Lower Dens - Nootropics

 Nic Newby likes this.  The lead singer sounds surprisingly like the lead singer of Brazil, in a way. It's all very ghost-like (read: eerie) and simplistic, but with a steady, continuous beat to keep the party alive.  And suddenly starting around track 9 it's VERY Sigur Róssy (maybe a little too much?).  But it was still good.

Purity Ring - Shrines

 Nic Newby likes this.  I heard a lot of M.I.A.-esque beats, melodies, and vocal rhythms, but all overlaid on a more ethereal base sound.  It's like coming down after listening to Kala.

Hundred Waters - Hundred Waters LP

 Nic Newby likes this.  This album had so many Florence + the Machinesque things, Björky things, and original things going on it was incredible.  Unfortunately, they haven't yet melded those things into one cohesive sound.  If they do, they  might end up being my favorite band ever.  I will keep my ear on this one.

Sigur Rós - Valtari

 Nic Newby likes this.  It's strange to say that I had lost interest in Sigur Rós after Takk... because I didn't think it was as good as their previous stuff.  Their style of music is such that it's difficult to say when they're doing something really amazing and when they're not.  That being said, I regained faith in them with Valtari.  I will listen to it over and over.

YYU - TIMETIMETIME&TIME

I like the vibe they're going for here, but a little too much of the album was too arrhythmic for me to get into.  I just couldn't settle into a groove, which is usually what I want the most out of music.

CFCF - Exercises

 Nic Newby likes this.  Absolutely perfect rainy night music.  Melodic and atmospheric at the same time, like a throwback to the Virgin Suicides soundtrack by Air.  I'm only sad that it's so short.

Fiona Apple - The Idler Wheel

 Nic Newby likes this.  I think Fiona Apple has really come a long way since "Criminal,"  while still keeping her characteristic vocal stylings.  If you liked her in the past, then you'll like her even more now, and if you like En Vogue you'll like the song "Hot Knife."

Holy Other - Held

 Nic Newby likes this.  Lots of good, weird, creepy-yet-relaxing dark music going on in this album.  It was kind of like James Blake, who I also really liked (from last year's reviews).

Chromatics - Kill for Love

 Nic Newby likes this.  I don't even know what to say.  A little Echo and the Bunnymen, a little dance, a little atmosphere.  I really liked this one.

Dirty Projectors - Swing Lo Magellan

I cannot tell a lie; I thought this album was a little lackluster.  Oh sure, there were some good parts, very TV-On-The-Radio-esque in places, but it just din't have enough originality or edge for me.

Actress - R.I.P.

 Nic Newby likes this.  So many parts of this sounded like Boards of Canada, but not as creepy and dark.  Good atmospheric music, with just enough pizzazz to keep you listening rather than let it completely fade into your subconscious.

beach house - bloom

 Nic Newby likes this.  I didn't think with a name like Beach House they'd be so melancholy.  Great "I got off work after the sun went down so I don't feel like getting out of the house, maybe I'll just take a bath and listen to music" music.  Sounds a little like Joy Electric only less video games and more on-key singing.