Yip Yip, In the Reptile House (Safrecords) — Beep bloop beep beep blop click boop click click? That’s about all I took away from listening to something that’s about as appealing as reading binary coding on a computer screen. The vocals are sparse and the majority of the album depends on speeding up and slowing down the tempo of the techno-electronica-industrial dribble. Rating: No — Brendan Greene-Walsh

Tim Sez — Give them credit for creativity. Unfortunately, that doesn’t make it any more listenable. Sorry Darren. Rating: No

Matt & Kim – self-titled (I Heart Comix) — This debut is pure fun, and by that, I mean that you can tell that this duo truly had a good time making their music. They combine layers of synths and drums, and the result is both catchy and dance-y (hence the “fun” aspect). It’s straightforward, and that by itself is to be applauded. Running slightly under 30 minutes, it never wears thin. The third track, “Yea Yeah,” is a standout, with a chorus that forces you to sing along. Rating: Yes — Brendan Greene-Walsh

Tim Sez: One of the better releases of ’06, it’s still a bit too quirky for my taste, but the Brooklyn duo more than make up for it with their tunefulness. Rating: Yes

Minmae – 835 (Greyday) — I really struggled with this review. Portland’s Minmae combines a ton of talent and musical background, coupled with too much of an artistic attempt at making a record. The product is disjointed, and lacks continuity. The first, rather long track relies on drone-heavy guitar, white noise and random static. The rest of the album rarely strays from that formula. The disc is basically a compilation of 14 “ideas” that the band attempted to translate into songs instead of actually writing a song. Rating: No — Brendan Greene-Walsh

Tim Sez: Rating: No.

Mutemath – Mute Math (Teleprompt/Warner Bros.) — Jeesh. When I first listened to this CD, I thought I was in for a treat. The intro was captivating — a minute-plus change that rested on a strong beat. Then the actual album began. What I had experienced on the first track was washed away by weak chord progressions and horrible pop-influenced vocals. The production is slick and well-recorded, as you’d expect from a band with huge financial backing. Aside from that, it’s a watered down, mainstream attempt that came out as garbage — wet, smelly garbage. Rating: No — Brendan Greene-Walsh

Tim Sez: One of the reasons why I have an intern. Rating: No.

Sothen – Lookatchurself Reggie Measuresworth (self released) — If you can remember the early ’90s, then you already have a good grasp on what this album sounds like. Jangling and often inappropriate guitar riffs over root-rock bass with trash drums. Add raspy vocals that follow the same melody for every song. These guys remind me of a rehash of Bush. Ugh. Rating: No — Brendan Greene-Walsh

Tim Sez: Perhaps a bit too ambitious for their own good, songs were too long and repetitive. Rating: No.