22 May 2018
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
Ash Islands
There, is, alas, something much more formulaic sounding about All That I have Left, but for at least 42 of its 46 minutes, Islands is an invigorating place to be marooned. Print edition only Mojo
It's sweetly out of step with prevailing pop trends, but it will certainly strike a chord with anyone who has ever had their heart broken. Print edition only Q
The Northern Irish trio embrace the future – and Weezer NME
Still a welcome addition to the Ash canon The Irish Times
It’s a shame most of ‘Islands’ doesn’t have anything to grab hold of DIY
The sound of a band who really did make the right decision when it came to releasing albums again – it’s a joy God Is In The TV
Islands gives them that extra leap forward PopMatters
Playboi Carti Die Lit
While Carti has done plenty to prove himself as a rap-hook machine, his melodic choruses on a few tracks show some yet-untapped creative potential Spectrum Culture
James Bay Electric Light
It'd be easy to dislike James Bay's new album, but the songs are so good Earbuddy
Courtney Barnett Tell Me How You Really Feel
Courtney manages to strike a balance between sombre acoustic music and guitar heavy grunge. Utilizing the balance to create atmosphere from song to song The 405
Stephen Malkmus And The Jicks Sparkle Hard
An intriguing niche-record that occasionally meanders into greatness Sputnik Music (staff)
Mixes penetrating observation, wry humor and deep empathy on a modest masterpiece of an LP Rolling Stone
Arctic Monkeys Tranquility Base Hotel + Casino
The first listen may be surprising, but repeated listens illuminate that Arctic Monkeys remain progressive and energetic even when style and mood shift dramatically PopMatters
Parquet Courts Wide Awake!
An album of joyfully absurd, danceable rock music. It is straightforward but alien, simple but endlessly referential Pitchfork
Her most inward-looking album but also one that pulls back to engage with bigger political and cultural conversations more directly than we’re used to from her NOW
Since we've been around, that is. So, the highest-rated albums from the past eight years or so. Rankings are calculated to two decimal places.
Kendrick Lamar To Pimp A Butterfly
Kendrick Lamar Damn.
D'Angelo And The Vanguard Black Messiah
Nick Cave And The Bad Seeds Skeleton Tree
Frank Ocean Channel Orange
Anaïs Mitchell Hadestown
Kanye West My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy
Leonard Cohen You Want It Darker
Sufjan Stevens Carrie & Lowell
Mount Eerie A Crow Looked at Me