This week’s best albums
– On its first LP of new material in five years, Rodrigo y Gabriela channel more of their thrash-metal past than ever—while also branching out in new ways.
– With its first studio LP in 13 years, Pixies proves that it is more than capable of carrying on without its beloved former bassist—and of writing genuinely strong songs.
– Eyvind Kang interprets a chapter of John Zorn’s Book of Angels songbook with elements of Indian, Persian, electronic, exotica, jazz, minimalism, and more.
– Damon Albarn continues his successful solo and post-Blur career by adapting with the times.
– Floor, Steve Brooks’ progenitor to Torche, is back with its first album since 2002—a lung-crushing collection that’s drop-tuned and dark, melodically poppy, and heavy as all hell.
– On its seventh album, alt-country/goth-folk band Wovenhand fuses its characteristic progressions with an amplified sense of urgency.
Honorable mentions
Monuments: Brigadune
Nels Cline Singers: Macroscope (Mack Avenue)
Pattern Is Movement: s/t (Hometapes)
Paul Cary & The Small Scarys: Coyote