Review: Snarky Puppy, ‘Culcha Vulcha’
To the extent that Snarky Puppy has a core sonic idea, it’s an intricate melody over a multifaceted groove, as generated by multiple horn players, guitarists, keyboardists and percussionists.
To the extent that Snarky Puppy has a core sonic idea, it’s an intricate melody over a multifaceted groove, as generated by multiple horn players, guitarists, keyboardists and percussionists.
The long-running roots-pop band’s new music nicely re-creates a honeyed, harmony-rich sound while still expanding it in subtle, appealing ways.
A brilliant new album by an always unpredictable band, Nocturnal Koreans is a view of the more experimental side of Wire, mysterious and potent.
One of Los Angeles’ beloved denizens of the soul/jazz/hip-hop underground invites the likes of Madlib and Kamasi Washington to join him in creating a moving ode to spirituality.
For Simpson’s first album since his 2014 breakthrough, the inventive country singer crafts a highly personal song cycle about order and insubordination.
With the help of producer Tucker Martine and a smart, subtle band, Hoop and Beam achieve a fine balance — of songwriting sensibilities and of time in the spotlight.
On the Louisiana band’s fourth album, its catchy and dynamic songs sound invigorated, immediate and more forceful than ever.
The filmmaker and musician, known for his work on movies such as Halloween, revisits the approach that defined his synth-heavy soundtrack work.
The young soul singer refuses to take sides in R&B’s generational divide, so his songs all sound familiar, even when they’re several things at once.
On his 13th album, Bird delves deeper into alternately peppy and muted ruminations on love and chemistry. Always a thoughtful songwriter, he’s found a way to sound playful while maturing with time.
Hear the new album by “The Screaming Eagle of Soul,” which cleverly balances the vintage and the modern.
A debut solo record, born of both heartache and imagination, is saturated with sounds of ’60s and ’70s Nashville.
Fatalism and hope, realism and romance from the acidic, adrenalized Portland punk trio.
A young Oklahoman with Pentecostal roots looks at apocalypse from surprising angles, in music ranging from rockabilly to blues.
A young Toronto-based producer plunders the riches of the animated science fiction classic Akira to create a sweeping sonic experience.
The Archers of Loaf and Crooked Fingers frontman keeps his rough edges and wit in a charming, impressionistic meditation on America.
The American Primitive-style acoustic guitarist makes albums that fit together beautifully, working together rather than merely occupying the same piece of vinyl.
The rock legend’s new album with Queens Of The Stone Age’s Josh Homme is all sharp angles, hard muscles and decadent ecstasy.
Jurado finishes a trilogy of albums with a sprawling, 17-song story arc that leaves loose ends while remaining anchored in gorgeous songwriting and lush, layered indie-folk arrangements.
On Prosthesis, bandleader Mark Ryan indulges some of his obsessions: vaguely sci-fi-influenced, tightly wound rock ‘n’ roll, set off by dual drummers and portentous electronics.