Chris Conaton

Chris Conaton graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Music Education from Michigan State University. After bouncing around in several different music teaching jobs as well as a stint working at Lowe's in Michigan, he moved to Houston, Texas. He now teaches elementary school music in suburban Houston. Aside from a couple of minor freelance gigs and keeping a blog specifically for writing reviews, PopMatters is his first regular writing gig.
Fake Fruit Are Caught Between Catchy Hooks and Sloppy Playing

Fake Fruit Are Caught Between Catchy Hooks and Sloppy Playing

When Fake Fruit find a strong musical hook on Mucho Mistrust, their songs are a lot of fun. When they don’t, their sloppiness comes to the fore.

Nada Surf Have a Good Time on ‘Moon Mirror’

Nada Surf Have a Good Time on ‘Moon Mirror’

Moon Mirror finds long-running power poppers Nada Surf relaxed and having fun with the same strong, catchy songs they’ve written for nearly 30 years.

Electronic Rockers Fat Dog Go ‘WOOF’

Electronic Rockers Fat Dog Go ‘WOOF’

Fat Dog’s combination of live instruments and rock influences with a more modern dance sound seems like a winner for finding an audience in 2024.

Mr. Bungle’s ‘California’ Still Feels Fresh 25 Years Later

Mr. Bungle’s ‘California’ Still Feels Fresh 25 Years Later

Despite not being strictly metal, Mr. Bungle’s unhinged musical adventurousness showed heavy metal could get weird and silly without losing the heaviness.

Pom Poko Merge Complicated Guitars and Catchy Hooks

Pom Poko Merge Complicated Guitars and Catchy Hooks

Pom Poko have figured out how to combine complex math rock with big pop hooks, but their willingness to stretch beyond these styles makes Champion intriguing.

Of Montreal Return with Catchy Musical Hooks

Of Montreal Return with Catchy Musical Hooks

There’s enough strong material to keep longtime Of Montreal fans feeling connected while Kevin Barnes continues to indulge wherever their musical muse leads.

LØLØ Brings Genre Agnostic Approach to Heartbreak

LØLØ Brings Genre Agnostic Approach to Heartbreak

LØLØ’s anything-goes approach to rock music and a strong sense of melody make her debut album a winner, even if the lyrical topics get a bit repetitive.

Pillow Queens Bring the Rock to ‘Name Your Sorrow’

Pillow Queens Bring the Rock to ‘Name Your Sorrow’

Dublin’s Pillow Queens have a pair of strong singers and solid musicianship, but their songwriting is a bit hit-and-miss on their third LP Name Your Sorrow.

Khruangbin Are Still Easygoing and Effortlessly Cool

Khruangbin Are Still Easygoing and Effortlessly Cool

A LA SALA delivers on what Khruangbin are known for: chill, mostly easygoing guitar melodies backed by a deep rhythm section groove.

Phish Loaded Up on Guest Stars for ‘Hoist’ 30 Years Ago

Phish Loaded Up on Guest Stars for ‘Hoist’ 30 Years Ago

Phish’s Hoist was their fifth LP and they were in the mood to try new things. Consequently, it felt like their version of a big commercial swing.

The Avett Brothers Are in Long-Term Career Mode

The Avett Brothers Are in Long-Term Career Mode

The Avett Brothers’ new self-titled album is solid but not spectacular, which can happen after a group have settled into a long-term career mode.

Lynks Balances Swagger and Self-Doubt on His Catchy Debut

Lynks Balances Swagger and Self-Doubt on His Catchy Debut

ABOMINATION has a secret weapon: Lynks’ ear for catchy musical hooks. It’s a rollicking record that’s equal parts swagger and self-doubt.