‘The Golden Casket’ represents a partial rediscovery of Modest Mouse’s (and Isaac Brock’s) identity after the debacle of ‘Strangers To Ourselves’.
Debates about the nature of its release aside, what’s relevant is that ‘When You See Yourself’ is an extremely bland and predictable offering from an extremely bland and predictable band.
Human and generous, ‘Ignorance’ not only represents a significant overhaul in their sound, but also the best thing that The Weather Station have made so far.
‘The Realist’ is an understated, graceful companion to Lanterns On The Lake’s exceptional ‘Spook The Herd’, and a perfect end to an era.
Sleeker and more powerful than his lo-fi early material, George Miller’s second Joji album ‘Nectar’ is a small but noticeable step forwards.
A new side-project headed by Interpol’s Paul Banks, ‘Muzz’ is functional but ultimately nowhere near ambitious enough to transcend its origins.
A curate’s egg only of interest to hard-bitten Sufjan fans, ‘Aporia’ is a series of frustratingly half-formed good ideas recorded with his stepfather Lowell Brams.
Jeremy Warmsley and Elizabeth Sankey’s first Summer Camp album in five years, ‘Romantic Comedy’ is a completely brilliant analysis and subversion of pop culture’s presentation of love.
A masterpiece that conflates personal reflection and identity with global political anxieties, ‘Kiwanuka’ is a career defining moment.
Some aspects of ‘Surviving’ might make it alarming for long-term fans, but the record is one of Jimmy Eat World’s most quietly innovative.
