Khôrada, Forged From Agalloch And Giant Squid's Ashes, Burnishes 'Glacial Gold'
Two forces of modern metal combine to reflect on the past while looking for the means to move forward.
Music Reviews
Jay-Z and Beyoncé's 'Everything Is Love' Shakes Up Summer Music
A season full of high-profile hip-hop releases just got hotter. NPR Music's Ann Powers and Rodney Carmichael break down the surprise release of Beyoncé and Jay-Z's collaborative album.
Contemporary Mexican Music: Not Your Abuelita's Mariachi
NPR Music's Felix Contreras creates a round up of the sounds of modern Mexico.
Material Girls, Atlanta's Fabulous Glam-Punks, Force A 'Residual Grimace'
Material Girls' glam-soaked, goth-smeared rock and roll struts and stumbles like a fish-netted pair of legs breaking in new heels.
Drake Pulls The Nostalgia Card: Two 'Degrassi' Fans Dissect The Video For 'I'm Upset'
Drake unites the old gang of Degrassi High School for his latest video. NPR Music breaks down the cameos, Easter eggs and (relatively low-stakes) inconsistencies of "I'm Upset."
Snail Mail Delivers Sturdy Guitar Riffs And Soaring Vocals On 'Lush'
Eighteen-year-old Lindsey Jordan, who records under the name Snail Mail, has been playing guitar for 13 years. This combination of youth and experience creates a distinctive sound on her new album.
First Listen: Dawes, 'Passwords'
Dawes returns once again to its greatest specialty: smooth and ingratiating California folk-rock that never bothers to hide its big, beating, bleeding heart.
First Listen: Lera Lynn, 'Plays Well With Others'
Lera Lynn explores the art of the duet with some of roots and Americana music's best and brightest, from newcomers like Dylan LeBlanc to veteran Rodney Crowell.
First Listen: Priscilla Renea, 'Coloured'
Renea unfurls her musical vision with the brazenness and conviction of someone expecting her ideas, and maybe even her very existence, to be challenged.
Pianist Shamie Royston Brings A Hard-Swinging Brand Of Jazz To 'Beautiful Liar'
Royston is a trained composer who knows how to manipulate her materials all sorts of ways. Critic Kevin Whitehead says the music on Beautiful Liar is "sleek and sturdy" and "made to be played."