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User
Reviews 14
Approval 100%
Soundoffs 3
Album Ratings 112
Objectivity 62%
Last Active 08-29-19 2:35 pm
Joined 08-15-17
Review Comments 96
| My 2018 Listening Habits
We're coming up on the end of 2018, and I've realised I have been listening to a lot of stuff that isn't actually from 2018. This has been a year filled with new discoveries for me, and I'm still catching up on a lot of albums I've missed. But here are my most-listened-to albums from this year (subject to change) in some semblance of order.
Any further recommendations are welcomed, and I'll add any I've missed when I have some time. | | 1 |  | mewithoutYou
[Untitled]
I hadn't listened to mwY before this year, and now that I have, I've realised I really should have sooner. This album sees Aaron Weiss struggling with a very personal apocalypse after the much grander catastrophe of Pale Horses, and it comes across as such: disorienting, resigned, but powerful. This is a brilliant album, and deserves all the praise it has got.
Favourite Track: 2,459 Miles / Wendy & Betsy | | 2 |  | Arcane Roots
Melancholia Hymns
While their 2018 EP, Landslide, was rather divisive, Melancholia Hymns remains Arcane Roots' signature album, and I think it will only grow on me in years to come. I don't listen as much as I used to, but when I do this album it hits me all over again.
Favourite Track: Indigo | | 3 |  | Meniscus
Refractions
When it comes to post-rock, none can beat Meniscus. They have this down to a fine art, and the composition on this album is so gorgeous I can't even begin to describe it. Each track is its own story, and flows like water over rocks, whether that be calm or white-water rapids.
Favourite Track: Head Rush | | 4 |  | Wang Wen
Invisible City
A story of a city being abandoned as its youth move away to more exciting places, this never fails to move me (no pun intended). Wang Wen are one of the best post-rock acts around, and this album is exactly why.
Favourite Track: Silenced Dalian | | 5 |  | Caligula's Horse
In Contact
I always forget the title of this album, so it's lucky I had it near the top of my recents list. A three-act album, respectively about an alcoholic artist, to a bi/gay musician in the 19th century, to two brothers living in a dystopic society, it's a grand concept album, only let down by a few pacing issues.
Favourite Track: Will's Song (Let the Colours Run) | | 6 |  | mewithoutYou
Pale Horses
I went ahead and listened to this after I had listened [Untitled] half to death. I'd argue that without a few key letdowns, this would be better than [Untitled]. The finale, Rainbow Signs, makes up for all of that though.
Favourite Track: Rainbow Signs | | 7 |  | Intronaut
The Direction of Last Things
The first progressive metal band I listened to, Intronaut are possibly responsible for almost all of my current music tastes to date. TDoLT and Prehistoricisms are their best, but the one I listen to more is this one, as i holds that perfect balance between the heaviness of Prehistoricisms and the more rock- and jazz-leanings of Habitual Levitations.
Favourite Track: The Unlikely Event of a Water Landing | | 8 |  | Christian Scott
Christian aTunde Adjuah
My first foray into the world of Contemporary Jazz, Christian Scott is a brilliant trumpeter. I was mesmerised by this 23-track, 2-hour album, and hadn't even noticed how long until it ended. Maybe not the perfect introduction to jazz, but it worked for me.
Favourite Track: New New Orleans | | 9 |  | Lorde
Melodrama
Maybe one of the best pop albums of the 10s, this always works its way back into my rotation. It sees Lorde mature from Pure Heroine, as well as more variety in the backings as well. Understated grandeur, a healthy dose of angst, and a semi-concept about a relationship breaking down, make this a great pick-me-up album.
Favourite Track: Sober II (Melodrama) | | 10 |  | Spanish Love Songs
Schmaltz
Oh my, this is a depressing one. As someone who has problems with depression and anxiety, this usually isn't good for me to listen to as it tends to set off a depressive episode. But if I'm in one anyway, there's no harm in it, right? Asides from that minor problem, brilliant album. Resonates with me on, arguably, too many levels.
Favourite Track: Buffalo Buffalo | | 11 |  | Liam Singer
Finish Him
Powerful vocals, brilliant classically-inspired piano, great lyrics and melodies. I like to think of Liam Singer as "Tom Odell, in some distant parallel universe where Tom Odell is actually good at writing music".
Favourite Track: Test Tone | | 12 |  | Black Peaks
All That Divides
This sees Black Peaks mature from their first record, and compose a generally solid album, with only the inconsistent lyrics letting it down. I also wish they had more patience in their build-ups, but never mind.
Biggest let-down is the drums. The production has neutered one of the best parts of this band.
Favourite Track: Electric Fires | | 13 |  | Blood Command
Cult Drugs
Furious vocals, this is a brilliant and fun mix of punk, rock, pop, and metal.
Favourite track: Initiation Tape #1 | | 14 |  | Toby Driver
They Are the Shield
This is basically what I think modern classical music should be. Which means a lot of it goes over my head, but it's definitely a great album. I don't listen half as much as I should, but this requires me to be in a very specific mood.
Favourite Track: 470 Nanometres | | 15 |  | Sikth
The Trees Are Dead and Dried Out
One that I listen to consistently, but infrequently. Still one of the best djent albums, its intensity is unparalleled in my eyes. No one can do as many different voices and styles of shouting as Mikee.
Favourite Track: Peep Show | |
CugnoBrasso
11.25.18 | "TDoLS and Prehistoricisms are their best ones"
Finally someone with a right opinion. | Sniff
11.25.18 | Meniscus good | Firedust
11.26.18 | TDoLS and Prehistoricisms are their best ones
Agreed hard. Also 12 deserves more love. |
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