Animal Collective – Centipede Hz

Centipede Hz’s lead single “Today’s Supernatural” brings this further into focus. Powered along by a ’70s organ sound (the first indication of what I am certain are direct prog-rock influences on all things), the song’s breakdown actually takes place in its first chorus, reversing the expectations of the structure. Like the opener, it is disorienting and layered with a near-absurd amount of detail, but repeated listens reveal a strong melody at the song’s core. As overstuffed with ideas as the album is, its best moments seem deceptively simple once the penny drops. Read the full review on LA Music Blog

Cat Power – Sun

As George Harrison might have said, it’s been a long, cold, lonely winter for Cat Power’s Chan Marshall. The tumultuous musician has dealt with more than her fair share bad press, bad habits, and bad relationships over the past decade. But when she sings, “here comes the sun,” on the title track of her ninth album, Marshall emerges from a long hibernation, casting off the unadulterated guitar parts of her earlier catalogue for a rejuvenating new sound. Beat-friendly (thanks to Beastie Boys’ mixer, Philippe Zdar) and production-heavy (thanks to herself), Sun is Marshall’s most evolved work. With a little light and a new perspective, Chan Marshall reveals yet another beautiful way she maneuvers in the dark. Read the full review on Consequence of Sound

Two Door Cinema Club – Beacon

Where Tourist History’s every song was overflowing with hyper energy, Beacon takes the time to slow down. Tracks like the opener, “New Year,” still sport the band’s cheery tone, but have a new element of sweetness. “If you think of me, I will think of you,” sings Alex Trimble shyly. On “Sun,” he is suddenly soft and uncertain. “Ocean blue, what have I done to you?” he begins, leading into the album’s slowest track. The tone of each song is often steady, but not always the same in its approach; Trimble isn’t afraid to play with his words. In “Wake Up,” he stretches his words until each syllable collapses into the next. Every breath feels confident and controlled. Read the full review on Paste Magazine