20. Glare - Into You/Void In Blue
The sweet comes with its fair share of sour - it's unavoidable. A guarantee of dark days follow the spurt of seemingly endless joy. Dreams turn to nightmares right before your very eyes. Comprised of two EP's, 'Into You' being originally released in 2017, and 'Void in Blue' in 2018, the 2023 release of said EP's remasters and sharpens their senses.
19. Heartworms - A Comforting Notion
The debut EP from Heartworms displays a greyscale environment; a space which lets little in, and what does make it in tends to get ripped to shreds. A shiver inducing chill malevolently floats up and out of the A Comforting Notion project. Heartworms is one to watch out for.
18. Silent Whale Becomes a Dream - North
Slowly build and release; the classic post-rock formula - or at least what the formula became. Let the tension take you away. Drift off into the windswept expanse. Silent Whale Becomes A° Dream take you on a 30-minute journey on serene seas. The storm awaits on the horizon, however.
17. Wombo - Slab
Wombo's unassuming aesthetic slips under the radar that you setup in order to catch the real deal. Of the deadpan variety, emotion steers clear of these shores, although they subversively warm up to those willing to stick around.
16. quickly, quickly - Easy Listening
Portland, Oregon's very own quickly, quickly has that musical sixth sense. That understanding on a deeper, soulful level. A DIY aesthetic - although it's as polished as a professional product - permeates Easy Listening; it's is up there with the best that the ongoing bedroom bonanza has brought to the contemporary music scene. A weightless groove rides forth; as smooth as skittery silk can get.
15. Opus Kink - My Eyes, Brother!
Seeing the world with a crooked eye. Unable to meet the norm without a bubbling sense of bewilderment. The Brighton based collective capture a crazed state with 'My Eyes, Brother!'. The worlds within smell of piss and wet cement. Out of site, out of mind. That's just how it is, how it will be. The barfly's mind spills forth.
14. Minor Conflict - Bright Lights, Dead City
A very refreshing use of instrumentation, alongside the more classic sound of danceable and groovy punk-like material, renders Minor Conflict a breathe of fresh air among a familiar feel. For anyone looking for something that takes a left turn on streets well known, give 'Bright Lights, Dead City' a moment of your time.
13. Fashion Tips - Fucking Hell
After watching the band support Mclusky at Pop Recs - Sunderland - back in August, I made it a priority to dive into Fashion Tips material. Low and behold, Fucking Hell somehow manages to capture the mind-bending sounds that were put on display. Fashion Tips imbue a sense of chaos which is hard to find - the title says it all really.
12. Inquietus - Every Star Dies
A stunning dive into a meditative space. Soothing textures wash over and cleanse the listener. The repetitive nature of the material only strengthens its calming impact. Every Star Dies is one for times of deep introspection.
11. Naked Flames - Moonwalking Fingers II
Sign-up for the must luxurious of trips. The richly textured worlds of Naked Flames come alive as they traverse the wet and wonderful arena of active ambiance. The groove that underlies it all never ceases to stop, but the potential to zone out is always there - its soothingly repetitive, though sentient enough to know when to move forward. Naked Flames is important.
10. Circuit Circuit - Body Songs
A panic attack in 5 parts, Body Songs glitch-y, jittery and utterly restless aura ruminates on a dysfunctional - or maybe too functional - headspace. Circuit Circuit are one of the most exciting prospects on the contemporary music scene as a whole.
9. Tara Clerkin Trio - On the Turning Ground
An EP of majestically constructed material. Slow-burning, the songs gradually float forth. On a wave of sea fog the sounds wisp like thick vapour. The minimalist nature of the material lends a hand in filling out the space - a dichotomy of the greatest kind. 'The Turning Ground' slaps.
8. Kessler - Lunar
Kessler's music exists in the space between bittersweet and ecstasy. Traversing the electronic landscape one tidy tune at a time, Kessler has made something of a name for himself. With what may just be the most incredible drum patterns skittering around the current scene, as well as atmospheres to submerge yourself in, Kessler keeps up with the pace that he, himself, has set.
7. Stalled - Contentment
A melancholic phase which feels too heavy to shake. Angst-ridden days that linger for far too long. Harsh wounds which refuse to heal. Only living a half-life. One that slowly kills you second-by-second. This sand is quick. Keep your eyes peeled.
6. Aphex Twin - Blackbox Life Recorder
Richard D. James pops in to check on the game once in a blue moon; it makes his presence and impact that much sweeter. Some artists define, and re-define, the standards of the day - the playing field of 'art' is their wheelhouse, and funhouse for some. The Blackbox Life Recorder EP is that dose of unequivocally Aphex Twin that we wait extended periods of time for.
5. Blawan - Dismantled Into Juice
Sometimes things stand out because they can't possibly fit in. Blawan is so far ahead of the game it's unfair. Dismantled Into Juice feels like bits and pieces of gritty rags and sandpaper woven together to make itchy and restless sheets. Wibbly wobbly wonders for your earholes.
4. Fluisteraars - De Kronieken van het Verdwenen Kasteel - I - Harslo
Crunchy tones and agonizing groans, Fluisteraars first of two short releases this year steps into the realm of ultimate catharsis. Shredding the soul apart to put it back together again. The closing moments are nothing short of beautiful. It's like a cool breeze after extended bouts of extreme heat.
3. Lifeguard - Dressed in Trenches
Lifeguard, the up-and-coming Chicago based band, are brewing up a storm with their short and sweet catalogue of EP's and live recordings. The Dressed in Trenches project furthers and strengthens the feeling that we're on the receiving end of the genuine article. With the debut album hopefully on the horizon, Lifeguard are warming up to something utterly special.
2. The Crying Nudes - 3 Songs
The anonymous sounds of bittersweet bliss. The Crying Nudes' '3 Songs' EP, as the title suggests, is short, but so sweet. You don't need need a full length from this lot - this person? - to realize that something magically tangible is wisping in the wind. This world needs a full length project from The Crying Nudes.
1. Maruja - Knocknarea
Maruja's debut EP takes on the form of a melancholically malaised and somewhat windswept project by the name of Knocknarea. With enough grit to soothe a sailor, and a warm - searing, even - core, Maruja play a balancing act of the finest kind. As frightening as the harshest of winds and as soft as snow, a space where no one can hide, but respite is offered if need be. We have the next big thing in our sights. Watch this space.