Atmosphere taps into the psyche of self doubt of twentysomethings, Matthew Moyer discovered at a sold-out Jacksonville show, where the powerhouse rhymes were so hot they broke the air conditioner.

Brother Ali raps more gratitude than attitude, sending a refreshing surge of celebration through Chicago’s Metro.

DJ Anthony Davis and Sean Daley bring a golden carnival of Atmosphere to Chicago.

Chris Catania hits Michigan’s new Rothbury Music Festival to see if a music festival can both rock and be more eco-friendly. With acts ranging from Atmosphere to the Dresden Dolls and Widespread Panic, Rothbury might accomplish at least one part of its mission.

Chris Catania is utterly floored by Brother Ali’s recent Chicago performance. Is the future of indie rap an albino Muslim who comes off equal parts Muhammed Ali, KRS-One and southern preacher? Maybe you should find out for yourself…

Revolutions (Sony). Review by Rob Walsh.

Sex Crimes (Dead Rabbit Records). Review by Carl F Gauze.

White2 (Southern Lord). Review by Daniel Mitchell.

Volume 8 (Epitaph). Review by Troy Jewell.

punk,hardcore,emo,hip hop,Various,Punk-O-Rama 8,Epitaph Records,Troy Jewell

Seven’s Travels (Rhymesayers/Epitaph). Review by Bill Campbell.

Shadows on the Sun (RSE). Review by Bill Campbell.

Atmosphere (Inconvenient Press). Review by Terry Eagan.

Almost Ambient Collection Vol. 1 (Invisible). Review by Kiran Aditham.

10 Seconds (Mush). Review by Christopher R. Weingarten.