Southeastern

I want to like this more than I do. There are three or four tracks here that are genuinely excellent — inventive, well-produced, emotionally resonant. But the album as a whole doesn't sustain that level. The middle section in particular feels like it's treading water, and the closing track, while ambitious, goes on too long. That said, I do think this is worth hearing. At its best, it shows real creative vision, and even the weaker tracks have interesting ideas in them. It just needed a more ruthless editing pass to trim the good from the great.

The kind of album that makes you want to pick up an instrument.

There's a before and after with this album. It changed everything.

Perfect from front to back. Not a single moment wasted.

Not quite their best work but honestly that's a high bar. This is still a fantastic album by any reasonable standard. The songwriting is sharp, the sound is distinctive, and it's got great replay value.

A monumental achievement in every sense.

Really impressive debut that announced a major new talent. There are a few rough edges that betray inexperience, but the raw ability and creative vision are undeniable. Can't wait to hear what comes next.

This grew on me a lot. First listen I thought it was good, not great. By the fifth listen I was completely hooked. The subtlety of the arrangements really rewards patience and close attention.

This hits a sweet spot between accessibility and experimentation that very few albums manage. It's catchy enough to enjoy casually but deep enough to reward close listening. Smart, well-crafted music.

A high watermark for the genre. Essential listening.