DirtySound

 Magically, but gradually, song after song emerged from nowhere.

 'A Whole Lot Better' immediately adds tight rhythms, energetic guitars, and a bed of Hammond organ on which you can willingly lie down.

The review praises Brendan Benson's album 'My Old Familiar Friend' for its rich melodic folk-rock style and strong songwriting. It highlights standout tracks like 'Cold Hands (Warm Heart)', 'Gonowhere', and 'Feel Like Taking You Home', noting the blend of classic rock with Mississippi country influences. The reviewer shares a personal rediscovery experience and appreciation for Benson’s musical evolution since The Raconteurs. Overall, the album is described as a pleasant and compelling listen with potential for strong live performances. Listen to Brendan Benson’s 'My Old Familiar Friend' for a captivating folk-rock experience rich in melody and emotion.

 Tight drum rhythms, powerful and distorted guitar riffs provide the common thread for all 11 tracks.

 Concluding the album is ‘Sonny,’ a bitter ballad that develops on an electronic base and then explodes together in the finale.

The album 'Hours' by Funeral For A Friend showcases a tight mix of power rock and melodic ballads, blending aggressive riffs with soft emotional passages. Vocal versatility and memorable choruses highlight the band's style. Though the reviewer remains cautiously intrigued, the album's balance between energy and melody is evident. The closing track stands out with its emotional electronic influence. Listen to Funeral For A Friend's 'Hours' to experience powerful riffs and memorable melodies blending rock intensity with emotional depth.

 Right from the opening tracks 'Shiva and the Astronaut' and 'Tremor Void,' one can sense the ethereal atmosphere that will characterize the entire album.

 A good album... to listen to with closed eyes on rainy days...

The Quiet Table by Three Fish blends tribal and oriental elements with calm, melancholic vocals. Jeff Ament collaborates with Robbi Rob and Richard Stuverud to create an ethereal album marked by acoustic bass, guitars, and percussion. Notable tracks include 'Shiva and the Astronaut' and 'Resonate,' featuring Pearl Jam's McCready. The atmospheric artwork complements the sonic mood, making it ideal for introspective listening. Discover the ethereal blend of tribal sounds and calm vocals in Three Fish’s The Quiet Table – listen now and experience its unique atmosphere.

 Songs that grow listen after listen, revealing new aspects each time.

 One of the best albums of 2004, which apparently managed to cross Italian borders and be distributed in other continents as well.

Velvet Score's debut album Youth consists of seven tracks that reveal their depth through repeated listens. The Italian band delivers hypnotic, slow-building post-rock songs reminiscent of Slint's Spiderland, culminating in dynamic sonic climaxes. The songwriting is strong, exploring themes of youth, illusions, and dreams. Released in 2004, this album is considered one of the best of the year and enjoyed international distribution. Listen to Velvet Score's Youth and experience one of 2004’s most captivating post-rock journeys.

 "Their sound is damnably comparable to that of the well-established Yuppie Flu, leaving little room for amazement."

 "A good debut and a nice album therefore, but one which we hope will be followed by a work of greater substance and with a more defined identity."

Edwood's debut album 'Like A Movement' offers a melodic and sophisticated indie-pop sound with well-balanced instrumentation. Some tracks echo the style of Yuppie Flu, which may limit originality for some listeners. Highlights include songs with rhythmic urgency and post-rock instrumental crescendos, showing potential. Overall, a good first effort that hints at future growth. Listen to Edwood's 'Like A Movement' and explore this melodic indie-pop debut with intriguing post-rock elements.