Rock

Oddnote has it going on in a big way. The storming melodies pack a supercharged punch and thunderous rhythms. And the vocals provide just the right amount of fulminating energy. If you’re into powerful rock music, then 'Oddnote' deserves your full attention.

'Awakening' delivers wildly muscular music with subtle, effective elegance rarely associated with metal. The result is contagious, textured melodies and weighty rhythmic components buffed to a sophisticated polish. In short, 'Awakening' is skillfully wrought music.

In a marketplace flooded with reissues that are little more than thin-sounding cash grabs, this remaster is absolutely essential.

Phillips muscles into the muck of our times with angry energy on his new album.

'Who Can You Trust' is better than good and approaches excellence. The darkwave/pop/rock melodies present a beguiling luster, while the rhythms project heady infectious attributes. The combination of undulant melodies and Arden’s delectable voice makes 'Who Can You Trust' enjoyable listening.

Veterans such as Neil Young, Ryan Adams, blues great Joe Bonamassa, Bjork, The War On Drugs, St. Vincent, The National, Spoon, and Living Colour made stellar releases. Favorite new artist: Jay Som.

Spurned from British folk, Hegarty is riding the wave to the movement's new summit.

'Natural Disaster' exudes rampant hypertrophic brawn. The melody punches listeners in the solar plexus with Jovian impact, as the rhythm sucks you in with vacuuming force. And Moon’s voice slices the air like a propeller blade, heaving with defiant energy.

'By the Light of the Radio' is outstanding. The contagious melody thrums with allure, while the rolling rhythm growls with hormonal exuberance.

Ty Dolla $ign and Superchunk are among the notable music acts announced for this year’s Noise Pop Music and Arts Festival in San Francisco on February 19-25, 2018.