Formed by Julien Ehrlich and Max Kakacek from the ashes of the Smith Westerns, Whitney’s lineup and sound has since vastly expanded. String and horn accompaniment elevated the Chicago band’s 2016 debut, Light Upon the Lake, but a subsequent demo collection spotlighted the songs’ organic core. Ehrlich and Kakacek strengthened…

Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit perform at the Greek Theatre in Berkeley on June 8, 2019. Photos: Joaquin Cabello. BERKELEY — One wore his heart on his sleeve and the other conveyed his thoughts through esoteric commentary, yet Jason Isbell and Father John Misty were a compelling pair at…

Kyle Kohner’s five-part series ranking the 50 best albums of 2017 continues with numbers 30 to 21. Missed everything up until now? Start at the beginning. 30. Arca – Arca To say that Arca is one of the least accessible artists around is an understatement. At the same time, the Venezuelan producer is a musical…