Best of 2019
Art of Fighting —Luna Low
In 2001, everything fell down, broken and silent. Wires, with its submerged sonar sounds, was a majestic LP that pulled me through the years. Many moons later, with Luna Low, they prove yet again that they have a sublime mastery of the aching ballad. Scar tissue remains but its still beating.
(Sandy) Alex G — House of Sugar
Make no mistake, Mr. Giannascoli is the best songwriter of our modern age. His twisted surreal poetry and musique concrete style of indie rock gives me some hope that there is something beautiful to look forward to.
Hammock — Silenica
High atop some mountain, I sat alone with friends far off in the distance. The sun dappled its rays down my back and the wind took the chill out of the air. A beautiful silence unfolded and it sounded like this album.
Chromatics — Closer to Grey
Johnny Jewel lives in a Fellini world full of icy dystopia, heartbroken women, and the gauzy feeling of coming down. Its pure cinema and a world unto itself. At its center of this fictive world is the crystalline voice of Ruth Radelet, embodying the glamour of Anita Ekberg and the heartache of Anouk Aimée.
Jay Som — Anak Ko
While not quite as tight as Everybody Works or Turn Into, this LP feels more like Melina is becoming comfortably in control of her craft. This shines with a lauryl canyon vibe making it perfect for Sunday mornings.
American Football — LP3
Utterly gorgeous record of perfect chemistry leaving everything covered in a shimmering glow. Everything glides effortlessly, the guitars, the duets, the glockenspiels lulling you into a false sense of harmony when the lyrics are anything but.
Crumb — Jinx
This band is pure mood. Everything is subdued and floats in a pocket of psychedelia. A modern American Analog Set.
Hatchie — Keepsake
Sugaree sunshine pop keeps in step with the promising start from her first EP, which I adored. None of the cuts here quite match that majesty but it's not far removed.
Westkust — Westkust
This band simply doesn’t care if Creation Records days are over. A shoegaze smoothie of JMAC, Ride, and Lush all make it so clear that there is more room to explore this well-trodden ground. I love the blitz of guitars.
