Staff Picks

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  Hua Li 化力 Looks for the Real Thing on "Sanctions of the Heart"

  Exclaim! Staff Picks

  PUBLISHED Mar 1, 2024

  “Sanctions of the Heart” takes Hua Li on the journey for a love that builds her up rather than knocks her down...

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  Shabaka Dives Into the Feeling on "End of Innocence"

  Exclaim! Staff Picks

  PUBLISHED Mar 1, 2024

  On the opening track of Shabaka's forthcoming album, a clarinet — the first instrument he learned to play — feels out a plaintive lead line...

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  Apollo Ghosts Find Comfort Despite Crisis on Surprise Mini-Album 'Amethyst'

  Exclaim! Staff Picks

  PUBLISHED Feb 23, 2024

  Vancouver underground heroes Apollo Ghosts have always specialized in bringing humour and sweetness to difficult subject matter...

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  Kneecap Are Great Craic on "Sick in the Head"

  Exclaim! Staff Picks

  PUBLISHED Feb 21, 2024

  Translate the Irish bars on "Sick in the Head" and you'll gain a greater view of this anthem of resilience in facing mental exhaustion...

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  Vampire Weekend Capture the Pains of Aging on "Capricorn" and "Gen-X Cops"

  Exclaim! Staff Picks

  PUBLISHED Feb 16, 2024

  A colleague and I have an ongoing discussion about "homework bands" — that is, artists who competently make music that objectively ticks al...

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  Maya Hawke Keeps a Tally of Regrets on "Missing Out"

  Exclaim! Staff Picks

  PUBLISHED Feb 16, 2024

  Realizing that you’re on a different path than your peers is a difficult feeling — Maya Hawke pins that feeling down on “Missing Out”...

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  Kittie Sink Their Claws into "Eyes Wide Open"

  Exclaim! Staff Picks

  PUBLISHED Feb 14, 2024

  Kittie's "Eyes Wide Open" is a raring return; a straight-ahead crusher from a group ready to sink their claws into this world once more...

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  Lizzy McAlpine Uncovers Timeless Truths on "Older"

  Exclaim! Staff Picks

  PUBLISHED Feb 13, 2024

  McAlpine's third studio album, 'Older,' has been previewed with its cyclical title track...