I think everything is relative. She’s not a massive artist (but definitely a fucking wonderful one), but I’ve seen a lot of praise across the web for this album, so I guess in my head I sort of internally disqualified her for this thread, which I sort of had down as ‘stuff not many people know or talked about’.
That said, it’s a bloody great album, and more people should be listening to it.
William Tyler-esque with some more traditional folk near the end (which I don’t think breaks the mood) - listened to it today while bog hopping and earlier this month while crossing the south side of the Yorkshire Dales. Heartily recommended.
A lot has been covered in here, but I really enjoyed Svalbard - ‘it’s hard to have hope’ this year. Lyrically it was right on point and musically its cracking. Furious delivery, and reminded of Shikari in places (if they had slowed down occasionally) which is always good. Screamo/Post-hardcore whatever.
Got to give a mention to Thou also. Magus was spectacular but feel like i’m still digesting it, however Rhea Sylvia is a stone wall classic (yea its an ep so what). The second side is my most listened to run of three songs this year, and probably favourite of the year. Sludge-Grunge (Slunge?)
That Boy Genius album is in with a shout also - just not had enough time with it yet but it sounds great. Fell for Julien Baker in a big way this year.
I would like to add a Hungarian artist’s recent record to the list. I think it would be a shame if this album of mïus would remain within the borders of my country. I want more people to hear about this project because it is an extremely professional work and high quality music. If you are into electronic music and want to hear some atmospheric and mesmerizing tracks (some of them are instrumental, some of them are with wonderful vocalists from Hungary and Poland) that are mixed with classical and unusual instruments, do not hesitate to spin “Twentytwo 22” by mïus at least once before you’re making your end of year lists.
Spotlight on tracks “Aureola” and “Heavy Heart” for me.
I’m hugely fond of the new Stuart A. Staples record; seems it might’ve flown under the radar a little, but it’s definitely in my top 10 of the year. The ending 30-minute track is gorgeous, with a lovely In A Silent Way mood I find irresistible.
Would strongly recommend Ingrid Plum’s album / project Taut. Basically Ingrid interprets and performs scores by an array of sound artists, experimental musicians, visual artists etc.
The scores are presented in a book that is the album w/download, so you can see what she’s working from, which I find super interesting especially as the scores are so variee. Ingrid’s amazinflg vocals lead most pieces, but also electronics, tape-twisting, loops, singing bowl drones etc. It’s cool!