Boeckner: Boeckner! [Album Review]

BoecknerBoeckner!Sub Pop Records [2024] Album Overview: Boeckner! is the debut solo album by Dan Boeckner, the Canadian indie rocker known for his work with bands like Wolf Parade, Handsome Furs, Divine Fits and Operators. It finds Boeckner exploring a more personal and raw musical territory, blending all of his experiences with fresh elements of synth, … Read more

Kim Gordon: The Collective [Album Review]

Kim GordonThe CollectiveMatador Records [2024] Album Overview: The Collective is Kim Gordon’s follow-up to her 2019 solo debut album, No Home Record. Produced by Justin Raisen (Lil Yachty, John Cale, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Charli XCX) and featuring additional production from Anthony Paul Lopez, the album explores themes of communication, commercialism, and sensory overload. It diverges … Read more

Split System: Vol. II [Album Review]

Split SystemVol. IIGoner/Drunken Sailor/Legless Records [2024]   Album Overview: With members of the killer Australian garage punks Stiff Richards and Speed Week among their number, not to mention singer Jackson Reid Briggs (which has some great solo albums as well), Split System returns with a punch for their sophomore album Vol. II. The record features … Read more

Mannequin Pussy: I Got Heaven [Album Review]

Mannequin PussyI Got HeavenEpitaph Records [2024] Album Overview: I Got Heaven is Mannequin Pussy’s latest album, released on Epitaph Records. It marks a departure from their previous works, delving into themes of desire, loneliness, and navigating an unforgiving world. The album expands their indie radio-friendly side with stylish maturity while maintaining a hardcore edge that … Read more

Rick Rude: Laverne [Album Review]

Rick RudeLaverneBest Brother/Midnight Werewolf Records [2024] Album Overview: Laverne is the third studio album, and the first in six years, by the New England-based band Rick Rude, which was released earlier this month through Best Brother/Midnight Werewolf Records. It follows the band’s tradition of homemade rock ‘n’ roll, embodying a sense of closeness and camaraderie … Read more

Real Estate: Daniel [Album Review]

Real EstateDanielDomino [2024] Album Overview: Daniel is the sixth full-length album by Real Estate, recorded in nine days at RCA Studio A in Nashville with producer Daniel Tashian (Kacey Musgraves). It marks a return to the band’s roots while incorporating newfound maturity and self-acceptance. The album features 11 soft and tuneful songs that blend the … Read more

Mary Timony: Untame The Tiger [Album Review]

Mary TimonyUntame The TigerMerge Records [2024] Album Overview: Untame the Tiger is Mary Timony’s fifth solo album, marking her return to solo work after a 15-year hiatus. It explores themes of loss, self-discovery, and resilience, drawing from Timony’s personal experiences, including the dissolution of a long-term relationship and the deaths of her parents. The album … Read more

Levitation Room: Strange Weather [Album Review]

Levitation RoomStrange WeatherONErpm / The Reverberation Appreciation Society / Greenway Records [2024] Album Overview: Strange Weather is Levitation Room’s third album, marking a vibrant new chapter in their modern psychedelic rock journey. It builds upon the Los Angeles quartet’s established cosmic sound while delving deeper into dreamy, lo-fi atmospheres and ’60s-inspired sonics. The album explores … Read more

Grandaddy: Blu Wav [Album Review]

GrandaddyBlu WavDangerbird Records [2024]   Album Overview: Grandaddy’s new studio album Blu Wav marks Jason Lytle’s return after a 7-year hiatus. Released via Dangerbird Records, it embraces themes ranging from the beauty of nature to the poignant moments that shape lasting memories. Inspired by a fusion of bluegrass and new wave, the album delivers a … Read more

David Nance & Mowed Sound: David Nance & Mowed Sound [Album Review]

David Nance & Mowed SoundDavid Nance & Mowed SoundThird Man Records [2024] Album Overview: David Nance & Mowed Sound marks the self-titled debut record of David Nance’s latest group and recording project. Led by Nance on vocals and guitar, the album features a crew of veteran Omaha musicians, including Kevin Donahue on drums, James Schroeder … Read more

Orgōne: Chimera [Album Review]

OrgōneChimera3 Palm Records [2024] Album Overview: Established over a decade ago, Orgōne is a dynamic West Coast 8-piece soul band that draws from diverse influences such as Afrobeat, Southern soul, psych-rock, and raw funk. Their newest release, Chimera, offers a unique and immersive groovy musical experience that transcends conventional soul records boundaries. This record is … Read more

Dead Years: Night Thoughts [Album Review]

Dead YearsNight ThoughtsMy Ruin/Dirt Cult Records [2024] Album Overview: Night Thoughts is the sophomore album by Dead Years, a post-punk trio from Bielefeld, Germany. It follows their self-titled debut LP released in 2022 and presents a intense concept album exploring the theme of the night, its thought circles, and the quest for liberation. Released on … Read more

Fire Track Premiere: Nick Kizirnis – “Every Moment”

Nick Kizirnis is a renowned indie-rock veteran hailing from Dayton, Ohio. Today’s premiere finds him returning to the forefront of the music scene with his latest single, “Every Moment.” Serving as the title track for his forthcoming album set to release on May 3rd via ATOM Records, this track is a testament to Kizirnis’ enduring … Read more

Ty Segall: Three Bells [Album Review]

Ty SegallThree BellsDrag City Records [2024]   Album Overview: Following his 2022 acoustic album, “Hello, Hi,” Three Bells takes Ty Segall on a deeper, wilder journey into the center of self. Ty is known for never making the same album twice, and this record represents a more profound and adventurous expansion of his continually evolving … Read more

SLIFT: ILION [Album Review]

SLIFTILIONSub Pop Records [2024] Album Overview: The French trio SLIFT presents ILION, a sonic behemoth reminiscent of a distant wave growing in intensity as it approaches. This marks the band’s third full-length album, following their 2020 release, UMMON, which secured the top spot in TFN’s Top 50 that year. ILION continues the relentless exploration of … Read more

SPRINTS: Letter To Self [Album Review]

SPRINTSLetter To SelfCity Slang [2024] Album Overview: Dublin’s four-piece SPRINTS just released their debut full-length, Letter To Self, on January 5th. The record is filled with brooding and building guitar rock that exhibits both intensity and unrelenting passion. Musical Style: Brutally mixing rhythms and sounds, SPRINTS captures your ear with rhythmic tracks that build and … Read more

Golden Apples: Bananasugarfire [Album Review]

Golden ApplesBananasugarfireLame-O Records [2023] Philadelphia’s Golden Apples’ latest album, Bananasugarfire, is a vibrant addition to indie guitar music. The album showcases a cohesive band lineup and the most genuine bond among its members on record. The album was recorded in various studios and the band members’ homes, featuring dynamic guitar work, sugary vocal interplay, and … Read more

Dion Lunadon: Systems Edge [Album Review]

Dion LunadonSystems EdgeIn The Red Records [2023] Systems Edge from Dion Lunadon is a blistering third solo record that catapults listeners into a raucous world of garage rock brilliance. Hailing from New Zealand and now residing in Brooklyn, Lunadon bursts out of this new album with infectious energy and a sound that pays homage to … Read more

Penza Penza: Electricolorized [Album Review]

Penza PenzaElectricolorizedFunk Night Records [2023] Electricolorized, the third installment from the enigmatic instrumental powerhouse Penza Penza, featuring Estonian composer, multi-instrumentalist, and producer Misha Panfilov, is an earworm filled journey that defies easy categorization. This album serves as a testament to an artist who effortlessly blends genres, creating a unique and captivating musical experience. Penza Penza … Read more

Uni Boys: Buy This Now! [Album Review]

Uni BoysBuy This Now!Curation Records [2023] Buy This Now! is the newest release from California’s Uni Boys. The album’s 12 songs, delving into themes of love and loneliness in the modern world, stand out as a timeless gem that captures the essence of the classic power pop era. The album works perfectly as it blends … Read more

In The Pines: Painting By Numbers [Album Review]

In The PinesPainting By NumbersSoul Step Records [2023] Cincinnati’s In The Pines has recently released their newest record, Painting By Numbers, where the group effortlessly weaves a sonic tapestry that resonates with both introspection and exuberance. From the opening notes of the album, listeners are immediately enveloped in a lush soundscape that transcends genre boundaries. … Read more

Erik Nervous: Immaturity [Album Review]

Erik NervousImmaturityFatCat/Feel It Records [2023] Erik Nervous, also known as Erik Hart to those who know him well, has consistently released at least one EP per year since 2015. In addition to his solo work, Erik collaborates with friends in the band Beta Blockers, and he has been a synth player for The Spits since … Read more

The Gaslight Anthem: History Books [Album Review]

The Gaslight AnthemHistory BooksRich Mahogany Recordings [2023] The Gaslight Anthem, after a nearly decade-long hiatus, returns with their sixth full-length album, History Books. This New Jersey-born band continues to deliver their soulful, life-affirming rock sound, delving into topics ranging from mortality and mental health to the delicate aspects of human relationships. Since the release of … Read more

King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard: The Silver Cord [Album Review]

King Gizzard & The Lizard WizardThe Silver CordKGLW [2023] At this point in King Gizzard And The Lizard Wizard’s career, it is a given that each new record will take you on a different musical journey. It is also a given that no genre is off-limits. Their extensive history and numerous outputs have seen the … Read more

Upchuck: Bite The Hand That Feeds [Album Review]

UpchuckBite The Hand That FeedsFamous Class Records [2023] For their sophomore record, Atlanta’s Upchuck headed to California to record Bite The Hand That Feeds, enlisting the production talents of Ty Segall. Right from the first guitar strums in the opening track, “Freaky,” you can hear Segall’s influence as its screeching rhythm mirrors his catalog’s template. … Read more