Semisonic, The Gaslight Anthem, & Superdrag
The Week In New Music & Dig Me Out Podcast
New Releases
Alabama 3 - Cold War Classics Vol.2
Critics appreciate it as a 👍 worthy album, noting its evolution in sound and thematic explorations. The album, a successor to their 2021 album 'Step 13', navigates through the band's coping with the loss of co-frontman Jake Black, with Rob Spragg, aka Larry Love, assuming a more front role. This transition signifies the band's resilience and ability to evolve musically. The shift towards a more melodic backbone, departing from the band's earlier reliance on contrasting genres and clever wordplay, is a mature progression. The opening track, "Goodbye Glasnost" sets a mood of disquietude. At the same time, "Before The Ship Came In" and "California Stoned" are praised for their rich sound, showcasing a blend of sumptuous crooning, itchy scratchy guitar, and a full brass section, signposting back to their 2016 album, 'Blues'. Critics also acknowledge the album's acerbic observations on societal themes, a staple in Alabama 3's music, with the sound being more cohesively arranged compared to their previous works. This album signifies not only a continuation of Alabama 3's unique sound but also a promising evolution, making it a significant addition to their discography that resonates well with their audience1232.
Semisonic - Little Bit Of Sun
Critics regard it as a 👍 worthy album, praising its melodic richness and the mature songwriting prowess of Dan Wilson, which shines throughout the album. Particularly highlighted are tracks like "Grow Your Own," "Don't Fade Away," and "So Amazed" that evoke nostalgia and celebrate life's simple joys, portraying a thematic focus on returns - to music, friendship, and cherished memories. While some critics mention the album may resonate more with long-time fans of Semisonic, the general sentiment is positive, appreciating the band's full-throttle commitment to music showcased in this album, as opposed to the brief tease of a comeback with a five-song EP in 2020. The approval is reflected in a review rating of 7.5/10 by Under The Radar, indicating that "Little Bit of Sun" is a substantial and rewarding listen for those who appreciate Semisonic's distinctive melodic style and thematic depth123451.
Drop Nineteens - Hard Light
Critics view it as a 👍 worthy album, emblematic of a notable reunion nearly three decades post their initial dissolution. The album, crafted by the original lineup including Greg Ackell and Paula Kelley on vocals and guitar, Steve Zimmerman on bass, Motohiro Yasue on guitar, and Peter Koeplin on drums, is acknowledged for its broader sonic and thematic scope, a deviation from the 'shoegaze-adjacent' tag often associated with their earlier works. The recording process spanned Boston, Brooklyn, and Los Angeles, reflecting a diverse sound palette. Critics appreciate Greg Ackell leading in lyric writing collaborating closely with other band members to shape the album's sonic realm. The nostalgic essence recaptured in "Hard Light" is well-received, with critics also acknowledging the band's fresh, engaging musical offerings, signifying a mature evolution in their sound. Overall, critics see the album as a significant milestone in Drop Nineteens' journey, resonating well with listeners and appreciating the band's re-emergence and the fresh musical narratives encapsulated in "Hard Light"123456789.
Lol Tolhurst * Budgie * Jacknife Lee - Los Angeles
Critics regard it as a 👍 worthy album, commending its inventive fusion of rock and electronica that pushes the boundaries of traditional post-punk, while paying homage to the trio's esteemed musical legacies. The collaborative nature of the album, enriched by features from notable musicians like IDLES guitarist Mark Bowen, Primal Scream’s Bobby Gillespie, LCD Soundsystem's James Murphy, U2's The Edge, and Mary Lattimore, is seen as a bold exploration. Although the experimental approach is noted to hinder listener engagement in certain tracks potentially, the album as a whole is lauded for its innovative spirit and the successful melding of past musical experiences with forward-looking experimentalism. Ratings such as an 82 critic score based on 5 reviews on Album of The Year, 8/10 by Hotpress and three stars by The Skinny, further underscore the critical acclaim for "Los Angeles," showcasing it as a substantial and rewarding musical endeavor rather than just a better EP or a decent single 123456.
The Gaslight Anthem - History Books
Critics generally regard it as a 👍 worthy album, appreciating its matured sound, nuanced storytelling, and the evolution in the band's music after a nine-year hiatus. Particularly praised are tracks like "Michigan, 1975" and "Little Fires," which showcase a sophisticated sound, along with the title track featuring a guest verse from Bruce Springsteen. However, some critics point out a weak opening and some production choices that could have been improved, hinting at the possibility that with a tighter focus, it might have resonated more strongly as a better EP. Despite these critiques, the album's experimental yet nostalgic essence is well-received, with a critic score of 76 based on eight reviews on Metacritic, indicating a good level of approval. The collaborative effort with Bruce Springsteen adds a layer of richness to the album, contributing to its commendable standing in the post-punk heartland rock landscape 12345.
Superchunk - Misfits & Mistakes: Singles, B-sides, & Strays 2007-2023
Critics acknowledge it as a 👍 worthy album, particularly appreciating its extensive nature as a massive compilation marking the band's triumphant return from a hiatus. Encompassing 16 years of Superchunk's journey and offering a hefty collection of 50 tracks across 4-LP or 2-CD formats, this compilation dives deep into the archives to present a broad spectrum of the band's alternative rock genre over the years. The compilation is celebrated for its generous array of singles, B-sides, and stray tracks, showcasing Superchunk's long-standing contributions to the alternative rock scene 1234.
