M83's latest flight into the synthesized stratosphere is so steeped in '80s influence, it;s as if teen filmmaker John Hughes was lurking behind the keyboards. [June 2008, p.137]

Lysandre proves the chameleonic Owen can say the same thing over and over and never run out of inspiration. [Feb 2013, p.92]

'Bells of Creation (Machete Mix)' confirms they're not budging from their patented brans of symphonic rock....It's a sizzling cauldron of rock magic, grand in sound and scope. The other songs aren't quite as compelling. [Dec 2008, p.146]

At times, it lacks focus, but this is still a perfect soundtrack for lonely nights at home with your demons. [Jun 2015, p.98]

Feels a bit like Bob Dylan's Bringing It All Back Home--a record where bravery is found with volume. [Apr 2003, p.85]

Even if it's probably not a classic, it's still pretty damn solid. [Jun 2012, p.81]

If you're a fan of the British installment of the Nuggets collection, this album was made for you. [Oct 2005, p.166]

You & Me is a consolidation of strengths, intensity and pathos with enough '60s echo-chamber reverb to singe synapses. [Oct 2008, p.153]

Unfortunately, the visceral energy of their early days is lost in their newfound maturity. [Aug 2002, p.71]

Your best bet is to just let go and enjoy this long, schizophrenic ride through his candy-colored, drug-addled musical subconscious. [Dec 2014, p.107]

The classic Mould you've sought is (mostly) back. [Mar 2008, p.145]

Fire From The Sky is another compelling addition to their catalog. [Jun 2012, p.84]

These Brighton lads are smart and clever, as evidenced by the creative leaps they exhibit on Visions. [Jun 2007, p.148]

Dangerkids mix modern elements of electronica and metalcore into rap-rock, which at first seems a bit disjointed and weird, but soon settles into a comfortable roar that hits all the sweet spots in the metal/hardcore/emo realm.

Lynn Teeter Flower finds Taylor shaving away some of the layers from her solo debut 11:11 for more subtle ornamentation and experimentation. [Apr 2007, p.182]

The In Crowd haven't reinvented the wheel, but they've certainly made getting hit by it a little harder to dismiss. [Feb 2014, p.91]

This five-track EP has the steamy, summery sound of a Jamaican club in full riot mode.

A new Social D album is always welcome, even if Ness' advance age is showing now more than ever. [Feb 2011, p.90]

Taken individually, Ritual's songs can meander too much; as a whole, however, the album is a success. [Feb 2011, p.90]

Creative Adult live up to their name well enough on this full-length debut, but they sound truly realized and focused by Psychic Mess' finale, with the band sorting out confused emotions per the title but landing musically right on point.

Gemini, Her Majesty is by and large a step back towards the fertile brilliance that rightfully gained Rx Bandits exposure in the early 2000s, recapturing the jubilant mix of styles they deployed with so much fresh aggression and poise.

Consistent--and consistently funny. [Apr 2005, p.124]

Transgender Dysphoria Blues definitely isn’t perfect, but its high points are high enough that even a fuckface like yours truly can’t ignore its flashes of brilliance.

This is Iron & Wine's most resolute statement, and what a wake-up call. [Feb 2011, p.87]

Although there;s wnough kicky keyboard-pop to satisfy long-time fans, the darker nuances are a welcome evolution. [Mar 2010, p.98]

Red Light is a sturdier, more rocking affair (relatively speaking) [than their debut]. [Jul 2012, p.94]

Another Language is a step back in the right direction, engulfing the listener with effortless subtlety. [Oct 2014, p.101]

Warpaint were more consistent before this, but as a comparative misstep, Warpaint still yields an enjoyable, haunting outpouring of whispered emotional damage and spatial exploration. [Feb 2014, p.94]