This year has been a great year for music. So good in-fact, that I had no choice but to create the longest list I’ve ever compiled- with 30 entries. I’m not going to do a big spiel, everyone knows how these things work. So, instead I’ll just get started.
30. Suiyoubi no Campanella- YAKUSHIMA TREASURE
With YAKUSHIMA TREASURE, Suiyoubi no Campanella decided to drop everything that was making them hot and try something totally leftfield. A high concept EP featuring field recordings, folk, and highly ethereal soundscapes, inspired by the small island of Yakushima. It’s highly indulgent, experimental and will likely deter those who are into the group for their glossy pop tracks. Those wanting something a little different, and with the patience to put in however, will no doubt find quite a rewarding experience for their time.
29. Opeth- In Cauda Venenum
Opeth’s latest addition is indeed more of their 70s prog inspired rock, which is already a tell-tale of how you will receive this one. For me, I am enamoured by their take on the genre, and love the little surprise turns they take throughout. It’s the best example of them trying this style so far, and will (most likely to the dismay of those growl craving old-school fans) probably not be the last. It’s a fun listen, and with its two different versions (one in English, one in Swedish), will probably be a significant record in the discography of Opeth further down the track.
28. Tyler, the Creator- IGOR
Tyler, the Creator’s latest is more of an experience to be taken as a whole than a collection of bops. Songs flow in and out of each other with a real sense of journey. Amazing harmonies, a mature approach to heartbreak and loss, and a surprisingly introverted record from Tyler. It might not have been an album that I spun consistently throughout the year, but it is definitely one of the ones I found the most respect for.
27. Sleater-Kinney- The Centre Won’t Hold
Sleater-Kinney’s controversial and divisive release still is one of the stronger rock albums to come out in 2019 for me. St Vincent brought forward a new facet to the traditional rock girl sound of the band, a sheen that is quite tongue in cheek and blasé. While not every moment hit the mark on the album, those that did are extremely memorable. There is a tenderness to the album that isn’t often seen, and it will be interesting to see where the girls take it in the future. It’s a shame that it meant losing long-term drummer Janet Weiss though, and fans are still more than vocal about it. That said, if you can get past the background turmoil, listen to it for what it is, there is a great time to be had.
26. Church of the Cosmic Skill- Everyone’s Going to Die
Church of the Cosmic Skull have a pretty strange thing going on- a rock band that plays off a 70s cult like gimmick, which ‘spreads the light of the Cosmic Rainbow across this planet and beyond…’. The thing that works about the gimmick though, is that it’s so well thought out and central to the band’s sound. It also helps that they rock pretty damn hard too. This. their third record, further expands on the sounds that they have explored in previous albums- a very 70s prog/Queen-ish mashup, all played tongue in cheek, upbeat whilst brandishing a sinister underbelly. It’s very fascinating to listen to, the harmonies here are wonderful. Bizarre, perhaps insane. A welcome listen this year.
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