SURVIVE
RR7349
Relapse (2016)
S U R V I V E, the experimental synth quartet from Austin, rose to fame quite fast when it became known that two of its members contributed to the score of Stranger Things, a hit sci-fi/horror series on Netflix (just in case you have been living under a rock.) That information alone can give a fair insight on what … Read more
Swans
The Glowing Man
Young God (2016)
Bands returning after a prolonged hiatus, or re-forming after a break, are rarely able to recapture the essence and/or quality of their earlier existence. When Michael Gira announced the return of Swans it seemed that it would solely be a repeat of the band's earliest style at best. My Father Will Guide Me Up A Rope To The Sky came … Read more
Switchblade
Switchblade (2016)
Denovali (2016)
Originally formed back in the late '90s, through the years Switchblade have managed to attain a cult status. Flying a bit under the radar, this hybrid drone/sludge band remained very prolific in the fist half of their career, but their output has since become sparser. In 2012 they released another of their self-titled albums, 2012, which is arguably their best … Read more
Taking Back Sunday
Tidal Wave
Hopeless (2016)
Taking Back Sunday accidentally ended up being one of the bands that spearheaded the emo movement that bled into the mainstream in the early noughties, a label that the band aren't entirely comfortable with. More recently, frontman Adam Lazzara got into an argument with the organisers of an LA club night that catered to the nostalgic whims of former emo … Read more
Taylor Hawkins
KOTA e.p.
Independent (2016)
CEO of SPB Inc: "No."Me: "why?"CEO of SPB Inc: "Because we don't include EP's on the top 25 year end list. You were aware of this when you signed the contract"Me: "But sir, while the contract does state as such, if the EP in question is one of the best releases of the year, should it not be included?"CEO of … Read more
The Bedroom Witch
My Mother Grows Plants With Her Eyes
Independent (2016)
Nobody knows the void like a trans lady does. There is no dark night of the soul that can compare to what most trans women just call “Tuesday.” The toxic combination of societal violence and body dysphoria can really cast a pall over existence—and inspire some incredible art about isolation, body horror, and impending death. From Anna Varney Cantodea to … Read more
The Blind Shake
Celebrate Your Worth
Goner (2016)
I’ve covered The Blind Shake for most of their career so far. Over that time it’s been a steady growth often focused on syncopated and rhythmic rock: forceful, punchy, and precise. The kind of rock that you can set your watch to, while still angry and striking a deeper chord. They’ve taken some turns along the way: their collaborations with … Read more
The Body
No One Deserves Happiness
Thrill Jockey (2016)
Since 2010 and the release of their album All The Waters of the Earth Turn to Blood, sludge outfit The Body have really taken off. Originally found back in 1999, the band from Oregon did not seem to be very active, releasing a good debut album in 2004, but it would take six years until their next full-length. However, since … Read more
The Damned
Don't You Wish That We Were Dead
Three Count Films (2016)
Wes Orshoski, who is not unknown among documentary aficionados as he directed Lemmy, which sheds light on the times of trials and times of Mr Kilmister, is also the narrator telling the story of The Damned. The Damned were one of the UK’s punk pioneers as they were one of the first outfits to not only have their emissions pressed … Read more
The Dandy Warhols
Distortland
Dine Alone (2016)
The Dandy Warhols new release Distortland is a trippy foray into pop that should not only garner new fans but also satisfy their long term fans as well. The band has been putting out great records for 22 years now and this is their ninth release. The band continues to hone their sound and have put out some of their … Read more
The Dillinger Escape Plan
Dissociation
Party Smasher Inc. (2016)
The progression of The Dillinger Escape Plan over the years has truly been a sight to behold. This is taking into consideration that their 1999 debut Calculating Infinity was no mere basic introduction. It was already two spots to the right on the evolutionary chart.Dissociation would appear, if recent interviews are to be believed (and why on earth wouldn't they … Read more
The Falcon
Gather Up the Chaps
Red Scare Industries (2016)
The Falcon are a curious band: a collection of rogue Chicagoans (now with Dave Hause as well), lead vocalist Brendan Kelly (The Lawrence Arms) seems to get the most attention but teammates Dan Andriano (Alkaline Trio), Neil Hennessy (also The Lawrence Arms), and now Hause carry some impressive resumes on their own. It’s a loaded band, one that rips out … Read more
The Melvins
Basses Loaded
Ipecac (2016)
The Melvins are becoming one of the most prolific bands of any in recent memory. One could speculate on the reasons for this, but ultimately it could probably be chalked up to the lack of constraints on their music.The Melvins can pretty much do whatever the fuck they want and Basses Loaded is no exception. Taking their revolving roster to … Read more
Thisquietarmy
The New Testament
Discolexique (2016)
thisquietarmy is an experimental project helmed by Eric Quach from Montreal. His catalogue is extensive (you could spend hours on bandcamp) gut each release has a life of its own, and a story to tell. The New Testament is a commentary on the rise of the smartphone as a foundation for life, with the cover art simplifying that idea down … Read more
Tim Hecker
Love Streams
4AD (2016)
Since 2001 Tim Hecker has been exploring the more adventurous sides of electronic music. The experimental scope of the artist has moved through dark territories, taking on elements of drone, noise, power electronics, constructing unique soundscapes of immense beauty. Haunt Me, Haunt Me Do It Again, Ravedeath, 1972 and 2013's Virgins are just some of the essential work of Hecker, … Read more
Tom Odell
Spending All My Christmas With You EP
Columbia (2016)
Tom Odell's an interesting prospect: The 26-year-old is an Ivor Novello and BRIT award winner with two albums to his name, who mixes piano-laden ballads with affecting pop melodies. His sound is the kind of music that Jools Holland would merrily tap his foot along to after he's three wines deep and yammering on about pianos, so a Tom Odell … Read more
Tombs
All Empires Fall
Relapse (2016)
Since their inception back in 2007, Tombs have been in a phase of constant turmoil. Band members have been changed multiple times, with mainman Mike Hill the only original member still in the band. A similar sort of change has been undergoing along the works of the band, with their style. Starting out as a post-black metal act with the … Read more
Totally Unicorn
Dream Life
Farmer & The Owl Records (2016)
Complex, highly technical, unusual time signatures.Staccato and syncopated polyrhythmic guitar melodies.Mathcore.Yawn.Does not sound fun to you?Alright - enter nudity, booze fueled shenanigans and fascinating borderline performance art live incarnations.Enter Totally Unicorn from Wollongong, NSW South Wales, Australia.Dream Life is their first impressive full length, which was released in 2016 and surprised quite a few of their followers: Not that it … Read more
