Mitski (Dead Oceans, 2022)
Like the sun’s rising or setting, Mitski’s heart dances on the cusp of darkness in her brief but beautiful sixth album, Laurel Hell. Sonically, mechanistic beats blend with liquid, ’80s-inflected synth tones, being shattered only occasionally by crystalline piano and jagged guitar. Hovering over it all is Mitski’s clear, cool voice: Sometimes teasing, sometimes yearning, her performance is consistent and confident…