The New Pornographers - Whiteout Conditions (April 7, 2017)
In a single phrase, one hell of a fun album. Seamlessly weaving energetic synth-driven melodies and Talking Heads-esque art-pop aesthetics through a baroque, symphonic atmosphere, The New Pornographers have once again proven themselves to be one of the most interesting bands in the industry. Beautifully organized harmonies, ambient soundscapes, and an obvious instrumental expertise make up the backbone of this record, not only meant to be listened to but also fully appreciated. Standout tracks include "High Ticket Attractions", "Colosseums", and "Juke".
9/10
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Mac DeMarco - This Old Dog (May 5, 2017)
Trading in most of his zany guitar chops for a more consistently-acoustic sound, Mac DeMarco seems to have found solace in a new kind of lo-fi. Although the production value of this record is slightly more polished, and there's a stronger embrace of the keyboard-driven sounds only hinted at before, the payoff is worth it. As always, this album is fueled by raw, uncompromising creativity, simultaneously exuding a unique take on genre bending alternative music as well as a newly personal sense of artistry in the truthful lyrics flowing underneath its bed of laid-back sonic pleasure. Standout tracks include "Baby You're Out", "A Wolf Who Wears Sheeps Clothes", and "On the Level".
9/10
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Incubus - 8 (April 21, 2017)
A strong entry back into the music scene following a 6-year break in studio albums, this collection of songs is a welcome improvement on their previous effort. More concise and melodic, the album is a return to the band's beloved mix of chord-driven alt-rock and swelling ballads. But there is also a hint of experimentation, with newly found electronics peppered across the record, and even an instrumental track in the second half. All in all, this is a rather enjoyable album from the often-underrated Incubus. Standout tracks include "Nimble Bastard", "Loneliest", and "Love in a Time of Surveillance".
8/10
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Pond - The Weather (May 5, 2017)
Never a band to stray away from the strange, Pond have put together another hypnotically provocative set of electronic tracks for their latest album. With their own brand of neo-psychedelic stylings, here they exhibit an effective mix of indie-tronic sound collages, mod-synth experimentation, and more pop-oriented hooks to create a wonderfully trippy journey through a record unlike anything else you're bound to come across. Check it out if you happen to know who they are. Standout tracks include "Sweep Me Off My Feet", "Edge of the World Pt. 1", and "The Weather".
8/10
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On another note, the next two months will be full of new releases from the likes of Roger Waters, alt-J, Phoenix, Royal Blood, HAIM, and Arcade Fire. Should be a great summer.
As always, Happy Listening.
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