For me, music is more than just art. Music is more of a force, able to stir one's emotions, awaken one's senses, and unite people under a common denominator. It is an essential part to my life.
A year ago today I was doing the same thing I am doing now, looking ahead onto a new year that is full of wonder and possibilities. There is no way I can fully know what to expect, and it's impossible to look into the future and get a solid grasp of what the music world will throw my way; right now, it's all up for grabs. What's going to be my favorite album of 2013? What is going to disappoint me? Which band will release a debut album that blows me away? These are the same questions I (and all of us for that matter) was faced with at the beginning of 2012. I didn't have answers, I didn't have a clue. It's for this reason that I love lists, if nothing else it's a reflection of the year that passed, a representation of the artists you listened to and the albums that grew to symbolize a small segment of your life. It's all there, neatly organized in a countdown. For me, that's why I do lists. I don't do them because I want to brag about what I listened to, nor do I think my list is better than everyone else's. No, I do it because it gives a certain portrayal of who I am for that year, it shows what I was into and what I cared about. Going through the years of previous lists, it's fascinating to look back and see how I've changed and how my music tastes shifted. Each list fills in the answers that you asked yourself at the beginning of each year, and it exhibits that child-like excitement and curiosity that you felt 12 months prior. To go back and observe that introspection is a wonderful thing, and the best part? You get a chance to do it at the beginning of each and every single year. The music side of me now has a clean slate going into 2013, and whenever a part of you has an uncertain future, how can you not help but feel a flurry of anticipation? That's how I feel now, and that's how I felt then, way back in January of 2012. Now, though, my questions have been answered, and 2012 will slowly disappear behind us (but that doesn't mean we won't forget it) as new and inspiring music makes its way into our ears. So, without further adieu, here are my favorite releases of the year that passed....
25. Blondes by Blondes
"Lover"
24. Strange Weekend by Porcelain Raft
23. Duality by Captain Murphy
22. Shrines by Purity Ring
"Crawlersout"
21. Allah-Las by Allah-Las
"Tell Me (What's On Your Mind)"
20. Confess by Twin Shadow
"Beg For The Night"
19. 2 by Mac DeMarco
18. Our House on the Hill by The Babies
17. Heaven by The Walkmen
"We Can't Be Beat"
16. Spiderwebbed by Stumbleine
15. Melody's Echo Chamber by Melody's Echo Chamber
14. Gossamer by Passion Pit
"It's Not My Fault, I'm Happy"
13. Coexist by The xx
"Tides"
12. Shields by Grizzly Bear
"Gun-Shy"
11. Sweet Heart Sweet Light by Spiritualized
"Little Girl"
10. There's No Leaving Now by The Tallest Man on Earth
"To Just Grow Away"
9. Nocturne by Wild Nothing
8. Oshin by DIIV
7. Attack on Memory by Cloud Nothings
"Fall In"
6. Bend Beyondby Woods
"Impossible Sky"
5. Kindred EP by Burial
"Loner"
4. Spooky Action at a Distance by Lotus Plaza
3. Bloom by Beach House
"Lazuli"
2. Lonerism by Tame Impala
"Music To Walk Home By"
1. Celebration Rock by Japandroids
"Evil's Sway"
So there ya have it, 2012 in a nutshell! As with every list I'm sure you agree on some while you completely disagree with others, but that's the beauty of music...no one has to agree on anything, we all just listen to what we like. Anyway, I look forward to what will hopefully be a stellar 2013 music year, there are sure to be some great releases heading our way (Beach Fossils and Toro Y Moi, I'm looking at you) as well some debut hopefuls (ON AN ON, my fingers are crossed!). Here's wishing everyone a happy new year, and hoping that your holidays were merry! Thank you all for reading, it has been a pleasure writing for you, and I hope to see you guys soon!!!
Stumbleine has been around for a while, dishing out beautiful atmospheric dream beats at a high rate since 2010. Whether it be a single, EP, or full-length LP, Stumbleine has dominated the front page of Bandcamp's chillwave tag, partly due to the incredibly expedient distribution of material. There has been so much, in fact, that a large majority of prior output has been removed from the internet, and yet there still remains an adequate pool to experiment with and listen to. While I have not followed Stumbleine voraciously throughout this time, I must say that this year's new album, Spiderwebbed, is the most-developed and cohesive that I've heard so far. I had always liked Stumbleine, but over time I began to feel he had fallen into a repeating run-of-the-mill chillwave sound, a common problem within the genre. Spiderwebbed proves me wrong, putting my money where my mouth is; from start to finish we're treated to an inescapable dream-filled landscape of swirling electronics, the main element being the swirling, spacious synths that soar to striking heights. Each track delivers its own charm, switching tempos and alternating tones, to give a remarkable listening experience. He has also added subtle accents of dub beats, which have really paid off, presenting Spiderwebbed with a unique flare. Enough of me, to actually listen to or buy the album take a visit to Bandcamp, and then head over to Facebook to show some love. For a sneak peak I've posted three of my favorites below; "If You", "The Corner Of Her Eye", and "Kaleidoscope". Enjoy!
Don't you love it when your day gets off on the right foot? I woke up today, quite unenthusiastically, expecting a day full of bullshit classes when all of a sudden I found out that Beach Fossils had announced a new album and single. In one full swoop my day became much, much better. With bassist John Pena involved in his solo act Heavenly Beat and lead guitarist Zachary Cole Smith doing his DIIV shindig the past year, I wasn't sure when this was going to happen. Alas, the answer is here now; Clash the Truth will be released on February 19th, 2013 via the always brilliant Captured Tracks. Along with the announcement they have also released the first single from the forthcoming LP entitled "Careless". It's instantly recognizable as a Beach Fossils brainchild, utilizing carefree guitar riffs that glisten with every pluck. The track is also drenched with lush atmospheres, indicating that we might see a bit of a divergence from their past work. Have a listen below, and then pick up your gift of a free download here. Snag it while you can!
Around a month ago I posted on the then new single, "New Wings", that was released as a compilation of Villa Kang and Hazy Mountains. I had known about Villa Kang for quite some time prior as I had covered him on previous instances, but Hazy Mountains was a relatively new name to me. I went to do a little investigative work and ended up downloading his second EP, Lapis Lazuli. The days following this have been wonderful, and exploring his music has become quite a treat. What really put me over the edge in helping me realize this was the last track "Window Vision", which I first heard while blasting in my car on a late night drive. To fully appreciate this song, and much of his others, you've got to listen start to finish. "Window Vision" is a perfect example of the never-ending sprawl Hazy Mountains tries to achieve, using soaring synths to set aside an expanse of dreamy spaces. The wait, the growth, the build...it's all worthwhile. Have a listen to "Window Vision" below, then be sure to head over to Bandcamp to grab it. There, he is also offering a new album called Breeze, something I'll most definitely be checking out in the future.
Sometimes it's just nice to get lost in the wash of breezy, jangly guitars and cavernous vocals that comprise the dream pop genre. The instrumentation has a funny way of lifting the listener skyward, suspended along a journey, until the song gently places us back on solid ground. "Location", the current single from the Brooklyn band Backlights, follows a similar methodology. Starting with slow and delicate guitar picking, "Location" begins to take off near the middle of the song, introducing us to busier noises and more enthused vocals. The build of energy pulls us in, bringing the listener through a wonderfully serene sonic voyage. The track comes to us off of the newest EP by the band, High Ceiling Nice Fiction, which was released earlier this year on October 20th. As of now, Bandcamp is offering "Location" as the singular stream on the EP with other songs available for purchase (as well as the EP, obviously). I've posted "Location" below, so be sure to check it out, and afterward you can find out more by visiting their Facebook or Twitter. Dig it!
The Philly boys are at it again! Work Drugs, the glo-fi outift that has steadily increased their popularity over the past couple of years, is out with a new single entitled "Beyond Greenpoint". Singing about the life outside of "micro-bloggers, designer dogs, and high priced haircuts", the new song slows down the tempo and adds their smoothest saxophone to date. This time around, Work Drugs is coming at you with a little bit of charity as well. Over on eBay, the band is offering up one test pressing of their new album Delta, which is only one of four copies in existence. The best part is that 50% of the proceeds go to the Hurricane Sandy Red Cross Fund, a worthy cause in light of the recent storm. What's more is that Work Drugs has also released a music video to go along with the new track, it's a video collage produced by the Italian artist Marco Scago. I've posted the video and audio stream below with an available download located on their SoundCloud. For anyone interested in seeing the band live, they have two shows coming up; one on December 8th in Philadelphia at Ortlieb's Lounge and another at the Glasslands in Brooklyn on December 22nd. Be sure to check it out!
It's been a while since we've heard from Villa Kang, with approximately six months separating his newest single, "New Wings", from his last, "Touch of Evil". In whatever he has released, Villa Kang has done a great job of allowing atmosphere to seep into his songs. Even way back on "Hallucinating Arkansas" we feel a sense of space, like his synths are trying ever so hard to break free from the room. The newest track finds the Toronto producer refining these ideas, and teams up with German musician Hazy Mountains to do so. The matching is ideal, the glo-fi oriented ambient Hazy Mountains complements the need for Villa Kang's cavernous melodies. To tie it all together, "New Wings" has a fluttering chorus that acts as both unique and familiar, like something you've heard before that you can't quiteeeee put your finger on. The song is available for streaming below, but you can head over to Kang's SoundCloud for a download. He also has Twitter and Facebook. For more on Hazy Mountains, be sure to visit Bandcamp, Facebook, or SoundCloud. Enjoy!
Earlier this summer I was introduced to the brothers that comprised the duo Madrà s. They had just come out with their debut album Things Can Change, and what impressed me most was what they did with so little. Quiet and fragile, the buoyant guitar licks made you feel as though you were floating. That's why when I heard those same brothers also played in a band called Fou, I was eager to hear what they were all about. Not surprisingly, the product is fantastic and beautiful. The idea is similar, on Fou's 2-song release Boy the group plays with space, manufacturing ethereal dreamscapes that are both calming and engaging. The set up is also minimal, utilizing your basic guitar-bass-drum trio of instruments. Upon first listen, I likened them to the slowcorers Galaxie 500, another group who stripped down to the fundamental arrangement, succeeding wonderfully. The main difference between Boy and Things Can Change is that Boy includes much more texture. Piercing guitar slides tend to break the silence much more so than in their previous work, giving the release a gazey feel. It's great music, and definitely worth a couple of listens. Plus it's a free download, they're basically handing awesome to you on a golden platter. I've placed both songs from Boy, "Colour Me In" and "Don't You Know?", below for your listening pleasure. Afterward, be sure to hit up Bandcamp to snag it.
In early September of this year, the U.K. film student Oliver Gale graced us with the wonderful single "Summer's Down", a song that made the transition from summer to fall much more bearable. Now, Gale has released his newest single entitled "I Am The Only One", a slow-burning ballad bursting with emotion. Whereas previous tracks were more jovial, his new track flexes his songwriting capabilities, putting his melancholy styles on display. In-between his verses, Gale unleashes high-pitched bellows, indicating what seems to be a cry for help. In the forefront the lines "you have done enough" are on repeat, exhibiting a sense of anger and sadness. Yet, towards the end we're treated to an uplifting guitar riff, an infectious rhythm which lifts us from the doldrums and instills hope in the future. All and all it's a wonderful piece of music, and one that should snag the interest of previous Blue Boats fans. You can listen to the new "I Am The Only One" below, then be sure to take a visit to his Facebook and Twitter.
So it has happened, the moment I've been eagerly waiting for has arrived. Ever since I heard their song "Mtn Tune" earlier this summer, the Oakland band Trails and Ways has been one of my favorite emerging acts as of late. I felt this was only proven further when they released their Sure Thing EP, a compilation of wonderfully executed covers. Around this time they promised more material would be on its way soon, a vow which has been fulfilled today. "Border Crosser" is the first original track they've made since "Mtn Tune", and it's pretty significant considering that it represents the leadoff single from their debut full-length album, Trilingual. This is our first glimpse at how Trails and Ways is going to fit their lush dream pop styles into a conglomerate, a consistent and fitting conceptual whole. We won't know the complete details until Trilingual drops early next year (exact date still unknown), but from "Border Crosser" we can gather that the band is in touch with their opinions, utilizing music as a medium to put forth their ideals. Inspired by one member's grandparent's journey to California, we are carried on a melodious voyage that hints at sacrifice and the importance of family. On "Border Crosser" their verdict is clear: love for one another doesn't, and shouldn't, know any boundaries. With such meaning defined in the history it's obvious this song is important to them, and as such it would make sense that a statement piece like this symbolizes the kickstart of their first ever LP, the beginnings of their voyage. I've posted "Border Crosser" below for you to listen to, with a free download available here. All you need to do is like their Facebook page. You can also follow them on Twitter, with additional streams at SoundCloud.
It wasn't too long ago that the Chicago trio ON AN ON was a quintet in the form of Scattered Trees, a band which wasn't afraid implement common pop tendencies into their releases. Shortly after the release of their album Sympathy, two members flew the coop earlier this year, thus leaving the remaining three with a decision to either disband or continue onward. The choice was to move forward, and what birthed from this verdict was ON AN ON's first single "Ghosts". Everything that you might expect from Scattered Trees seems to have been ditched in their new material; "Ghosts" is a slow-burning dream pop masterpiece, taking sparse percussion swings a la Beach House and overlapping them with raw, poignant strumming in a style that would make Modest Mouse proud. Initially these elements appear out of place, lacking a particular flow or direction, only to coalesce into a fitting conglomerate of beautiful dream atmospheres and varying textures. The build up alone is worth raving about, for the melodies that reveal themselves throughout the song's duration are quite memorable. "Ghosts" comes off of the forthcoming debut album for ON AN ON, which is set to hit the market on January 29th of next year. In the words of the group, the album will be a "dream-washed textural journey armed with a biting perspective on life, love, and the commonality of loss". Well, don't need to twist my arm. You can take a gander at the brand-spankin' new video for "Ghosts" below with the SoundCloud audio underneath that. Be sure to hit up their Facebook for some more info. Enjoy!
From the very start with the release of The Midget Party EP in March of 2011, the Greek band Melt Mountain has hovered atop a three-way intersection of psychedelic, dream, and ambient pop. Rarely flexing the vocal cords, Melt Mountain depends on an intriguing mix of instrumental samples and loops to manufacture dreamy, sometimes trippy, and experimental tracks. And so far, that's all we've gotten a taste of; tracks. The group has yet to release an LP, instead putting out a steady stream of singles and EPs. Their newest release, the "Blossom Dream/Painted Root" single which came out today, is no different. Both songs fit in perfectly with Melt Mountain's previous work, yet attack at different angles, setting the new single as a prime example of their diversified and exciting portfolio. The base of "Blossom Dream" is comprised of a beach-like guitar loop, a sedated riff that could appear in a '70s surf video. Backed by spacious "ooos" and "ahhhs", "Blossom Dream" presents Melt Mountain's breezy, laid-back nature. "Painted Root" is clearly the psychedelic and experimental counterpart, sounding a little darker and utilizing cloudy synths that come across as more drug-induced. There is no indication of whether these songs will go towards a new album, but they're well worth the listen regardless. I've posted everything below for your listening pleasure, and if you like what you hear head over to Bandcamp for more offerings of their older material (there is a SoundCloud, although with a limited collection). Facebook and Twitter are provided as social media. Enjoy!
It's no lie that the Californian group Trails and Ways is one of my favorite up-and-coming bands circulating the airwaves these days. It has been a few months removed since the release of their song "Mtn Tune", and yet I still find myself jamming out to it with reckless abandon. Of course the show must go on, and Trails and Ways has proceeded with the release of their Sure Thing EP. The name comes from a Miguel cover of "Sure Thing" which is featured on the release. In fact, the whole thing is comprised of covers, including the likes of M83's "Midnight City" and Miike Snow's "Animal". I took an instant liking to the "Midnight City" cover, which strips the original of its electronic aesthetic and focuses on a minimal (at least in comparison to M83) dream pop style. They give the track room to breathe instead of the whitewash of synths that rain over the listener in M83's version. Both songs are great of course, they just go about it in a different way. I've posted the "Midnight City" cover below, and while you're doing that you can check out the rest of the EP over at their SoundCloud. You can also give them a shout at Facebook and Twitter.
It's unfair how our ears can deceive us. We think they're picking up on everything they can, when in reality they sometimes need a little help. Headphones, for example, are a wonderful boost. Without such assistance, I could have very well missed the subdued piano playing in the background of "When You're Asleep" by the Norwegian group Angelica's Elegy. The track absolutely soars, lifting white-washed synths to wondrous heights. Mix this with buoyant vocals and a steady drum pattern and you have yourself a shoegazing beauty; surges of noise are complemented with quieter accents, delivering a wholesome contrast that flows effortlessly along its path. The song comes off of the Cognitive Dissonance EP that was released on August 27th of this year, making it a fantastic late-summer jam as we transition into the cooler fall months. Have a listen to "When You're Asleep" below, and then be sure to check out the EP available over at iTunes. More information on the group can be found Facebook, so be sure to show them some love over that way, too.
Following up on a pervious post regarding the fantastic song "Mystery Colors" by solo-man Astronauts, etc. (Anthony Ferraro), he has recently released yet another beauty. This one is called "You Can Yell" and it also comes off his forthcoming EP Supermelodic Pulp (due out September 8th). Probably the best thing about it is that you can really see him start to flex his songwriting muscles. Instead of restricting himself to a calmer, spacier atmosphere, "You Can Yell" is lively and more full. They're both great, and they're both different. It'll be exciting to see how Ferraro further spreads his wings in future endeavors, and the best thing is that we only need to wait about a week more! Check out the new single below, then be sure to give him some love over at SoundCloud, Facebook, Twitter, and Bandcamp. You won't be disappointed!
If the distinct '80s chimes and intimate saxophones of Bon Iver's "Beth/Rest" weren't smooth already, leave it to the kings of slick Work Drugs to remix it up. In their newest release, they stand up the Bon Iver remix challenge over at Indaba Music using a 10-year-old Packard Bell and an "outdated version" of Windows Sound Recorder. In true Bon Iver fashion, the group traveled to a small cabin in a densely wooded area of the Poconos to find inspiration. To complete such a competition, I couldn't think of a more fitting environment. Straight up living the Bon Iver lifestyle (as of a few years ago at least). Have a listen to the remix below, and if you like it be sure to vote for Work Drugs over here and show them some love. To keep the track, you can grab the download here. As has been the case lately, all of the Work Drugs social media has been busy; you can check them out over at SoundCloud, Facebook, Twitter, Bandcamp, MySpace, as well as their official page. Enjoy the weekend everybody!
Since I've started following MIRS about a year and a half ago, I've seen him go through quite the metamorphosis. He has developed into a very respectable artist. Starting up in 2010 when chillwave was becoming more of a phenomenon, MIRS stuck with that hazy, ethereal overlay. It was good, but with his newest single "Take Away" that was released today we see a guy who is working to advance his craft, take some risks, and experiment with the skills he has acquired over the years. Here, his voiced is drenched reverb, the sequence of the song has a legitimate build-up, and there are far more components that make up the complexity. Besides this, the track also goes through a few transformations, shifting from quiet to loud and busy to uncluttered. At the moment MIRS is working to get either an EP or full length put out in 2013. You can find streams and downloads at SoundCloud or Bandcamp, as well as a Facebook page that he just launched, so why not show some love? "Take Away" below, enjoy!
Sometimes all you gotta do is give a man a synth and next thing you know you're off floating in the wisps of clouds. Anthony Ferraro, the solo man behind the name Astronauts, etc., accomplishes a similar atmosphere with the release of his debut single "Mystery Colors". The track arrives about a month before the release of his EP Supermelodic Pulp (due out September 10th). At first glance the name seems fitting; "Mystery Colors" is indeed supermelodic, cradling you in a comfortable bed of slow, mesmerizing dream pop. The organ and drum machine that backs the track almost sends you into a trance, suspending you in a vacuum of space. It demonstrates the potential Ferraro has to be a good songwriter; sometimes less is more, and it's very difficult to make that distinction. If you're interested, there's a video for "Mystery Colors" that you can view here. He also has a Bandcamp and SoundCloud that offer free downloads. For social media, be sure to hit up Facebook and Twitter. Peep it below!
Looking forward for the remainder of 2012 there are a few releases that really get my blood pumping. Coexist by the xx, Lonerism by Tame Impala, and LongLiveA$AP by A$AP Rocky are a few that top the list and have been receiving ample media coverage. One that I would have to throw into that mix Nocturne by Wild Nothing, and yet it's one that has seemed to fly under the radar. 2010's Gemini was an utterly fantastic record (plus is one that sounds great on vinyl), and one of my favorites from that year. Naturally, the August 28th release date of Nocturne is a time I have marked on my calendar to initiate maximum listening. Well yesterday I was greeted with a treat to hold me over; "Paradise", the newest single from Nocturne, met the internet waves. It's coated in Wild Nothing's classic ethereal glaze, dreamy and expansive, in true '80s fashion. Have a listen to "Paradise" below, and then head over to the label's SoundCloud, where they have considerately offered it for a free download. Remember, August 28th is day when magic happens.
Since the beginning of Audio Splash, one of the bands that I've had the most frequent correspondence with has been the glo-fi Philly outfit Work Drugs. One reason why this has happened is because they're incredibly nice dudes, and other is because, well, they make some fantastic music. In all my time following them they have been able to put out good material at a very consistent rate; in fact, they just recently released the album Absolute Bearingthis past July. Following that up already, today they whipped out a new single "The Art of Progress", a song that they say was originally written in 1994 as a response to U.S. President Bill Clinton and Russian President Boris Yeltsin signing the Kremlin accords. Obviously the song was shelved until the present day, 2012, or you would've heard it 18 years ago. Like much of the material they release, "The Art of Progress" is a smooth jam that emanates a slick, chill vibe. It's seamless in integrating itself with the classic Work Drugs image; a couple of good friends hanging on a boat during a hot, summer day accompanied with a few good laughs. Although not on a yacht, the video that goes with it complements that scene. Listen to "The Art of Progress" below, and if you like it they offer it as a free download over at SoundCloud. As usual, don't forget about visiting their Facebook (holy shit at 22,000+ likes!), Twitter, or homepage.
