Not quite unlistenable but definitely not enjoyable, Ian Vanek of Japanther’s side project, Howardian, sets out to confuse. Cheese-tastic synths prance over primitive beats while some white guy spouts out nonsensical, sing-song raps. A Smurf at Land’s End is basically like Mellow Gold’s annoying, less talented little brother. Go home, Howardian. –Simone Carter (Let’s Pretend, [email protected], letspretendrecords.com)