In the end, there's solace in enjoying the refreshed music Future Islands continue to provide.

It's clear that he and his band took a lot of time to nurture and develop each song, and the result is superb collection of affective and elegant pop songs.

Eighteen years in the making, An Appointment With Mr Yates is The Waterboys actual masterpiece.

Some of the mid-tempo tracks towards the end of the album may slow the momentum created by the first half, yet Only In Dreams is ultimately a triumphant, self-assured release that proves the Dum Dum Girls are here to stay and will continue to evolve into full-fledged rock stars, a role they seemed destined to fill.

Whilst the overall the artistic advancement is decidedly impressive for such a fledgling talent, Marling does at times sell herself a little short on the lyrical and vocal front.

It's almost fate that they've chosen to reveal themselves to me with what is their best work to date, and also one of the most remarkable albums of this year.

West ties in all of the band's strengths for an excellent outlook on what the destiny towards west might feel like and with it, an album of stellar psychedelic rock.

The album's middle section yields the record's most comprehensive songwriting.

Crafted with a strong presence in realizing the sequencing and tracking through it all, it unquestionably rewards with repeated listens.

Still Living is undoubtedly a clear step in the right direction for this Sacramento trio displaying exponential growth while maintaining their penchant for infectious rock n' roll grooves.

Supergroup or not, Wild Flag hits all the right notes, and not much else matters.

Malkmus, along with producer Beck, direct the music on Mirror Traffic with playful lyrics and flourishing styles that versatile and extended enough, shine with ease.

It'd be too easy to dismiss Blitzen Trapper for choosing to release an album that more or less stays inside the lines, opting for convention over innovation. Yet, with American life in the 21st century being so frenzied, it's oddly comforting to listen to a record that doesn't challenge you to keep up with it.

In essence, Male Bonding provides much of the same on its most recent addition, Endless Now. But with their unique knack for incorporating melody while still maintaining the urgency, energy and punk nature of their music, more of the same is just fine.

While Organ Music Not Vibraphone Like I'd Hoped is a five-song study on what the keyboard instrument is capable of, at least it's rendered through the hands of a skillful musician, with a tenured history for delivering compelling music.

Together, the imagery and music provide a nostalgic, innocent atmosphere, and an album worthy of a listen.

It's not entirely necessary, sure, and it's not going to be essential listening for new fans, but it's a classy retrospective on Merritt's songwriting prowess.

Sarah retains her unshakable poise and British vocal inflection, but her delivery is warmer and more engaging than on her debut, yet still tinged with an edge of melancholy.

Chthonic offer up an exceptional album that is worthy of praise and closer inspection.

The way Satin Panthers comes at you is definitely much more abbreviated and more focused; whether or not this is due only to the shortness of the EP is quickly dispelled with how well the five songs do ebb and flow.

Drums Between the Bells is by no means an embarrassment, but don't look for it to be lumped into the upper echelon of Eno's output either, where triumphs like Discreet Music or Another Green World reside.

Such music deserves strong praise, even when it's simply another great album to hear from one of music's many rising stars.

Black Up is best digested as a whole rather than tune by tune.

Our Blood doesn't leave me wanting more, it doesn't leave me drooling over another listen, and it sure doesn't leave me interested in more of Richard Buckner's work. But on the same measure, it doesn't leave me sick or angry.

Field Songs, in its utter simplicity, is perhaps Whitmore's finest effort to date.

Whereas the past experiences showcased Holland much more embellished and free-wheeling with his flow, Hello Cruel World places a focus on the lyrical content with a flow that ends up being much easier to follow and in turn, far more accessible.

All we really want right now are some jams to soundtrack these days of eternal sunshine and oceanfront revelries. On these demands, Washed Out delivers in spades.

With a few shining moments, the band seems like they've given up. Rather than pine over an album full of memorable hits, Damnesia falls short in many ways.