t link to them, sorry)
Cold Visions
Bladee
Rage
Bladee's Cold Visions is a sprawling, 30-track project that sees the artist delve into themes of mental health, paranoia, and self-reflection, blending elements of rage rap, trap, and hyperpop. Produced predominantly by F1LTHY, the album features collaborations with artists like Yung Lean, Thaiboy Digital, and Skrillex, adding to its monstrously electric sound, while haunting synth melodies and introspective lyrics highlight Bladee's darker vocal delivery. But despite its ambitious length, the album takes a novel experimental approach and shows tremendous thematic depth, reflecting Bladee's continuous evolution and boundary-pushing musical style.
Highlights: “PARANOIA INTRO”, “FLATLINE”, “I DON'T LIKE PEOPLE”
You Won’t Go Before You’re Supposed To
Knocked Loose
Metalcore
You Won't Go Before You're Supposed To is a relentless and uncompromising journey through extreme hardcore. Knocked Loose stays true to their heavy roots, delivering a blistering 27-minute experience filled with aggressive riffs, intense drumming, and raw vocal power. Collaborations with artists like Poppy and Chris Motionless add depth without sacrificing the band's signature heaviness, and its unyielding energy and fierce execution position Knocked Loose at the forefront of the modern hardcore scene. The record not only cements their status as all-time greats, but also hints at even greater potential for the future.
Highlights: “Piece By Piece”, “Don’t Reach For Me”, “Slaughterhouse 2”
Poetry
Dehd
Indie Rock
Dehd's Poetry is a vibrant exploration of life's messy and intoxicating nature, characterized by their signature blend of indie rock, dream pop, and lo-fi aesthetics. The band has evolved from their earlier sound to a more polished production, while still retaining their raw authenticity and emotional depth. The album delves into themes of love, self-doubt, and liberation, often delivered through alternating male and female vocals that highlight the band's dynamic chemistry. Poetry also marks the first time Dehd have enlisted an outside producer, leading to a fresh and experimental approach that captures the essence of their adventurous spirit. Honest, optimistic, and reflective, this latest record proves Dehd's ability to turn both the personal and societal into engaging, anthemic music.
Ten Fold
Yaya Bey
Neo-Soul
Deeply personal and multifaceted, Yaya Bey’s Ten Fold explores themes of grief, love, and self-discovery, heavily influenced by the death of her father. Multiple tracks incorporate his voice, adding a poignant layer to her reflections on loss and legacy. Musically, the album blends soulful vocals with jazz, R&B, and elements of electro, creating a rich, textured sound that supports her lyrical narratives. But despite the heavy themes, there is also room for joy, celebration, and playfully critiquing local politics. Ultimately, Ten Fold is a testament to Bey's ability to transform personal pain into artistic expression, showcasing her resilience and creativity.
Highlights: “East Coast Miami”, “Eric Adams in the Club”, “Yvette's Cooking Show”
Lives Outgrown
Beth Gibbons
Chamber Folk
The long, long, long-awaited Beth Gibbons' solo album is a profound and deeply personal exploration of aging, grief, and the passage of time. The album, which took ten years to create, diverges from her work with Portishead by focusing on the body's changes and emotional journeys rather than the darker, more cinematic stylings of her earlier music. The record features a rich tapestry of instrumentation, including medieval-like chants, orchestral arrangements, and creative percussion, adding to its intimate and sometimes unpredictable atmosphere that poignantly addresses mortality and the transitions of midlife, reflecting Gibbons' own experiences and insights. Even with its somber themes, Lives Outgrown is hauntingly beautiful and emotionally gripping, offering a complex and heartfelt musical journey.
Highlights: “Floating On A Moment”, “Reaching Out”, “Whispering Love”
