PopMatters (Music)

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Hurray For the Riff Raff Are at a Vibrant, Outspoken Peak
NewsApr 23, 2026

Hurray For the Riff Raff Are at a Vibrant, Outspoken Peak

Indie rock collective Hurray for the Riff Raff released the live album *Live Forever*, recorded over two sold‑out nights at Chicago’s Old Town School of Folk Music. The double‑disc set presents the entire 2024 studio album *The Past Is Still...

By PopMatters (Music)
The Moss Choose Their Own Path on ‘Big Blue Moon’
NewsApr 23, 2026

The Moss Choose Their Own Path on ‘Big Blue Moon’

The Moss release their third full‑length album *Big Blue Moon*, a nine‑track record that shifts from their nomadic, surf‑rock/emo blend to a more grounded, self‑reliant sound. Frontman Tyke James, known for a restless lifestyle, anchors the record with lyrical themes of autonomy...

By PopMatters (Music)
Does Stephen Emmer Share George Harrison’s DNA?
NewsApr 23, 2026

Does Stephen Emmer Share George Harrison’s DNA?

Dutch composer Stephen Emmer releases *Asymmetrical Dot*, a 14‑track ambient instrumental album that weaves Indonesian percussion, Germanic piano, and global vocal textures. The work draws a thematic line to George Harrison’s 1979 self‑titled record and his 1968 *Wonderwall Music* soundtrack,...

By PopMatters (Music)
Inside Shakey Graves’ Wonderfully Weird World
NewsApr 22, 2026

Inside Shakey Graves’ Wonderfully Weird World

Shakey Graves, an Austin‑born singer‑songwriter, credits the city’s DIY culture and his theatrical family background for shaping his unconventional musical path. After early gigs in cramped venues and a brief stint busking, he settled into the Hole in the Wall, where he honed...

By PopMatters (Music)
Salim Nourallah Connects Manila to the Stars
NewsApr 21, 2026

Salim Nourallah Connects Manila to the Stars

Texan singer‑songwriter Salim Nourallah is releasing an unprecedented slate of five records in 2024, ranging from his surprise self‑titled solo album dropped on New Year’s Day to the collaborative Nourallah Brothers project "Calling Manila" and a new Disappearing Act album....

By PopMatters (Music)
Friko Bring the Noise on ‘Something Worth Waiting For’
NewsApr 21, 2026

Friko Bring the Noise on ‘Something Worth Waiting For’

Friko released its sophomore album *Something Worth Waiting For* on April 24, 2026, produced by Grammy‑winner John Congleton. The record leans heavily on early‑1990s English rock, echoing the sounds of Arcade Fire, Radiohead and Suede while delivering modern pop hooks....

By PopMatters (Music)
Mr Eazi and King Promise Document a Long Kinship
NewsApr 21, 2026

Mr Eazi and King Promise Document a Long Kinship

Mr Eazi and King Promise release their joint nine‑track album *See What We’ve Done*, marking a reunion after 13 years of parallel solo success. The record blends Afropop, highlife, Afro‑Amapiano and even acoustic‑punk elements, highlighted by the Backstreet Boys‑inspired single “That Way.”...

By PopMatters (Music)
The Charlatans’ ‘Some Friendly’ Is Surprisingly Important
NewsApr 21, 2026

The Charlatans’ ‘Some Friendly’ Is Surprisingly Important

The Charlatans’ debut album *Some Friendly* was reissued as an Expanded Edition on March 27, 2026, celebrating its 35‑year legacy. Originally released in October 1990, the record vaulted to #1 on the UK Albums Chart, anchoring the band’s place in...

By PopMatters (Music)
Joseph Branciforte and Jozef Dumoulin Are Stunning
NewsApr 21, 2026

Joseph Branciforte and Jozef Dumoulin Are Stunning

Joseph Branciforte and Belgian pianist Jozef Dumoulin released ITERAE, a 70‑minute double‑album built around two Fender Rhodes pianos processed in real time. The duo recorded the work at Branciforte’s New York studio, employing a custom live‑editing system that blends each...

By PopMatters (Music)
Keith Carne’s “Totally Liminal” Takes Us to the Beautiful In-Between
NewsApr 21, 2026

Keith Carne’s “Totally Liminal” Takes Us to the Beautiful In-Between

We Are Scientists drummer Keith Carne has released "Totally Liminal," the lead single from his debut solo album *Magenta Light* (2026). The track blends laid‑back vocals, buoyant synth horns, and a gradual build that culminates in a Tame Impala‑style groove. Critics note...

By PopMatters (Music)
A Place to Bury Strangers Discuss Their Resurrected Songs
NewsApr 20, 2026

A Place to Bury Strangers Discuss Their Resurrected Songs

Oliver Ackerman’s noise‑rock project A Place to Bury Strangers has issued a new rarities compilation titled *Rare and Deadly*, covering unreleased material from 2015‑2025. The 25‑track set arrives on his Dedstrange label and is offered on CD, cassette, vinyl, and digital formats. Ackerman, also...

By PopMatters (Music)
Why Is Tori Amos Thanking Rival Courtney Love?
NewsApr 20, 2026

Why Is Tori Amos Thanking Rival Courtney Love?

Tori Amos’ upcoming 2026 album In Times of Dragons opens with the six‑minute track “Shush,” a blunt critique of patriarchy that directly thanks Courtney Love. The song weaves references to Donald Trump, Peter Thiel and Elon Musk, echoing Amos’ recent turn toward political commentary....

By PopMatters (Music)
Don Felder’s Curious Pre-Fame Connection
NewsApr 20, 2026

Don Felder’s Curious Pre-Fame Connection

Don Felder, a Gainesville‑born guitarist who later helped shape the Eagles' sound, spent his teenage years embedded in Northeastern Florida’s vibrant rock community. While teaching at Lipham Music, he crossed paths with future legends such as Tom Petty, Duane Allman, Stephen Stills, Bernie Leadon...

By PopMatters (Music)
Vocalist Claire Dickson Creates Beguiling Art Music
NewsApr 16, 2026

Vocalist Claire Dickson Creates Beguiling Art Music

Claire Dickson’s 2026 album *Balance* redefines jazz by weaving vocal‑driven compositions with electronic textures, avant‑symphonic arrangements, and hip‑hop‑inflected rhythms. Recorded with a rotating collective that includes saxophonist Zoh Amba, drummer Lesley Mok, and harpist Kitba, the seven‑track set blurs the line between...

By PopMatters (Music)
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