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10
Sorry I haven’t called yet
tramp
Cameroonian-American singer-songwriter Laetitia Tamko (aka Vagabon) opens for business Sorry I haven’t called yet With a simple lyrical question: “Can I say my shit?” To answer that rhetoric, a resounding Yes. Over the past five years, perhaps no artist has elevated his status more than Vagabon.She burst onto the scene with her brilliantly tender indie rock style on her 2017 debut LP infinite world, this new album fills her with chic electronic pop. With Rostam’s production assistance, the mix of house and Afrobeat sounds flows without resistance. They pair seamlessly with Vagabon’s rich vocals, even when lyrically exploring those who make you feel like the worst version of yourself (“Do Your Worst”) or feeling insecure and adrift in a sea of self-judgment (“Nothing to Lose”), also exudes confidence. ”).
9
time is no accident
Jesse Williamson
exist time is no accidentSinger-songwriter Jess Williamson’s work comes from the place she calls home. The album is an intoxicating blend of the country roots of her Texas upbringing and the modern style of her current Los Angeles residency. The most striking sonic elements are the traditional arrangements she made on her iPhone (using banjo and steel guitar) and Williamson’s sweet voice over sparse drum machine beats. It may seem like an unpleasant combination, but the result is pure indie country bliss. Her evocative lyricism about finding true love across time, distance and the chaos of modernity rings true whether kept simple or opening up into grandiose, horn-section-laden riffs. It transcends the dull world of romantic rejection with steely determination and plenty of open hope.
8
cactus
billinomates
Billino Mates is over. all. Nomates, the pseudonym of British singer-songwriter Tor Maries, finds a cynical sweet spot in music full of sting. cactus. Her alt-rock songs about modern depression, the loss of a spark, self-sabotage and showing up to parties out of resentment are somewhat reminiscent of Liz Phair in her prime, but She prefers blunt force impact to slow-boiling acidity. The instrumental backing blurs the line between synth-pop sparkle and punk roughness, and her voice falls somewhere between Courtney Barnett’s caustic talk singing and a more growling folk-rocker. cactus Enjoy its bitterness. This is a collection of tunes for those jaded souls who haven’t quite gotten into it yet.
7
again…
blink-182
Considering the band’s core of zany teen pop-punk, it’s astounding that Blink-182 has been able to age gracefully. Then again, the band’s secret strength has always been the band’s ability to perform sad and melancholic songs well (think: “Adam’s Song” and “Together for the Children”).This ability shines in again… When guitarist and singer Tom DeLonge returned to the band, the group grappled with their own mortality and personal history on songs like “One More Time” and “You Don’t Know What You’ve Got.” struggle. That said, there’s still plenty of pop-punk energy to deliver, as the album boasts some extremely catchy tunes about longing for love (“Falling in Love,” “Dance With Me”). These guys may have a better idea of their collective endpoint, but for now Blink-182 is still kicking.
6
sad last night
Jen Champion
Few songwriters can make the pain of the soul sound as accessible as Jenn Champion.Her band S released a pantheon-level breakup album in 2014 cool choiceand about sad last night, the champion turns her lyrical gaze to a more brutal topic: addiction and overdose. Against a dark synth-pop backdrop, she shares harrowing life details about coping with recovery, therapy, and the untimely death of a friend. Songs like “Jessica” balance graceful compassion for those suffering with their demons (“You told me to crack/I still love you, but it hurts now”) and the pain those demons have caused The raw rage of hurt (“Who’s in the af-ing hospital? / Stupid, dead Jessica”).In the face of all the pain, hope and love are sometimes found (“Love Song (Think About It)”), but at the core sad last night This is a beautiful exercise in compassionate coping.
5
some are true
menzinger family
As we age, cracks begin to show, not only in the wrinkles on our faces but also in the tiny cracks in our souls.Penn punk The Menzingers have long featured nostalgic songwriting that combines rosy Heartland rock tones with wailing alternative heartbreak, but some are true finds the band delivering a steady stream of lyrical hits (especially for a man in his thirties). Frontman Greg Barnett’s almost crooning voice packs a punch as he unflinchingly passionately grapples with love and loneliness in its many forms. From unspoken unrequited love (“Hope is a dangerous thing”) to the painful feeling of being an isolated outsider (“There’s no place for me in this world”) to being in a relationship with someone you consider the entire world Solve the Problem (“Ultraviolet”), a song written with a heart-wrenching universality and fueled by the band’s other raw yet anthemic rock arrangements. Menzingers’ utter composure and lack of injection of melodrama only serve to add to the melancholy some are true It sounds clearer.
4
dog body
model/actor
dog body Always on the razor’s edge, adjusting with menacing glee at every turn.Debut record from Brooklyn’s industrial art punk act Feel NSFW. Vocalist Cole Haden indulges in pure sexy, sinister, provocative fun; his charismatic spoken/sung lyrics carry a tone akin to a disturbing Cheshire smile. The rest of the band whipped up anarchic noise, with guitarist Jack Wetmore and bassist Aaron Shapiro playing their instruments in extremely atypical and experimental ways – a bit like Rage Against the Machine, but through Nine Inch Nails and The most wonderful dark dance rhythms filter through the town’s grime gay bars. To sum up: Model/Actriz f—ks.
3
JNi from Thebes
goat
jenny from thebes is an album about shelter. The character Jenny has appeared in GOAT lore since 2002. Long live West TexasBut here, singer-songwriter John Darnielle has crafted a rock opera sequel that expands her world even further. The album grapples with Jenny’s compassionate nature – she thrives on bringing downtrodden, vulnerable outcasts into care, but what lengths will one go to protect this sanctuary? What is violence in the name of safety? Whether swaying or quietly meditating under the glow of multi-instrumentalist Matt Douglas’s string and horn arrangements, Darnielle finds Jenny’s emotional core while Still keeping her character mysterious—ferocious, endearing, as blurry as her traces speed off into the West Texas sunset on her custom black and yellow Kawasaki motorcycle.
2
rightRabbit Rabbit
Speedy Otis
In a year rife with union strikes, there’s solidarity to be gained from albums like this Rabbit rabbit. Songs like “Scabs” and “You S02” had the aplomb of frenetic indie rock while also becoming rallying anthems for the working class. Speedy Ortiz frontman Sadie Dupuis also didn’t hesitate to brandish more personal scars, spitting a mouthful of minstrel blood at those who created them.Permeated with that dazzling fighting power Rabbit Rabbit. Dupuis displays some of her most complex and nuanced guitar playing to date, which pairs perfectly with her poetic lyrical dexterity. Even when the album downshifts into more brooding numbers (“Brace Thee,” “Cry Cry Cry”), it never pulls any punches, taking swings at all manner of malevolent manipulators and lacing each blow with satisfying impact Get in touch.
1
Record
Boygenius
It’s still absolutely crazy that Boygenius is one of the biggest bands on the planet in 2023. Just a few years ago, Julien Baker, Phoebe Bridgers and Lucy Dacus were among the melancholy indie singer-songwriters who were on the small rock scene The club has carved out a career of its own – all absolutely top-notch, but of the craftsman type that rarely gets a whiff of the mainstream. But you can’t fake talent. What’s more, you can’t fake chemistry. Boygenius’ first LP unsurprisingly delivers a slew of gorgeous rock indie music, largely because each member completely checks their ego at the door. It never felt like they were passively taking turns leading the songs, as they weaved their voices into each other’s sonic space with a completely natural grace. Boygenius’s songwriting is filled with little touches of emotional resonance—whether it’s Baker’s rock ‘n’ roll (“$20”), Bridgers’ sad musings (“Emily I’m Soon”), Dacus’ love tunes (“True Blue”) or One of the standout tracks where they share vocal duties (“Cool About It”). All the best aspects of the trio—their harmonies, downtrodden lyricism, rock edge, and pop sensibilities—are on full display in the note-perfect song of the year, “Not Strong Enough.” Record A testament to the magic of music and the tenderness of creative friendship that can only happen organically. ❖
Honorable Mention
immortal spirit – Tomb model
fountain baby – Amarae
girl and fish – weak pony
goddess energy – who is she?
king – Angie Mir
land, water, sky Black Belt Eagle Scout
Michael – Killer Mike
The mouse saw God – Wednesday
striver – Genesis Owusu
Tuff Ruff – mansion
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