1 March 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
Ghostpoet Shedding Skin
One can only hope that an element of musical justice is meted out in the coming months and that Ghostpoet’s immense talent can truly be given the platform it deserves Drowned In Sound
Don't be surprised if Ghostpoet is on Mercury minds once more with this excellent effort Clash
Ghostpoet’s masterpiece DIY
The presence of a live band backing Ejimiwe’s drowsy drawl: it adds an interesting post-rock dimension to his meandering tales of slacker city life. The FT
A strong showing from an always intriguing figure The Irish Times
His conversational tales no longer have an aura of shadow to hide their occasional lack of development The Skinny
Beyond a few piano-led lulls, the new Radiohead-tinged direction sounds compelling and thoughtful The Guardian
Of Montreal Aureate Gloom
Barnes’ absolute refusal to rein in impulses or cut down on excess is what makes his best work exceptional Drowned In Sound
Like a hall of mirrors, it makes for a confusing, disorientating experience: initially exhilarating but ultimately exhausting The Skinny
His words give all the songs an added emotional punch, which helps make Aureate Gloom feel like a necessary addition to the Barnes catalog, even though it probably isn’t Consequence Of Sound
It’s thirteenth time lucky with this Technicolor epic DIY
There are some good ideas on this LP, but it’s nearly impossible to follow the threads that hold them all together Earbuddy
Venturing through various musical landscapes that span from '60s pop to doo-wop to progressive metal, the band stays tight, shifting tones and rhythms effortlessly Exclaim
Purity Ring Another Eternity
You almost wish vocalist Megan James and producer Corin Roddick would donate their productions to chart behemoths in need of an indie crossover single, rather than creating an average alt-pop hybrid themselves The Guardian
James's vocals are as ethereal as ever yet also expand beyond her saccharine-laced tendencies to sultry pop-star tones NOW
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.
D'Angelo And The Vanguard Black Messiah
Frank Ocean Channel Orange
Anaïs Mitchell Hadestown
Kanye West My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy
Deafheaven Sunbather
Sleater-Kinney No Cities To Love
PJ Harvey Let England Shake
My Bloody Valentine mbv
Ry Cooder Pull Up Some Dust And Sit Down
St Vincent St Vincent