Issue 102

We Are Match’s debut feels like a rock experiment in texture — one that might fail to attract a pop audience, but has a surprising amount of depth between the synth notes. If Modest Mouse was obsessed with blending electronic sounds into their riffs, they might sound like We Are Match. Read more.

Speedy Ortiz isn’t consistently edgy on Foil Deer, but they remain consistently on the edge of what’s possible with alternative rock. Foil Deer shows the band evolving and staking their claim as the leader of the indies. Read more.

Allas Sak is Dungen’s most consistent release: its mix of Swedish folk songs and prog rock avoids becoming bombastic in an effort to focus on more subtle experimentation. Allas Sak is more proof that Dungen is a total rarity. Read more.

Classically Trained is undoubtedly the best record Black Violin has released yet. Their unique blending of classical violin work with hip hop beats goes far beyond gimmick and holds a lot of promise. Read more.

Matt Pond PA’s The State of Gold is incredibly self-assured despite that it was a mid-career shift for the musician. At once familiar, new, and unhurried, it’s a different album for him that feels like a great introduction to his work as a whole. Read more.