Nadine Shah: Fast Food
Nadine Shah Fast Food (Apollo Records) Nadine Shah’s deep, rich voice lends itself well to the dramatic. Most of the tracks on Fast Food focus on heartache and accusation, and spiky electric guitar often complements More...
Calexico: Edge of the Sun
Calexico Edge of the Sun (Anti Records) As a band, Calexico has always excelled at two things: capturing the sound of the Southwest, and embracing collaboration with a bevy of talented artists. Edge of the Sun More...
Errors: Lease of Life
Errors Lease of Life (Rock Action Records) It’s easy to see why Mogwai signed Errors to their record label. Like their Scottish peers, Errors are largely instrumental and make beautiful, uplifting songs. Their More...
Laura Marling: Short Movie
Laura Marling Short Movie (Ribbon Music) Laura Marling has made a name for herself as a folk artist with talent and insight beyond her years. “I’m taking more risks now. I’m stepping out of line,” More...
James Bay: Chaos and the Calm
James Bay Chaos and the Calm (Republic Records) I discovered James Bay’s music for the first time when he opened for Hozier on tour last year. Armed with just his guitars and a drummer, he managed to impress More...
To Kill a King: To Kill a King
To Kill a King To Kill a King (Xtra Mile Recordings) Sophomore records are a tricky business. With this self-titled album, To Kill a King has managed to hedge their bets. Nothing about this record is particularly More...
The Minus 5: Dungeon Golds
The Minus 5 Dungeon Golds (Yep Roc Records) The Minus 5 are one of the most eminently listenable, weird bands out there right now. With titles like “Zero Clowns” and “Chinese Saucer Magnolia,” it should More...
Lower Dens: Escape from Evil
Lower Dens Escape from Evil (Ribbon Music) Frontwoman Jana Hunter has an incredible voice that has enough grit to make her sound nearly androgynous. This gives her a great tool for storytelling, and she is the More...
Little Comets: Hope Is Just a State of Mind
Little Comets Hope Is Just a State of Mind (The Smallest Label) Little Comets create the beautiful, harmonized indie rock that bands like OK Go and Mystery Jets made so popular in the early aughts. Hope Is More...
Kodaline: Coming Up for Air
Kodaline Coming Up for Air (RCA Records) Kodaline struck upon a winning formula with their debut by combining uplifting alt rock with folk sensibility. Unfortunately, Coming Up for Air reaches for an epic, stadium More...
