Battles
Dross Glop
Warp (2012)
I wanted to write this entire review as a spoonerism, but my editor slapped me through my computer screen before I could even begin to type it. Though she was probably right to stop me, it would've made reviewing this dod gamned remix album much more interesting. Dross Glop is a series of remixes, originally released as a four-part vinyl … Read more
Battles
Gloss Drop
Warp (2011)
Okay, I'm going to be honest about my credentials here. For as long as Battles have been on my radar, and despite the amount of praise I have heard thrown at them, I still have not listened to Mirrored. It surprises me even today that I haven't gotten around to listening to an album nearly everyone (yes, even Pitchfork) describes … Read more
Battles
Mirrored
Warp (2007)
The members of Battles definitely have impressive resumes when it comes to their former and current musical endeavors. Everyone knows John Stanier from his days in Helmet and his recent work in Tomahawk. Ian Williams is a guitar wizard who spent many years with Don Caballero. Dave Konopka played in the under-appreciated Lynx. And Tyondai Braxton is the son of … Read more
Battlestations
In A Cold Embrace
Independent (2012)
Battlestations is one of those bands that is doing amazing things despite the fact that no one seems to have heard of them. I stumbled upon them completely by accident while looking for an entirely different band—and I still feel very fortunate for that mistake. Their eponymous debut was solid, but Battlestations have really begun to stretch themselves to the … Read more
Be Your Own Pet
Mommy
Third Man (2023)
Retrospective genre creation by both grizzled music critics and TikTokers has had many victims, from the constituents of Twee to Yatch Rock; however, the rebranding of 2005 garage rock and punk to indie sleaze has to be one of the more egregious. Half aesthetic movement and half musical umbrella for any 2000s band with smudged eyeliner (that hadn’t already been … Read more
Be’lakor
Coherence
Napalm (2021)
I’ve been trying for years to get into Be’lakor. A lot of friends and acquaintances liked to throw their name around as a solid recommendation for prog death. I just couldn’t buy into it for whatever reasons. I firmly believe that Coherence is the record which finally sold me on the band. Be’lakor amassed quite a following, with a steady … Read more
Beach Rats
Rat Beat
Epitaph (2022)
Should I review Beach Rats on its own merit, or should I pause to describe the concept? That’s always the question with these, but in this case a little background may go a long way. The band features several older punks, seeking to rekindle the old spark and play fast, loud ‘n’ snotty music like the days of yore. They … Read more
Beak>
>>>> (2024)
Invada, Temporary Residence (2024)
Without fanfare or much notice, Beak>'s unexpected appearance is nothing short of a welcomed surprise. Since their inception, the Bristol (now) trio have offered an alternate approach to the meticulous arrangements and orchestrations of their close relative, Portishead. Their latest record, >>>> does not deviate from this path if anything doubling down on their live compositional and semi-improvisational approach. It … Read more
Bearcubs
Underwaterfall EP
All Points (2017)
25-year-old English producer and DJ Jack Ritchie, aka Bearcubs, first attracted the attention of the BBC's new music arm, BBC Introducing, after uploading some of his tracks to their website. This piqued the interest of the BBC Introducing team, and saw Ritchie's experimental electronica get praise from the likes of Annie Mac and Huw Stephens. This was followed by the … Read more
Beast of Revelation
The Ancient Ritual of Death
Iron Bonehead (2020)
There is a lot of scholarship devoted to determining which monstrosity in the Book of Revelations is its titular "Beast." Revelation 11:7 introduces us to a creature that rises from the abyss (or the sea… it's somewhat unclear), a mysterious creature, adorned with crowns and proclaiming blasphemy. The second contender emerges from the ground and immediately gets down to business, … Read more
Beastie Boys
Hot Sauce Committee Part 2
Capitol (2011)
As is common place whenever the Beastie Boys release an album, there is cause for celebration—usually the popular music of the time has grown stagnant, and, on average, it’s been at least three years since the last Beasties’ release. This time jubilation is even more warranted, as this record almost didn’t see the light of day. Scheduled to be released … Read more
Beastie Boys
The Mix-Up
Capitol (2007)
Everyone in the known universe that's ever listened to music has heard at least one (but more likely three-to-ninety) Beastie Boys song. They've connected with nearly ever corner of the music industry, inspired by and passing on the torch to musicians in hip-hop, rock, punk, dance, funk, jazz, soul, garage, indie, and electronica. So where does the band that's done … Read more
Beastie Boys
To the 5 Boroughs
Capitol (2004)
A lot has transpired since the Beastie Boys released their last full-length Hello Nasty nearly six years ago. George W. Bush was elected President afterthe wackiest election since the infamous "Dewey defeats Truman" fiasco. We saw the worst act of terrorism in U.S. history in the attacks that took place on September 11th. These attacks have resulted in the subsequent … Read more
Beastmilk
Climax
Magic Bullet / Svart (2013)
Having appeared on our Top 5 Modern Goth Records list for 2013, it seems only right that we talk a little bit as to how bloody good Climax is. Because it is good. Really bloody good. Beastmilk aren’t breaking the mould with their cold, goth-tinged rock and roll but they sure are making it feel fresh and intoxicating. The Finnish … Read more
Beaten Awake
Thunderstroke
Fat Possum Records (2009)
Some bands exist both inside a scene and outside the sound of the given scene. Beaten Alive are one of those bands. They are a band from Ohio identifying with the garage scene of their state sharing friend The Black Keys. This is where most of the normal characteristics end. While there is a touch of garage rock and some … Read more
Beaten To Death
Agronomicon
Mas-Kina Records (2018)
Does fun belong in music? Or more specifically: does fun belong in grindcore? And I don’t mean the porn or gore variant (I admit, some of those guys make me smile occasionally), just your regular meat and taters grindcore. The crazy heavy metallers of Beaten To Death seem to think so. How else to explain this album title of song … Read more
Beck
Guero
Geffen (2005)
For over a decade, Beck Hansen has staked his name as one of music's most eclectic and eccentric songwriters. Since his 1994 breakthrough record Mellow Gold , made famous by the living-room-recorded "Loser," Beck has continued to push the boundaries of experimental pop music. While Mellow Gold was an amazing record, it wasn't until 1996's masterpiece Odelay that Beck's true … Read more
Beck
Modern Guilt
Interscope (2008)
Beck has been releasing music for going on twenty years now. Since his first release, the multi-talented musician and songwriter has been labeled everything from an underground sensation and an alternative rock phenom to a one-hit-wonder and a mainstream sellout. Throughout the years and the labeling - which has included on more than one occasion the above - Beck has … Read more
