First Listen: Bwana, 'Capsule's Pride'
A young Toronto-based producer plunders the riches of the animated science fiction classic Akira to create a sweeping sonic experience.
Music Reviews
First Listen: The Thermals, 'We Disappear'
Fatalism and hope, realism and romance from the acidic, adrenalized Portland punk trio.
First Listen: Margo Price, 'Midwest Farmer's Daughter'
A debut solo record, born of both heartache and imagination, is saturated with sounds of '60s and '70s Nashville.
First Listen: Eric Bachmann, 'Eric Bachmann'
The Archers of Loaf and Crooked Fingers frontman keeps his rough edges and wit in a charming, impressionistic meditation on America.
First Listen: Parker Millsap, 'The Very Last Day'
A young Oklahoman with Pentecostal roots looks at apocalypse from surprising angles, in music ranging from rockabilly to blues.
Ortiz's 'Hidden Voices' Mixes Cuban Strains With Modern Jazz
Pianist Aruán Ortiz grew up in Cuba and lived in Spain a few years before moving to the US in 2002. Jazz critic Kevin Whitehead says Ortiz's new trio music is fully bilingual.
K.A.A.N. Is The Answer To All Of Your Rap Desires
If you enjoy rap, allow Brandon Perry, aka K.A.A.N., to make your day.
Lucius Layers Harmonies With Emotion In 'Good Grief'
The surging voices of two female lead singers create the signature sound of the five-piece band Lucius. Rock critic Ken Tucker says the band's new album, Good Grief, is often lovely and well-crafted.
Music Review: 'Final Wild Songs,' The Long Ryders
The Long Ryders are an '80s band. Smart lyrics mix with garage rock, psychedelic sounds and country. After five years of recording and touring, they called it quits in 1987. Now, almost 20 years after their separation, the band is back together and heading on tour. Reviewer Meredith Ochs says the newly released album of their classic songs cements their legacy.
ORA's Contemporary Twist On A 16th-Century Mass
Founded in 2014, this vibrant, new choral group juxtaposes William Byrd's Renaissance classic with newly commissioned inspirations.