Elijah’s Top 5:

The Distaff, Maud the Moth (The Lavarium). Scotland-based pianist/singer/mastermind Amaya López-Carromero leads the way for the quintet as they explore wondrous soundscapes with doom metal inflections in dramatic fashion.

Healismus Aeternus, Cross Bringer (Silent Pendulum). Russian blackened hardcore that only gives an occasional reprieve, atmosphere is the key for this album, whether accomplished through maximalism or minimalism.

Parasomnia, Dream Theater (InsideOut Music). The triumphant return of the band’s founder/drummer Mike Portnoy and his distinct musical voice has been long overdue. Dream Theater sounds like their old selves in the best possible way, continuing to grow on the sound they honed through the 90’s and 00’s as a progressive metal monolith.

The Quartet, Peter Brötzmann/John Edwards/Steve Noble/Jason Adasiewicz (OTOROKU). The final live performance from Peter Brötzmann before his passing in 2023, this quartet’s performance displays the best of the free jazz legend and his compatriots ebbing and flowing, soft and loud, but always kinetic and interplaying while presenting pure expression in its highest form.

Sleep Paralysis, Sleep Paralysis (I, Voidhanger). A wild ride through the psyche and the modern human condition, songwriting is paramount in this project’s debut album. Full review can be read here.

Adriane’s Top 5:

All Living Things, Park Jiha (tak:til/Glitterbeat). On her latest album, classically trained artist Park Jiha continues to cultivate her minimalist aesthetic. Uncanny instrumental performances take traditional Korean instruments in imaginative new directions.

A.O.E.I.U. (An Ordinary Exercise in Unity), Florence Adooni (Philophon). After a decade of playing supporting roles, singer Florence Adooni gets some well-deserved time in the spotlight. Jazz, highlife, soul, and synthpop songs come together in a warm, compact, impossibly catchy package.

Luminescent Creatures, Ichiko Aoba (hermine). Singer-songwriter Ichiko Aoba’s latest aquatic vision glitters and twists. Her voice is an ephemeral instrument, her soundscapes iridescent.

Rakkaani, Scandinavian Music Group (Sony Finland/Cortison). Playing to the group’s strengths, SMG’s latest is mostly acoustic and (as always) lyrically driven. The arrangements here are fuller and more varied than on the last couple of albums, though, making for a luscious listen.

SAYA, Saya Gray (Dirty Hit). Pop iconoclast Saya Gray gives us dreams, ditties, and deep thoughts on her newest release. It’s a weird wonderland of catchy beats and subtle twists, another sophisticated outing from an inventive up-and-comer.