New Reviews for January 26, 2024

Wall of EyesEditor's choice
XL
The trio's sophomore outing is a mood-heavy trip that requires some attention for its nourishing payoff.
- Neil Z. Yeung
People Who Aren't There Anymore
4AD
The synth pop band continue to refine their passionate yet introspective style on their resilient seventh full-length.
- Paul Simpson
What an Enormous RoomEditor's choice
Merge
The singer/songwriter blends grunge, folk, and electronic pop, as well as hope and fear, on bracing meditations about happily ever after's aftermath.
- Heather Phares
Three Bells
Drag City
Gentle acoustic guitars and noisy electric leads share the spotlight on this set from the hardest working man in indie rock.
- Mark Deming
Sadness Sets Me FreeEditor's choice
Rough Trade
Baroque pop ballads with country around the edges, the singer/songwriter's 25th album (overall) is a beautifully weary, melodically rich look at modern life.
- Tim Sendra
Until We Meet AgainEditor's choice
Foreign Exchange Music
R&B
Aided principally by Zo!, Tall Black Guy, and Phonte, the high-caliber singer turns in a lavish sixth album of contemporary soul.
- Andy Kellman
Dinner & Dessert
Sounds of Crenshaw
R&B
No-frills compact disc release combining the group's related pair of 2020 EPs.
- Andy Kellman
Hiyo
Yep Roc
The imaginative bluegrass band steps outside the rules of the genre for a powerfully atmospheric, compelling tenth album.
- Mark Deming
Pretty. Odd.
AllMusic Staff Pick - January 27, 2024
March 25, 2008
The drastic departure of this dreamy, psychedelic sophomore album from the band’s previous pop-punk work demonstrates the range and creativity of early Panic! at the Disco. I love Ryan Ross’s poetic and sometimes nonsensical lyrics, especially in "Behind the Sea," which sounds straight out of a scene from Alice in Wonderland.
- Hannah Schwartz