ENJOYING WHAT WE’RE ENJOYING WHAT WE’RE

by Vieux Farka Touré and Khraungbin (2022)

Dylan’s Score: *****

On Ali, Malian singer/guitarist Vieux Farka Touré teams up with the genre-blending Texas-based Khraungbin with a tribute to Touré’s iconic father, Ali Farka Touré. The album—much like the bodies of work from Khraungbin and both Tourés—transcends conventions and continents in its seamless blend of blues, global folk, psychedelia and soul. In a world too often defined by cultural divisions, Ali offers a universal sound.

Ali Jord

by Sorpetion (2022)

Dan’s Score: *****

The fourth studio album by Swedish technical death metal outfit Soreption, Jord rips from wall to wall, employing extreme technicality, melting grooves, and a further refinement of everything that has made them a continual pioneer in the genre. Notably, the song “Död Jord” also features Dean Lamb and Toni Morelli of Archspire on guitars, cementing Soreption as a major influence for the band. Essential listening for fans of Necrophagist, Archspire, and Spawn of Possession.

Anarchist Gospel

by Sunny War (2023)

Jeremiah’s Score: *****

Sunny War. It’s a good name. Her latest record, Anarchist Gospel, gets clean production from Andrija Tokic (Alabama Shakes, Hurray For The Riff Raff) to highlight the Nashville songwriter’s rootsy, street-punk blues stories. The sixth track, “Earth” employs My Morning Jacket’s Jim James, and evokes a dark sense of resignation to the present state of the climate. “Make no mistake,” she sings. “It’s not light-years away.” In Sunny War’s world, the battle against warming the planet doesn’t feel so sunny afterall.

Comics By Cour Tney Jeffs