Protomartyr - No Passion All Technique

I wrote, belatedly, about the reissue of Protomartyr's first album. It was fun, but writing about reissues turns out to be a rather hollow experience in the end, although I'm glad I got to bring a really great band to people's attention in case they weren't aware of their existence.

Protomartyr - No Passion All Technique

Cate Le Bon - Reward

So I wrote about the weird and wonderful Cate Le Bon album. She's one of music's true originals, and this is one of the best albums of the year so far, no doubt. It's one of those albums that you just don't get tired of because it keeps showing you new things.
Cate Le Bon - Reward

The National - I Am Easy to Find

I wrote about the very good new album by The National. Unfortunately I was sick when I wrote it, so I cannot vouch for what I wrote in the midst of my fever. I am also unable to remain objective when it comes to this band, although I have been careful to keep the first person voice out of all my public reviews. It was hardest of all to do that here.

The National - I Am Easy to Find

Olden Yolk - Living Theatre

What a talented an interesting band are Olden Yolk. One of the best surprises I have had reviewing music. This was really a revelation to me. So much skill and so much nuance at work here. Also another very smart album, and another mercifully concise one. I like that some bands recognize that their albums don't have to be an hour long just because they're on compact disc. If you have 10 songs that last 35 minutes, then so be it. This feels like proper art to me, very thoughtful and very literate, but also super enjoyable. There's a lot going on and packed into such a short space of time.

Olden Yolk - Living Theatre

A Certain Ratio - acr:box

This was a monster to write about, both because there was so much material (4 discs, seven vinyl LPs), but because the band's career took so many twists and turns. In truth, the review is probably way too long, but I didn't want to miss any aspect of their oeuvre, although I almost certainly did. But it was really enjoyable to immerse myself in all of their grooviness for a few weeks. It really got under my skin in a good way.

A Certain Ratio - acr:box

A.A. Bondy - Enderness

I've been writing some more reviews. Might as well keep there here as well. This album, by the rather enigmatic A.A. Bondy, was a revelation. It's only about 30 minutes long and yet it goes so deep into the human consciousness that it feels like time just ceases to exist. Quite a remarkable listening experience. It was really enjoyable to write about and I think it came out pretty well.

A.A. Bondy - Enderness

Ten Feet Under Water

(acrylic & oil on canvas, 9 x 12)

Cave Painting

(oil & acrylic, 9 x 12)

Condiments

(acrylic & oil on canvas,  9 x 12)

Dirty Water

(acrylic & oil on canvas, 9 x 12)

Big Thief

I reviewed the new Big Thief album. It was really hard to get my head around, and it felt like I was avoiding the issue but I wasn’t trying to. I just had so many ideas that it was hard to sort them all out. Anyway, here it is.

Big Thief - U.F.O.F.