Articles by Mischa Pearlman
Big Mother Gig, “Gusto”
There’s a loose recklessness to these classic alt-rock melodies that convey being stuck in a rut—but also the determination to get out of it.
Gojira, “Fortitude”
The French prog metal collective’s seventh album is a tornado of blastbeats, guttural growls, and devilish incantations.
Susan Embraces the Patheticness of Love on New Single “Hold Still”
In a Q&A, the London-based artist shared their thoughts on the classical new single, transness, and the duality of identity.
Skullcrusher, “Storm in Summer”
Helen Ballentine’s sophomore EP is just as resplendent and poignant as that first release.
Flock of Dimes, “Head of Roses”
On the outfit’s second LP, Jenn Wasner refrains from giving in entirely to obvious melodies and instrumentation.
Feeling Spaced: 25 Years of Modest Mouse’s “This Is a Long Drive for Someone with Nothing to Think About”
A quarter of a decade on, the band’s debut remains a worthy companion for both aimless road trips and personal crossroads.
Corvair, “Corvair”
This self-titled debut draws on the members’ vast pool of experience, as well as the chemistry of their intertwined personal lives.
The Clean, “Mister Pop” [vinyl reissue]
This 2009 LP is a reinforcement of The Clean’s rightful place in the pantheon of quirky alternative rock.
In Conversation: Ben Howard on the Unlikely Tales of “Collections From the Whiteout”
The songwriter discusses his new Aaron Dessner–produced LP and the unreal times that inspired it.
Chad VanGaalen, “World’s Most Stressed Out Gardener”
VanGaalen’s seventh proper studio album is pure nourishment for the soul—the sound of nature taking over again.
Future Teens, “Deliberately Alive”
The bummer-pop quartet’s latest is an EP of feelings, memories, regrets and hope of actively seeking the elixir for life’s hardships.
In Conversation: Frank Watkinson on Cheering Viewers Up with Sad Songs
The viral YouTube covers artist humbly discusses his unexpected rise to online stardom.
Mogwai, “As the Love Continues”
While the amusement value of the track list is high, the music lags behind at times.
God Is an Astronaut, “Ghost Tapes #10”
This is the sound of a band burrowing deep into the heart of its genre, ripping it apart and reviving.
The Drives’ “The Comedown” Offers a Little Optimism Even as It Acknowledges the Hurt
The LA rockers kick off 2021 with an upbeat—though emotionally complex—single.
Speed Stick, “Volume One”
The debut from the avant-garde supergroup demonstrates the power of collaboration, but struggles with cohesion and emotional drive.
The Dirty Nil, “Fuck Art”
The Canadian punks’ pugnacious third LP is also their most tender and nuanced release yet.
Emma Ruth Rundle & Thou, “The Helm of Sorrow”
The doomy pair share more mournful explosions of existential tragedy and aggressive solemnity that transcend genre.
The Kills, “Little Bastards”
This B-sides comp demonstrates the one-dimensionality at the heart of the rock duo’s two-decade career.
The Coathangers, “The Coathangers” (Deluxe Edition)
The Atlanta garage rockers’ debut is the sound of four women who don’t give a damn for convention or perception.
The War on Drugs, “Live Drugs”
The songs on the group’s first live album sound more lush and textured than they do on their recorded counterparts.
Soul Glo, “Songs to Yeet at the Sun”
At under 12 minutes, the Philly hardcore band all punch hard while documenting what it’s like to be a Black band in a white scene.
Jeremiah Sand, “Lift It Down”
The “Mandy” tie-in record convincingly blurs the line between truth and fiction with songs that, on their own merits, are actually pretty cool.
Jónsi, “Shiver”
While its experimental attitude should be applauded, “Shiver” is at its best when Jonsí tiptoes across familiar ground.
Osees, “Protean Threat”
These 13 tracks are as oddball and incohesive as should be expected from the California band.
Stream Overo and Asthenia’s New Split 7-Inch
In lieu of their planned Japanese tour, Houston’s Overo and Tokyo’s Asthenia share four new songs.
Throwing Muses, “Sun Racket”
“Sun Racket” finds frontwoman Kristin Hersh on her trademark fine and fiery form.
Old Kerry McKee Embraces His Project’s Chaotic Old-Timey Energy in “Cattle and Wolves” Video
The new video from the Swedish blues/death-metal musician feels perfectly on-brand.
