WBUR The ARTery • December 11, 2020

Our Favorite Massachusetts Albums From A Year Like No Other

In 2020, nothing was as before. So we did what we always do in times of crisis: we sought solace in music, and escape. And while many Massachusetts artists struggled to make ends meet in an industry brought to its knees by the pandemic, it is reassuring to look back on the year and see that, amid so much loss, we gained some beautiful things. Here are our critics’ favorite local albums to emerge from a year like no other.

WBUR The ARTery • November 19, 2020

The Suitcase Junket Rebuilds In A State Of Uncertainty On 'The End Is New'

Matt Lorenz’s sixth album finds him in a state of catharsis and at odds with the world, a space that has yielded the most thoughtfully composed and polished release of his career.

WBUR The ARTery • November 6, 2020

Rapper Billy Dean Thomas Gets Self-Analytical On New EP 'For Better Of Worse'

A central theme on Thomas’ EP is their emotional relationship to systems outside of theirself -- the tracks offer a unique glimpse into the realm of self-analyzation for the outwardly observational rapper.

WBUR The ARTery • October 26, 2020

Rapper Latrell James Rises From 'Under' The Depths With New EP

Unlike previous releases, there’s an urgency driving the through line of “Under” that makes past projects — though concise and intentional — feel meandering. From atop the peak of Boston hip-hop, Latrell James is aggravated, admittedly sick of all the noise and ready to take over the world.

WBUR The ARTery • October 8, 2020

The Unshakable Companionship Of Darlingside, Boston's Indie Folk Darlings

The quartet is out with “Fish Pond Fish,” a warm and welcoming step forward for the band into the realm of pop, though distinctively rustic and folk-driven.

WBUR The ARTery • September 23, 2020

7 Albums To Listen To This Fall

Between a slew of anxiously awaited releases from some of music’s biggest names, to some of the strongest and most compelling local music in a generation, the albums of this fall season have something for everyone, including tender, gauzy folk ballads, zesty indie-pop, pulsing electronic sensationalism and so much more.

WBUR The ARTery • May 5, 2020

Remembering Great Scott, A Beloved Safe Haven For Boston’s Music Community

As a musician and long time patron, the loss of Great Scott has brought on a great deal of reflection, and so, with the help of others also affected by its loss, we attempt to pay homage to a beloved institution.

WBUR The ARTery • April 23, 2020

Wrought With Intensity, Bad History Month’s New Album 'Old Blues' Is A Cynical Self-Examination

“Old Blues” is, in a word, unfettered; a fascinating look into the catharsis of psyche by means of discordant guitars, crude drums, and a raw, uncompromised voice.

WBUR The ARTery • April 3, 2020

Unearthing Busted Statues' 'Ashes And Relics' And Boston's Punk Underground

WBUR The ARTery • March 16, 2020

Beating Her Own Drum, Terri Lyne Carrington Continues To Push Jazz Forward

WBUR The ARTery • February 27, 2020

Grammy-Nominated Singer Emily King Brings New 'Scenery' To Somerville

Three-time Grammy-nominated singer/songwriter Emily King will grace Davis Square as her winter acoustic tour culminates in a final performance at Somerville Theatre on Saturday, Feb. 29.

WBUR The ARTery • January 8, 2020

Watch A Nostalgic Underdog Story Unfold In The Video Premiere Of Beeef’s 'Little Guys'

WBUR's The ARTery • November 11, 2019

With Its New Album, Hallelujah The Hills Wants To Help You Find Solace In The Sadness Of Existence

WBUR The ARTery • July 26, 2019

Horse Jumper Of Love Revels In The Absurdity Of Divinity On Its Sophomore Album

WBUR The ARTery • June 7, 2019

Palehound’s Lush Third Album 'Black Friday' Is An Emotional Cascade

WGBH • November 29, 2018

Grand Ideas, Rock Wizards, And The Silent Scorn Of Van Morrison: The Inspiring Dumb Confidence Of Ryan H. Walsh

Grand Ideas, Rock Wizards, And The Silent Scorn Of Van Morrison: The Inspiring Dumb Confidence Of Ryan H. Walsh

WGBH • July 18, 2018

Bands You Should Know — The Ballroom Thieves

WGBH • July 11, 2018

Bands You Should Know — Ripe

The experience of Ripe’s live show is cathartic for their devout fan base, and a party at the very least for their newcomers.

WGBH • June 22, 2018

Bands You Should Know — Latrell James

The Dorchester-raised hip hop artist has been gaining steam on the Boston music scene for several years and is now receiving national attention by sticking to what he knows best: his own life, and growing up in the area.