Loney Dear ‘A Lantern and a Bell’ (5/5)

After we named “Habibi (A Clear Black Line) premier music, there has been no album we have been more exicted for! Loney Dear has not unimpressed us in any possible way, the production is intimate and beautiful, the songwriting is close to the vest and heartbreakingly personal. I love how he has taken this album in a much quieter direction then his last effort, much less electronics than used before as well. The piano notes and bells make for a theatrical listen, and with endings in songs like the perfect “Trifles” the experience only gets better as the song goes on. Another example is the excellent “Interval / Repeat” which carries the best instrumentation on the album. I am extremely impressed with this just under a half hour album from one of my favorite current songwriters.

Nick Cave & Warren Ellis ‘CARNAGE’ (5/5)

Nick Cave has been releasing some of the best music of his career lately and honestly it’s a lot better than most current artists and bands. The music is heartbreaking and strong willed. The songwriting is glorious and exquisite. ‘CARNAGE’ contains the best song of the year so far in “Albuquerque” which is written around the 2020 lockdowns. “Shattered Ground” is another perfect song with the end singing “goodbye, goodbye” tears my heart out of my chest. Nick Cave is used to creating music for soundtracks with Warren Ellis, and this album’s songs could be featured in virtually any great, emotional film and would be the highlight of the scene. I personally traded in 3 Rolling Stones records to get this beautiful album on vinyl.

Liars ‘The Apple Drop’ (4.5/5)

Liars have always had a penchant to write an experimental album unlike their latest effort, or any of their efforts for that matter. ‘The Apple Drop’ is huge, and at times extraordinary. Songs like “Sekwar” and “Big Appetite” are perfect examples of their experimental-pop. The drums are loud and the guitars crunch and the tones are brilliant. The vocals are always strong, with imaginative melodies.

Mogwai ‘As the Love Continues’ (4.5/5)

Mogwai are the greatest post-rock band of all-time and their latest full length effort ‘As the Love Continues’ continues on their trend of releasing stellar albums. “F**k Off Money” hinges on a highly effected vocal performance like some of their previous best songs, then opens up to a full throttle tilt of post-rock expression. “Ceiling Granny” is full on rock at its core and a true banger. The ender “It’s Not What I Want to Do, Mum” is the standout track and one of the best rock songs of the year. It starts very simple and restrained and at around the 2 minute and 20 second mark it really takes shape into a gorgeous guitar driven track with brilliant synth work and glorious angelic backing vocals. This may not be their best album or even their 4th best album but it’s still a strong album in its own right.

Sufjan Stevens & Angelo De Augustine ‘A Beginner’s Mind’ (4.5/5)

Sufjan Stevens and Angelo De Augustine have created one of the strongest albums of the year so far and a work more consistent than either of the albums Sufjan put out last year. The vocals are intimate, breathtaking at times and consistently glorious throughout. The songwriting is very relevant and should be studied to understand how the world works and how God provides. Sufjan has an incredible approach to songwriting and Angelo De Augustine really shines brighter than he ever has before when reflecting off one of the best musicians of the last 20 years. “The Pillar of Souls”, “(This is) The Thing” and “Lost in the World” have unbelievable songwriting and lyrical value, consider looking deeper into their meanings. “Olympus” is easily one of the strongest tracks of the year by anyone. Following it is “Murder and Crime” which is mind blowing in its intimacy and the production absolutely slays me.