mickmeter

mickmeter reviewed 200% Electronica by ESPRIT 空想 6mo

9.4

ESPRIT: 200% Electronica (2017) — One of the most defining records of Vaporwave, under the alias “Esprit Fantasy,”George Clanton blends dreamy synth textures, glossy production, and futuristic aesthetics into a record that feels both nostalgic and euphoric. The record sounds very lush and immersive, with electronic textures create a unique atmosphere. What separates this record from most vaporwave projects is that it finds a way to feel vibrant, thanks to the polished production. Tracks flow together smoothly, giving the record a cohesive, dreamlike quality. It gives off optimism, nostalgia, and surrealism, creating a vibe I can only describe as “frutiger-aero-like.” This is a solid 9 out of 10.

mickmeter reviewed Imaginal Disk by Magdalena Bay 6mo

9.8

Magdalena Bay: Imaginal Disk (2024) — Imaginal Disk is one of the most inventive and immersive pop albums of the decade. With this record, Magdalena Bay blends glossy synths and experimental production into something that feels both futuristic and deeply introspective. The greatest strength of this album is its atmosphere; The production is bright, layered, and incredibly detailed, filled with shimmering synths, glitchy textures, and melodic hooks. At times it feels euphoric and playful, but has underlying sense of that introspection I previously spoke about. Lyrically, Imaginal Disk explores the boundaries between reality and imagination. The record plays with the idea of self-creation and how people shape their own identities. What makes the album special is how it blends experimentation with accessibility. The songs are very catchy, yet the production constantly pushes into unexpected territory. Only a few artists can create something experimental, but still have the common audience enjoy it. I give this a high 9 out of 10.

mickmeter reviewed Loveless by my bloody valentine 6mo

10

my bloody valentine: Loveless (1991) — One of the most immersive and creative projects ever made. my bloody valentine pushed the boundaries of what rock music sounded like, crafting a sound that feels less like a collection of songs and more like a dream you slowly drift through. Although not being the first of its kind, this album put the genre of Shoegaze on the map. The album’s defining feature is its sound. Layers of heavily processed guitars blur together into walls of texture, creating the signature Shoegaze atmosphere. The instrumentation feels fluid, with melodies beneath waves of distortion and reverb. The vocals are soft, distant, and almost ghostlike, creating an intimate and surreal atmosphere. What makes this record so special is the blend between experimentation and beauty. Every aspect is complex and innovative, yet the songs themselves remain hypnotic. All of these elements combine to create not only an undeniable 10/10, but the greatest album ever in my book.

mickmeter reviewed Atrocity Exhibition by Danny Brown 6mo

10

Danny Brown: Atrocity Exhibition (2016) — One of the more chaotic and psychologically intense records ever created. Danny Brown raps about his addiction, fame, and paranoia he suffered early in his career. The entire album feels like a descent into madness and instability, with Danny documenting this spiral brutally. This leads me to what I believe is one of the most striking aspects of this record is the production. Danny raps over warped samples, industrial beats, and chaotic rhythms. Many albums with such bold and experimental production end up sacrificing lyrical depth. That is absolutely not the case here, as Danny’s lyricism remains sharp and elite, painting a portrait of a mind slowly unraveling into psychosis. Not many artists could create such an experiment and create a masterpiece. This album is an easy 10/10 for me.