2022 Team Series

HYPNOS by Ravyn Lenae

Released May 20, 2022 via Atlantic Records

Alan: 8.6/10 | Henny: 8.5/10 | Cam: 8/10 | DeVán: 8/10

Jacques: 8/10 | Dominick: 7.8/10 | Pax: 7.8/10

Skinty Fia by Fontaines D.C.

Released April 22, 2022 via Partisan Records

Fontaines D.C.'s third studio album heads down a similar lane to previous outings. However, it balances a consistency––both stylistically and in quality––that they struggled to find on previous projects. Slight changes in sound and overall feel alleviate the creative itch of its wants and needs; nothing major has to occur for a fresh feeling to come to surface. Delving deeper into their heavily reverb sunken state, Fontaines' wicked and wet sound finds itself submerged even further down. The ever-present feeling of distaste lingers like mildew in the mouth. “The Couple Across the Way” beautifully, but unexpectedly, sets up the closing chapter of the album: A chapter which features two of the singles released in promoting the album with title track “Skinty Fia” and “I Love You,” and closing with their most vicious song to date in “Nabokov.” “Nabokov” shows a side to the band that needs more attention; visceral with hints of dream pop in the works. A more well structured and consistent project from the Fontaines camp. – Peter (8/10)

Dominick: 8.2/10 | Peter: 8/10 | Cam: 7.8/10 | Pax: 7.7/10 | DeVán: 7/10