Seattle rapper Macklemore's third studio album and first without producer Ryan Lewis sees him largely abandon the maudlin and misguided political exploits that colored his 2015 effort This Unruly Mess I've Made, falling instead into a cycle of trend-hopping that is so specific I'll be surprised if he doesn't wind up with a few lawsuits on … Continue reading Macklemore – Gemini
Month: September 2017
Rostam – Half-Light
All-star producer and former Vampire Weekend guitarist Rostam Batmanglij's debut album Half-Light sees him venture closer to the melodic art-rock of his past than his more recent pop exploits, making the kind of off-kilter and unique artistic statement that we only could have expected from him. After contributing to recent masterpieces from Frank Ocean, Solange and Carly … Continue reading Rostam – Half-Light
Galantis – The Aviary
Electronic duo Galantis, formed by the union of prominent Swedish pop producers Bloodshy and Style of Eye, have broken through to the mainstream with the release of dancefloor-conquering single "No Money". A year and a half later, the track appears on the duo's second studio album, alongside some more sugary, high-octane dance tracks. The Aviary is … Continue reading Galantis – The Aviary
ODESZA – A Moment Apart
Seattle electronic duo ODESZA's third studio album comes after some high-profile remixes and extensive touring bringing them some more widespread appeal. Riding the rising tide of softer-toned electronic sounds subbed as chillwave, their latest project A Moment Apart expands upon the sound over the course of its hour-long runtime. When breaking out of their typical formula and … Continue reading ODESZA – A Moment Apart
Alvvays – Antisocialites
Toronto indie-pop quintet Alvvays release the follow-up to their critically acclaimed self-titled debut three years later, and expand upon many of the aspects that drew fans to them in the first place. Antisocialites sees Alvvays step further into their unique musical niche, providing dreampop vocals and the structure of an indie band but backing this all up … Continue reading Alvvays – Antisocialites
The Script – Freedom Child
Irish pop group The Script's fifth studio album Freedom Child is half a decade removed from their last significant hit, as they attempt to modernize their sound to better fit into the current radio climate. The band's work is more electronic than before, adding the odd dance drop, contrasting with the still-present crowdpleasing pop-rock. Even more prominent, … Continue reading The Script – Freedom Child
LCD Soundsystem – american dream
Critically acclaimed new wave group LCD Soundsystem reunite for their fourth studio album and first in seven years, american dream. The band returns to their traditionally lengthy tracks and winding, electronic and funk-infused instrumentals, as frontman James Murphy delivers some self-aware lyrics about his declining creativity and increasing age in a faster-paced world. american dream is a … Continue reading LCD Soundsystem – american dream
Lil Uzi Vert – Luv Is Rage 2
Well, here we are. We live in a world where Lil Uzi Vert has sold over 100k and has the most popular album of the week. Perhaps known as the leader of the wave of Soundcloud rappers, Uzi's innovative approach to the hip-hop genre has drawn widespread attention. Explicitly stating the influence he draws from … Continue reading Lil Uzi Vert – Luv Is Rage 2
Brand New – Science Fiction
Rock band Brand New, often credited with spearheading what became known as the emo genre in the early 2000s, release their first studio album in 8 years. Much more than the musical label frequently associated with them, Brand New use their final statement to look back on their career with a different sound. While many … Continue reading Brand New – Science Fiction
Ben's Beat - Music Reviews 