By Bryan Menegus, Copy Chief
The Thermals- "Personal Life"
The Thermals fifth studio album, "Personal Life," plays out as a sort of relationship catharsis. Bookended by "I'm Gunna Change Your Life" and "You Changed My Life," all the tracks in between fill in a sloppy tale of confusion, self-doubt and all the other facets of a nosediving relationship turned power struggle. Lyrical pathos abound, complemented by Hutch Harris' stalwart yet fidgety delivery. However the upbeat and snappy guitars keep the album from wallowing in its own misery. There's enough pop sensibility in "Personal Life" to set it a little above the pack in terms of indie rock.
Grade: B
RIYL: Tokyo Police Club, Weakerthans
Les Savy Fav- "Root for Ruin"
Les Savy Fav are the definition of a New York band: tough, smart and jaded. "Root for Ruin," their fifth record, sees the band just as fed up and snarky as ever, balancing their world-wearied lyrics against asymmetrical and intelligent guitar work. "We know shame and we know pride/and we've got nothing left to hide cause we've got nothing left inside," frontman Tim Harrington proclaims, not before clarifying, "we've still got our appetite," a keen piece of self-description. The aforementioned hunger pervades Root for Ruin making it a valuable listen, and as listeners, let's hope Les Savy Fav keep us fed.
Grade: B+
RIYL: Q and Not U, Jawbox
The Walkmen- "Lisbon"
Some bands age like wine. Unfortunately, The Walkmen started off as a mid-tier pinot noir and have already turned into an unremarkable vinegar. Lately, they've adopted the spectacularly dumb aesthetic of a tired after-hours surfer party, and they stay the course on their most recent LP, "Lisbon." This album comes highly recommended if you like hearing songs about summer flings or if you need to lull a baby to sleep so you can finally do the laundry. If, like most of us, you're just looking for music with staying power, look elsewhere.
Grade: C
RIYL: The Strokes, Arcade Fire
Tera Melos- "Patagonian Rats"
While uncompromisingly obtuse, "Patagonian Rats" is, debatably, Tera Melos' most accessible album (debatable). At first, it might be startling. It will probably hurt your brain. It might even make you ask "Does what I'm listening to qualify as ‘music'?" Tera Melos is beyond reproach as far as skill is concerned, but their technicality is also the curse that makes them a highly niche and divisive product. The ‘songs' they write aren't so much for an audience as for their own edification. For that reason you'll love or hate them- either way, bring Advil.
Grade: B
RIYL: Hella, RX Bandits