An irresistible release that offers up gratifying choruses that are both notably concise and catchy.
Singing Adams – Moves
Matt Conner
Brother Ali – Mourning in America and Dreaming in Color
One of hip-hop’s prophetic voices is back, and in fine form.
Esperi – In a Moment, Emotion, Sentiment
An artist exploring tones, moods and instruments to his heart’s content, willing to leave the listener with the work that remains.
Andrew Paul Regan – The Signal and the Noise
Regan – formerly Pagan Wanderer Lu – has a simple pop quirkiness that is cute in spurts but suffers from its lack of insistence.
John Mayer – Born and Raised
Mayer’s latest is his most “down home” effort yet, as well as his most tender and poignant.
I Like Trains – The Shallows
I Like Trains have intentionally chosen, for better or worse, to live in one singular mood on this album that explores the ongoing relationship between humanity and technology.
Hannah Cohen – Child Bride
A sleepy, affecting folk-pop offering that’s spritely and winsome in equal doses.
The Wave Pictures – Long Black Cars
A compelling set which finds lyrical inspiration in the ordinary, set to irresistibly slinky pop arrangements.
Lindstrøm – Six Cups of Rebel
An interesting demonstration of Lindstrøm’s ability to eschew the “space disco” of the past and create several divergent, disparate electronic tracks on which the influence of his own varied background is marked.
Kathleen Edwards – Voyageur
While any Edwards release warrants celebration, the Canadian songstress has outdone herself on her latest – a showpiece in a catalogue filled with gems.
‘This is not goodbye’: Taking Care with Explosions In The Sky
The Austin post-rock legends return with a new attention to detail, finding inspiration in the subtle moments of life.
Left With Pictures – In Time
As expansive as anything else released this year, In Time works through several moods and seasons and largely succeeds. Matt Conner reviews.