Iko Dazed and Confused EP (Indie Rock) 9/10
Unfortunately the Soundcloud track has been removed, but you can listen to some excepts from this EP on their homepage.
Iko's previous album, Ludo Says Hi, is amongst my favourites, and this EP provides an exciting taste of next year's full length. Their profile's been raised considerably by the inclusion of Heart of Stone in a recent Twilight film, and I find this emotional, melodic rock moving and inspiring.
Tom Odell Songs From Another Love EP (Singer Songwriter) 9/10
Tom Odell's just won the Critic's Choice Brit Award and he's been nominated for the BBC Sound of 2013. The 23 year old has recently supported Jake Bugg, and on the evidence of these 4 tracks has a raw, emotional voice, although he's classically trained. He's been compared to Jeff Buckley and is clearly on the cusp of a breakthrough.
The Weeknd Trilogy (R&B) 9/10
The three mix tapes making up Trilogy were released during 2011, yet this year's remastering increases its sonic impact. Abel Tesfay has denied being on a mission to save R&B, but the blend of styles feels innovative, and creates a sensual mood. Listened to as a whole, the weakest album, Thursday, makes more sense, and there's an almost operatic breadth to the project.
Crystal Castles III (Electronic) 9/10
Arguably, this doesn't advance Crystal Castles' language significantly, but its fractured electronic sounds are evocative of the joy of a dance tent at a festival. It stretches conventional boundaries, and if you submit, you're taken on a journey away from the real world to a place of free expression.
Passenger All The Little Lights (Singer Songwriter) 8.5/10
Mike Rosenberg is reminiscent of Ed Sheeran in his delivery, with a folky vibe. The lyrics reveal his sense of humour and his characterful voice and gift for melody reveals a real talent. It's no surprise to reveal that he funded his first album in 2010 through busking: I suspect he's captivating live.
Anais Mitchell Young Man in American (Folk) 8.5/10
Your reaction to this album will depend on how you perceive Anais' unusual voice: it's a light, nasal soprano, somewhat affected. There's no doubting the Vermont folk singer's song writing ability however, and after initial doubts about that voice, I've come to love this deeply thoughtful album. The cover picture is of her father, a writer.
Kendrick Lamar Good Kid (Hip Hop) 8.5/10
I don't often gravitate towards hop hop, but this widely acclaimed album from LA is exceptional. It's an autobiographical story: you can read an analysis of each song here. It features guest slots by star rappers and has a cinematic sweep, reaching a climax in m.A.A.d city. The delivery is virtuosic.
BOY Mutual Friends (Indie Pop) 8.5/10
There will be some who find this music too commercial and safe, but the Swiss German female duo are utterly charming. There's a Feist like gift for melody and harmony, and they will have your feet tapping. Energy comes from the instrumentals, drums and guitars, and occasionally violins and brass.
Matisyahu Spark Seeker (World Pop) 8/10
Here's a blend of cultures: the Jewish singer blends hip hop, reggae and electronic music in an accessible pop format. A times, he's moved too far towards the mainstream on this album, but Israeli instruments give a distinctive flavour, and the middle eastern beats support values of love and peace.
Terraplane Sun Friends EP (Indie Pop) 8/10
This Californian quintet combine elements of soul, Brit pop and folksy blues into an optimistic, summery six tracks. The hooks are catchy and the production reveals some unexpected sounds such as trombone along with Hammond organ. Infectiously upbeat.
Fossil Collective On and On EP (Indie Folk) 8/10
I recently saw Fossil Collective supporting The Civil Wars and their British pop folk will appeal to Bon Iver fans and Fleet Foxes devotees. It isn't the most demanding music perhaps, but the harmonies and acoustic instruments are as lovely as you might hope. This EP augers well for 2013's debut full length.
Rachel Zeffira The Deserters (Singer Songwriter) 8/10
Like Agnes Obel, this classically trained singer makes almost too beautiful, polite music for die hard rock fans to appreciate initially. The instrumentation includes flute and strings, reminiscent of faux romantic film music, and too syrupy for die hard classical fans too. But this is intended to be impressionist, feminine and pretty, so it's wise to leave any preconceptions behind and enjoy the beauty. Unfortunately her record company, clueless about music discovery, won't let me share more than the briefest of clips with you, so you'll have to take my word that it's worth buying.
Ellen & The Escapades All The Crooked Scenes (Indie Folk) 8/10
The Leeds based group will appeal to fans of Mumford and Sons, which may explain why this album has been criticised for its lack of intellectual rigour. Yet, Ellen's characterful voice and the charming melodies lift their debut album above mediocrity, and there's no doubting its fun. There's as much an influence of Americana as English folk, and it will have your feet stomping as you sing along.
Rose Cousins We Have Made A Spark (Singer Songwriter) 8/10
As an interview explains, this rootsy album was recorded in Boston with the help of Kickstarter. It has a melancholy feel as she sings 'you can't keep the darkness out' on the track I've chosen here. Her voice is wonderful, and this album's enhanced by guest appearances. A sincere, moving experience.
Rhye The Fall (Electro Pop) 8/10
The Los Angeles soul duo follow up their Open EP with ten tracks full of laid back grooves and California sunshine. It's an album to chill out to, luxuriating in the string backing and vocals which have been compared to Sade. I can also detect the spirit of The XX: this is sensual sounding.
Birds of Chicago Birds of Chicago (Roots Rock) 8/10
Birds of Chicago is a collaboration between Allison Russell, a Canadian member of Po' Girl and Chicago's JT Nero; their characterful voices blend wonderfully. There's a real sense of rootsy fun, and it's difficult to imagine lovers of Americana being disappointed with this mix of country and soul.
Willy Mason Carry On (Folk) 7.5/10
Willy Mason's third album is sad and contemplative, and often stripped back. There's no doubting the emotional depth, and the lyrics are thoughtful and reflective, with the occasional surprise such as use of a drum box. My only concern is whether at times it sounds too comfortable and mature for the work of a 28 year old.
Holly Herndon Movement (Electronic) 7.5/10
Movement is a startlingly daring proposition. You might expect it to be dry and academic given that Holly's studying music at Stanford, but she was also a DJ in Berlin for 5 years, so it's surprisingly appealing. It's experimental, and the sheer creativity of the sound causes you to question your preconceptions about what music is.
Jessie Thomas Live at Infrasonic Studios EP (Singer Songwriter) 7.5/10
This EP is a lovely compliment to Jesse Thomas' War Dancer album, and will appeal to admirers of Americana. Her voice is idiomatic, with an appealing raspy quality, and the music is bluesy. The tempos are often slow, and the vibe relaxed. Jesse's based in LA, but from Kentucky, and you can name your price on Bandcamp.
TheNewNo2 TheFearOfMissingOut (Indie Pop) 8/10
A member of this band, Dhani Harrison, is a member of Joseph Arthur and Ben Harper's Fistful of Mercy, as well as the son of the Beatles' guitarist. TheNewNo2 is a mix of rock, dub, electro, indie and psychedelic sounds. Sometimes this second album sounds a little incoherent, and whilst it's work in progress, I admire its willingness to experiment.
Bethany Weimers Harpsichord Row (Folk) 7.5/10
The Oxford based Weimers recorded this debut in her bedroom, yet it sounds remarkably polished. Above all, it's marked by lyrical beauty, and listening to this you really can escape to a magical world. Her voice, often multi tracked, is tender yet powerful, and its minimalism adds to the spell it weaves.
DWNTWN The Red Room EP (Indie Pop) 7.5/10
This Los Angeles trio has made this EP available as a free download on Facebook, and it's a must for lovers of synth pop groups like M83. The music is celebratory and outgoing, the grooves guaranteed to improve your mood and help you imagine you're driving in Southern California, even if you're really in rainy Britain.
San Cisco San Cisco (Indie Pop) 7.5/10
This four piece from Australia produce up beat jangly pop, with boy girl vocals and a sound which is a cross between Clap Your Hands Say Yeah and Vampire Weekend. It doesn't plumb any emotional depths, but the drumming is distinctive, and the catchy tunes suggest that everyone involved is having fun. Yet, it makes too few demands and some will find it ephemeral.
The 1975 Sex EP (Indie Pop) 7/10
This EP from the Manchester based group suggests that they're experimenting with their style, moving from electro pop to rock through the four tracks. Yet, the title track in particular suggests it's worth watching out for next year's debut full length and this has an admirable immediacy.
Tift Merritt Traveling Alone (Indie Folk) 7/10
The highlight of this album from South Carolina is a duet with Andrew Bird, Drifting Alone, but even solo her voice and songwriting are idiomatic. She explores ideas of isolation, but this album explores a well trod path in alt country, following in the footsteps of Emmy Lou Harris. Charming, even if it's hardly ground breaking.
Magic Magic Roses Valley (Indie Folk) 7/10
This folk album from San Francisco seems to have remained under the radar, perhaps because it's subtle, reflective beauty doesn't immediately grab your attention. It does have an endearingly dreamy quality, transcending the simplicity of the instrumentation. The pace is refreshingly unhurried.
Gravenhurst The Ghost in Daylight (Indie Folk) 7/10
This is Bristol, UK based Nick Talbot's sixth album, and is best described as psychedelic ambient folk. It's understated and subtle, taking a while to appreciate. The atmosphere is eerie, as the title suggests, but there's also a melancholy beauty. Some may find it too sparse, tending towards shoe gaze, but despite initial impressions there is a quiet intensity.
That Certain Jessiquoi Bats (Indie Pop) 7/10
BATS is this Swiss Australia musician's debut album, and whilst Jess is at an early stage of her career, this album shows real promise. There's a playful sense of experimentation in the instrumentation, and although Regina Specktor's an influence, she has a distinctive voice both in her composition and vocally.
The Dead Ships Electric Ahab (Garage Rock) 7/10
Thw debut album from LA's The Dead Ships has a live feel: it's full of visceral energy, trading refinement for impact. The vocals are strident and forced, but are countered by their feel for melody. Electric Ahab was recorded onto analogue tape and has a vintage sound. I suspect we'll be hearing much more in 2013.
Guards In Guards We Trust (Indie Rock) 6.5/10
Richie from New York's Guards is the brother of Cults Madeline Follin. This upcoming debut album (to be released in February) is anthemic power pop with influences from the 60's and 80's. I found the production overly polished at times. Yet, it is upbeat and should appeal to fans of Summer Camp and Chairlift.
16 Commended:
- City Calm Down Movements EP
- Dead Winter Carpenters Ain't It Strange
- El Perro Del Mar Pale Fire
- Fairport Convention By Popular Request
- fun iTunes Session
- How To Destroy Angels An Omen EP
- Iris DeMent Sing the Delta
- Jenee Halstead Raised by Wolves
- Jorane L'Instant Aime
- Kids These Days Traphouse Rock
- Mary Carr and Rodney Crowell KIN
- Melody's Echo Chamber Self-titled
- The Pass Melt
- Rachel Sage Haunted by You
- Tamara Schlesinger The Procession
- The Unthanks Songs from the Shipyards
- Work Drugs Delta
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