PopMatters Music Reviews and Features

This page includes recent writing and highlights of my work for the zine PopMatters. Head to my PopMatters author page for more.

Recent Pieces

"There’s a truly lovely arc to Massa, one that feels organic and sincere. Fatoumata Diawara is a charismatic performer whose skill set has extraordinary breadth and depth."

Fatoumata Diawara, 'Massa'

"Not a second is wasted: the soundscape is dense and glorious. Maalouf has once again crafted music with equal parts love and skill, and in difficult times, that is a true gift."

Ibrahim Maalouf, 'Trumpets of Michel-Ange, Vol. 2'

Khun-Narin-Electric-Phin-Band-2026-by-Kanrapee-Chokpaiboon.webp

"Every single track on III is stunning, a testament to the organic nature of the Khun Narin ensemble and the skill of each member that cycles through."

Khun Narin, 'III'

"The world here is open and wild, psychedelic in scope, tropical in spirit. To listen is to be entranced and transported, swept into a cumbia prism that seems endless."

Rizomagic, 'Cumbión Planetario'

Other Highlights

"The best global music albums represent ten especially powerful examples of musical communion from the past year that defy the frictional fictions of borders."

Best Global Music, 2025

"In their music, Les Amazones d’Afrique are doing their part to resist oppression for all women – not just those already in places of power."

Les Amazones d'Afrique premiere

"'Flamenco allows that raw expression of emotion and anger that I’m constantly feeling, the need to express, the need to fight for those who cannot,' says Farnaz Ohadi."

Interview with Farnaz Ohadi

"Thomas sums up the lesson best as he returns to his words about his main character: 'He knows that the rich culture of his people has the elements he needs to grow his wings and fly.'"

Garifuna Collective premiere