Murder By Death are tentatively stepping outside their comfort zone, abetted by a new member who already seems to have made them more dynamic and adventurous. [Mar 2015, p.90]

Powerful drum beats user along the sometimes-Jack White, sometimes-Mick Jones vocals, while the guitar croons expressively throughout these low-key, lo-fi songs. [Aug 2003, p.96]

Even with these late-in-the-game flubs This Is War still shines as an artistic triumph for 30 Seconds To Mars. [Jan 2010, p.91]

If Go is any indication of their future, MCS will have plenty to say, five albums from now. [Jul 2012, p.100]

An album of mature pop that's more good-humored than its moping, acoustic-over-electronic arrangements let on. [Aug 2001, p.86]

Smart and adventurous, Wild Flag does not disappoint. [Oct 2011, p.112]

Though some of the songs are more sultry than dark, this overall effect of Lanegan up front and Campbell in the middle distance--angelic, etheral, almost intangible--is the magic that makes their collaboration so memorable. [Jan 2008, p.124]

Art Brut Vs. Satan is compelling for three crucial reasons. First: Black Francis--a guy who knows something about charging guitar rock--produced the sessions. Second: The guitar subterfuge of Jasper Future and Ian Catskilkin, drive home these songs with a renewed enthusiasm. Lastly: Frontman Eddie Argos' sing-speak ruminations are inspired once again. [Jun 2009, p.108]

Diamond Eyes is more concise than 2006's "Saturday Night Wrist" because it streamlines (or disposes) much of that album's sonic excesses while still delivering taut songs. [June 2010, p.101]

At least as good as their first full-length, Connector hits everything we’d want (and a little more).

The arrangements are busier, but Morgan's the key to holding it together. [Aug 2012, p.90]

It's probably the most honest collection yet. [Oct 2011, p.109]

Awakened is the best As I Lay Dying album you can point to as metal both modernized and maximized. [Oct 2012, p.84]

Forget imperfect--this bold reinvention is anything but. [Oct 2010, p.117]

Marriage is an album best served by deep listening on a good pair of headphones. [Mar 2013, p.92]

After the wet noodle that was 2011's Mine Is Yours, California indie purveyors Cold War Kids come back al dente on Dear Miss Lonelyhearts. [May 2013, p.84]

This is the future of metalcore. [Mar 2014, p.88]

With just his voice and an acoustic guitar, he's made these songs his own, and in the process created a most remarkable LP. [#154, p.93]

While he doesn't go too far into weeds with avant-garde tendencies, Aimlessness is still a daring collection of electronic pop. [Jul 2012, p.90]

It's a relief to hear even weirder experiments emerge on Fragrant World--especially the second half. [Sep 2012, p.94]

Hopelessly happy, Grouplove should be required listening in seemingly hopeless times. [Oct 2011, p.107]

A Hundred Miles Off is nearly 100-percent on. [Jul 2006, p.204]

While Release has all the hallmarks of a great DJ mix album, it's a record meant for pop consumption. [Nov 2007, p.176]

Dark Is The Way, Light Is A Place is largely proof that what Anberlin might now lack in immediate catchiness, they more than make up for in composure. [Oct 2010, p.111]

It seems that Crooked Fingers have solidified their sound regardless of how schizophrenic Forfeit/Fortune may seem. [Jan 2008, p.124]

All four members are back in the fold and each one sounds like they're playing with purpose and energy. [Jul 2017, p.82]

Ultimately, The Knife is proof he [John Feldmann] still has plenty left in his own songwriting tank. [Aug 2017, p.82]

Bitter Clarity, Uncommon Grace makes it clear Verse are among the finest hardcore bands existing today. [Aug 2012, p.92]