If It's Too Loud...

Artist : Empath Album : Visitor Quick Thoughts : This album surprised me in all the best ways. It's a light, poppy, fuzzy indie rock effort with some truly catchy songs throughout its runtime, and ended up being a low-key favorite this week. It's definitely got the indie rock pastiche going for it, but it's also advanced from their also-solid debut. If you like the melodic lower-fi slice of independent rock, check this one out. Songs of Note : "Born 100 Times," "Passing Stranger," "Diamond Eyelids" Artist : Kill Alters Album : Armed to the Teeth L.M.O.M.M. Quick Thoughts : I should not like this as much as I do. Is Kill Alters post-punk? Industrial? Just loud? I have no idea, but I do know that I truly loved this record in so many ways. It's strange and unsettling, but still incredibly compelling as a complete package. Fair warning: this is not for everybody, but this was very much for me and is 100% the album I'm most looking ...

NOW we're back in the swing of things! Album of the Week : Artist : Savages Album : Adore Life Quick Description : The much anticipated sophomore album from the Mercury-nominated indie rock band. Why You Should Listen : Their first album was incredible. Overall Thoughts : While it lacks the sort of immediacy that their debut had, Adore Life is still a very strong, very loud record in many regards. While a first listen doesn't result in any standout tracks, the cohesive whole easily makes it the best thing released in this two week period, and it might have some staying power to boot. A very strong follow-up. No sophomore slump here. Recommendation : A must-listen this week. And go back and listen to their debut again, too. Artist : Eleanor Friedberger Album : New View Quick Description : Third solo album from the Fiery Furnaces co-lead. Why You Should Listen : You like the Fiery Furnaces or you don't like the Fiery Furnaces because they're too weird...