Reviews

How We Approach a Review

A good review should tell you more than whether something is worth your time. It should explain why, in terms you can test against your own ears. That is the standard we hold ourselves to, whether we are writing about a debut album, a sold-out night in a Paris club or a new pair of studio headphones.

Listening before judging

Albums get several full listens before a word is written: once straight through as the artist intended, then again on different systems, from decent speakers to the earbuds most people actually use on the métro. Records often reveal themselves slowly, and a first impression formed on the opening track rarely survives the whole sequence. We pay attention to production choices, lyrics, pacing and how a record sits within an artist's catalogue and the scene around it.

Writing about live music honestly

A concert is shaped by far more than the setlist. Room acoustics, sound mixing, crowd energy and even the time a band takes the stage all colour the night. Our live reviews try to separate what the performers did from what the venue made possible, so readers can judge whether a disappointing show was an off night or a poor fit of artist and space. If you are curious about the rooms themselves, our guide to places to hear music looks at the city's stages in more detail.

Gear without the hype

Equipment reviews focus on use rather than specification sheets. We ask who a piece of gear is for, what it does well, where it falls short and whether cheaper alternatives would serve most people just as well. We do not sell equipment, and our opinions are not tied to any retailer.

Context over scores

Numbers are convenient, but they flatten nuance. We would rather give you enough description to decide for yourself: what a record sounds like, what it reaches for and who is likely to love it. Taste is personal, and the best criticism respects that while still taking a clear position.

For longer reading around the music we cover, explore our features, or dig through past coverage in the archive.