A$AP Rocky – Long.Live.A$AP.
The long awaited major label debut from one of the most
talked about new rappers has finally arrived. While it is safe to say that
Long.Live.A$AP. was worth the wait, it also hears the voice of a promising new
rapper to take charge of the game. With guest spots from Action Bronson, Roc
Marciano, Riff Raff, Drake, and others, A$AP is going to be one of the most
talked about artists of the year.
FINAL GRADE: A
Burial – Truant / Rough Sleeper
While Burial has not released a proper full record in six
years, we keep getting little EP’s and mixes from the mysterious dubstep
legend. With his latest offering, a near thirty minute dark odyssey stretched
over two songs, it proves that this London DJ and producer can do anything and
it will be master class.
FINAL GRADE: A
FIDLAR
The self-titled release from one of our 10 Artists to Watch in 2013 has finally arrived and it does not disappoint. These California garage
rockers clearly are having the time of their lives doing what they love and
their debut reflects that.
FINAL GRADE: A-
Pantha Du Prince and The Bell Laboratory – Elements of Light
When acclaimed German producer Pantha Du Prince announced he
was linking up with The Bell Laboratory, it seemed as if the possibilities of a
musical collaboration between these two talents would be endless. Their
five-song offering is a journey into the minds eye of musicians far ahead of
their time.
FINAL GRADE: A-
New Order – Lost Sirens
After releasing their final album with Peter Hook, Waiting
for the Sirens Call, in 2005, rumors of a B-Sides record were emerging for
years. Now, finally, the band has released Lost Sirens which is the B-Sides and
outtakes from their final recording sessions with Hooky. Lost Sirens plays more
like a mini-album or EP than it does a lost record collection and only makes us
hope for more New Order material down the line, with or without Hooky.
FINAL GRADE: A-
Delphic – Collections
The second studio record from Manchester, England’s Delphic
hears the band taking a page out of the previous Manchunian bands before them,
like New Order. Collections is a vibrant mix of dance rock, electronica and
hears the band get out of their comfort zone and into some new territory.
FINAL GRADE: B+
Chris Wollard and the Ship Thieves – Canyons
While Hot Water Music had a busy 2012, at the tale end of
the year, guitarist Chris Wollard was able to release his new solo record with
his band The Ship Thieves. Canyons may not have the aggressive nature of what
Hot Water Music has to offer, but it is a testament and love letter to the
everlasting power of rock and roll.
FINAL GRADE: B+
Tegan and Sara – Heartthrob
The Quin sisters return and Canada’s favorite twins have a
new record to rejoice in. Heartthrob is a fantastic odyssey of electronic
music, passionate lyrics and catchy hooks. Heartthrob is the duo’s best record
since 2007’s The Con and will be just as talked about and praised as that
landmark record.
FINAL GRADE: B+
Bleeding Rainbow – Yeah Right
Bleeding Rainbow are an interesting band, they are one of
the few to take psychedelic 60’s rock and mix it with pop, punk, and shoegaze
and still sound fresh and original. Their latest offering, Yeah Right, hears
that amalgamation of sound blend together so well, it leaves many of their
contemporaries in the dust.
FINAL GRADE: B
Local Natives – Hummingbird
The L.A. indie band return with a record that hears them
more mature, constructed, and disciplined than ever before. Hummingbird is an
ode to nature and the joy of what the world outside brings, the band manages to
capture that and channel it into a moving new album that will have fans of
their previous work smiling and will certainly hear them gain new followers.
FINAL GRADE: B
Delhi 2 Dublin – Turn Up The Stereo
The idea of taking Indian pop music (think the Slumdog
Millionaire soundtrack) and mix it with Irish folk sounds totally crazy, but
Delhi 2 Dublin make it sound so brilliant. The fusion of cultures from far
parts of the globe proves that music is our universal language and thanks to
Delhi 2 Dublin, we have proof of that.
FINAL GRADE: B
Anders and Kendall – Wild Chorus
The debut record from this Americana duo is reminiscent of
The Civil Wars with its minimal style, passionate lyrics and male/female
vocals, yet, Anders and Kendall seem to kick it up a notch thanks to their
devotion to impress new listeners.
FINAL GRADE: B-
Bad Religion – True North
The California punk legends return with their new record in
three years and like prior Bad Religion records, it is fast, hard charging, and
harmonizing on a furious pace, but at points it still sounds like prior Bad
Religion records.
FINAL GRADE C+
Dropkick Murphys – Signed and Sealed in Blood
The legendary Boston Irish punks return with their eighth
record and while it is something to smile over as to how much this band still
stays strong after constant line-up changes and label difficulties, it is also
a bid redundant that nearly every song sounds the same and they have not
evolved over time.
FINAL GRADE: D+