It's one hell of a ride.

The fantastic Ghostory actually sounds more realized than their previous two full-lengths. [Mar 2012, p.98]

Tennis offer a solid but unspectacular album by a band capable of great beauty but one who seem to struggle translating that into great songs.

Unlike Treats, Reign Of Terror never feels new, fresh or exciting; it just feels like a chore.

While longtime fans might chide the group for losing some of their quirkiness and streamlining their sound, the band's desire to push the boundaries should be commended. [Mar 2012, p.91]

It results in a dense, difficult grower of an album whose bombast slowly becomes charming swagger. [Mar 2012, p.96]

A crooning Busdriver is frequently more intelligible, revealing his sense of humor and beauty. [Mar 2012, p.94]

The result is near-perfection. [Mar 2012, p.97]

On the Impossible Past is an inspiring exploration of life as it should be--but rarely is--lived. [Mar 2012, p.98]

The band are probably a little too ambitious for their own good, but kudos to them for not holding back.

There's enough classic songcraft here to ensure Forgetting isn't forgotten. [Mar 2012, p.97]

Powerful riffs and jangly choruses propel everything in between. [Mar 2012, p.94]

His earnest vocals and easygoing spirit evoke both nostalgia and excitement for what may lay around the next bend in the road--a difficult feat he makes sound effortless. [Mar 2012, p.98]

Fans of the Cure's late '80s material will find much to love about No One Can Ever Know. [Mar 2012, p.99]

The heartfelt, piano-based "Do The Trick" is among guitarist/vocalist Scott McMicken's most accomplished songs--which can be said for nearly every boot-stomping moment here. [Mar 2012, p.97]

This album absolutely stands on its own, never requiring visual accompaniment; for Air fans, it's a vital addition to their catalog. [Mar 2012, p.94]

This is isn't a terrible album, but considering the rest of their vibrant catalog, it just seems a bit stale. [Mar 2012, p.98]

Garden Window's individual songs could stand to find better cohesion, but the band's quest for answers packs a consistent thematic punch, and certain musical moments that surface as a result of their boiling frustration are just spellbinding.

Invicta is a real treat. [Feb 2012, p.84]

Despite the obvious fun Foxy are having, the darkness that comes from balancing life and career ebbs just beneath the surface, bringing a depth that isn't immediately evident through the copious gloss and glitter. [Feb 2012, p.82]

One of the most honest albums we've heard in quite some time.

It's still loud, but he's trusting his songcraft and producing more sinister, elusive and substantial music. [Feb 2012, p.80]

Iron Balls Of Steel is as serious as a metal recording gets; and, at least until those new Meshuggah and Dillinger Escape Plan discs get mastered, it's also the greatest math-metal album of this still-young year.

It's a sharp effort taken in pieces, but as a whole, it's a little lacking.

It is a solid, exciting and ambitious album that proves is still a lot of mileage left in the band.

Nada Surf's blend of melancholy, anxiety and child-like optimism is fully intact on their first collection of original material in four years. [Feb 2012, p.84]

Everyone involved seems to simply be shrugging along in an almost cynical fashion, figuring people will buy it no matter what they do.

It's uncomplicated, catchy fun, the equivalent of 21st-century hair metal-and that's meant as a compliment.