Iceage - For Love of Grace & The Hereafter (2026)

For the previous Iceage album I wrote that they included some pop/indie rock in their post-punk, in their new one, For Love of Grace & The Hereafter, we can hear some post-punk elements left in their indie rock. And despite getting sometimes dangeresously close to cheesy pop punk at times it's still a good and enjoyable album thanks to their always excellent singer and their songwriting skills, their capacity to transmit feelings. Recommended when you'r in the mood for something that isn't heavy.

 

The BC page. 

Soft Kill - Escape Forever (2024)

Escape Forever (released in 2024) isn't the most recent Soft Kill release, but I'll review this one because I think it's the most remarkable of the recent Soft Kill stuff (and the guy doing Soft Kill is too prolific to review everything he does). It saw an important shift for Soft Kill, basically it's when it got quite happy. Could have been a disaster for the inspiration and the music, but no. It's not so much a change of style than a change of mood. It still reminds The Cure a lot (the sound, the singing), just now it reminds The Cure happier songs... And it turns out to be one of the best Soft Kill releases. Recommended!

 

The BC page. 

 

Turnstile - NEVER ENOUGH (2025)

What about the new Turnstile album, NEVER ENOUGH? Is it enough hardcore? I don't really care, since it's when they're experimenting out of the hardcore box that they are interesting. But yes, their music still has many hardcore moments. Is it evolving enough in new directions? They keep on experimenting the melodic hardcore blended with pop elements thing, which isn't bad in itself, but unlike their previous album (which I think I prefer) they sometimes venture too much into "cheesy supermarket music" territory. Overall, it's a good album anyway.

Iceage - Seek Shelter (2021)

Seek Shelter, the new album from Iceage is a bit disturbing at first (and that's why it took me so long to make up my mind and review it) because they added some indie rock/pop to their post-punk. But since their songwriting skill is still there, and the vocals are as good as usual, it works. Maybe won't stand as my favourite Iceage album, but still an excellent album that I enjoy.   

 

The Bandcamp page.

Mike Patton & Jean-Luc Vannier - Corpse Flower (2019)

I place Corpse Flower, a collaboration with French composer Jean-Luc Vannier (who worked with Serge Gainsbourg and other well known French singers), among the albums of Mike Patton that matters most. The songs are exquisitely written and arranged and offers the best musical environment for Mike Patton to show once again how good a singer he is. One of the very best for sure and maybe the most interesting to follow. When "pop rock"(with many elements including traditionnal French music, violins, swing/jazz, rock, etc.) is as sophisticated and classy, as nicely done, with such freshness and inventivity (and the slight subtly weird and disturbing touch we are accustomed to with Patton!), then everyone can love it (grind and noise freaks like me included). Corpse flower is one of those instant classic that sounds better at each listen (and since I discovered it it became a daily listen for me). This is not "just" "album of the year" material, but another timeless classic in Mike Patton discography. Can't be recommended too much, try it you won't regret.


The Bandcamp page.