alt-J might just be the next Radiohead, really. The Mercury Prize favorites seriously impress James Rainis '14 with their daring debut, which fuses cinema and literature and makes geometry sexual and sinister.

Where did the backpack rapper go? Despite its grandiose promises (and title), Lupe Fiasco's new album still languishes in creative purgatory. This uneven effort, the first part of an ambitious trilogy, causes Paul Blank '14 to miss the unapologetically crass Lasers. 

No Doubt is undoubtedly back. The 11-year wait for the band's latest album brings back the masterful balance of pop, rock and ska that fans know and love, writes Jason Goldberg '14. 

While it may unabashadely rehash old inspirations, Daveen Koh '14 praises much of The Killers' new album, Battle Born, for its confidence and scope.

Moving towards a denser, intricate sound and away from the pop stylings that characterized many songs on their last album, Grizzly Bear have crafted a wonderful new album, Shields. Dina Khatib '15 recommends any serious indie music fan give this LP a listen.

The xx's brand of spacey, nocturnal music returns for a sophomore LP, Coexist. However, this safer effort leaves James Rainis '14 a little cold.

The beyond-legendary Bob Dylan has just released his 35th studio album. Despite the delirious excesses here and there, Sydney Ramsden '14 considers it an epic, hypnotizing release from the master.

Clio Chang '14 raves about The Avett Brothers' new album, The Carpenter, a work that looks back while paving an exciting new road for the young band.

James Rainis '14 gets nostalgic about being a high school music nerd. 2012's new releases brings on a wave of déjà vu. 

While Beacon, Two Door Cinema Club's latest album, may have its dull moments, Brian Gordon '14 reports that its spirited bursts make it well worth a listen.