Review Roundup #8
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).
Woodland
Gillian Welch & David Rawlings
Americana
Woodland is the first album of original material from Gillian Welch and David Rawlings under their joint billing, named after their Nashville studio that narrowly survived a 2020 tornado. This first offering captures the duo's signature folk style while expanding their sound with subtle studio enhancements, including sumptuous strings, rich organ, and a splendid rhythm section. This refined—though still very adventurous—collection showcases their deep creative bond, blending past influences with new elements to create a warm, textured, and quietly innovative compendium.
Highlights: “Empty Trainload Of Sky,” “What We Had,” “Hashtag”
Wild God
Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds
Art Rock
Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds’ Wild God was supposed to be a return to pre-Push the Sky Away form, but instead sees the iconic musicians continuing to evolve, balancing Cave’s personal grief and emotional rawness with artistic experimentation. Following personal tragedies, including the loss of two sons, Cave's music remains intimate, blending the weight of his past with moments of communal catharsis. Produced with frequent collaborator Warren Ellis and mixed by Dave Fridmann, the album combines grand, orchestral soundscapes with intricate reflections, showcasing Cave’s journey through sorrow and, hopefully, one day, back to joy.
Highlights: “Wild God,” “Frogs,” “Long Dark Night”
The Bed I Made
The Softies
Twee Pop
The first Softies album in 24 years beautifully captures the intimacy of Rose Melberg and Jen Sbragia's 30-year friendship. Known for their delicate harmonies and minimalistic indie-pop sound, The Bed I Made explores themes of love, loss, and emotional maturity. With lush harmonies and poignant storytelling, the duo navigates heartbreak, self-possession, and the bittersweet nature of crushes. Their nostalgic-yet-mature sound offers comfort during a time of amplified emotions, and proves their chemistry is stronger than ever.
Highlights: “I Said What I Said,” “Tiny Flame,” “California Highway 99”
Everything Squared
Seefeel
Ambient Techno
Seefeel’s new mini-album (I would call it an EP, but they don’t so “mini” it is) is a refreshing return to form, blending the minimalist essence of their early sound with a newfound optimism. Tracks balance simplicity and fullness, while showcasing the band’s rhythmic, industrial edge. Sarah Peacock’s ethereal vocals complement the sonic textures, guiding listeners through a dreamy, experimental landscape. Everything Squared recasts Seefeel’s past in a different light while exploring new creative directions, proving they still have the ability to innovate.
Highlights: “Sky Hooks,” “Multifolds,” “Hooked Paw”
Short n’ Sweet
Sabrina Carpenter
Pop
Short n’ Sweet brings a fun, lighthearted approach to pop music, using humor and playful sexuality to explore modern dating. Sabrina Carpenter’s songs showcase her witty, cheeky lyrics, mixing catchy pop-rock, R&B, and twangy country sounds. Backed by renowned producers, she explores desire and love with a sense of humor, balancing goofy innuendo with moments of pensive contemplation. The album is a breezy, refreshing take on dance-pop, filled with charm and a nod to the ever-changing pop music landscape.
Highlights: “Taste,” “Please Please Please,” and (perhaps song of the summer) “Espresso”
Manning Fireworks
MJ Lenderman
Alt-Country/Slacker Rock
Manning Fireworks is MJ Lenderman’s showcase of his newest evolution as a songwriter, blending mundane life with dark humor and sharp wit. While previous works leaned on quirky, unserious situations, this balances the typical goofy imagery with genuine emotion. Lenderman’s simple but effective guitar riffs complement his dry, Warren Zevon-esque lyrics about flawed, hapless characters that turn everyday experiences into thoughtful, often funny reflections, backed by a polished, laid-back Southern sound.
Highlights: “Rudolph,” “She’s Leaving You,” “On My Knees”
Endlessness
Nala Sinephro
Jazz Fusion
Nala Sinephro’s Endlessness is a richly textured, ambient jazz album centered around a recurring arpeggio that shifts and evolves through its ten tracks. Combining ambient and jazz elements, Sinephro creates a seamless, cohesive soundscape with contributions from various notable musicians. The record’s fluidity, detailed production, and live ensemble energy give it both serenity and complexity, inviting the listener to experience its depth and breadth. Sinephro’s skillful orchestration and subtle arrangements result in a profound and immersive musical journey.
Highlights: it’s kind of like one long piece, but “Continuum 1” and “Continuum 3” are standout sections
My Method Actor
Nilüfer Yanya
Indie Rock
On her third album, Nilüfer Yanya delivers a confident, patiently unfurling collection of songs that reflect a newfound maturity. With lush production and poetic lyrics, Yanya embraces emotional discomfort with grace. Her signature guitar style remains, but the album's relaxed, cohesive sound is enhanced by her collaboration with producer Wilma Archer. Light instrumental touches, like pedal-steel guitar and cello, complement Yanya's tender, introspective vocals. Romance, self-awareness, and uncertainty are explored with subtle strength, making My Method Actor her most triumphant work yet.
Highlights: “Like I Say (I runaway),” “Method Actor,” “Mutations,” “Call It Love”
Cascade
Floating Points
Tech House
Sam Shepherd, better known as Floating Points, returns to his dancefloor roots on Cascade, blending his meticulous craftsmanship with a more playful and energetic approach. Following his ambient jazz collaboration with Pharoah Sanders, Promises, Shepherd now channels his house and techno expertise into vibrant, unpredictable tracks, mixing jittery synths, driving rhythms, and softer, melodic moments. Featuring collaborations with musicians like Miriam Adefris and Hikaru Utada, Cascade is a dynamic, club-ready collection that showcases Shepherd’s ability to effortlessly fuse his diverse musical influences into cohesive, danceable soundscapes.
Rack
The Jesus Lizard
Noise Rock
After a 26-year hiatus, the Jesus Lizard have deigned to bless us with Rack, a powerful return that maintains their chaotic energy and dark themes. Driven by David Wm. Sims' signature bass grooves and David Yow's unpredictable vocal performance, the band delivers an intense mix of psychotic lyrics and noisy punk rock fury. With elements of funk, sludge, and industrial, Rack channels the band's iconic 90’s sound while addressing the current noise rock landscape, propelling themselves forward with the same relentless force that defined their best work.
Highlights: “Hide & Seek,” “Alexis Feels Sick,” “Falling Down,” “Moto(R)”
As always, happy listening!
