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User
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Last Active 04-11-19 6:01 am
Joined 10-10-14
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| Favourite albums I discovered this year
2018 has been a year of discography deep-dives and generally enjoying a more diverse mix of old and new records for me. So I thought it'd be fun to make a list of fantastic older albums I only heard for the first time this year, and idk maybe some people on here relate to/discover some brilliant gems. This list is also in no particular order, please ignore the actual numerical ranking. | | 9 |  | Movements
Feel Something
Another pretty new release, but one I only heard this June. On "Feel Something", Movements capture the emotional catharsis bands like Citizen have brought to the table the last few years, but make it truly special. The album features soul-crushing and emotionally honest lyricism about watching your loved ones endure alzheimers and depression ("Deadly Dull", "Daylily"), and about vocalist Patrick Miranda's own demons. It's executed poignantly, and with some truly tortured vocal delivery, using screams tastefully and sparingly as an emotional climax. The instrumentals are nothing innovative or genius, but they more than competently carry the album through its slower and more aggressive moments.
If you're not convinced, just listen to Miranda despair on closing track "The Grey" - it's not common for a song of this sonic tone to make me well up, but I sure as hell did and still do on most listens. | | 8 |  | Crying
Beyond The Fleeting Gales
So what happens when you combine the sound of an Adventure Time song with '80s prog rock? You get Crying. Specifically this album from Crying. It shouldn't work, but the amateurish charming vocals and extravagant fist-pumping synth/guitar leads are just impossible to resist. Tracks like "Wool In The Wash" and "There Was A Door" sound like a college band writing super catchy '90s pop/rock, and I'm all for it. | | 7 |  | Code Orange
Forever
I know I know, this only came out last year. I was super late to the party though. But this record is rife with bone-crushing breakdowns, hellish soundscapes, agonised screams and an actual decent radio-esque metal moment in "Bleeding In The Blur". It feels like an aural representation of the 2016 DOOM reboot (well, one that's not the game's actual soundtrack). Also that chorus on "Ugly" just does something to me. I can't help but headbang. It's so good. | | 6 |  | System of a Down
System of a Down
I don't know why I hadn't listened to SOAD's self-titled album until this year. I'd heard a couple of tracks individually across the years, but had never bothered to listen to this in full until June this year. (Perfect timing given the recent apparent fallout between members meaning new music is unlikely...gah.)
But this might be one of the best albums of the whole alt-metal genre. Brilliant riffs, manic vocals, zany lyrics and insane energy on this project (and of course Toxicity) all make this album beyond fan-freaking-tastic.
Also perfect for getting that sense of catharsis when you're just really pissed off at something. | | 5 |  | Nick Drake
Pink Moon
Truthfully I discovered 'Pink Moon' late last year, but only really appreciated its brilliance a few months later. The roughly recorded yet powerfully dark atmosphere Nick Drake was able to create with simply a guitar, his voice, and occasionally some piano is a marvel. Though his playing and singing isn't always perfect, in my opinion this album wouldn't be as powerful as it is without it. From the first delicate strum on "Pink Moon" to the last melancholy plucking that closes out "From The Morning", this album is dark, enveloping and an absolute must-hear. | | 4 |  | Budgie
Never Turn Your Back on a Friend
I've heard most of the songs off this album individually before, as my father is a massive fan of this underground rock group from the '70s. The simple three-piece construction of this band's music didn't hold them back from writing some genius-level fist pumping riffs, and the quality of playing on this album is stunning. Though it remained firmly in the underground, this album was such a huge influence on bands such as Metallica, that they still perform their cover of opening track 'Breadfan' in many of their live shows to this date. For anyone wanting to experience an exciting hidden piece of Rock/Metal history, listen to this album. Highlights: "Tyre Fitter's Hand", "Breadfan" and "In For The Kill"...and the insane trip of a drum solo on "Powdered Milk". | | 3 |  | The Drones
Feelin Kinda Free
"Thud, thud, my heart pumps blood, whenever someone talks about my Taman Shud"
There's just something so visceral and satisfying about this album. The brilliantly arranged, plucky, off-kilter instrumentals, the brilliantly sharp lyricism, and the surprisingly satisfying slow numbers just make this album something wonderful. | | 2 |  | Midnight Oil
Head Injuries
I already reviewed this album just last week, so I don't need to sing its praises again, but it's pure wonderful delicious candy for the ears. Try it try it try it. | | 1 |  | Death Grips
Bottomless Pit
I heard this album fleetingly in 2016, but didn't think twice about it. Coming back to it and giving it a proper go, this is an amazing crazy collection of abrasive, experimental and catchy tracks that just grows on me more and more with each listen. So so good. | |
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