Unsurprisingly, the results are some of Crutchfield's biggest rock'n'roll anthems yet.

Reflektor goes after this eternal, existential tension in masterful strokes and is a significant musical contribution by Arcade Fire, who continue to find ways to tap into universal expressions while making music that's refreshingly topical, infectious and completely their own.

Hval's knack for the conceptual can make her an elusive songwriter, but The Long Sleep offers plenty of immediate charms. Like the disco ball that hangs through the EP's first half, Hval breaks down her ideas and refracts them into something luminous.

Hell Can Wait succeeds as a reintroduction of sorts, showing Staples as a more focused and forward-moving artist who will surely outlive "them red roses."

Largely focused around his grandfather's piano with decaying tape treatments, Craig's layered vocals deliver a strong, unwavering response to the chaos in his life, while also exemplifying the vulnerabilities of being human. Red Sun Through Smoke is a perfect record for these times, as well.

It's hard to find a flaw on this album, quite frankly. It's personal, political, funny and the production is spectacular.

Pleiades' Dust is a stunning release, a cohesive, exceptionally crafted piece that captures the heavy aggression and incredible musicianship of Gorguts while incorporating more avant-garde elements and a fascinating storyline to boot.

There are plenty of other highlights to be raved about in 4eva Is a Mighty Long Time's massive tracklist. Do yourself a favour: pick up this LP and immerse yourself not only in its impressive breadth, but also its practically unparalleled depth.

It will perhaps be a surprising listen to fans expecting more upbeat material, but if you can surrender to the slower, weightier swells of this album, you might just find yourself floating.

Tying ambient soundscapes, borderline IDM and subtle snapshots of traditional music into a coherent, yet distinctive, body of work, this auspicious debut forecasts a promising future for Yu Su. Anyone would be happy to hop in a boat and sail these waters for hours and hours.

The profound sadness imbued in Mr. M, something that hasn't necessarily been as apparent on previous Lambchop albums, lends a consistency that produces a satisfying meditative effect.

Green to Gold is, at times, quite literal in its depictions of Silberman's personal experiences and other times intensely figurative, staring into the void of existentialism ("Am I incidental?" he asks on "Volunteer") with the kind of quiet assurance only the Antlers can evoke.

While "Casino Niagara" revels in the steam-blurred sensuality of R&B, Love Hallucination stands as Lanza's most sexually assertive record for its inclusion of "Marathon," a bratty pop confection.

A Loud Bash of Teenage Feelings might not be an earth-shattering departure from last year's full-length debut The Things We Do to Find People Who Feel Like Us, but it's a loud and beautifully fun ode to young outsiders falling in love, getting fucked up and revelling in their weirdness--and that's advice as good as any.

Wolf sounds like she's having the time of her life showcasing her range as a vocalist and songwriter.

It's noble to see Iron & Wine trying to take his songs into a different direction, but it's a shame that he lacks the confidence to allow these great songs to show off their personality without the help of inane studio glossiness.

Bestial Burden is immensely captivating and exquisitely structured, another unique offering from an unparalleled artist.

Harris is a sage escort to have along for the ride, and with the spare concrete signifiers and evocative open spaces she provides on Grid of Points, she's crafted a map for the full spectrum of human emotions and experiences.

instead of songs about past lovers and immaturity, Motorists are using philosophical ideas as fuel for their jangly indie rock.

There are a lot of simply beautiful songs here, but not unlike previous Camp Cope efforts, Running with the Hurricane is held back by sameness. ... Still, it's rewarding to see Camp Cope find the kind of personal and artistic growth that so many long for.

Panic Stations is an easy and enjoyable listen, with all of the energy and dynamism that fans have come to love and expect from Motion City Soundtrack.

Thank Your Lucky Stars is definitely a treat--we shouldn't look a gift horse in the mouth, as another new Beach House album is always welcome--but arriving so soon after Depression Cherry, it is bound to get lost in the shadow of its predecessor because frankly, it isn't nearly as compelling.

Her sophomore LP embraces the more straightforward impulses of her pristine pop songcraft — to results that feel more jubilant and whimsical than anything else she's ever done.

A welcome late-career gem.

It's both her loudest record and her most inscrutable, burning away some of the welcoming intimacy of her earlier work for a galaxy of cataclysm and stillness all its own.

It's a lurid, scuzzy, electrifying return to form.

Cruise Your Illusion sounds like proud, but humble music from a band doing exactly what they want on their terms.

Though at times a little too cacophonous, the nine-track LP is an impressive collection that remains true to its Afrofuturistic roots.