20. bis – Data Panik etcetera
19. Parquet Courts – Sunbathing Animal
One listen is all it takes to figure out that Parquet Courts are from New York. The quartet exude an undeniable coolness that only denizens of that perennially fashionable city can. Sunbathing Animal, their third since 2011, comes across like Hubert Selby, Jr. ramblings set to a more sardonic version of the Strokes. An engrossing listen, the record twists and turns along a route through Brooklyn, Queens, and The Bronx. Turn it up, and crack open a beer. (Words by Jamie Coughlan)
18. Twilight Sad – Nobody Wants To Be Here And Nobody Wants To Leave
I had the pleasure of reviewing this album in its entirety for Overblown earlier this year, and my only criticism is that it’s a bloody long name to have to type out repeatedly. Carpal Tunnel aside, this fourth album from Scottish post-punk indie rockers The Twilight Sad is a glorious, paradoxical ode to the perverse satisfaction that comes from revelling in misery. This is the ultimate musical accompaniment to your end of year break-up/ break down/ meltdown… (you get the idea). (Words by Kat McNicol)
17. Bear’s Den – Islands
Drawing inspiration from the classic children’s book ‘Where the Wild Things Are’, debut Islands, from London alt-folk trio Bear’s Den, portrays an adult world, as seen through child’s eyes. Each track on this eagerly anticipated debut is meticulously crafted, and beautifully executed. Standalone single “Think of England” aired on Radio One this week, so you only have a limited amount of time left to check these guys out before they turn all mainstream and popular on us. (Words by Kat McNicol)
16. Real Estate – Atlas
15. Ex Hex – Rips
14. Dum Dum Girls – Too True
13. Honeyblood – Self-Titled
My love of Honeyblood may be slightly unreasonable. It has been suggested that I possess an unreasonable love for late 80s/early 90s indie rock, and Glasgow duo Honeyblood do seem to possess a certain case of legendary indie fuzz pop duo “The Vaselines”. Aesthetic would matter for naught without tunes to match, and Honeyblood drop effortlessly infectious track after track after track. You’ll be singing along before the needle hits the groove. (Words by Jamie Coughlan)
12. Flying Lotus – You’re Dead
It’s remarkable that Flying Lotus (aka Steven Ellison) is only 31. The youthful experimental multi-genre music producer has released five ever increasingly adventurous records since 2006’s 1981. This year’s You’re Dead is simply astounding. Combining jazz, prog, electronica, and hip hop, the record brashly and confidently bounces from one genre to another with what would be arrogance if the results were not so accomplished. Particularly effective is Flying Lotus’ collaboration with hip hop golden boy Kendrick Lamar. To be heard to be believed. (Words by Jamie Coughlan)
11. Future Islands – Singles
It would be easy to diminish Future Islands to a novelty act after the enigmatic performance of frontman Samuel T. Herring during the band’s appearance on David Letterman. But, the fact of the matter is that they are far from having just one trick in their deck. They are an endearingly earnest and slightly odd group, and their latest album Singles is a masterclass in balancing emotion and catchy as all hell pop tunes. A step up from their previous efforts, Singles has been my going out album all year. And that is a coveted position, believe me. (Words by Jamie Coughlan)