Review by Lav: The moment Taylor Swift's new album The Tortured Poets Department hit, it was lauded by numerous major critical outlets who, let's face it, got a copy in advance and likely wanted to maintain their positive relationship with Swift and her team going forward. Ever since then though, it's been an absolute barrage. Some of the nicer publications have pointed out that the record is a little on the long side and that Jack Antonoff's contributions continue to spark absolutely no joy. More honest critics have torn the album virtually to shreds for its awful lyrics and deeply formulaic melodies. So stepping into an album getting this much hate from all corners is a difficult position to be in and one I approach with trepidation. That's why it might surprise you to know, there were some things I liked about The Tortured Poets Department . Let's start with the title track. It was already burdened by a viral lyric about Charlie Puth that circulated from a...
For this bulky rapid-fire reviews segment I gathered together 5 bands who to varying degrees of commercial success and critical acknowledgment, occupied the blog-driven world of indie and alternative rock in the late 2000s. Many of their contemporaries have fade, but these five are still going strong to extremely varying degrees of success in 2024. All Hell - Los Campesinos! Verbose indie-punk outfit Los Campesinos have been quiet with studio albums since 2017, but their presence has never faded. Whether that's due to the many bands who are obviously influenced directly by their vibrant, youthful sound and lyrical snark, or because they dropped an EP a few years ago and some compilation material since then, the band still feels much more relevant than others from their era. I was on board with this new record right out of the gate when I heard the fantastic lead single Feast Of Tongues . It sees the band channeling their righteousness into pinpoint catchy songwriting with nu...
Review by Lavender: Xiu Xiu are a California-based experimental music outfit with more than two decades of critical acclaim under their belt. Since a 2016 covers album of the Twin Peaks soundtrack they've re-ignited critical praise for their music, highlighted by 2019's harrowing Girl With Basket Of Fruit . The last time we heard from the band was on last year's Ignore Grief, an album whose sonic darkness and expanse didn't resonate with all of their fans, even though I liked it quite a bit. Now in their hilariously titled new album 13' Frank Beltrame Italian Stiletto With Bison Horn Grip we have a spiritual successor to 2017's Forget. It's a catchier and more accessible version of the band's defining sound, but one that still delivers their gritty production and chaotic arrangements. I had a pretty strong feeling this album was going to be good based on the singles alone. First came "Common Loon", which I like a lot despite the fact that i...