essential track

black midi john l essential track

black MIDI’s “John L” is exhilarating noise-prog chaos

A progressive post-punk epic that feels both euphoric and chaotic.

Iceage new single holding hand

Iceage’s “Vendetta” is an intoxicating groove

The Danish group emerge with a hedonistic glam-groove

best songs of 2021 julien baker

On “Favor,” Julien Baker finds perfect harmony with her boygenius bandmates

Phoebe Bridgers and Lucy Dacus reunite with Baker on this gorgeous, moving anthem.

Boris new album NO

Boris deliver explosive noise rock on “Loveless”

The first single from ‘NO’ is an absolute ripper.

Folie essential track

Folie’s “cortisol” sounds like colorful darkness

The New York musician captures a specific, cathartic absurdity in her music.

Tengger new album Nomad

Tengger find stillness in momentum on “Eurasia”

Definitely interesting, by no means ignorable.

best songs of 2020 P.E.

P.E. deliver a perfect post-punk summer jam with “Pink Shiver”

A pre-summer summer jam from members of Pill and Eaters.

Thundercat Dragonball Durag essential track

Thundercat’s “Dragonball Durag” is light-hearted genius

The bass maestro balances his instrumental prowess with a penchant for self-deprecating humor.

best albums of 2020 Hilary Woods

Hilary Woods finds serenity in violence on “Tongues of Wild Boar”

A gently destructive dirge from the Irish singer/songwriter.

Algiers new album There Is No Year

Algiers’ “Chaka” is a masterclass in tension and release

A Blade Runner synth jam interspersed with destructive noise sax.

best The Flenser albums - Mamaleek

Mamaleek’s “Eating Unblessed Meat” offers more strange, artful twists on metal

An artful, technologically enhanced and unpredictable direction for metal from the Bay Area band.

la luz review

Khruangbin and Leon Bridges’ “C-Side” is road trip euphoria

A dub-influenced highlight from the two artists’ new collaborative EP.

Thundercat new album It is what it is

Thundercat’s “Black Qualls” has more bounce to the ounce

The funky new single features Slave’s Steve Arrington and The Internet’s Steve Lacy.

The Men new album Mercy

The Men evolve into seedy synth-rock on “Children All Over the World”

The Brooklyn shape-shifters find another new, exciting mutant form.

P.E. Top Ticket Essential Track

P.E.’s “Top Ticket” is urgent, unnerving, abrasive and dark

The new outfit from Veronica Torres (ex-Pill) dials up the intensity.

Danny Brown new album uknowhatimsayin

Danny Brown reminisces over a warm, organic beat on “Best Life”

The latest single from uknowhatimsayin¿ has a bright and earthy vibe about it.

Angel Olsen new album 2019

Angel Olsen’s “All Mirrors” is elaborate, dramatic pop

The singer/songwriter introduces her new album in a lush, stunning manner.

Pharmakon self-regulating system

Pharmakon finds a new rhythm on “Self-Regulating System”

The closest Pharmakon’s come to a certifiable banger.