Blog
Explore in-depth reviews and the latest news on iconic music, movies, and art.
Goldmund Mimesis Statement Sets a New Standard for Analog Preamps
The Mimesis Statement is Goldmund’s flagship analog preamplifier, pairing three-chassis isolation, ultra-low distortion, and a $240,000 price tag. Some hi-fi components quietly join a... more »
Spotify Family Sharing Faces Tougher QR Code Verification Rules
Spotify Family sharing is getting harder as in-person QR checks, address verification, and 12-month penalties target members outside the same household. Sharing a music subscription with... more »
Final Porta Headphones Reimagine the Headband at Just 40 Grams
Porta headphones from Final rethink lightweight listening with a 40-gram AirWire headband, Bluetooth 5.4, retro styling, and an eight-hour battery. Some headphones announce themselves... more »
TUNE X3 Headphones Bring Back Physical Audio Controls
TUNE X3 headphones trade hidden touch controls for tactile dials and switches, pairing retro studio character with a bold modern design. There’s something satisfying about reaching for... more »
Porcelain Pioneer DJ Setup Blends Korean Art With Club Culture
Porcelain Pioneer DJ setup turns familiar club hardware into a museum-worthy vision inspired by Korean folk art, royal symbolism, and luxury design. Some DJ equipment is built to disappear... more »
CMF Ear (Open): The Sporty Earbuds Nothing Should Have Released
CMF Ear (open) makes a stronger case for colorful, runner-friendly earbuds with physical controls, a Smart Dial case, and a more approachable design. Some gadgets arrive with the... more »
The National Live Show Returns With Richard Reed Parry and a Rare Classic
The National live show in San Sebastián reunited the band with Richard Reed Parry, revived “90-Mile Water Wall,” and delivered a memorable 22-song set. After two years away from a... more »
Sam Carter Voice: Architects Frontman Opens Up About Anxiety and Criticism
Sam Carter voice concerns have become a source of anxiety for the Architects frontman, who says online criticism changed how he experiences the stage. When a singer has spent two... more »
LEGO AKAI Tape Deck Brings 2,680 Pieces of Analog Nostalgia
This LEGO tape deck recreates the iconic AKAI PRO-1000 with moving reels, swinging VU meters, and serious vintage hi-fi charm. There’s something wonderfully theatrical about a... more »
Brandon Flowers’ Royal Albert Hall Show Turns Country Roots Electric
Brandon Flowers brings country roots, Killers classics, and a spellbinding 20-song set to London’s Royal Albert Hall. Some concerts feel like gigs. Others feel like a musician opening an... more »
Fontaines D.C. Launch ‘Dopamine Chamber’ at Roundhouse Gig
Dopamine Chamber takes center stage as Fontaines D.C. bring new songs, emotional tributes, and fan favorites to London’s Roundhouse. There’s something wonderfully electric about seeing a... more »
Sony’s Gold-Plated Walkman Reimagines Cassette Nostalgia Without Tapes
Sony’s Gold-Plated Walkman pairs cassette-inspired design with digital playback, premium copper construction, 256GB storage, and a nearly $6,000 price tag. Some gadgets stay with you... more »
Fyne Audio F1-10 Anniversary Uses Hidden Glass to Tame Resonance
Fyne Audio’s F1-10 Anniversary pairs sculptural walnut cabinetry with a hidden glass diaphragm designed to reduce unwanted speaker resonance. Some speakers announce themselves with... more »
Diglett Beats Pill Concept Makes the Official Pikachu Edition Feel Flat
The Diglett Beats Pill concept turns a familiar speaker into a playful Pokémon collectible with glossy eyes, a pink nose, and a rocky stand. Pokémon’s 30th anniversary has brought a... more »
iPod AirPods Upgrade: Give Your Classic Player a Wireless New Life
This iPod AirPods upgrade brings Bluetooth, USB-C, Wi-Fi, and up to 2TB of storage to classic iPod models without changing their iconic look. There’s something wonderfully stubborn... more »
Geordie Greep Addresses Sexual Assault Claims After New Statements
Geordie Greep responds to allegations as the alleged victim and former keyboardist Cameron Campbell share their accounts of the Vancouver incident. When a concert crowd is handed flyers... more »
Grian Chatten Plans a More Festival-Ready Solo Album
Grian Chatten is planning a second solo album, promising a livelier, more energetic sound after Fontaines D.C.’s next chapter. Grian Chatten may be preparing to step away from Fontaines... more »
The UK Indie Scene Revisited: Chaos, Clubs, and Creative Freedom
A new book explores the wild nights, rising bands, early internet culture, and unforgettable creative energy of the UK indie scene in the 2000s. Some music eras fade into the... more »