My Top 10 Music Discoverys In 2023

 
Another year, another remark on changing habits. Last year I wrote the more posts than ever, this year I wanted to tone that down and be selective. A lot of my discoveries have been through playlist exploration on Spotify, with less getting the album treatment I would then bring to the blog. Despite that, these new unearthed artists have been solid, with perhaps one exception...

(10) Sleep Token

As the currently hyped band in Metal discussion circles, I was strangely not impressed by the metallic elements on display. It was the singers expression, demeanor and passion that slants in other directions. This is what found me about their music. Are You Really Okay? is the one track that gripped me deeply and happens to be the albums least popular. On that song, I hear a intense meaning, with gravity and weight to it. I'd like to hear them lean into that more.

(9) Bal-Sagoth

There were many more records than the one I covered here, Bal-Sagoth have a fun, fantasy slash cosmic breed of Symphonic Metal. I've now found my way in and could of explored their back catalog. It would have been fun to write about but with a narrow evolution across the years I decided to leave this one brief.

(8) Apashe

This record is on the cutting edge of expression, pulling from opposite ends of the musical spectrum and finding genuine harmony. Apashe even pulls in some rappers to rhyme on his Classic EDM mash ups. Its brilliant, one artist I will be following closely in the future!

(7) Marconi Union

Discovered via a podcast on dealing with anxiety, the Weightless composition embodied all I've heard and loved about ambient music's calming magic. I've not gone much further than the one album but this discovery was a blessing and it firmly anchored the idea of having "go to" music for when feeling anxiousness creeping in.

(6) Këkht Aräkh

A love letter to early 90s Black Metal, Ukrainian one man band Këkht Aräkh actually pulls off the impressive act of avoiding nostalgia and capturing the magic of that era. You could slip in some of these songs alongside Burzum and Darkthrone to an unsuspecting friend and they might not be none the wiser!

(5) Gunship

It was a good time to get into this Synthwave act, as later in the year a new record after a five year gap would become a favorite! This duo left Fightstar with a clear musical vision that;s made for some fantastic neon lit nightlife vibes. Synthwave can quite often feel tired and cliche but this pair made it feel fresh again!

(4) Health

I'm late to Health. They have been around for sometime. Somehow I didn't get pulled in to recently and although I'm not head over heals with their sound, it has a real persuasion when its not your soul focus but the mood setter. In that environment, the downtrodden dystopian atmospheres weigh powerful and heavy.

(3) Potatohead People

Jazz Hop has been re-imagined by many with obvious techniques and tropes, so I was surprised to hear this duo escape that fate. Its a familiar feeling yet this pair of producers bring class, adding in expressive instrument leads between the melodic beat loops. Top stuff.

(2) $uicideboy$

Another double act, these two are a calling cry for an overlooked generation. So much topicality speaks to the struggles of those worse off in a supposedly wealthy society. Themes of mental health and drug abuse are so open and honestly spoken about, its hard not to be drawn to the positivity that comes from facing these demons openly.

(1) Janelle Monáe

This is what kicked my year off, Archandroid! Its been with me ever since. I rarely give a 10 to something that isn't from my formative years. Only three records or so records within the liftime of this blog. This album certainly challenged that form, what a fantastically eclectic assembly of lively sounds, driven by catchy, meaningful words to tie its animated energy together. Janelle has since recreated this genius only  in flashes but in this moment its pure class. Bravo!

Apashe "Antagonist" (2023)

An album of distinction and merit, Antagonist emerges from our times as a triumphant victor of eclectic musical tastes. Transcending obvious machinations, the Belgium musician unites the ages. The tight, bright and snappy percussion of EDM and blaring bass synths walks with Classical, Baroque and Renascence era music. With grace and vision these compositions revel in a found chemistry across two periods. Working in junction with the Prague Symphony Orchestra, songs are fully materialized. No scotch tape sampling and manipulation, these tracks were written for the real thing!

Apashe has a knack for understanding limelight, which elements are taking focus and how the narrative is steered by them. As such, stern strings within a strong symphony imposes powerful emotional sways and dramatic narratives. Hard percussion picks up the slack, allowing for stellar pivots into jolting groove and dance floor drive.

The arsenal is impeccable, from haunting shrill choirs to low-end dirty bass wobbles, all instruments, virtual or performed, have stunning fidelity. A case of fidelity highlighting how well built the foundations of these songs are. Apashe finds his own persuasive voice through this unlikely fusion, a word perhaps undermining of how sweetly this tracks ebb and flow. Chemistry is ever-present, at all degrees of emphasis on the aforementioned genres. I'm fondly reminded of IGORRR's brutal abominations.

Moving with another ace hidden up the sleeve, the thumping kick snares groves have a knack to subtly transform with a Hip Hop sensibility. As such, a handful of rappers pop into the fold at opportune times, delivering energizing verses. He gets a great one out of an aging Busta Rhymes. The record has a lot of guests, with a variety of singers lending their voices. At the mid point this soured a touch with sombre singing on Kyptonite and Rise At Nightfall lacking a connection with the instrumentals behind.

Its a minor blemish on a fantastic outing that revels with a sinister energy in its best moments. More grandiose thematic in nature, I found myself enjoying the spectacle immensely but not developing those deeper connections. Something about its flavor just lacked an infectious edge to wedge these songs in like ear worms. Fortunately, it does nestle in a couple of bangers! Apashe is one to keep a close eye on!

Rating: 7/10