Rain Machine is an introspective album that rings more of Malone's earlier influences than of boundary pushing inventiveness--but that's not a bad thing.

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

AFI bassist Hunter Burgan and My Chemical Romance touring drummer Jarrod Alexander lend their talent making for a textured record that combines Skiba's trademark dark-tiged punk sensibilities with an electronic edge inspired by '80s new wave. [Jun 2012, p.83]

Azure Ray have traveled even further down into the next level of the dreamscape. [Oct 2012, p.84]

There’s a hearty dose of nostalgia here, but in the end, it feels less like a retread and more like a continuation--and a celebration--of the good old days.

Long Live The King, by comparison, sounds distinctly like a cutting-room-floor exercise--a collection of outtakes left behind not in the name of aesthetic cohesion, but simply because the group had better songs more deserving of release.

Despite some missteps, Icky Blossoms would fit on a playlist between Archie Bronson Outfit and Bloc Party. [Aug 2012, p.90]

Curiously akin to Violent Femmes, the trio are precussively sparse, defiantly devoid of distortion and occasionally potty-mouthed. [Jul 2010, p.122]

When Red Bedroom ditches the choppy guitar riffs... the results are as much of a buzzkill to Bedroom's jumpin' vibe as cops busting up a raging house party. [Aug 2004, p.116]

It doesn't quite have the emotional snap their debut so admirably possessed, but the musicians have an apparent precision of craft. [Jan 2008, p.125]

They’re ultimately relatable and endearing enough, even though the most jaded of listeners will still roll their eyes at the smarmy nostalgia (“Too Young To Feel This Old”) and new-era YOLO sentimentality.

Pleasant as the diversity is, the finished products are what you'd get from any modern tribute album. [Sep 2012, p.94]

At times, the album gets a little precious, but the more inspired moments are truly undeniable. [Jun 2007, p.156]

The second full-length from the New Zealand duo is pulled almost entirely from the second season of their HBO series, but little is lost in translation. [Nov 2009, p.109]

The Mars Volta have created the first great record of 2008. [Mar 2008, p.145]

Even if Banks sticks to the "I've got two secrets but I only told you one" songwriting approach, hopefully a band shakeup will spark the soulfulness only occasionally heard in his contributions. [Oct 2010, p.118]

Unlike on Say Anything, though, DuPree-Bemis' presence this time around feels less shoehorned in, helping contribute to a loose, lively, fun record.

He further hones his flamboyant jazz chops while elevating his melodic and rocking abilties to new heights. [Jan 2008, p.131]

It's clear that Paws can have fun while stopping short of their exterior goofiness. [Nov 2012, p.92]

It all combines for an enjoyable listen... provided you block out the lyrics. [#146, p.102]

An emotive, evocative, electrifying mystery. [July 2002, p.88]

Phantom Planet are shooting for something a bit less sunny here than their last outing. [Mar 2004, p.106]

A dense, diverse, and sometimes dauntingly complex double CD. [Dec 2001, p.78]

How many times can rock return in one year? [Jul 2003, p.122]

Idlewild undeniably sound like a once-great band helplessly slipping into their confusing middle years. [Sep 2005, p.164]

'Always Do' is the pinnacle of this record's minimal momentum; it's a leisurely stroll past the mediocrity of te album's second half (with the exception of the bluesy cadence 'Hair Don't Grow'). [Nov 2008, p.151]

Much of the material begs for memorable melodies, perhaps a bit of a rave-up or divergent musical moment would have helped. [Jun 2009, p.103]

Octahedron will appeal to elderly prog fans immune to attention deficit disorder, who have the patience to let its charm gradually unfold. [Aug 2009, p.111]