The results of this experiment is decidedly mixed. [Oct 2014, p.101]

While not a major departure, Valtari adds a fresh, ghostly layer to Sigur Rós' slow-motion sprawl.

Sometimes it's pretty unpleasant, but it's the rawness that makes it so genuine. [May 2007, p.162]

Wig Out is full of so much life and melody that it stands as a refreshing alternative to the increasingly homogenous state of indie rock. [Feb 2014, p.91]

This is a musical beast, in every sense. [Nov 2012, p.86]

Heart On is on par with the band's previous efforts when it comes to ultra-swarthy innuendos. [Dec 2008, p.146]

The Danish duo of Sune Rose Wagner and Sharin Foo begin their fourth full-length, In And Out Of Control, with a satisfying "Bang!" and never slow, even through the darkest of subject matter

The most inventive and sly pop you're likely to hear in 2014. [Apr 2014, p.90]

His sharp lyrics take awhile to sink in, But when he throws all standard rules out the window, it sounds like hip-hop from the future. [Jul 2009, p.122]

Luminous certainly wears its influences proudly; however, the record boasts undeniable energy and urgency. [Jun 2014, p.107]

Lightburn's musings are best met with equal grandeur--such as the low-key but effective sort Missiles usually provides. [Dec 2008, p.138]

With Reincarnate, Motionless In White have not only distilled the essence of their influences into an even darker cohesion, they’ve reanimated the creatively bankrupt corpse of industrial rock, disrupted the by-numbers routine of electronic-tinged metalcore and delivered furious rock songs with a widescreen presence that makes an IMAX theater feel like an iPad screen.

There's no obvious attempt at chasing a single or brass ring, just improvements on a sound the group have been trading in for more than a decade--and upgrades that might very well have resulted in their best album to date. [May 2015, p.95]

Take Them On... repeats the San Francisco trio's bombast, peppered with slower tunes styled after Jesus And Mary Chain's dewy psychedelia, the Verve's noise-drenched moments and even Ride's droning perfection. [Oct 2003, p.134]

The man's always had his tender side: What makes this album different is the lack of input from his other sides. [May 2009, p.121]

They focus too little on well-made songs and too much on creating an angst-ridden atmosphere. [Jul 2002, p.78]

Inventive and highly improvised. [Feb 2004, p.88]

Finds the fearless foursome cruising right along with the same carefree glee that made us pay attention in the first place. [March 2003, p.100]

What you hear on Thickfreakness is no less faithful than what old black guys on porches on the Delta have churned out for the last hundred years. [June 2003, p.105]

Considering how strong a songwriter Bazan has proved himself to be on the last few Pedro discs, the results here are mildly disappointing. [Jun 2005, p.164]

Seventeen years and eight albums into their career; The Grand Theatre Volume One is a welcomed second wind.

It's all about perfect guitar tones, what frontman Rick Froberg doesn't say and the space Obits give their songs to breathe--even though it's evident it's not for lack of technical ability. [Apr 2011, p.115]

Grey Britain sports some decidely non-punk maneuvers in the form of piano-concerto codas and unnerving sound effects that elevate the band from mere street-punk cliches. [Jun 2009, p.104]

The Dolls' music... is as gripping as ever. [Jun 2006, p.188]

Most of the songs... aren't nearly as interesting as the album's title, offering only random snippets of truly engaging music. [Sep 2005, p.156]

Saturated with stark realism, her confessionals and fictions mark the grueling aftermath of pop's lovey-dovey daydreams. [Mar 2007, p.136]

[Turner's] newer sound, along with more layered arrangements, lends itself nicely to Arctic Monkeys' take on pop, balladry and stoner rock. [Jul 2011, p.106]

While not everything works--as with most albums of the genre, Metal Resistance's musical textures and tropes can grow repetitive--Babymetal's aggressive enthusiasm and sincerity are impossible to resist. [May 2016, p.80]