The polished arrangements of Heretic Pride do Darnielle's songwriting no favours. [Mar 2008, p.106]

Such is its weight and accomplishment that it could easily be the work of Gavin Bryars or Arvo Part. [Dec 2014, p.92]

Everybody ultimately suffers from a dearth of catchy melodies. [Jun 2007, p.112]

At this temporal distance from the shock of their new, the post-millennial Pop Group are engaging, galvanizing, and far from unlistenable in its ongoing fusions of Afrobeat, funk and dub.

Grohl can still subvert his own formula: opener Caught In The Echo brilliantly synthesises Ian MacKaye with Paul McCartney, and the needling pulse of Window is superior Josh Homme-age. The wired Child Actor, meanwhile, reveals a conflicted man behind the persona. [Jun 2026, p.86]

Whether this leaves you head-scratching or dancing like an electrified monkey, it certainly won't bore you. [Jul 2003, p.109]

When on their game -- about two-thirds of this to-the-point-set -- Hot Hot Heat are too breathlessly enjoyable to refuse. [Apr 2003, p.98]

It's similar to the debut.... But there's a more vivid light-and-shade to the textures and a craft and depth to the compositions that represent a welcome distillation of Jones' art. [Mar 2004, p.92]

Unfortunately, on Soft Spot [Eef Barzelay] strays too often into the pleasantly nondescript. [Jul 2003, p.112]

High Society [proves] Schmersal capable of a good, straight-forward pop song. [July 2002, p.100]

With greater degrees of deliberate construction than Mers De Noms, Thirteenth Step is more cohesive band effort, less ad hoc side project. [Nov 2003, p.132]

If the formula is simple, it delivers brutish thrills a-plenty. [Feb 2015, p.89]

When Bills, Aches & Blues works -and it nearly always does - it's more complex, though, pulling together the threads of an enduring artistic legacy to intriguing effect. [Jun 2021, p.85]

Overall, Love, Loss, And Auto-Tuned is a deviant masterpiece. [Oct 2018, p.92]

Challengers ultimately proves to be the group's finest hour. [Sep 2007, p.112]

Edgy, operatic, driving and frenetic. .. Restful listening, this is not. [Feb 2020, p.89]

This belated reunion has developed further into thr most affectingly sad, sweet, sepia sound rooted in Marcus's forlorn vocal and delicate ripples of detail--jazzy-to-motorik rhythm and haunting synthetic drones. [JUly 2008, p.102]

Raitt remains a master interpreter of song. [May 2012, p.87]

Michael Lockwood's production occasionally affects a sound akin to a Vonda Sheppard reared on black dreams and Russian literature. [Oct 2002, p.98]

Perhaps not as many musical genres are represented as might have been but it's still a good reminder of just how many styles Holly's music crossed and influenced, if not invented. [Aug. 2011, p. 99]

Gorgeous minimalist songs are punctuated by Prince-like synths and Ware's impressive vocal range. [Nov 2014, p.102]

It's both so clever and so very charming. [Nov 2006, p.114]

As fans of the or two previous albums might expect, there's little on this covers collection that proves Vetiver's love of the three-minute pop format: the mood is instead tuned to the free-festival campfire and the misty morning meditation. [July 2008, p.111]

The Decca set allows insight into King's working methods. [Jul 2012, p.99]

There's country stoicism, sentimentality and sparkling sadness on the songs. [Aug 2012, p.96]

She sings calmly from the heart, flowing beautifully, her simplicity enhanced by his [producer Howe Gelb] delicate downmix touches. [Jul 2013, p.94]

A record of quality, but not of distinction. [Aug 2013, p.86]

In surpassing her debut, Agnes Obel has confirmed hat she is in it for the long haul. [Nov 2013, p.86]