28 January 2015
Here's how it works: The Recent Releases chart brings together critical reaction to new albums from more than 50 sources worldwide. It's updated daily. Albums qualify with 5 reviews, and drop out after 6 weeks into the longer timespan charts.
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After releasing four EPs this is the debut album from the math rock Chicago four-piece
6.8
This album is completely new, having been dragged from their metal influences through the lightening and pop influences to create one of the most perfect albums I have heard in a long time. An absolutely stunning album Read Review
Print edition only
A new found sense of direction and a grandiose vision that stretches farther than the confines of math-rock ever could Read Review
Perch Patchwork almost leaves the flashy musicianship entirely behind; when it is there, it puts it to good use-- here they turn their quirks into something diverse and accessible Read Review
Recalls Talking Heads and TV on the Radio, lightening any dark subject matter with twitchy bursts of colour Read Review
A daring, auspicious album that puts a welcome pop spin on the band’s vibrant, eclectic sound. Read Review
It may not have the heavy-weight swing of some, but it is a refreshing and confident debut to say the least. Read Review
With a little more restraint, this could have been an outstanding album Read Review
Maps & Atlases have their own quirks that makes their album Perch Patchwork stand out somewhat from other records of its ilk Read Review
Those seeking greater musical challenges will probably want to look elsewhere, but there is much here to praise and enjoy Read Review
The experimental rhythms and sounds that provide the backbone can be as cloying as they are interesting, but the continual desire to do something different is always laudable Read Review
Ultimately Perch Patchwork has some good pieces that just don’t combine to make a great album Read Review
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Maps & Atlases: Perch Patchwork
Twerps Range Anxiety
The band seem content to maintain the status quo and refine the elements that made them so appealing in the first place Exclaim
Range Anxiety is a deeply considered listen, one that relinquishes the audacious idiosyncrasies of Underlay EP in favor of a more scrupulous and intrinsic approach No Ripcord
Hook-for-hook and chime-for-chime, it matches up with the most recent work of Real Estate and Mac DeMarco Pitchfork
An album of endearing earnestness and jangly charm Consequence Of Sound
A gentle progression from their eponymous 2011 debut The Music
They pull off charming pop that sounds tender and thrilling at the same time Paste Magazine
Björk Vulnicura
A well-crafted antithesis musically and thematically, resulting in the most compelling effort she has put forth in years Exclaim
Punch Brothers The Phosphorescent Blues
They show once again that they are just about the boldest and most versatile acoustic bands around Exclaim
Aphex Twin Computer Controlled Acoustic Instruments pt2
Jocularly titled, the EP should be approached like a sequel -- with low expectations. Had this arid content preceded Syro, a fair portion of James' fan base would have likely written him off All Music
Napalm Death Apex Predator – Easy Meat
Ups the ante on all their post-2000 albums. How they top this is anybody's guess. Completely unrelenting; thoroughly amazing All Music
Belle And Sebastian Girls In Peacetime Want To Dance
The most sincere and pleasant pop songs you'll hear all year Beardfood
Meghan Trainor Title
It's funky! That's right, pop music can be funky Beardfood
Jessica Pratt On Your Own Love Again
Jessica Pratt has crafted a record that is as accessible as it is complex, two traits that she proves are not mutually exclusive Pretty Much Amazing
The Dodos Individ
If this isn’t their finest work, it certainly packs their heftiest punch thus far The Skinny
The attempt to go off into a whole new territory is an admirable pursuit but here, it doesn’t quite sit right The List
Since we've been around, that is. So, the highest-rated albums from the past six years or so. Rankings are calculated to two decimal places.
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Deafheaven Sunbather
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St Vincent St Vincent