#10
#10
#10
what is your name? - beyond old names; everyone's song
Genres: Indie Rock, Folktronica, Midwest Emo
Best Tracks: B.O.N.E.S -- miles away -- falls. -- i, you -- violins. -- we met a long long time ago. -- the beginning -- the end
"Scenic Electroacoustics Foster an Ultimate Nostalgia.
Lo-tech production meets forests of Indie guitar tunes and tempered Emo eccentrics. Rippling guitar and bouncy bass grooves surge in charming environments, always pushing forward, despite themes of lost love and despondent reflection. The 50 minute album has fantastic pacing, acting as a unified assembly of ascending atmospheres and deep reminiscence. A breezy, yet detailed dive into all that is bittersweet."
#9
#10
#10
Armand Hammer - We Buy Diabetic Test Strips
Genres: Experimental Hip Hop, Abstract Hip Hop, East Coast Hip Hop
Best Tracks: Woke Up and Asked Siri How I'm Gonna Die -- When It Doesn't Start With A Kiss -- I Keep A Mirror In My Pocket --The Gods Must Be Crazy -- Supermooned -- Switchboard -- The Key Is Under the Mat
"Uncanny Hip Hop Surrealism.
A conglomerate of distorted drums, brooding bass, and echoing woodwind construct chilling Hip Hop instrumentals. Elaborate electronics, hallucinatory samples, and impressionistic lyricism wield a disintegrating abstractness. This elusive, yet sinister environment coupled with supernatural verse make the 53 minute album an unearthly encounter; a slow moving house of horrors, brimming with spidery poesy and melting concrete."
#8
#8
#8
slowthai - UGLY
Genres: Post-Punk, UK Hip Hop
Best Tracks: Yum -- Selfish -- Sooner -- Fuck It Puppet -- HAPPY -- UGLY -- Falling -- Tourniquet
"UK Hip Hop Artist, slowthai Explodes with Articulated Anger, Reckless Ecstasy and Personal Reflection on this Anthemic Post-Punk Record.
Sugary drums slap alongside frenzied guitar and carefree bass, contrasted with slower, more dramatic piano/acoustic ballads. slowthai uses bright synth instrumentation to juxtapose deep reflections of raging insecurities, including addiction, loathing, and destructive tendencies. These harmful characteristics provide a dark context to an overall upbeat and jocular sound. Furious lyricism and fierce hooks give an irresistible energy to somber tracks, pushing forward an exceedingly engaging mass of unfiltered outrage and practical optimism."
#7
#8
#8
파란노을 [Parannoul] - After the Magic
Genres: Shoegaze, Indie Rock
Best Tracks: Polaris -- Insomnia -- Arrival -- We Shine at Night -- Imagination -- Sound Inside Me, Waves Inside You -- Blossom -- After the Magic
"Thick Dreamscapes of Scintillating Romanticism.
Bright acoustics, swinging synths, enormous drums, and glittering electronics skyrocket to fashion brimming Shoegaze atmospheres. Suspenseful progressions build waves of crashing cymbals, whirling guitar, and sparkling electric effects. A slower, more restrained sound than prior Parannoul records, 'After the Magic' finds a beautiful balance between stratified noise and open atmospherics. A truly brilliant light show of sound and tempo, erupting into cosmic displays of twinkling Indie Rock."
#6
#6
#6
billy woods & Kenny Segal - Maps
Genres: Abstract Hip Hop, Jazz Rap, Conscious Hip Hop
Best Tracks: Soft Landing -- Blue Smoke -- Babylon By Bus -- Year Zero -- Hangman -- Baby Steps -- Houdini -- As the Crow Flies
"The second collaboration between abstract Rapper, billy woods and producer, Kenny Segal is another incredible collection of dour eclecticism and conscious Jazz vibrations.
billy woods' complex and methodical reference filled lyricism coupled with the expressive darkness of Segal's instrumentals paint vivid environments of the solitude in travel. Wicked wordplay is given backbone with sinister bass grooves, moody piano loops, and subtle sampling. Collectively, woods and Segal compliment one another's darkness, manifesting in a marinated mixture of begrimed beats and stirring lyricism. Every listen invites one to discover another interpretation to woods' words while Segal's production gives a consistent emotive theme, allowing the listener to sink deep into the extensive dusk that is 'Maps.'"
#5
#6
#6
MIKE - Burning Desire
Genres: Abstract Hip Hop, East Coast Hip Hop
Best Tracks: Zap! -- African Sex Freak Fantasy -- pls don't cut my wings -- REAL LOVE -- U think Maybe? -- Set the Mood -- Burning Desire -- THEY DON'T STOP IN THE RAIN -- Mussel Beach -- Let's Have a Ball
"Scrumptiously Soulful Non-Stop Collage of Abstract Hypnotics.
Framed within the story of a masked killer seeking revenge, MIKE delivers piquant Hip Hop at every level. A refined mix of fervent samples, savory melodies, Jazz drumming, 80s synth keys, echoing piano, and eloquent saxophone make for an extraordinarily chic Hip Hop and Soul sound. With a relaxed cadence, MIKE ushers in distinctive imagery that stretches from the warm feeling of loving embrace to the coldest nights of isolation, weaving in and out of wise proverb and honest metaphor. An unrelenting realness to each phrase and each sonic environment creates a truly exceptional divulgence in poetic justice."
#4
#4
#4
underscores - Wallsocket
Genres: Indietronica, Indie Rock, Electropop
Best Tracks: Cops and Robbers -- Locals (Girls Like Us) -- Duhhh -- Horror Movie Soundtrack -- Old Money Bitch -- Geez Louise -- Seventyseven Dog Years -- Uncanny Long Arms
"Riveting Propulsions of an Electroacoustic Midwest.
An impressive array of raving synths, anodic drums, rallying bass, chirping guitar, and fizzing electronics bounce their way through ecstatic Electropop progressions. A blend of rhythmic vocal samples and high-voltage stylophone boost refrains to another level of infectious energy, balanced by darker harmonies with a sinister edge. Eccentric imagery and emotional anecdotes set in the fictional town of Wallsocket, Michigan build a detailed world of trauma and angst. Escorted by rich compounds of electroacoustic luminosity and a telltale narrative of trauma and growth, 'Wallsocket' makes its way outside of a little town in Michigan, and into the heart of any brave listener."
#3
#4
#4
JPEGMAFIA & Danny Brown - Scaring the Hoes
Genres: Experimental Hip Hop, Hardcore Hip Hop
Best Tracks: Steppa Pig -- Garbage Pale Kids -- Burfict! -- Orange Juice Jones -- Shut Yo Bitch Ass Up / Muddy Waters -- Kingdom Hearts Key -- God Loves You -- Jack Harlow Combo Meal
"Experimental Hip Hop Luminaries, Danny Brown and JPEGMAFIA Detonate with Radical Sampling and Comical Testimonials in this Eccentric Hyper Hip Hop Escapade.
Saturated bass, breakneck drum patterns, and an array of genre-bending samples pave the way for the two MC's absurdist rapping. Danny's risible rhymes coupled with Peggy's staggering production skills melt into one another in chaotic fashion. 'SCARING THE HOES' commands a special exuberance in its light hearted and innovated arrangements, creating a cutting-edge soundscape that is equally entertaining as unconventional; A revolutionary stack of uncompromising ecstasy.
#2
Sufjan Stevens - Javelin
Genres: Indie Folk, Singer-Songwriter, Chamber Folk
Best Tracks: Goodbye Evergreen -- A Running Start -- Will Anybody Ever Love Me? -- My Red Little Fox -- So You Are Tired -- Javelin (To Have and to Hold) -- Shit Talk -- There's a World
"A Sanguine Stab to the Heart
Layered acoustic guitar and banjo gently introduce bright chords, before stick drumming and bellowing bass kicks anchor elevated harmonies and dribbling electronics. Tender strumming sets an intimate tone ideal for Stevens' effortlessly soft and wispy voice. As progressions build, Stevens' vocals accompany immense choirs of ascending harmony, serenading in an effervescent cloud of brilliant jingles and cascading synths.
All of the while, the lyrics paint a fantastical picture of a warm love and its slow, tortuous fade. Tracks such as "A Running Start" and "My Red Little Fox" utilize elegant imagery and spiritual iconography to describe a deep and desperate intimacy. This almost mythically powerful affection is met with hard times, leading to its eventual downfall on the tracks "So You Are Tired," "Javelin," and "Shit Talk." Javelin's blend of majestic instrumentation and harrowing verse form a crushing juxtaposition between tender love and grieving loss.
Dedicated to Stevens' late partner, Javelin acts as exactly that: a spear that pierces the heart and its deepest vulnerabilities. While some of the acoustic developments are not unique or new to Indie Folk music, their moderate nature escorts a compassion that is taken full advantage of throughout the 42 minute album. The vocals compliment this sentiment through their feathery textures, lifting off as an ensemble of singers soar in chorus and refrain. Add on mystical symbolism and dazzling anodic crescendos and the project beckons the listener to come closer and see such intimacy first hand.
No matter how tragic this affection becomes, the music's sparkling atmospheres remind one to embrace every loving moment before its over. Such glittering environments and divine wordplay guide the listener through a fairytale-like journey; a journey to the Javelin responsible for all love gained and all love lost."
파란노을 [Parannoul] - After the Night
Genres: Shoegaze, Emo, Indie Rock, Post-Rock
Best Tracks: Polaris -- Beautiful World -- Analog Sentimentalism -- Imagination -- I Can Feel My Heart Touching You -- White Ceiling -- Into the Endless Night
Korean Shoegaze Act, Parannoul Metamorphosizes in a Monumental Live Performance, Transforming Stunning Midi Tracks into Fully Instrumented Emo and Indie Rock Epics.
Formerly electronic produced shoegaze is inherited by a full band, comprised of multiple guitars, drums, bass, keyboard and even trumpet. Parannoul leads the band in performing songs off his last few solo efforts, as well as a 46 minute version of the single, 'Into the Endless Night.' 'After the Night' sees improvised forms of each tune, letting a live setting embrace anarchic noise and crestfallen nostalgia. This raw sentimentalism along with boundary stretching indie compositions generate an awe-inspiring triumph for all alternative music.
In the context of Parannoul's recent discography, 'After the Night' acts as a beacon for the artist's talent and creativity. The live album contains physical manifestations of some of his most popular work, as well as transformative versions of tracks that haven't made a full length LP before. Not only does this highlight the Korean's past successes, but shows his evolution in consistently improving an experimental Shoegaze sound.
As it turns out, the use of a 5 piece band results in an immensely heightened production experience. For starters, a duo of electric guitars roar with crunchy distortion, often interlapping to form drone backdrops for upbeat developments. Fellow Shoegaze artist, Asian Glow mans a bumping bass guitar that consolidates pop grooves and interchanging progressions. High-hat and cymbal heavy drumming rhythmically crash at high velocity, becoming the foundation for noisy and quite hypnotic passages. Lastly, Parannoul himself adds glittering piano melodies that guide dynamic highs and intricate lows. His voice also serves as an instrument, adding melancholy harmony to brash tsunamis of sound. These raw instruments are combined with flashing digital audio effects that beep and whirl to complete heady, almost psychedelic concentrations of noise. All in all, this makes for rawer resonations, where each instrument earns their own individual spotlight. The live format also aids in naturally mixing complex polyphonies. Previous Parannoul studio efforts tend to have high frequencies collect in the canopy of the mix, resulting in unfavorable layering. This record's live audio and unvarnished engineering greatly diminishes such an effect, creating clearer separation between overlapping high notes.
Despite such advancements in the production of this record, it is still a relatively low budget recording. The audio quality does have issues, resulting in white noise and unpleasant artifacts. This is most notable on the track "Soft Bruise," where glaring guitar and break-neck kick drum collide into muddy ground. Parallel audio defects do appear throughout the LP, but for the most part fade into the kaleidoscopic clouds of instrumentals, sometimes even adding to an acerbic atmosphere.
Conceptionally, 'After the Night' features themes of regret, self-deprecation, dreaming, and romantic yearning. Simple poetry unleashes unfiltered reflection as Parannoul's refrains glide into crashing melodrama. Although there are moments where certain melodies fall flat compared to jangly instrumentation, there is an undoubtable earnestness and warmth in Parannoul's voice. Coupled with such impassioned lyricism and suspenseful sequences, the band manages to articulate deep sorrow, but still leave room for uplifting climaxes.
Then there's the final track, 'Into the Endless Night.' This Post-Rock Shoegaze collaboration takes up about half of the entire LP's length and is comprised of four evolving chapters. The first chapter is a rendition of the original nine minute single, featuring a bright theremin lead and weeping guitar. This runs until a drum breakdown slows the track into both a spacious, reverberated refrain and elegant piano section. Slowly, the instruments drop out of the mix until a sharp bluesy guitar crashes in, conducting a complete tonal shift. Here, the band enters an extended moment of improvisation, fit with guitar and bass solos. Then, from the heart of the mix emerges a warbling trumpet, screaming in the midst of primal chaos. All of the while, the chorus rings strong, everchanging to the evolution of the soundscape it belongs. Eventually, the pummeling firearms of drums, guitar and trumpet are washed away by a grand wave of swirling distortion. The brusque uproar builds to gigantic heights before fading to the ambiance of what sounds like boots sliding on damp concrete. The last portion of this leviathan track begins methodically, weaving an ambiance of tunnel echoes and inspirational voice clips into soft piano. Parannoul steadily reintroduces the main melody, reaching its high point when the instruments jump back in to complete the cycle. From here, the song repeats the original progression, releasing loads of built up tension and creating a diamond of a song in the process.
After everything is all said and done, 'ATN' leaves a lasting impression of obstreperous reminiscence. In spite of auditory quality limitations, Parannoul and his band elevate prior Shoegaze concepts, fashioning a remarkable delicacy in abrasiveness. It is unquestionable that this spectacular live album has a special quality to it, a momentous occasion, waiting patiently to dream blissfully, into the endless night.