Albums reviewed in the week ending February 28, 2025
Panda Bear, led by Noah Lennox, has taken on a new form in their latest album, “Sinister Grift,” resembling an old-school rock band as Lennox plays almost all the instruments himself. He also collaborated with various artists like Cindy Lee, Spirit of the Beehive’s Rivka Ravede, and, for the first time on a Panda Bear solo project, each member of his band, Animal Collective.
Another unique piece is Dragon Welding’s “The Naughty Step,” a concoction of clever guitar riffs paired with inventive sonic and rhythmic creations, blending elements of ’80s electronica and glam rock with a hint of paranoia.
Coming up next is bdrmm with “Microtonic,” expanding beyond their shoegaze roots into electronic and experimental realms, showcasing the band’s growth and exploration of new sounds.
Paula Paulusma’s “Wildfires” is a generous release spanning nearly two hours, incorporating folk instrumentation interlaced with poetry prologues amid sounds reminiscent of caves and rivers, creating an immersive listening experience.
Darkside’s “Nothing” dives into unconventional territory with serpentine guitars, otherworldly static, and cavernous drums, crafting haunting rhythms and distorted vocals that captivate the listener.
Andy Bell’s “Pinball Wanderer” is a blend of psychedelic tunes, groovy beats reminiscent of The Stone Roses, and textures inspired by Arthur Russell, creating a vibrant and diverse musical landscape.
Youth Lagoon delivers “Rarely Do I Dream,” an enchanting mix of home movies, twangy guitars, sun-bleached synths, classical pianos, and Trevor Powers’ mesmerizing melodies, offering a nostalgic yet futuristic listening experience.
Another compelling release is Spoiled’s “Collapse,” featuring 15 blistering tracks of intense Thrash/Crossover music played at a ferocious tempo of 250 BPM, guaranteed to get hearts racing.
Split Dogs storm onto the scene with their debut album, “Here To Destroy,” a high-energy punk rock collection that showcases their raw and unapologetic sound straight out of Bristol.
Mdou Moctar’s “Tears of Injustice” offers a fresh take on their previous album, “Funeral for Justice,” now re-recorded and rearranged with acoustic and traditional instruments, creating a magical and immersive ambiance.
Koyal presents “Breath In, Breath Out,” a pop-rock trio’s musical journey delving into the theme of breaking free from fear, familial expectations, and other obstacles hindering one’s pursuit of authenticity and artistic expression.
Nona Invie’s “Self-soothing” is a poignant release from the singer/composer, featuring collaborations across a range of musical projects and showcasing her versatility and talent in the music industry.
Joshua Burnside’s “Teeth of Time” is described as ambitious, foreboding, and thought-provoking, fusing elements of Irish folk with tense electronica to create a unique and captivating sound that captures the essence of the new Folk revival.
Bradley Simpson’s “The Panic Years” takes listeners on a personal journey through life experiences, love, lust, and learning, blending touches of indie-rock, Americana, ’80s synth, and psychelia to create a collection of songs that resonate on a deep emotional level.
Maria Kelly’s “Waiting Room” is a poignant reflection on personal struggles and inner turmoil, inspired by her time spent in sterile clinics seeking answers to chronic pain, combining stark reality with dream-like symbolism.
Edith Frost makes a spectacular return with “In Space,” her first album in two decades, showcasing her hallucinatory singer-songwriter talents transformed by her newfound prowess as a keyboardist.
Grima’s “Nightside” immerses listeners in a ritualistic journey into the magic of the forest through atmospheric black metal, weaving a captivating tale of ancient spirits and mysterious entities with their enchanting soundscapes.