masturbatio

 "'Breathe The Fire' perfectly balances the apocalyptic disorientation of Joy Division with the delays of the Cure."

 "The drama spills into theatricality, simply out of tune. I really wouldn’t know how to define this redundant minimalism."

The Soft Moon’s debut album starts promisingly with "Breathe The Fire," merging dark wave and post-punk elements effectively. However, the rest of the album suffers from synthetic overproduction and disjointed compositions. Many tracks feel forced and irritating, mixing elements that clash rather than complement. While there are moments of creativity, they are overwhelmed by unnecessary noise and theatricality, making the album hard to enjoy overall. Discover the bold sounds of The Soft Moon and decide if their dark wave style intrigues or frustrates you!

 The hype around this band proves largely unjustified.

 Good ideas are present, to be matured and developed, which at least provide good hope for the future.

The Morning Benders' second album, Big Echo, offers expanded harmonies and dreamy atmospheres inspired by experimental rock bands like Grizzly Bear. While some tracks like "Pleasure Sighs" and "Mason Jar" show promise, the overall lack of personality and raw songwriting hinder its impact. Highlights include "Excuses" and "Promises," but good ideas often feel unfulfilled. The album hints at potential for future growth rather than delivering a fully convincing statement. Discover The Morning Benders' Big Echo and explore their bittersweet melodies and future potential.

 Uniformity is a term unknown to the Campesinos, hence the countless variations in moods and speeds that characterize their nervous compositions.

 If these Welsh can prove to be less scattered, we will have no doubts about their talent; otherwise, their fate will be that of a party band with wrinkles.

Los Campesinos!' second album, Romance Is Boring, delivers a vibrant mix of pop-rock infused with punk energy and varied moods. Featuring notable collaborations, the album showcases the band's youthful defiance and melodic inventiveness. Influences range from Death Cab For Cutie to Beastie Boys, making the record diverse and engaging. While slightly scattered, their talent shines through, promising a memorable impact beyond a mere party band. Listen to Romance Is Boring to experience Los Campesinos!' vibrant indie pop-rock energy and diverse sounds today!

 The absence of inhibitions best represents this album, with evasive melodies that defy conventions.

 It’s funny to be surprised to find many references in an album like this; Mice Parade stylishly doses the diversity of melodies while shuffling the deck.

Mice Parade's album 'What It Means To Be Left-Handed' showcases a rich fusion of genres, from ambient and post-rock to world and folk music. Frontman Adam Pierce crafts evocative melodies complemented by refined rhythms. The album features a seamless flow through diverse styles and emotional depth, including unique covers and global influences. It highlights the band’s strength in creative freedom and stylistic versatility. Dive into Mice Parade’s genre-blending album and experience a unique musical journey full of rhythm and emotion.

 They won’t please everyone, they’re not mainstream hits; they are indeed alienating and elusive.

 The more you listen to this album, the more you feel invigorated by the evidence that music’s paths are infinite.

Everything Everything’s debut album, Man Alive, is a bold and energetic release that combines intricate compositions with electronic power-pop and disco influences. The band from Manchester showcases a remarkable ability to create unique and compelling music. Frontman Jonathan Higgs’ hypnotic falsetto stands out, while the instrumentation is both elegant and powerful. Although not mainstream, the album is a refreshing and mature take on contemporary music. Listen to Man Alive by Everything Everything and experience a bold, intricate debut that challenges the ordinary.

 Darwin’s music is simple, pure, and goes directly where it desires: straight to the heart.

 The beauty lies in simplicity, the minimal setup of the songs serves to underline this.

Darwin Deez's self-titled debut album delivers straightforward, heartfelt indie pop with minimal instrumentation. The music is simple, catchy, and emotionally resonant, mixing nostalgic hints with playful and tender moments. While some tracks falter, overall the album charms with its purity and melodic strength. The artist’s unique style and personality add an engaging layer to the listening experience. Listen to Darwin Deez’s debut album for a simple yet charming indie pop journey filled with catchy melodies and heartfelt moments!

 The Calgary trio focuses on melodic synthesis and manages to create its own sound, made of shy delay arpeggios and slightly nervous rhythms, which in their apparent calm instill a certain anxiety.

 The Church Of The Very Bright Lights demonstrate that they have what it takes to make great music, but these 25 minutes are too vague a draft to be appreciated in the right way.

Church Of The Very Bright Lights’ debut album 'Gang Crimes' offers a unique blend of sadcore and dream pop with melodic synths and anxious rhythms. The Calgary trio manages to create a distinct sound with highlights like the dreamy 'Words' and melancholic 'Politicking.' However, the album can feel repetitive and lacks incisiveness. Despite its flaws, it shows promise from a band capable of making great music. Discover the unique fusion of sadness and dreaminess in 'Gang Crimes' – listen now and explore their melancholic soundscape.

 I have never found in music a sensation like the one a track like “For The Damaged CODA” gives me: fear. Pure and simple fear.

 That’s why my heart weeps to hear this chill-out disco electronic crap for halfwits.

The reviewer reflects on a deep childhood connection to Blonde Redhead's earlier album, Melody of Certain Damaged Lemons, which evoked mystery and intense emotions. In contrast, Penny Sparkle is criticized for its chill-out and electronic style, seen as a betrayal of the band’s creative indie-rock roots. The album fails to inspire the same passion, leaving the reviewer disheartened. Ultimately, the reviewer feels the band abandoned the beauty of their past. Explore Blonde Redhead’s evolution—listen and decide if Penny Sparkle lives up to the legacy.

 The dreamy atmospheres of this "Migration" are finely articulated, all elements are in the right place.

 Takka Takka appear to have found the meeting point between electronic and acoustic music.

Takka Takka's album Migration is praised for its slow, measured, and deep minimalist rock style. The review highlights the album's fine articulation, blending electronic and acoustic music seamlessly. Each track offers unique atmospheres reminiscent of well-known bands, showcasing the band's musical maturity. Originally released in the US and later reissued in Europe, the album remains a significant work over time. Listen to Takka Takka's Migration and immerse yourself in a uniquely minimalistic and atmospheric rock experience.

 "Astro Coast has the taste of seaside brine—boisterous like a night hook-up on the beach with a girl you just met an hour before at a party."

 "A bucket of water in the face—this album wakes up the complacent with powerful sound and infectious energy."

Astro Coast by Surfer Blood captures the lazy, sun-soaked apathy of Florida youth, channeling it into energetic indie surf rock. Blending influences from 90s lo-fi bands, garage rock, and pop-punk, the album features catchy melodies, expertly crafted feedback, and memorable moments. Highlights include reverb-heavy tracks and college rock tunes, with a playful yet sarcastic tone throughout. Dive into Surfer Blood's Astro Coast and experience indie surf rock charged with catchy melodies and energetic vibes!