The Faves: 10 Albums of 2024
We listened to a lot of music from independent artists this year. We promise. And while we can’t listen to everything that gets released, we make a real effort. These are the 10 albums that we had in heavy rotation.
all under heaven - What Lies Ahead Of Me
New Jersey’s all under heaven has a way of tapping into the inner core. On their debut album’s opening track “Alone As Ever” a sample from The X-Files vocalizes the realization that we are, at the end of everything, alone. That sentiment is explored by band members Nick DeFabritus, Michael Cucci, Aaron Brenner and Jake Rubin. However, DeFabritus’ desire for a more collaborative process while making What Lies Ahead of Me turns that loneliness into seeking comfort from those around us as we make our way, leading all under heaven to make some of their best work to date. Read our interview with all under heaven.
Asi Kemera - Do Your Angels Start To Sing
New York based songwriter/vocalist Asi Kemera creates lush and expansive environments on her debut. Her voice softly hangs above alternative textures, indicative of her influences The Sundays and Stereolab. We see her playing with feedback and distortion, just enough that it creates an untouchable and almost spiritual texture.
Been Stellar - Scream From New York, NY
There’s a constant tension across Been Stellar’s debut Scream From New York, NY, reflecting the city’s energy. We get stories of anonymous New Yorkers. The songs are documented moments, from casual niceties to tales of survival. All with the buzzing enthusiasm of Been Stellar’s musical prowess.
Gouge Away - Deep Sage
It’s an album that almost didn’t happen, but we’re glad it did. Deep Sage is an example of a band pulling together after falling apart. It begins with the brutal “Stuck in a Dream,” a song about finding yourself stuck in an endless nightmare loop, questioning whether things can get better. At the end of the record, we get “Dallas,” an emotional plea for overcoming one’s own downfall. The songs are pure catharsis in the way only a band that has gone through some shit can make.
Honeyglaze - Real Deal
London indie rockers Honeyglaze translate emotion into action on their sophomore record Real Deal. With full-on boxing garb, the trio takes the ring. Honeyglaze uses winding riffs, climbing bass lines and war declaring drums on “Hide.” They detail the end of a relationship on “Ghost” and refuse to take shit from men on “Don’t.” Throughout the album the band offers a pause, provided as moments of reflection. Enough time to hydrate, wipe your brow and mentally prepare for the next round of hits.
M Wagner - We Could Stay
Some of us listen to electronic music to get lost in the sounds. Whether M Wagner purposefully crafted We Could Stay with the intention of helping us escape reality, he achieves it in roughly 40 minutes. From the opening Stravinsky sampled techno of “Release Yourself” to the pulsing kick drum and distorted textures of “Never Gone,” Wagner’s compositions push us into a colorful vortex, showing us that being in his world can be more beautiful and just as complex as our own.
Mannequin Pussy - I Got Heaven
We talk a lot about resilience as a culture. We’re expected to go through hardships and then rise above. But it’s in those moments of vulnerability that we’re at our strongest. From fantasizing about a deep connection with a crush (“I Don’t Know You”) to showing your teeth (“Loud Bark”), I Got Heaven is about holding your own. It’s looking within for the realest version of yourself and sharing that with others.
The Narcotix - Dying
Esther Quansah and Becky Foinchas, the duo behind The Narcotix, dig into the subconscious on their debut Dying. Alongside Adam Turay (guitar), Jesse Heasly and Matt Bent (drums), the pair creates a world of possibilities and outcomes–some playful, others frightening. Through their use of children’s songs and haunting harmonies, The Narcotix turns despair into hope and then madness, all sparking a curiosity within the listener, leaving us with the question: What happens next?
Polevaulter - Hang Wave
In our review of Polevaulter’s debut Hang Wave, we wrote that the band “creates soundscapes reminiscent of sonic fireworks (“Trend”), and the distant cries of screaming ghosts (“Pissed in the Baths”). Hang Wave easily soundtracks the end of days.” Jon Franz and Daniel Wearmouth tracked the album live, a testament to their versatility. The imagery in their lyrics is just as powerful as their beats.
Whitelands - Night-bound Eyes Are Blind To The Day
As a spectator, it’s easy to imagine London-based Whitelands quickly going from a bedroom project to a critically acclaimed band. Yet the band’s hard work, starting with vocalist Etienne Quartey’s bedroom produced 4-track 2018 release Old News, culminates in their debut album Night-bound Eyes Are Blind To The Day. Over shoegaze textures, Whitelands succinctly captures the frantic experience of a collapsing postmodern world. The album, mastered by Slowdive drummer Simon Scott, encompasses the singles “Setting Sun”and “How It Feels,” next to the collaboration with deary vocalist Dottie, “Tell Me About It.”
Other noteworthy albums:
Chat Pile - Cool World
Docile Bodies - Light Will Come Our Way
Future Nobodies - Future Nobodies
Public Circuit - Lamb
Urban Heat - The Tower
We Hate You Please Die - Chamber Songs