Crater XV revisits the “Arctic Pirate” Army Shanks, who is still drowning his sorrows in misery after the events of Kevin Cannon’s 2009 graphic novel Far Arden—a very fine graphic novel in its own right. But Cannon somehow manages to one-up himself in this latest effort. Crater XV represents one of the finest examples of storytelling via cartooning available.

Portugal. The Man stay true to form on their new album, Evil Friends, with soaring rock anthems, countertenor lines, and atmospherics. And this time around, acclaimed producer Danger Mouse was at the helm.

Stepping inside a John Vanderslice album is like touring a factory where every room is filled with a new texture. Popping and crackling on one track, then smoothly polishing a haunting melody on the next, this master of unique effects makes his listeners think.

Psychedelic Irish duo Solar Bears’ second LP, Supermigration, more or less continues their foray into trippy sci fi-inspired soundscapes, but a bit more carefully. It’s more complete than the band’s previous effort, She Was Coloured In, with more prog rock influence fusing with their electronic-meets-acoustic sound.

Louis Jones sounds like a songwriter lost in time, but it’d be tough figuring out which date to punch into the flux capacitor if you wanted to send him back home.

A body is found precisely on the Mexico/US border and two agents, one from either nation’s jurisdiction, are fighting over it.

As they grew out of the same electronic music scene that birthed the likes of James Blake and Darkstar, the rise to success for Mount Kimbie and their subtle, fragmented electronic dance music was a quick one.

Jon Hopkins knows how to get what he wants. Throughout his career, the English producer has crossed creative swords with a plethora of underground heroes, including David Holmes and King Creosote, and also played a key part in Coldplay’s ascent to superstardom.

In the hands of a lesser musician, Daughn Gibson’s rich and cavernous baritone may have mutated into a Crash Test Dummies-esque gimmick on his underrated debut album, All Hell. Fortunately, the mysterious songs produced by this former truck driver, adult bookstore cashier, and Pearls and Brass drummer are underpinned by a semblance of genuineness.