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Fearless Freep No Less Sordid (Mag Wheel/Cargo)
Dave Kristian Cricklewood (Alien8) Challenging is not the word. Local electro-tête Dave Kristian goes fully into himself for this one. Cricklewood is a something-scape of tapping, humming, buzzing and the sound of frequencies doing whatever it is frequencies do. A banquet for noise enthusiasts, I'm sure. But being the poppy barbarian that I am, I'll leave this one to them. I liked Kristian's beaty, Philistine-friendly Clubfoot EP better. I understood that. So, instead of writing "interesting," I'll go for "genius," and cross my fingers that it isn't crap. ?/10 (Mireille Silcott) Organized Konfusion The Equinox (Priority/Virgin) Anyone who has ever heard Pharaoh Monch destroy the microphone knows that Organized Konfusion comes correct. Album number three chronicles the lives of two characters, Life and Malice, and the complicated world they live in. Monch and Prince Po bring the trials of street life to the surface, still leaving the intricate beats breathing room. It's been a long but worthwhile wait for this introspective look into the minds of hip hop's most underrated duo. 7/10 (Scott C) Tanya Donelly Lovesongs for Underdogs (Reprise/Warner)
Tanya Donelly has been in a bunch of bands since the early '80s (Throwing Muses, Breeders, Belly) but not a lot changes, whether she's in a lead or supporting role. She likes airy, textured guitar pop and Chris Bigg of v23 to design her album covers: this could easily be the third Belly record. Instead it's her first solo outing, with heavier guitars, higher voice and mediocre songs in the middle. A bona bore. 6/10 (Chris Yurkiw)
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Traces of Barlow and Mascis shine through the billowing sonic textures that this Montreal duo conjure up out of their minimalist musical toolbox. With naught but guitar, drums, voices and some decorative lo-fi noise, Rob Stephens and George Agetees squeeze out some rather complex moods. All the same, the songs move fast enough to skate gracefully across the shiny surface of the chaotic wash that would swallow them were they any less agile. 7.5/10 (Rupert Bottenberg)