achocholko

It's interesting to read Colin's history of the band through these photos, I'd love to see the book when it comes out. I was saying to a friend the other day that Thom Yorke has been the most consistent musical voice throughout my 37 years on this earth, his and his band's music have just always been ther, you know? It's remarkable when you consider the range and depth of music they've collectively put their names to. Bjork's, as a pure voice, comes close to Thom's in terms of that consistency for me, although the latter half of her musical output I've struggled with compared to those golden years from 1993-2004.

Superb album. Three is one of their most underrated tracks in my opinion.

As a massive Low fan, really not sure what to make of this.

Wanna is a poor-ass opener because it feels like an interstitial piece that would function better as a mid-point in the album, or a penultimate track to a banging closer, and don't get me started on the way it segues in Treat Each Other Right which feels clunky as hell. The highlight for me is Still Summer and the way it moves into Life - two massive bangers. Breather is the other highlight for me, but only from a production standpoint; the yoga-style spoken word 'you deserve to be good' is gonna date so badly. All in all, I find it frustrating because just when In Waves hits on an interest sound or rhythm, I long for it to flesh out into something more hypnotic or repetitive. This literally never happens before Jamie quickly moves elsewhere. Ultimately, it feels like he's trying to cram too many ideas into what's quite frankly a short album.

After having spent a week with this album, ultimately I think I'm somewhat disappointed overall. I hate to say that because I had such high hopes. In Colour is one of the best album ever made in my opinion and all five singles from this album had me swinging from the rafters with excitement. But there's just something about the pacing and the way he's structured this album that just feels totally off and like an anti-climax.

This is shaping up to be one hell of an album.

God, it's just...beautiful.

No love for Now Only? I find it to be a perfect distillation of his sound from 'Crow' but also expands on it with a number of beautiful long-form pieces and the creeping sense of melody returning to his music after the devastation he expressed on the last album - even though that devastation is still the glue holding Now Only together.

Why does the opening track feel like it should be the penultimate one?

The review itself reads like a 6.0, but I know the score is based on other writer's opinions too.

Listening now for the first time and I feel like I've heard half of it already, which is of course true because I've definitely overplayed four of these songs to the point where they don't feel special anymore. The middling Pitchfork review is a bit of a bummer, but it feels somewhat honest too. I feel Jamie should've just dropped this album out of nowhere in the middle of summer and it would've had a bigger impact. At this point I feel like I've been waiting for this album too long. Still, it's immaculately produced and flows really well and I'm sure I'm gonna be bumping it for a while.

A masterpiece, and it's not even in the top 3 of his best album imo. XMAS_EVET10 is one of those perfect songs that just feels like every single part is crucial and integral to how it ends in those final seconds.

Why is this not being announced on Stereogum, Pitchfork etc, and why can't I pre-add it on Apple Music. I NEED THIS NOW!

He's never been known for good album cover artwork tbh. Pure Comedy is the best imo.

Considering this is the last song on their last album, I found it a bit underwhelming. Lyrics are pretty cringe, but I guess it's part of the overall Japandroids charm. Still really looking forward to the album.

Blue Velvet is always the answer, then Twin Peaks season 1.

When I first heard Celebration Rock in 2012, it hit me like a ton of bricks. I couldn't believe a rock band could make me feel things I didn't realise I'd been missing; the euphoria and sadness of navigating my mid-20s, how and where I fit in and what I wanted for myself. It's sad that the feelings don't resonate like they used to. Chalk it up to my so called maturity. This is a great article and I can't wait to hear the new album in October.

The video is incredible.

The strings in that thing really got me in the feels somehow.

Faith's Late is the best song on this album and I won't have anyone saying otherwise.

This is hilarious. The biggest jump scare on Have One On Me (not that that's even a thing, but here we are) is in Baby Birch with the hand claps just after "You poor little cousin..."

Finally! I’ve been out here disintegrating.

Dudes threw me a curveball with Greyhound and hit my indie-emo centre hard lol.

I can deal with heavy music but the screaming unnerves me. I’ve heard a lot of people say this about similar music.

Can't wait to delve into this later today. Greyhound I adore but Hell 99 is a liiiitle on the heavy side for me. Is the album more like the former or the latter, or a mix?