This
years picks were no struggle. I've pivoted away from picking up every
record a band I follow releases. You accumulate a lot over the years and
being fussy means avoiding acts that are spinning their wheels. This
attitude freed up my time for more discovery and thanks to spotify
shuffle its easier than ever to unearth new names and projects that peak
your interest.
(10) Clown Core
A
perfect example of bizarre internet age musicianship reveling in the
obscure, toying with the deranged and masking rhythmic appeal with
confronting aesthetics. Moments of magic arise from the memish
presentation that often feels like an in joke.
(9) Dimmu Bongir
Another
project with a comedic premise plays its stoner parody as an excuse to
exercise love letters to early 90s Black Metal. Including the Symphonic
scene in tone, these two records superbly resurrected the feel-tone of
my most enamoured sound.
(8) Labyrinthus Stellarum
Operating
within familiar terrain, Labyrinthus Stellarum's breed of cosmic,
atmospheric Black Metal plays a delightful fright. Their embrace of
exotic synths gives the rapturous music a curious edge whilst pummeling
darkly riffs through the night skies.
(7) Sabrina Carpenter
Pop
music is in a shockingly good place right now. So many acts cherry pick
the best ideas of decades gone by, repackaging them with a level of
aesthetic indulgence that almost surreal. As one of the biggest acts,
she has the voice to meet this high bar conjuring echo's of greats like
Madonna, bringing authentic country roots along too.
(6) Fogweaver
A
fine discovery for the Dungeon Synth archives, a tired genre where
unearthing quality feels rarer these days. Although I've only covered
one record, Fogweaver has plenty more quality records with a particular
flavor to indulge with.
My
issue with House music is that I never quite find what fits me, despite
loving the rhythm, aesthetics and overall concept. Fred Again.. has
captured my interest with his lovecraft of personal moments bottled into
beautiful songs. They explore intimacy through samples of snippets from
conversations with friends, repeating the motif through ebb and flows
that find gratifying swells over and over again.
Children
of success often carry an illusionary burden, the "bar set high" of
their senior. However high Will soared with his eclipsed music career,
Willow has simply smashed that idea apart. She stands apart, her own
entity willing to dabble in all sorts of musical directions and finding a
voice that blossoms in many directions, feeling natural and deeply
expressive at every exciting turn.
At
the peak of my Pop interest, Rina too plays this current game of
resurrecting the past whilst casting a broader net of influences.
Resulting in delightful rides across the musical landscape, rooted in
Pop appeal, Rina's emotive voice and passionate lyrics reach into places
I didn't expect, birthing absolute gems like To Be Alive. Its some of
the most moving music I've heard in a while.
From
the moment I heard this artist, it all fit together, a struggling,
depressive Shoegaze venture into the dark reaches of moody Metal.
Reflexively toying with indulgence and relief from personal woes, the
music plays with hints of
Deftones and
Cocteau Twins.
It's Jess's endearing voice and distraught lyrics that tie it all
together, making the dense walls of engulfing of sound feel deeply
personal.
I
recall listening to Eternal Blue upon release, dismissing it in the
process. How foolish! It was knowledge of seeing them live later in the
year that prompted me to try again. Its baffling how the magic was
locked away. After many spins it started to click. Since then I've
become completely engrossed by their unique dynamic, routinely binging
their best numbers, eagerly anticipating more! These are now like Metal
anthems to me and I absolutely loved their live show. Can't wait to see
them again in the new year!
_cover.png)
.jpeg)
