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

"If there’s one lesson she imparts over and over, it’s that there are rarely clean, complete solutions to real problems. It’s neither pessimism nor surrender, but a serene kind of pragmatism."

Laurie Anderson with Sexmob, 'Let X=X (Live)'

"Though the context is heavy, Doctor Nativo and crew handle it with an uplifting touch, making music that feels both determined and jubilant in its travels through Mundo Maya."

Doctor Nativo, 'BarrioKandela'

"Eisenberg knows not only the art but the craft of songwriting, and on Wendy Eisenberg, they bring their truest self, never compromising, never pushing, always being."

Wendy Eisenberg, 'Wendy Eisenberg'

"With a focus on puxa... it offers a lively sonic exploration of liberation across the Black Atlantic, with an emphasis on building coalitions among Lusophone nations."

'Léve Léve Vol. 2'

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