1. Tim Hecker
Harmony in Ultraviolet (Kranky)
"Drone is the new post-rock. What Tim Hecker lacks in traditional poppiness, he makes up for in absolute sound. Sean Warkentine, Winnipeg MB
"Hes already built an impressive catalogue of innovative, yet terribly beautiful music. And this one is the best work he has done. Joel Rempel, Winnipeg MB
"Hecker comes up with the hardest of challenges: make an ambient album that requires your attention without becoming background music yet isnt disruptive or jarring enough for the listened to switch it off. Caley Middleton, Kelowna BC
2. Liars
Drums Not Dead (Mute)
"A little more focussed than when they were obsessed with witches, the Liars obsession with drums is still a wild (and rhythmic) ride. Its even better with the accompanying DVD. Tristan Homer, Toronto ON
"What is great about them is that each album since They Threw Us In A Trench has grown exponentially more inventive and experimental, beyond any promise that you might have heard in that first record. Drums Not Dead is alternately soaring high on delicate melodies and then crashing through the Earths crust to reach some primordial sonic core. Thomas Dorey, Winnipeg MB
3. Scott Walker
The Drift (4AD)
"Epic in scope, this is probably the most cinematic album Ive heard. Its wonderful to see an elder statesman like Mr. Walker on top of his game, sculpting evocative and disturbing music more auteur-like than his 60s work. Max Turnbull, Toronto ON
"Gorgeous, but unsettling... Joel Finnis, North Bay ON
4. The Hylozoists
La Fin Du Monde (Boompa)
"Cool stuff. In parts it reminds me of what the High Llamas would have done if they recorded a soundtrack to a western or something. Ron Veilands, Pickering ON
5. OOIOO
Taiga (Thrill Jockey)
"It keeps the feel of the latest Boredoms albums, just more accessible and pretty. Jam-packed with moments of sheer tribal beauty. Dominic Sauvageau, Montreal QC
Harmony in Ultraviolet (Kranky)
"Drone is the new post-rock. What Tim Hecker lacks in traditional poppiness, he makes up for in absolute sound. Sean Warkentine, Winnipeg MB
"Hes already built an impressive catalogue of innovative, yet terribly beautiful music. And this one is the best work he has done. Joel Rempel, Winnipeg MB
"Hecker comes up with the hardest of challenges: make an ambient album that requires your attention without becoming background music yet isnt disruptive or jarring enough for the listened to switch it off. Caley Middleton, Kelowna BC
2. Liars
Drums Not Dead (Mute)
"A little more focussed than when they were obsessed with witches, the Liars obsession with drums is still a wild (and rhythmic) ride. Its even better with the accompanying DVD. Tristan Homer, Toronto ON
"What is great about them is that each album since They Threw Us In A Trench has grown exponentially more inventive and experimental, beyond any promise that you might have heard in that first record. Drums Not Dead is alternately soaring high on delicate melodies and then crashing through the Earths crust to reach some primordial sonic core. Thomas Dorey, Winnipeg MB
3. Scott Walker
The Drift (4AD)
"Epic in scope, this is probably the most cinematic album Ive heard. Its wonderful to see an elder statesman like Mr. Walker on top of his game, sculpting evocative and disturbing music more auteur-like than his 60s work. Max Turnbull, Toronto ON
"Gorgeous, but unsettling... Joel Finnis, North Bay ON
4. The Hylozoists
La Fin Du Monde (Boompa)
"Cool stuff. In parts it reminds me of what the High Llamas would have done if they recorded a soundtrack to a western or something. Ron Veilands, Pickering ON
5. OOIOO
Taiga (Thrill Jockey)
"It keeps the feel of the latest Boredoms albums, just more accessible and pretty. Jam-packed with moments of sheer tribal beauty. Dominic Sauvageau, Montreal QC