Tittsworth should be proud. 12 Steps is, at its end, a mighty accomplishment for both its maker and his genre.

The lyrical presence and content of guests is what sets London Zoo apart from other dubstep producers.

Having waited four years for this new record, Faint fans anticipating a return to the throbbing mechanical heart of darkwave and disco will not be disappointed.

Brazilian Girl has the ability to give audiences a world band sound because of its mixture of different languages and live band sound. It also has a certain level of pop appeal.

As with most album trilogies, this first one is promising.

Gorgeous, thoughtful, and musically brilliant, the album runs like a concept album about life experiences should...beginning, middle, end; all equally interesting and exciting.

Black Kids' conviction and raw talent has made for a record that far outshines a majority of their blog brethren. [Jul/Aug 2008, p.84]

To fans that listened to Rage as a means to get "pumped up" and bring the "mosh" you’ll probably be disappointed by the lack of work out music. But to the fans of Zack’s militant poetry, listen and enjoy.

Hammond, Jr. paints an awfully pretentious portrait of a dude caught playing with his best friend’s b-sides.

Their tried and true formula does wear thin in parts, as it always does, but there are enough creative wrinkles in this album to warrant repeat listens and contemplation.

If you’re interested in Keating’s deck work or Lord’s acid rock breakbeat, their Black Ghosts mixtape will set you straight, but this partnership has manifested considerably deeper songwriting skills for both of these guys.

Musically, this record definitely shoots what it was aiming for, but I wouldn't listen to it unless you are, or want to be, severely depressed or disturbed.

The songs are expertly arranged and succinct, staying away from the lengthy workouts of most of his DFA contemporaries. [Jul/Aug 2008, p.84]

Experimentation and metamorphosis--of sound and of character--are the paragons of this alter ego, and RZA seems to be swimming in both these days. All the pieces fit, and when RZA goes Voltron, he’s at the top of his game.

Additional collaborations with Sean Lennon, Cibo Matto, The Mooney Suzuki and The Yeah Yeah Yeahs, solidify Naturally as a sure summer listen from two gents who never really go wrong.

At Mount Zoomer will get hipsters dancing around once again, but I think the respect and hype is most definitely due to Wolf Parade this time.

This record is a beautiful testimony to passionate and heartfelt emotion with Warden’s dynamic voice being the seductive centerpiece.

Sure, she may not have as many debauchery-tainted demons to exercise as the Winehouses or the Holidays but that doesn't make 19 boring. [Jul/Aug 2008, p.88]

The album engages after repeats, but initially offers volume's immediacy over intimacy.

Maybe that's how we need to view this record--a little less anxious in our anticipation and balanced out with a little more enjoyment. Then, it just might be a classic.

This timeless band may have taken some nods from M.I.A., Bloc Party, Hot Chip and even Bonde Do Role to keep up with 2008--or not--but they continue to soar high on some genius sonic whimsy, making The Dream a truly commendable offering.

Los Angeles is a beautifully complex and widespread full-length from one of LA’s most creative and perceptive music producers.

While Subtle remains as challenging as ever, there's less exhaustion in finding the nugget, for a record that finally capitalizes on the potential of Subtle's raucous live performances. [May/June 2008, p.94]

Now far denser than disassociated, this is Ladytron at the group's most masculine.

Sure, a couple of songs may seem to end a bit abruptly, but most of the opportunities you want them to take--they take.

If you are looking for a good party in your...well, pants, then Pants' new album Welcome is the one for you.

A bit more variance in terms of these aspects would have rounded everything out. Other than that minute observation, The Sun & The Neon Light is a fantastic album.

Thorburn’s second record writing songs with the group Islands shows admirable ambition and eclectic musicianship. What hinders this release, however, is a matter of composition.