Death Cab For Cutie - Codes & Keys album art

Death Cab For Cutie – Codes & Keys

written by: Alex Bahler on June 1, 2011

If the symbols in everyday life have taken on new meaning, so have Death Cab For Cutie’s songs, which aren’t so much about domestic happiness as the peace that comes with settling down.

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Times New Viking Dancer Equired Album Cover
Laki Mera The Proximity Effect Album Cover

Laki Mera – The Proximity Effect

written by: Alex Bahler on May 10, 2011

If there’s one shining characteristic of The Proximity Effect, it’s that it doesn’t feel like a big, bold statement on society and culture. Whether lyrical or melodic, restraint and subtlety are sorely missing from today’s pop music scene, and I propose there’s no better band right now than Laki Mera to fill that void.

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Architecture in Helsinki Moment Bends Album cover
Cold Cave Cherish The Light Years Album Cover

Cold Cave – Cherish the Light Years

written by: Alex Bahler on May 4, 2011

Owing heavy debt to dour ’80s post-punk, Cherish the Light Years comes just behind the times, huffing and puffing in the midst of what may or may not be a ’90s revival.

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That Ghost Songs Out Here Album Cover

That Ghost – Songs Out Here

written by: Alex Bahler on April 4, 2011

Ryan Schmale’s stage name and the equally removed title of his debut appropriately represent a collection of detached, shuddering folk songs.

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The Flashbulb - Love as a Dark Hallway album cover

The Flashbulb – Love as a Dark Hallway

written by: Alex Bahler on April 1, 2011

When he achieves balance in a single piece, Benn Jordan’s music betrays his experience level. Too often, though, Love as a Dark Hallway still sounds like kids’ stuff.

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R.E.M Collapse Into Now Album Cover
PJ Harvey Let England Shake Album Cover

PJ Harvey – Let England Shake

written by: Alex Bahler on March 2, 2011

While she’s entering her third decade as a singer, Polly Jean Harvey actually appears to be aging in reverse. She would have you think a war-themed album would be her frothiest yet, but the reality is she has never sounded more childlike.

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