Top 10 for week ending in 9/25/21

 

10. King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard – Butterfly 3000 (KGATLW)

“…this record trades the band’s iconic rock-driven style for synths and MIDI sequences to create an uplifting record detailing the process of growth and metamorphosis using the symbol of — you guessed it — butterflies… this record is full of psychedelic lyrics and catchy rhythms that stay with you long after the first listen.”

– Casey C.

9. Madi Diaz – History of a Feeling (Anti-)

“On History of a Feeling… Diaz doesn’t hold much back or pull punches.This is a righteously angry breakup record — universal with its sorrow and confusion… Diaz deftly avoids oversimplification and instead leans into her experiences with bitterness, honesty, hurt and resolve…”

– Mark P.

8. Liars – The Apple Drop (Mute)

“…the release of [Liars’] seventh album Mess was followed by the trio’s disbanding, leaving Angus Andrew alone on the project. Two lonely, bereaved albums later and Angus seems to have fully grieved the breakup. This record sounds like a maturation of the previous two releases, attaining a clarity that was absent. With this direction the final Liar seems to be in the midst of a new era.”

– Louie A.

7. King Woman – Celestial Blues (Relapse)

“[King Woman’s] second full-length record is borne from a delicate mix of doom metal, post-rock, with a bit of biblical imagery sprinkled in… Esfandiari’s breathy vocals take center stage here, surrounded by strong riffs and rudiments that back up her voice beautifully.”

– Casey C.

6. Colleen Green – Cool (Hardly Art)

“…[Cool is] fun, mostly fast-paced, and Green’s punk influences are as clear as ever. There’s a good mix of poppy rock and singsongy vocals, while “Highway” stands out as a more creepy track featuring spoken-word lyric delivery and some really interesting riffs… it just gets better the more you listen.”

– Casey C.

5. Torres – Thirstier (Merge)

“[Thirstier] exudes a strong sense of adaptation and growth from an artist who was once feeling lost and left alone in a time of losing everything she had worked towards. The album is driven and shameless, reflecting that of one who is done bending backwards for those who do not have her back. This confidence shines through her new record and hopefully creates a path for more records in the future.”

– Merrill L.

4. Indigo De Souza – Any Shape You Take (Saddle Creek)

“…a sincere and beautiful narration of love told over the course of the many years in which De Souza wrote it… The range of De Souza’s vocals are astonishing and at times reminds one of Willow Smith and Pretty Sick simultaneously. A very nice intertwining of saccharine bedroom pop and indie guitar riffs make this a great listen all around.”

– Casey C.

3. Men I Trust – Untourable Album (self-released)

“Dreamy and melancholy, this album explores nostalgia and isolation while simultaneously slowing down time for the listeners. Very relaxing and beautiful release so all tracks have something to offer.”

– Tawny H.

2. Turnstile – Glow On (Roadrunner)

“Turnstile is breaking the mold again with their latest release. Glow On… pushes the boundaries of what is considered hardcore. Experimental drums and heavy rock guitar are essential to this album but don’t be surprised to stumble upon some gentle and powerful breaks throughout.”

– Mia M.

1. Clairo – Sling (Republic/Fader)

“Radiating with near-total resignation and then quiet anger and then resignation again, Sling plays as if it exists more for Clairo than for her audience, making it clear from the outset that this record is intended to be 44 minutes of Clairo working through some stuff, but nevertheless welcoming us along for the ride.”

– Meg M.

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