This week’s best albums
– Musical iconoclast Todd Rittman delivers his latest with Dead Rider, a collection of songs based on texture with quirky rock riffs, dissonant chord-voicings, vocal oddities, clanging auxiliary percussion, and ghostly synths.
– Re-imagining his music for a trio, electronic producer Tycho brings live drums and a guitar-bass interplay to the forefront.
– With his third studio album as the Dex Romweber Duo, ex-Flat Duo Jets front-man Dexter Romweber continues to stand out as a rare artist who matches style with substance.
Honorable mentions
Freddie Gibbs & Madlib: Piñata (Madlib Invazion)
Hauschka: Abandoned City (Temporary Residence)
NoCanDo: Jimmy the Burnout (Alpha Pup)
Ringworm: Hammer of the Witch (Relapse)
Sisyphus: s/t (Asthmatic Kitty / Joyful Noise)
The War on Drugs: Lost in the Dream