by Shannon Smith
Paul Kelly is one of those songwriters who moved beyond writing catchy songs. Instead, he paints vignettes of the human experience with his lyrics. With Fever Longing Still, the iconic singer-songwriter embraces a timeless rock ethos, blending poetic lyrics with melodies that strike the heart like a well-aimed arrow. The result is a record that is alive with unflinchingly honest, a testament to Kelly’s mastery of his craft.
The album opens with “Houndstooth Dress,” a vibrant and emotionally charged track that sets the tone for the entire record. It’s a bittersweet love song wrapped in [...]
by Shannon Smith
Few bands can summon a sense of timeless longing like The Cure. Their music has been the soundtrack to heartbreak, introspection, and nocturnal wanderings for decades. With Songs of a Lost World, their first album in over a decade, The Cure returns with a sonic expression that feels achingly familiar and strikingly current. This album, steeped in shimmering synths, textured guitars, and meticulous production, invites listeners into a labyrinth of sound and emotion.
“Endsong” exemplifies their new sonic world with its sprawling structure and moody atmosphere. The interplay between Simon Gallup’s [...]
by Shannon Smith
Father John Misty—born Joshua Michael Tillman—has made a career as an enigmatic figure, both a purveyor of biting social satire and a seeker of deeper existential truths. His journey from J. Tillman’s introspective acoustic folk roots to the lush, expansive sonic palette of Father John Misty has been marked by continuous reinvention. Mahashmashana, his sixth album, is the latest chapter in that evolution. The album speaks with a voice more intimate than Pure Comedy, but more expansive than God’s Favorite Customer. This album, co-produced by Tillman and Drew Erickson, invites listeners into an exploration of [...]
by Shannon Smith
From the moment the snarling distortion kicks in on “Jerkin’,” it’s clear that Cartoon Darkness is an album of defiance. Amyl and The Sniffers charge headfirst into the chaotic void, swinging wildly at anyone foolish enough to step in their way. It’s punk as it ought to be: a defiant shout against convention, a raw howl at the absurdities of the world. The Melbourne four-piece, led by Amy Taylor’s vitriolic vocals, bring a reckless energy that recalls Sid Vicious’ snarling presence, albeit with today’s wit and sense of fun. There’s even a splash of [...]
