Baltimore natives, Future Islands hit a home run on their 7th full-length LP; An album of propulsive synth pop-come-indie rock that provides an anthemic backdrop for the distinctive and theatrical performances of growling frontman, Samuel T. Herring.
Traces of Post-Punk, Krautrock and New-Wave can be unearthed as clear influences throughout the record and whether in the band’s frenetic energy or in the whimsical romanticism of Herring’s lyrics, the influence of bands such as Joy Division, Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark and Kraftwerk can often be keenly felt. As heartbreak albums go, it’s not one for wallowing though it is unquestionably imbued with a sizeable pang of nostalgia and melancholy, and it’s in that subtle push and pull between uplift and sadness that the magic of Future Islands can really flourish!
The debut album from the former black midi frontman is exactly everything you'd expect from Geordie Greep (in the best way possible)—bold, ambitious, and unapologetically out there. It’s a wild mashup of blues, jazz, Brazilian grooves, and funk that somehow works perfectly. The New Sound isn’t just music—it’s both a journey and an experience. Blink and you’ll miss something incredible, so trust us when we say you’ll want to stay locked in for every second of this weird and wonderful record.
On A Firmer Hand, a darker and more introspective Hamish Hawk emerges, both musically and thematically, as he delves into topics previously kept beneath the surface.
With a dry wit and keen observations, Hawk’s distinctive lyricism shines, blending cultural and literary references to articulate his layered experiences and complex relationships with the men in his life.
Musically, A Firmer Hand spans a wide spectrum, from the charged intensity of "Machiavelli's Room" to the intimate, stripped-down ballad "Christopher St." Backed by a layer of percussive, low-octave piano drones combined with the support of his band, this album captures Hawk at his most reflective and self-aware.
We may not have been blessed with much sunshine this year, but Pull the Rope provided the much needed [metaphorical] sun through the sheer hope and joy that emanates from this record.
A high-energy electronic masterpiece with standout basslines reminiscent of the best of the genre - think LCD Soundsystem or Charlotte Adigery & Bolis Pupul's Topical Dancer.
TANGK is the sound of an already incredible band reaching a whole other level. An album littered with moments of genuine fragility and vulnerability while maintaining the band’s signature ferocity, with the all-star production duo of Kenny Beats and Nigel Godrich guiding the project into thrilling sonic territories.
(Also, POP POP POP is one of the best tracks released by a guitar band over the last five years).
Almost 10 years since his debut solo album, Jamie xx dropped In Waves - an electronic album made for the dancefloor, polished with even bigger production than his first. Filled with A-list features with the likes of Robyn, John Glacier, Panda Bear and his xx bandmates Oliver Sim and Romy. Unlike his debut, In Waves stays vibrant throughout and provides consistent 3am club vibes with banger after banger. The long-awaited 2nd LP from Jamie xx once again showcases his unique ability to give the listener obvious samples with such sophistication and production genius - (listen to 'Daffodil' for the perfect example of this).
Arguably Jessica Pratt's strongest album yet, Here In The Pitch is lush, dreamy and chock full of beautiful melodies.
The album continues to expand the world Pratt has created over her last few albums, with a folksy, 60s feel ever-present, and her trademark nylon string guitar strums a constant, but this time it's just BIGGER and decidedly cinematic. There are so many spectacular musical moments across the record - the bossa nova feel of 'By Hook Or By Crook', the dramatic reverb laden 'rat-a-tat' drums on opener 'Life Is' that struts like a Phil Spector wall-of-sound masterpiece, string flourishes here and horn blasts there that are just lovely touches that paint pictures. But really it's all about that voice; it's a constant that fails to lose interest. Mysterious, always hidden behind a lair of reverb, but entrancing and ultimately beautiful.
At 9 tracks the record doesn't overstay it's welcome, but it's a perfect exercise in distillation. There's no filler here, and you're certainly left wanting more. Let's hope it's not another 5 years!
Glasgow Eyes is the much-anticipated product of The Jesus and Mary Chain's enduring approach to songwriting, which, according to Jim Reid, has remained unchanged since 1984. At its core, this ethos—"turning up to the studio and seeing what happens"—is the very thing that has cemented the band's importance within Scottish music culture and beyond. This record, with its melodic, industrial, and fuzzy sound, embodies the classic JAMC vibe, now enhanced by modern production.
There’s an undeniable musicianship within Glasgow’s hottest septet - displayed by the stunning debut album, Ceremony.
Recorded live-to-tape at the legendary Rockfield Studios, with songwriting sensibilities reminiscent of 60s psychedelia and americana, there’s a chanson quality to their storytelling. Featuring a vocal duo of rasp and melancholia, the instrumentation and vocals melt seamlessly leaving a lasting and unforgettable impression.
Going through a prolific period of dropping stellar albums, JPEGMAFIA continues to impress. In his latest offering, the rapper leans towards being a bit more concise and conventional all whilst displaying how wild an artist he has always been. The album is built around huge guitar solos, riffs and blown out drum beats - a fusion that fans will feel comfortable with but also feels specifically like his own thing.
With the standard set so high in amongst his catalog, JPEGMAFIA once again affirms his position as one of the most bold and exciting voices in rap right now.
Monophonics frontman Kelly Finnigan returned with his second solo album A Lover Was Born in the latter half of the year and it did not disappoint. Drenched in Northern and psychedelic soul with an infusion of hip-hop rhythms and boom bap beats, the album has an endless amount of groove and feel - as if you’re listening to the band perform the songs in real time. A real favourite on the shop turntable!
The 4th studio album from the Welsh electronic mastermind (her debut on new label dh2) is a dreamy and ambient collection that sees Owens explore new soundscapes to create a cohesive record full of euphoric dance tracks and melodies.
Dreamstate is hypnotic, atmospheric and embodies Kelly Lee Owens' newfound sense of freedom on a continuous journey of self-discovery and transformation.
Considering her vast catalogue of work with Pixies, The Breeders and others, and monumental influence on generations of musicians, it’s hard to believe that Nobody Loves You More is Kim Deal’s first full-length album under her own name.
It comes at a time in her life when she’s ready to reflect on the past, calling on friends and contemporaries to tell her story. Ex-Breeders including twin sister Kelley Deal lend a hand, Teenage Fanclub’s Raymond McGinley and members of Savages make welcome appearances, and the late Steve Albini is behind the boards on powerful closer A Good Time Pushed.
It’s everything you’d want from such a long-awaited debut - intimate, playful, dreamy, and scuzzy in all the right places. The real Deal.
The explosive rise of North of Ireland hip hop trio Kneecap was one of the most welcome surprises of 2024, and their Toddla T-produced debut Fine Art is a noisy, glitchy, aggressive yet hilarious insight into the trio's multifaceted relationship with their homeland.
Mo Chara and Móglaí Bap's lyrics switch from side-splitting to thought-provoking, realist to absurdist, as quickly as they do from English to Gaelic. It's satire of the highest order, which both mocks and celebrates the culture the band grew up in, and may even prove to be a watershed moment within it.
The Last Dinner Party’s debut album Prelude to Ecstasy set a high benchmark at the start of the year for album contenders. This record is grand, refined and invigorating and gripping at every turn. The tracks are diverse but also flow beautifully throughout, between the musical theatre inspired tracks to the indie pop themed anthems there is something for everyone! Stand out songs from this album include Burn Alive, The Feminine Urge, Sinner and, of course, Nothing Matters.
A perfectly timed Autumn release, Patterns in Repeat is a record which feels like a warm hug, a home-cooked meal and a snow-covered walk home from midnight mass all at once. Laura Marling truly is the queen of proving that simplicity is sometimes all that is needed to conjure the deepest emotions. The concept of simplicity remains a key lyrical theme, too, with songs like 'Child of Mine' and 'Lullaby' narrating the simplistic maternal observations of domestic life following the birth of her first daughter.
A sole nylon-string acoustic guitar is the primary driver of the album, with layers of delicate string arrangements peaking during its most potent moments, creating emotional crescendos before delivering you safely back inside the comfort of Marling's home.
The latter half of the year brought us the return of everyone’s favourite modern R&B/soul king, Leon Bridges, with what he describes as his most personal record to date. An immersive masterpiece, Leon has the unique ability to transport the listener to the recording studio with its live feel and silky smooth delivery, acting as a sonic snapshot of the places that have shaped him.
11 years since his last studio album, LL COOL J brings us The Force. The hip-hop icon has been somewhat active with features and acting roles in recent years but has been seen as a retired veteran in the genre's community. However, far past his “hey day" (definitely not our opinion), LL still oozes bags of charisma, endless style and heaps of energy.
Teaming up with Q-Tip on production, the duo release an album which completely goes against the current curve or modern day hip-hop releases: no trendy features from unexpected artists, no autotune and no afrobeats.
It's unfiltered hip hop which clearly states that he’s back for the love of the game.
The Glasgow three piece you need to know about - LYLO - released their infectious album Thoughts of Never and firmly made their place in the albums of the year. Produced by Joel Patchett (King Krule, The Orielles) between Glasgow and Berlin, it’s a perfectly-fractured and wonky fusion of R&B, cinematic melancholia and neo-soul. With features from Cassandra Jenkins and Esmé Dee of The Orielles, LYLO craft the perfect bed of ambient pads and rolling bass lines to sit under Mitch’s buttery vocals. A must listen for fans of Sade, Eddie Chacon, John Carroll Kirby and The Blue Nile.
Glasgow alt noise-rock duo Man Of Moon’s 2nd full-length is filled with psychedelic noise, melting melodies and drums that will get under your skin. We adore this band with all our heart, and have been secretly spoon feeding you these singles in store for months.
Drawing inspiration from Krautrock and psychedelia, Machinism sees the band expand their horizons further and further, making it pretty much impossible not to get lost in this album.
