EDITORS PICKS: Top Releases of 2024 And Year-End Review
Foreword by Vero Kitsuné
Another year has gone by. 2024 has been a strange year, ending with increased tension and dread brought by the US Election results. Yet as we each carefully draw our collective breaths and try to enjoy the holiday peace before the impending storm, we also saw some revolutionary sparks and comforting reminders of goodness to be had and worth fighting for. If the mass exodus from the corrupted, oligarchic stench of the app formerly known as Twitter to the promising clear, azure space of BlueSky is any indication, a collective inner compass containing shared principles and greater moral values is truly ever present and is now spinning more wildly, more ferociously and louder than ever before. Opportunities to push back and counter against the growing tyranny and malfeasance, to rebuild and start anew, and to consciously do things better will continuously present themselves as a new, bright blue space burgeons. It is distinctively more conscious, more self-aware, more proactive and ready to fight back and defend along with its heavily gatekept walls against the permeating foul. The first to surge within this space are beloved artists, musicians, creatives, writers and great thinkers gathered not just by their passions, but also unwavering shared values - a reminder that we all still have each other. At very least, the cool ones are here.
Despite the year’s dystopian, tense tones, 2024 had gifted us with a lot of incredible music. In our own cute little corner, Absynth continues to flourish and evolve. This year we added The Laboratory, spearheaded by Bytemapper, as a space to test and review the latest developments in the world of virtual instruments, and as a new channel to connect with and serve our peers who revel in music production. We also began adding darker hues, grittier textures and heavier smoke in the spectrum of our music reviews thanks to Chris Magdalenski’s efforts in unearthing more gothic rock, post-punk, darker waves, and varying shades of metal from the deepest terrains of the underground. Karl Magi continues to hold down the neon-lit fort with his unparalleled, prolific streams of synth reviews. And I have been preoccupied with the cosmic hunt for mythological creatures across the spectrum - the hybrids, the chimeras, the unicorns, and the great krakens of our spaces who defy conventional genre norms, delivering something new and unique, who are brave enough to stand out — never bending, never conforming to any box, never blending in — and whose creative brilliance is matched by technical ingenuity and authenticity.
Without further ado, here are the Absynth Collective’s Top Picks for 2024: A mix of the most memorable and notable LPs, EPs, Singles, and Music Videos of the year that rose to the occasion.
Vero’s Picks
Dread Majesty - All The Saints Are Dead
Fresh newcomers from Colorado, Dread Majesty’s debut single “All The Saints Are Dead” completely satisfied this year’s hunt for the elusive, chimeric hybrid creature with their incredibly unique and expansive brand of gothic, avant-garde progressive metal. Their impeccable and meticulously crafted production, musical endurance and athleticism, and beautiful theatrical vocal performances and ferocious chants are absolutely beyond this world. They are just getting started, and I’m eagerly looking forward to what they deliver next.
https://youtu.be/812lZQimbSE?si=_YOyM1mtFFd2iGhI
Vision Video - Modern Horror
As one of the finest in the gothic rock, post-punk arena, Vision Video’s latest LP, “Modern Horror” showcases superb musicality and refined songwriting, balancing super catchy and memorable hooks with introspective and sensitive lyricism delivered by Dusty Gannon’s distinctively rare, “handsome” and perfectly tuned, soaring vocals. The record also carries also some of the most tasteful, lush guitar work. Under the dark glam, each song in “Modern Horror” leaves an indelible mark, carrying weight in message, painting a clear, honest picture articulated through the lens of intense life experiences that had truly seen it all.
https://visionvideo.bandcamp.com/album/modern-horror
Temporal Waves - Temporal Waves
One of the most unique projects that debuted this year, tabla and percussion maestro Shawn Mativetsky’s synth project, Temporal Waves, brilliantly fuses the organic sounds of the tabla with cinematic, neon noir synthetic soundscapes, resulting in a captivating and deeply engrossing aural exploration. Shawn’s masterful and exhilarating percussive work creates the illusion of having four hands and arms, reminiscent of the Hindu god Ganesha, who is symbolically connected to the tabla. His self-titled record also utilized analog production techniques, adding further to the authenticity of his project.
https://temporalwaves.bandcamp.com/album/temporal-waves
Kerli - Oversoul
Mesmerizing goddess-incarnate Kerli’s EP “Oversoul” carries mystical and ethereal vocal work mixed with modern trip hop beats and experimental pop sensibilities. Masterfully crafted, crossing medieval sorcery and folklore with the sounds and textures of the present and the future, “Oversoul” is extraordinarily fresh and sprawls in flavor and vibe that can easily transcend time.
https://music.youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_ng311qhNUoPPldAQXTAya9Emdp9Mf5LlI
New Wave Kill - Stitches For The Soul
Madrid-based New Wave Kill’s brand of post-punk is interwoven with the very distinct swagger of a Spanish caballero. The understated cool, smokey and stylish vibes in their debut full-length “Stitches For The Soul” are reminiscent of Nick Cave classics, vintage Americana sounds of The National and spaghetti western flicks. They also have one of the best vocals in the genre, and their songs are imbued with perceptive lyricism, memorable drops, luscious guitar work and driving percussions marked with tasty, creative fills.
https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=vJtvr5YE6Rc&list=OLAK5uy_laRGmMeUkHeh1sZg7XLP8OeA5ZFqZNgjs
Zanias - Ecdysis
A follow-up instrumental offering to her 2023 LP “Chrysalis”, Zanias’ “Ecdysis” is an aural expedition that casts off language in its ethereal vocal experimentations, consisting of psychedelic sound palettes and textures that bring bioluminescent creatures to mind. Earthbound and extraterrestrial at the same time, “Ecdysis” is a body of work that crosses dimensions, pushing the boundaries of electronic music we currently know today, and comes with a longing for a futuristic timeline filled with hope, life and rich biodiversity.
https://zanias.bandcamp.com/album/ecdysis
Circuit Preacher - Made To Burn
Reminiscent of early Nine Inch Nails and Depeche Mode, Circuit Preacher’s debut full-length “Made To Burn” is an EBM revelation that drives stakes into the heart of institutionalized evil. Marked by its feral and rebellious defiance, “Made To Burn” buttheads with sheer ferocity against the conventions of religion, complete with a stunning, wide-span vocal range and a backdrop of giant saw bass and heavy beats — the perfect record for the End of Times.
https://circuitpreacher.bandcamp.com/album/made-to-burn-2
VH X RR - Warning Signs
VH x RR maxi-single “Warning Signs” delivers their signature vibrant, crystalline synthpop in this powerful track while providing glimmers of hope as signals of dystopian prophecies turn into our present-day reality. VH X RR (Producer Von Hertzog and Rob Rowe of the 90s synthpop band Cause & Effect) are known for conjuring some of the most beautiful spectral sound treatments and electronic palettes while still maintaining infectious pop appeal, charming lyricism with hints of dark romance at the intersection of synthpop, electropop and darkwave.
https://vhxrr.bandcamp.com/album/warning-signs
Connör - The Key Of Death Minor
One of the princes of dark synth, Connör’s latest majestic full-length, “The Key of Death Minor” pushes the boundaries of dystopian cyberpunk. From haunting gothic choir elements against fast saw basses in the opening track, pop rock vocals exhibited in the track “Tearing the Wings of An Angel”, the frenetic experimental energy of “The Red Stuff”, to the nuMetal treatments found in “Fake Skin” and “Moshpit”, and the dramatic cyberpunk opera of “Never Sleep Again”, the record is a box of controlled and calculated masterful pandemonium that offers variety in its multi-faceted distribution of vibes and packs one helluva punch from start to finish.
https://connoer.bandcamp.com/album/the-key-of-death-minor
Bad Guys Get Dead - Gaia Has Fallen
A tremendous effort created over a span of a few years, Bad Guys Get Dead’s concept record “Gaia Has Fallen” is a sprawling masterwork about a starship’s survival during the darkest hours of humanity. Incorporating prog metal elements, cinematic synths and voice-over storytelling, the record brings spacewave to new exciting territories and is exemplary of the progressive, evolutionary phase and trajectory of the synthwave genre dubbed as “post-synthwave”.
https://badguysgetdead.bandcamp.com/album/gaia-has-fallen
Alpha Chrome Yayo - Home For Hitodama
Whimsical Japanese-inspired motifs and vintage nostalgia only Alpha Chrome Yayo can do with unerring devotion, “Home For Hitodama” is a delightful instrumental LP that unfolds like a sweet little origami about the souls of the dead in Japan. The record features fantastical shakuhachi flute performances and vintage koto synthesizer that borders on the mystical with every note. “Home For Hitodama” is quite the record to eat mochi balls to, while cozying up in warm colorful kimonos, and welcoming any lost kodama or yokai that may come your way.
https://alphachromeyayo.bandcamp.com/album/home-for-hitodama
Anniee - Let Her Hair Down
Anniee has began releasing the first singles for her anticipated full-length debut coming out Spring of next year. With “Let Her Hair Down”, she embarks on darker territories and psychological drama, matched with Lynchian visuals directed by synthwave’s favorite filmmaker, Brad A. Kinnan. Anniee’s brand of theatrical synthpop is marked with infectious melodies and stunning angelic vocal performances reminiscent of Sarah Brightman, delivered against a backdrop of colorful electropop palettes and shimmering sound designs co-produced with Von Hertzog.
https://youtu.be/1B2ih_RpqKs?si=-AyTr4FkEbHa1Cxf
Agnis - Antipriest
Polish witch pop artist, Agnis has started releasing a slew of singles for her upcoming record entitled “Gothess” due out at some point next year. In this new record cycle, she steps outside her usual ethereal, witchy soundscapes for a more industrialized Europop, fast saw basses, heavier beats, catchy danceable numbers, and visuals dripping in irony and cheeky humor as evident in “Antipriest.” The video and musical number follow the underground misadventures of a misbehaving clergyman, cradling his flask of “Unholy Water” in a drunken gothic club revelry. He continues to appear in every Agnis music video since his charming video debut.
https://youtu.be/OyvmRx9Gks4?si=R86A8FKF_D-Xqw3m
Extize - MediEvil
Known for their brand of unhinged, brazen camp, Franco-German gothic industrial artists Extize unveiled “MediEvil” - the first single from their upcoming concept LP and Back To The Future homage, entitled “Delorean 666”. “MediEvil” features the sampled Gregorian chants “Belial, Behemoth, Beelzebub, Asmodeus, Satanas, Lucifer” from Ghost’s track entitled “Year Zero”, but this time, draped against dark techno beats, combined with visuals of medieval knights in battle under the sensuous spell and allure of witches.
https://youtu.be/sHPLihFHW08?si=bUPck-ECejK1MgT4
Neilio and Shadowrunner - Nightmare
Guitar hero Neilio joined forces with synth maestro Shadowrunner on a horror track for Halloween this year. Yet instead of giving listeners the typical John Carpenter-esque horror synth of blood and gore, we get super chill, arpeggiated sunset vibes and visions of zombies, werewolves and evil vampires in Hawaiian shirts hanging out in neon-lit, palm-tree lined beach paradise, toasting their pineapple punch with pink flamingos driving Corvettes and Lamborghinis. This is why I absolutely love and adore Synthfam.
https://neiliomusic.bandcamp.com/track/nightmare
Odder - At The Pace Of Death
The only dark and horror synth release that leans more gothic. Odder’s use of gothic orchestra with clever, intelligent writing and compositions, glitch textures, powerful percussions, twisted bass lines, and layers upon layers of unpredictability and surprises provided a new type of elevation in the horror genre we can fully sink our fangs into. Progressive, faceted yet cohesive, “At The Pace of Death” is a meticulously crafted, action-packed journey in desolate soundscapes with several heart-stopping moments, and is one of the very few masterclasses in cinematic horror extended-play production.
Chris’ Picks
The Cure — Songs of a Lost World
I knew this album was going to be nothing short of fantastic when the opening notes of the first song “Alone” kicked in. When Smith’s iconic voice finally appeared It locked itself into my soul and hasn’t left since.
Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds — Wild God
I was a latecomer to Mr. Cave’s darkly poetic music, with 2013’s “Push The Sky Away” being my entry point. His latest release is a continuation of his off-kilter musical genius, offering the listener haunting vocals mixed with compositions that shift seamlessly from the low-key profane to the grandiose sacred.
C Z A R I N A — Empire
I’ve been a huge fan of CZARINA’s artistry since her first major release “Painted Holograms” in 2018. To me “Empire” is more than an album, it’s a journey into the farthest reaches of time and space. As far as I’m concerned she’s Cybergoth’s Bowie.
https://czarinaofficial.bandcamp.com/album/empire-deluxe
Cemetery Skyline — Nordic Gothic
This album is near flawless. Every song is the perfect balance of the powerful and the melodic. Its unmistakable influences are the goth-rock bands of the 80’s, with a healthy dose of the now infused in its DNA. Not much else to say other than this album will be in heavy rotation for some time.
https://centurymedia.bandcamp.com/album/nordic-gothic-24-bit-hd-audio
Graywave — Dancing in the Dust
They’re Dark. They’re Heavy. Their song are dripping with pitch black ambiance. If you like your goth infused with a bit of melodic metal influence this album is for you. Singer Jess Webberley’s vocals are haunting and beautiful.
https://graywaveuk.bandcamp.com/album/dancing-in-the-dust
Black Angel — Elektra
With “Elektra” Goth/Post Punk rockers Black Angel have produced an album that truly pays homage to goth greats of the past like Bauhaus, Sisters of Mercy and The Damned. Every song on the album is a black-clad banger.
https://blackangelmusic.bandcamp.com/album/elektra
Cruce Signatus — Cruce Signatus
Cruce Signatus’ first release is epic synth at it finest. The four-song concept album mixes synthwave vibes with prog metal to create ever intensifying soundscapes that defy convention. This is an epic story told through song, but once you give the album a listen, you should check out the accompanying YouTube video.
https://crucesignatus.bandcamp.com/album/cruce-signatus
Cloud People — Simulacra
This six-piece band from Norway is pushing the bounds of electronic music in new directions. Fusing the now classic synthwave elements with those of improvisational jazz and rock bands, this album is an absolutely refreshing listen.
https://cloudpeople1.bandcamp.com/album/simulacra
Alex — Now You Know My Name
Alex hasn’t disappointed yet, and this most recent release is no exception. These songs are pure dark, danceable dystopia. Go out for a drive at midnight in a near empty city and crank it. I promise you won’t be disappointed.
https://alexofficial.bandcamp.com/album/now-you-know-my-name
Windows96 — Yes Da Da Da
Brilliant and quirky, Windows96 newest release is a joy to listen to. Deep textures and complex melodies take you on a trip to a cyber lounge of chill. This is my go to album when I need to unplug and destress.
Karl’s Picks
Caspro – Coastal Edge
Caspro’s Coastal Edge captures the essence of the ocean through rich, layered synth sounds that evoke vivid seascapes. The album transitions seamlessly between serene aquamarine moments, powerful tidal energy and tranquil sunlit shallows. Caspro’s mastery of auditory imagery shines as he creates intricate sonic tapestries that transport listeners to peaceful and dynamic marine vistas.
The album’s beauty lies in its nuanced melodies and lush textures, crafted through well-chosen synth combinations and contributions from guest performers. These collaborations add depth, complexity and emotional resonance, creating microtonal moments that engage and captivate. Caspro's compositions allow listeners to relax, roam mentally and immerse themselves in the oceanic atmosphere.
https://caspromusic.bandcamp.com/album/coastal-edge
Hill Valley Hero – Electric Outlands
Hill Valley Hero’s Electric Outlands offers a cinematic, adventure-filled journey through vividly layered synthscapes. The album blends intricate melodies, evocative synth sounds and stellar guest performances, creating a dynamic and dramatic listening experience.
Hill Valley Hero's storytelling prowess is evident in the music’s ability to elicit vivid imagery of exploration and action. The melodies are emotionally impactful and contribute to the narrative’s cinematic quality. The carefully chosen instrumental layers and synth sounds weave together a rich sonic tapestry with each element enhancing the album's emotional and visual storytelling. The guest performers add further depth and variety, elevating the music’s overall complexity and engagement.
https://hillvalleyhero.bandcamp.com/album/electric-outlands
At 1980 – Forget to Remember
At 1980’s Forget to Remember is a heartfelt retrowave album that channels the emotional depth of '80s music without relying on clichés. Its standout features include strong musicianship, emotive vocals and rich production, creating an experience that is both nostalgic and refreshingly original.
The album’s collaborators, including vocalists Josh Daily and others, deliver deeply moving performances, while the production by Adrián Quesada Michelena creates lush, layered soundscapes. The songs explore themes of melancholy and warmth with melodies that resonate deeply and convey heartfelt emotion. Each track captures unique moods, ensuring the album connects profoundly with its audience.
Full Eclipse – In Place Of Power
Full Eclipse’s In Place Of Power delivers emotionally resonant songwriting paired with a rich, complex musical backdrop. The album explores human experiences with poetic, introspective lyrics that delve into emotional contradictions and difficult ideas.
Full Eclipse's distinctive vocal style adds depth to the themes, his voice resonating with uncertainty and emotion, drawing listeners into the lyrical narratives. The musical arrangements complement the songs' atmospheres with Michael W. Stuart's saxophone performances standing out as particularly evocative, enhancing the album's emotional power.
https://fulleclipse.bandcamp.com/album/in-place-of-power
JESSY MACH – Asphalt Reapers
JESSY MACH’s Asphalt Reapers is a cinematic musical narrative set in a dystopian city, blending tense, dark atmospheres with moments of hope. The story of rebellion against corruption unfolds through detailed soundscapes, expressive guitar work and layered synth textures.
Jesse Mach’s guitar playing is a highlight, combining emotional intensity, technical skill and rhythmic precision. The album’s layered synths create vivid, engaging auditory contrasts that deepen the storytelling. Each listen reveals new details, making Asphalt Reapers a richly rewarding experience.
https://jessymach.bandcamp.com/
Electron Odyssey – Citizen Generator
Electron Odyssey’s Citizen Generator is an instrumental exploration of layered synth textures, engaging melodies and thought-provoking themes. The album features lush, cohesive soundscapes enhanced by Electron Odyssey’s fluid and expressive guitar work.
The intricate layering of unique synth tones creates a captivating listening experience. The guitar adds richness to the compositions, blending seamlessly with the synth elements. Thematically, tracks like “Technology” encourage reflection on humanity's relationship with innovation, combining intellectual depth with musical allure.
https://electronodyssey.bandcamp.com/album/citizen-generator-album
Hotel Pools – Nature
Hotel Pools’ Nature is a tranquil, ambient synth album that invites quiet reflection and relaxation. Its carefully crafted soundscapes inspire peaceful, meditative moods tinged with nostalgia and gentle melancholy.
Short yet cohesive tracks flow seamlessly, creating layered, textured imagery reminiscent of serene natural moments. Guest artists contribute depth and richness, blending their styles with Hotel Pools’ soothing compositions. Nature is a tender, contemplative journey through the softer side of the natural world.
https://hotelpoolsmusic.bandcamp.com/album/nature
Michael Angelaux – Young & Restless
Michael Angelaux’s Young & Restless channels the drama and passion of 1980s soap operas through powerful vocals, evocative lyrics and lush instrumental arrangements. The album creates a vivid and entertaining atmosphere, immersing listeners in its emotional intensity.
Michael Angelaux’s versatile, expressive voice captures a wide spectrum of feelings from anguish to sensuality and delivers them with clarity and impact. His lyrical prowess shines in the album's intricate wordplay and imagery, making the lyrics as engaging as the music itself. The melodies and harmonies amplify the album's evocative 1980s-inspired mood, enriching the listening experience.
https://michaelangelaux.bandcamp.com/album/young-restless
Hirobleep – My Own Reality
Hirobleep’s My Own Reality is a serene, meditative journey through soothing synth soundscapes. The album combines gentle textures, delicate melodies and a tranquil ambiance to create a deeply calming and immersive experience.
Hirobleep’s carefully chosen synth tones, enhanced by classic jazz organ and piano elements, call forth warmth and comfort. The hypnotic melodies relax the listener while maintaining engagement, offering a perfect balance of focus and peace. The album’s ability to induce a meditative state makes it an effective escape from life’s stresses, providing both mental clarity and relaxation.
https://hirobleep.bandcamp.com/album/my-own-reality
Cat Temper – Still Just a Cat in a Rage
Cat Temper’s Still Just a Cat in a Rage is an adventurous and playful album that blends progressive influences with inventive synth work and dynamic compositions. The album showcases Cat Temper's ability to craft complex, multilayered soundscapes filled with surprising and quirky sonic elements.
The album’s appeal lies in its intricate synth layering, which creates constantly shifting textures and captivating sound combinations. Cat Temper’s playful experimentation and the emotional shifts within each track—from gentle moments to bursts of energy—add depth and keep the music engaging. The artist’s control over the balance of chaos and cohesion further elevates the listening experience.
https://cattemper.bandcamp.com/album/still-just-a-cat-in-a-rage
GammaFlow – Gaia
GammaFlow’s Gaia is a serene, immersive journey through lush synth textures and tranquil soundscapes. The album explores delicate emotions and imagery through meticulously layered synths and contributions from guest artists who add depth and diversity to the music.
The atmospheric focus of Gaia stands out with its flowing, pastel-hued tones evoking peace and introspection. GammaFlow’s thoughtful sound design combines fragile high tones with rich bass elements, creating tracks that are both soothing and intricate. The collaborative efforts on the album enhance its richness while maintaining a cohesive, harmonious vision.
https://gammaflow.bandcamp.com/album/gaia
Jetfire Prime – THEY
Jetfire Prime’s THEY delivers a haunting and cinematic synth experience, reminiscent of classic horror films. The album blends eerie atmospheres with evocative melodies, creating a darkly entertaining and chilling auditory adventure.
The moody, brooding ambiance of THEY is its most striking feature, as Jetfire Prime’s inventive synth textures build a sense of creeping tension and unease. The melodic writing enhances the storytelling aspect of the music, evoking strong emotional and visual responses. Each synth choice deepens the album’s horror-inspired, cinematic quality.
https://jetfireprime.bandcamp.com/album/they
Max Cruise – Sunrises
Max Cruise’s Sunrises is a soulful, nostalgia-infused album featuring masterful performances, strong songwriting and heartfelt melodies. The blend of jazz solos, expressive vocals, and vibrant synth layers creates a warm, emotionally rich listening experience.
The album showcases outstanding musical performances, including Max Cruise’s soulful saxophone and intricate guitar work by Cam Blokland. Nostalgia is balanced with sincerity, capturing both the warmth and wistfulness of memory. The layered synths and lyrical melodies, combined with inspired solos, give Sunrises depth and a sense of joy that resonates throughout.
BYTEMAPPER’S PICKS
I’ll admit this is my first time doing a year-end round up when it comes to any sort of releases. I’ll also readily admit I’ve not listened to my fair share of the latest electronic music releases. That said, it’s been a banner year of sorts when it comes to what I tapped into musically. While I am certainly guilty of lounging too long in areas of nostalgia, these releases had at least something to catch the ear and the mind.
BADBADNOTGOOD and Tim Bernardes - Poeira Cosmica
Up first is a single, but one of the finest I’ve heard in a long while. Peoria Cosmica is evocative of the halcyon years of Stan Getz, Joao Gilberto, and all the other bossanova greats. There is enough of a psychedelic tinge to it that it immediately catches the attention. What you’re left with is another must-listen in the BADBADNOTGOOD oeuvre.
https://badbadnotgoodofficial.bandcamp.com/track/poeira-cosmica
Night Tapes - To Be Free
The creative force behind Night Tapes are people after my own heart. A wash of reverb lurks beneath this song, acting as its own instrument of sorts. Night Tapes have been a marvel when it comes to the independent synth pop scene, and their latest is more of the same. It doesn’t quite have the same hook as previous singles like Selene, Human, or Forever. Still, this one saw plenty of play in the car.
https://nighttapesmusic.bandcamp.com/track/to-be-free
Kowloon and Louie Rubio - Your Name
My ears perked up when I heard the latest from Kowloon. Kowloon itself has always seemed to be a project at odds with the current trends in indie. The style is more akin to the heyday of bands like Arcade Fire rather than the big names today. There’s a tinge of 70s garage rock nostalgia intermingling with 2000s indie sensibility. It might lack innovation, at least going by the purists in the indie scene, it more than makes up for it with a heavy dose of sincerity.
https://kowloonkowloon.bandcamp.com/track/your-name
Hammock - From the Void
I wouldn’t be me without at least a little ambient on a list. Hammock has been a long-time favorite, and their latest is more of the same. Strings soar, and layers of sound weave together to create a tapestry for the ears. There’s plenty of music to drive to on the market today, but this is one best reserved for a chilly evening and something warm to drink.
https://hammock.bandcamp.com/album/from-the-void
HOMESHAKE - Horsie
HOMESHAKE have been one of my personal standouts from the bedroom pop movement. Twinkling synth melodies, squelching resonant basses, and a smattering of digital processing give this a decidedly 90s home studio vibe. Production is lush throughout while still maintaining a groove and soul at the heart of it all. It’s the perfect soundtrack for a date night.
https://homeshake.bandcamp.com/album/horsie
Robohands - Thermae
This could’ve crawled right out of the 1960s cool jazz scene with us being none the wiser. Thermal is a stellar single from UK act Robohands and one that has received an exhausting amount of playtime on my end. I don’t have much to say, but if you dig jazz, give this a listen. It isn’t quite as self-indulgent as many of the current jazz releases by old stalwarts of the genre.
https://robohands.bandcamp.com/album/thermae
Miles Davis Quintet: The Bootleg Series, Vol. 8 - Miles in France 1963 & 1964
Yeah, I know, recent releases and all that. This is new, releasing this year as part of a continuing bootleg series of the Miles Davis Quintets performances throughout the last 70 years or so. This is a wonderful live recording, sounding downright uncanny to a studio pressing of the era. Differing interpretations of classics like “So What”, “Autumn Leaves”, and “My Funny Valentine”.
https://music.youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_m1Ig-vJukbjMWUd_1oUL7dEBRAvaNl9jg
Tyler the Creator - CHROMAKOPIA
I’ve kept an eye and ear on Tyler the Creator since the early days of Odd Future. His latest continues down the same path taken by IGOR. Production is top notch, but something about this release just didn’t captivate me. All the old hallmarks of Tyler’s production style are shown, the abrupt key changes, the RnB and Gospel tinged musical influences, and so forth. Fine release, but I didn’t catch myself going back for multiple repeat listens.
https://music.youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_lXfobdFVDhci6mn7_TKHTrvKECta6GTIo
Khruangbin - A LA SALA
Khruangbin is something of an acquired taste for me. I’ll resonate with some of their releases while others just leave me cold. A LA SALA is thankfully in the former camp. Stand outs like “May Ninth” and “Hold Me Up (Thank You)” elevate the album, but it’s a wonderful listen throughout. They don’t truly make them like this these days.
https://khruangbin.bandcamp.com/album/a-la-sala
Joesef - Borderline
I’ll readily admit that I don’t care for 99% of Borderline. I’ve got nothing against Josef as an artist, but I found most of the release to be a forgettable indie release. What elevates this release is “It’s Been a Little Heavy Lately”, a catchy and infectious dance pop song with one of the most memorable hooks I’ve heard in recent years.
https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=-XwiRmYLeZQ
Nilufer Yanya - My Method Actor
My Method Actor by Nilufer Yanya is arguably my favorite release of 2024. I return to “Keep on Dancing”, “Like I Say (Runaway), and “Call It Love” pretty much daily at this point. My Method Actor meshes together more modern pop sensibilities with synth tinges and lush effects processing with the likes of traditional indie guitar work. It works in spades, go listen, you won’t regret it.
https://niluferyanya.bandcamp.com/album/my-method-actor
Charli XCX - BRAT
I did get caught up in the hype of BRAT Summer, if only for a moment. BRAT is a fine release, calling back to the 2000s and 2010s with the cutting synth lines and downright choppy stutters heard on some songs. Interestingly, I have a lot of trouble remembering many of the songs aside from “Apple”. Still, if I was a bit younger, I imagine this would dominate my thinking and personal listening. Stellar dance record, but not something I’ll see myself revisiting with steady frequency in the next six months.
https://music.youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_kmzoSOa_tCizE-r4sweNz91d9qBv1UCVY
