When you give it [a] chance, this album blooms into something different, deeper and more resonant that, along with its musicality, should be appreciated for its originality and growth.

A middle ground is still to be reached, but at the least, Plague Vendor is proof that even in these times of combos called Dancing, Girls, and the Teen Age, one can come up with an intriguing band name, matched to music that also begs for further investigation.

Dark Arc’s unique sound is a team effort of acoustic instruments, raw talent and the life that comes from breathing the fresh, crisp, if sometimes foggy mountain air.

Their tactics may be minimalist, and their sound may at first feel archaic, but sometimes pure ingenuity is all musicians really need to be noticed.

This is a fun, ambitious collection of songs that offers just as many snazzy aesthetic pleasures as it does dorm-room philosophy sessions.

This sixth, self-titled album shows a noticeable maturation.

The album's tight production will draw you in and leave you dancing damp from sweat until the early hours of the morning.

Other Worlds doesn't get overtly weird, but it's surely expansive-sounding.

The album seems like it had the fat trimmed off in the studio and leaves the listener with a leaner-than-usual, but still enjoyable production. You’ll leave feeling full, but not stuffed.

Everyday Robots, unfolds as a sleepy, melancholy culmination of all Albarn’s work so far. And if sweat still isn’t showing, a little distress is.

Haze proves that she can write, rap and sing really well.

James Blake transcends dubstep, and perhaps artificiality as a whole.

If the Big Sleep intended a record of 10 tracks designed explicitly to get listeners pumped, then the band can call these experiments a roaring success.

An unequivocally excellent record that never bores. If you've yet to explore this strangely intoxicating genre of music, I would suggest Sidi Toure's latest album as a perfect starting point: accessible enough for immediate appreciation, yet complex enough for repeat listens.

Major Arcana sounds like a girl’s (or dude’s) animated beer-soaked bar vent and its crafty delivery makes it entertaining, therapeutic, and universal.

Overall, it's a solid, well-crafted effort from a well-loved indie-folk band.

Chillwave touchstones are alive and well on the record; tender, nostalgic vibes still emanate from each throwback synth pad and ethereal two-part harmony, and there's still plenty of reverb to go around.

The production sounds more expensive, but all the passion and intimacy of their previous work remains.

Rise Against have slowed their music, and in the process, have created a hell of a rock album.

While less in your face than his work with the Fresh And Onlys, the album stands its ground and ends on a powerful note.

It's definitely not pop-more like battery acid-but in such talented hands, chaos becomes catchy.

Rossen's sprawling pop coupled with his subtly personal lyrics gives the album a bittersweet flavor that makes for some very impressive moments.

While each song on the album seems to tell a different story, together they tell one: Some things may have changed in that six-year interim, but those changes have only worked in Lewis’s favor.

Kweli blends a gritty outlook with a genuine interest in social issues to create an album that sounds refreshingly idealistic in a world still reeling from Kanye West's bombastic record.

OFF! is like a perfectly executed kickflip: over before you know it, but immensely satisfying.

There’s no twist ending here--just another excellent Boards Of Canada album.

The ease with which you can get lost inside Range Of Light is no dismissable feat.

Wagner has poured her soul into recordings that may seem too mature for the 23-year-old but highlight the talent that Wagner has at communicating difficult subjects with ease and forming truly compelling songs.