Music
Sam Nelson Harris of X Ambassadors On Dancing, Theater, and ‘Dumb Optimism’
For Sam Harris, frontman of Ithaca-based pop-rock band X Ambassadors, being back on the road for the first time in two years has been, above all, a relief.
Concert Review: Brooklyn Rider Promises an Evocative Musical Experience
Through music and conversation, Brooklyn Rider began their three-performance series with a meditative and engaging night of music.
‘Easy On Me’ Review: Adele is Easy on the Ears, Hard on the Heart
As to be expected from Adele, “Easy On Me” can best be described as devastatingly beautiful.
‘Music of the Spheres’ Review: Coldplay’s Soaring Cosmic Voyage
Coldplay's ninth studio album explores the universe’s potential as a source of boundless hope — and even love.
‘MONTERO' Review: Lil Nas X’s Inspiring New Album is an Undeniable Delight
After spending recent years dealing with homophobic attacks, Lil Nas X finally takes back all the power society has stripped from him, a mission that is evident in the album’s meaningful lyrics, inventive sonic composition, and overall aesthetic.
LA Rap Trio Swilmot on Origins and Next Steps
Still full-time students, the trio remains committed to the dream of a career in music.
Elderbrook Concert Review: Good Vibes All Around
On Friday, Oct. 8, a crowd of eager fans and wayfaring clubbers alike flooded in to see the English musician Alexander Kotz — also known as Elderbook — take the stage at The Sinclair.
'I Can’t Make You Love Me' Review: A Love Song for a Blue Day
Inspired by the groundbreaking jazz composer Miles Davis’ melancholic studio album “Kind of Blue,” KINDA BLUE is a new singer-songwriter with a distinct flair reminiscent of Davis’ stylistic innovations.
‘For Tonight’ Review: Giveon Needs a Visit from the Honor Council
Giveon's new track, “For Tonight,” is the first single off of his upcoming debut album. Unfortunately, it doesn’t really deliver.
Single Review: ‘Working for the Knife’ Marks a Sharp Point in Mitski’s Career
Mitski is nothing if not a master of amplification through recursion, of making us sing along to the suffocating passage of time.
‘My Universe’ Review: Coldplay and BTS Rebuild Our Worlds
If pop music has an essential purpose at its core, these two groups from two different sides of the world have tapped it.
Phoebe Bridgers Concert Review: An Irreverent and Debilitating Performance
Phoebe Bridgers' Sept. 27 Boston concert toed the line between heartbreaking and energizing, showcasing her brand of aestheticized nihilism.
From Governors Ball 2021: Sunday Sound Bites
Sunday at Gov Ball featured indie folk artist Faye Webster, electro-pop songwriter Caroline Polachek, hip-hop singer Dominic Fike, and singer and rapper Burna Boy.
From Governors Ball 2021: Saturday Sound Bites
Day two of Governors Ball saw the North-side rapper Aminé, electric alt-pop band Muna, rock band Bleachers, and indie pop singer King Princess.
From Governors Ball: Billie Eilish is Unstoppable
Billie Eilish's performance at Governors Ball was virtually flawless, all but cementing her standing as an unstoppable force in the music world.
Ari Lennox Review: ‘Pressure’ Hits the Spot
In this ode to foreplay, the fast-rising star teases us with hints to a new sound that leaves endless possibilities for her upcoming bops.
‘Lalisa’ Review: Lisa, Taken Too Literally
This song, while superficial in some respects, conveys a sense of universality across cultures and reaches many of her fans across the world.
From Governors Ball: Friday Sound Bites
At the start of this year's Governors Ball, fans were immediately greeted by the booming bass of punk band 99 neighbors.
Charley Crockett Review: The Boston Country Scene Happens on Wednesday Nights
As country devolves into a greasy mimicry of pop music, Charley Crockett and his peers keep country’s soul alive with the waltzes, ballads, and steel guitar picking that made it a genre foundational to American music today.
‘CHANGGWI’ Review: What Ghosts Think of Us
Ahn Ye Eun, a genre-bending singer-songwriter from South Korea, returns with an uncanny marriage of traditional folk and pop in her new single, “CHANGGWI (창귀).”
‘Sometimes I Might Be Introvert’ Review: Big Hit, Little Simz
Amidst the clamor of rap’s heavy-hitters, Simz’s homage to the underdog rises to the top and serves as a masterclass for any aspiring (or established) artist on how to turn beats and sounds into a work of art.
From Governors Ball: Kehlani's Stage Is Sexy and Empowering
On the first night of Governors Ball 2021, Kehlani poured all her heart and soul into her biggest performance so far this year.
‘Love for Sale’ Review: Lady Gaga and Tony Bennett Dazzle
Through their historic collaboration, Lady Gaga and Tony Bennett show the world that jazz is still sexy.
‘JOSE’ Review: J Balvin Reveals the Man Behind the Hits
Who is the man behind the hits? The songs on J Balvin's latest album paint an expansive portrait.