Top Releases of 2012

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 Beyond by 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!!!

EIMIC

EIMIC is a little tough to figure out; the band is currently located in Moscow, and as such a majority of their information is in Russian.  I can't speak the language, and I sure can't read it, so finding out about them is a little more difficult than usual.  With this in mind, here's what I am able to tell you: the group contains three members, they've released two LPs in the past (4 and Automatic Movements), and they've recently released a new song called "Illusion". Judging from their photos, it also seems like they've been around the block a few times, having already garnered a pretty steady following.  Their pictures display large, elaborate light shows complete with backdrops dedicated to their name, and seem to show that they've played in festivals that have attracted nice volumes of people.  I could see "Illusion" fitting that mold very well, for the sound is massive and ambitious.  Using some electronics to help their point, EIMIC (which stands for Everything Is Made In China) is able to create an arena-filling, atmospheric rock ballad that is driven home with distorted, fuzzy guitar licks.  Put on some nice headphones and you're in for an experience!  I've posted "Illusion" below, including the psychedelic music video if you're interested.  Afterward, check out more of their stuff on SoundCloud, with more info coming at you from Twitter, Facebook, and their homepage.  Happy deciphering!

New Animal

Today I was introduced to the Atlanta-based duo New Animal, and while I might be a tad tardy on this one it's better late than never, right? The band consists of members Kris Hermstad and Derek Burdette, two dudes who have been buddies since their middle school days.  Despite all the years, they didn't collaborate musically until 2010, after which they put together three releases over the course of a year, including a self-titled debut.  The range in their songwriting is impressive, touching upon a multitude of genres and writing styles including kraut rock, lo-fi, and electronic expressions.  What caught my eye, though, was their most recent single "Falling Up", which came late this summer.  If this is the culmination of everything they've done then I can't wait to hear what comes next.  In an atmospheric haze of psychedelic pop, "Falling Up" is an emotional reflection on "the ability to let go", an idea that is captured using somber tones mixed with a high-pitched, brooding vocal track. Check it out below, then hit up their homepage or Facebook if you want to learn more. Spinner is offering a free download if you choose to use it.

 New Animal - Falling Up by Old Flame Records

the night

It's hard to imagine that the Sydney band the night was once a solo project.  At this time the whole goal was recruiting guest musicians and having them appear on any future releases, which they did in 2008 with an EP. Now, the whole one-man band idea is a distant memory with six members making up the team.  Most recently they've been busy prepping their six track EP, i am, and say., for an early 2013 release, and their driving single is "Like This".  The track solidifies the group as a unit, not a solo endeavor; it's full of sounds that build up and crumble, spreading the strings over a three-and-a-half minute spectrum that simmers as it builds.  "Like This" also includes a tinge of melancholy, the emotion seeping through the empty spaces of the song, thus helping the band sound genuine and honest.  Check it out below, then hit up the SoundCloud and Facebook pages.  You can also visit their homepage, which is chock-full of info.

 the night - Like This by thenightishere

The Aves

A lot of times I get the feeling that garage rock gets misrepresented as being dirty or grungy, and occasionally I get the sense it's a personal attack on a genre I respect so much.  Clearly, that's not the case, and every once in a while I have to remind myself of that.  The Aves, a Brooklyn-based quartet, have helped to further prove this fact with the release of their sophomore Anywhere Else EP. Indebted to older garage acts, The Aves carry that influence and yet are able to morph it into a clean, jangly style.  "In Vogue", the stand out track on Anywhere Else, exhibits the group's ability to tap into a pop-oriented mindset and churn out unique, melodious, and addicting rhythms.  Here, you will find no dirt or grunge, but instead an infectious garage rock tune that warrants one's attention.  Check it out below, and then head over to their page at Mirador Records for a download of the EP.  Happy weekends everyone!

 The Aves - In Vogue by Mirador Records

Lazyeyes

Today the Brooklyn quartet Lazyeyes played in their first CMJ showcase, an honor that is deserved for the young band and their well-crafted version of indie rock.  So far we've only been treated to two tracks off their debut EP (which should be released in a month or so), but I've seen a sizable enough sample to declare my excitement for their future.  Lazyeyes sound strangely unique, mixing together elements of fast-paced alternative, guitar-driven punk, and subdued lo-fi.  I'm having trouble figuring it out, which could be part of the reason for my interest in them.  There is a tinge of beachy infusion, something most notably present in "Nostalgia", a beautiful song that rides the same groove Beach Fossils have been fantastic at producing.  The riff that propels the tune is high-pitched and clean while the vocals are blanketed in a film of dreamy fuzz, extending a hand out to those keen on surf rock.  Their other track, "Forever", is similar, except appears to be slightly more complex and slightly more inspired by punk rock.  Either way, both are intriguing examples of summer rhythms, despite the fact they may not appear as such at first glance.  I've posted "Nostalgia" and "Forever" below, so be sure to listen to those. Afterward, feel free to browse their Bandcamp and Facebook.

ON AN ON

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!

 ON AN ON - Ghosts by rollcallrecords

Team Genius

Well, that was a hell of a lot of fun to listen to.  A few days ago the Brooklyn based group Team Genius had an EP Release Day in preparation for the follow-up New York Songs, their forthcoming album.  During the Release Day Team Genius uncorked three separate EPs of varying themes; Whiskey Songs, Pop Songs, and Loud Songs, an ambitious project that covers a lot of ground.  The EPs work though, they're full of character and they stick true to their intended personalities.  As you would imagine, each one has a different feel to it.  Whiskey Songs has a dated novelty and carries a sense of camaraderie, the aesthetic of which sounds like Titus Andronicus.  Loud Songs is...well, louder; the tempos are faster, the reverb a little rougher, and the vocals more projected.  Alternatively, Pop Songs is conventional, containing the melodies and styles the average listener is more associated with.  They may be distinct, but if there is one element that ties all of them together it's friendship and teamwork.  The EPs honestly sound like a blast, like Team Genius had the best time making them.  That sense of fun and creativity really shines through on each release.  I've posted some of my favorites below, and one from each EP: "I Wouldn't Change A Thing" from Whiskey Songs, "All Ours" from Loud Songs, and "Love and Love Songs" from Pop Songs.  As awesome as these are, don't forget about November 6th when the New York Songs LP drops.  You can stream the remaining tracks over at their label's SoundCloud, and if you want more on the band both Facebook and Twitter will do just fine.

 Team Genius - I Wouldn't Change A Thing by Paper Garden Records

 Team Genius - All Ours by Paper Garden Records

 Team Genius - Love and Love Songs by Paper Garden Records

The Shamefaced Sparrows

To wrap up the week I deliver to you guys a hefty portion of that delicious lo-fi garage rock.  In the case of British duo The Shamefaced Sparrows, though, it's not technically "garage" rock.  On their newest released demos the band is said to have used a battered four-track that "likes to delete songs on its free will" in a basement. They've even said: "We're not even sure exactly how to work the recorder efficiently.  All we can say with even a morsel of assurance is that the red button means record".  It sure sounds like it, for their three new demos are three wonderful tracks that bring to mind older bands like The Kinks or The Velvet Underground.  For all the scrumptious '60s surf rock they've delivered to the internet, all I can say is thank god they figured out how to use that four-track.  I've posted my favorite of the demos below, "Apple Tragedy", with more listens and free downloads available on their SoundCloud.  Happy weekends everyone!

 Apple Tragedy (Demo) by The Shamefaced Sparrows

The Natural Shocks

When looking at the cover for Kobayashi Maru, the newly released EP from Toronto rockers The Natural Shocks, what's the first thing you notice?  It's dark and foreboding, displaying nothing but a silhouette, giving weight to the tension of the unknown.  We can't even see the character's face. This sense of being hidden is an interesting one, especially considering that The Natural Shocks were based on a collection of songs inspired by Jim DeLuca's (lead singer) broad fear of death and the finality of it.  That was then, but Kobayashi Maru is now. So what has changed if anything?  If you listen carefully, there are some aspects that are consistent, like in "Chosen Ones" where DeLuca sings "makes you wish you'd live forever / won't regret it / come whatever / and now my days are drifting way", but overall the tone seems to be much more uplifting.  Underneath their heavily reverbed guitar lines lies great pop sensibility and does so in a way that slowly reveals itself.  For some reason, perhaps because the vocals sound slightly lo-fi, I can't shake the '90s alternative rock style.  Either way, in the end it doesn't matter if DeLuca still fears death or remains undercover in the album cover, Kobayashi Maru is a wonderful EP, carefully constructed and proficient in a variety of different sounds.  Best part is that you can snag it for free!  You can do that over at Bandcamp, with other outlets available at Facebook, Twitter, and SoundCloud.  I've posted my two favorites, "Daydream" and "Chosen Ones" below for your listening pleasure.  Enjoy!

 Daydream by The Natural Shocks

 Chosen Ones by The Natural Shocks

Angelica's Elegy

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.

 ANGELICA'S ELEGY - When You're Asleep by Riot Factory

Harts

To add to the extensive list of dynamic and kinetic artists coming out of Australia, the Melbourne native Harts has recently thrown his talent into the mix.  Only two songs deep into his music career, Harts has already made quite a splash, catching the eyes of many fans.  One such enthusiast was Lars Stalfors of The Mars Volta, who has offered to mix the forthcoming EP Offtime, which is slated for a release later in 2012.  I find the draw to his songs to be a mix of energy, creativity, and the ability to hook on to his music.  "Back To The Shore" is an excellent example of this; the driving guitar riff is striking and unique, allowing Harts to be distinguishable.  When you hear "Back To The Shore", you're going to remember the piercing tone and you'll know who played it.  The first official single "All To Real" is similar, instead utilizing disco-like bass grooves to catch your eye.  I've posted both songs below for you to listen to, with links to his SoundCloud and Facebook for further exploration.  Hit it up!

 Back To The Shore by Harts

 Harts - All Too Real by Harts

videosforpictures

I'm very fortunate to have stumbled across videosforpictures, whose most recent single "Church" caught me totally by surprise.  It's the kind of happy-go-lucky track that makes it hard to resist a smile; the playful intertwine between the pounding piano and striking percussion works well with the melodious vocals.  "Church" also succeeds in its swells of instrumentation, which grow loud and die quick.  It almost seems as though there is a controlled chaos, all of which is blanketed in that awesome lo-fi sound.  "Church" comes as a single off of their forthcoming album, which is due out next month (it hasn't been given a name quite yet).  Besides visiting their SoundCloud, you can check out more from videosforpictures over at Bandcamp or Facebook.  "Church" available for stream below, so enjoy!

 Church by videosforpictures

The Cairos

Earlier this year, the Brisbane group of The Cairos released another EP, one that is entitled Colours Like Feathers.  The rocking, post-punking band did a very good job with it, creating a fast-paced and exciting blur of catchy riffs and boisterous drumming.  What I like about Colours Like Feathers is that the EP has a certain bite to it, the hooks infused into the tracks are good at grabbing you from the start and reeling you in, refusing to let go.  I guess this shouldn't be too surprising; this is their first release in almost two years, so this may be a little bit of their coming out party. I've posted a few songs from the EP below, the tension-ridden "Lena" and the explosive "We All Buy Stars", which also served as a single last year.  For more on The Cairos, you can visit their MySpace (yes, it still exists), Facebook, and of course Bandcamp.

Lena

We All Buy Stars

Nervous Cloud

Nervous Cloud is a Chicago-based two piece indie rock band consisting of Travis Lee Wiggins and Sarah Sterling.  Before finding each other, both had been involved in the Chicago circuit circulating through such bands as Essex Chanel, The Salts, and Videotape to name a few.  In 2010 while between projects, the two of them found each other and that's when magic happened. Originally called Friends Having Fun, Sarah and Travis started playing local shows and writing new material, the product of which is their self-titled debut album Nervous Cloud, due out September 9th.  Upon listening to the album (which is streaming here), it seems to me that the main focal point while recording were the lively guitar riffs that find themselves embedded in nearly every song.  More specifically, the combination of guitar and drum is a wonderful thing to behold; both sections are constantly playing off each other, almost like they're competing for attention.  The guitars get loud and edgy, then occasionally die off to the support of the drums, which keep the boat afloat.  The contrast is a lot of fun to listen to, and the catchy melodies make it even better.  As mentioned above, Nervous Cloud isn't out for another month, but they have a lead single "Monarch" available which I've posted for stream below.  To listen to the album, or to download "Monarch", you can head over to their homepage, with more information at their Facebook.

Monarch

Cruiser

Cruiser is the solo project of Philadelphia native Andy States, who started his work in a walk-in closet.  It's from these demos that he caught the interest of Jeremy Park, who produced Youth Lagoon's wonderful The Year of Hibernation.  As a result, he offered to produce State's EP, which ended up being the Cruiser EP that was released on May 28th of this year.  As it has been stated, the purpose of Cruiser is to make you feel good, and with summery, beachy melodies embracing the whole release, it's hard not to have a smile on your face.  The friendly guitar lines and giddy rhythms are easy to soak up, making the 6-song EP an absolute delight to get through. Something else that will make you smile is that the EP is offered at a name-your-price basis at Bandcamp, so head over there and grab that.  For a sneak peak at what he has to offer, I've put the opener "The Fritz" below to check out.  Enjoy everyone!

Coasta

One of the EPs I've been I've been listening to a lot recently is the self-titled debut Coasta, which would obviously be by the band Coasta.  For a start-up band (one that formed this year) the production quality on Coasta is incredible; it's extremely clean and easy to hear, a characteristic which doesn't get much credit when it's there but is terribly noticeable when not.  Besides this technicality, Coasta does an incredibly good job of fusing genres to create a unique ambiance. First and foremost they're indie rock, but there are also folk, pop, and alternative undertones that aid in keeping everything feeling new and fresh.  From start to finish, Coasta manages to hook you and carry the listener through its duration without feeling bored or cheated on your time.  To get a hand on the EP, you can visit their Bandcamp, and for any further information you can head over to their Facebook.    "The Slide" and "Young Blood", two cuts from Coasta, posted below. Hit it up!

Turtle Giant

I really wish there was more information on the timeline of Turtle Giant's formation. What I can tell you is this; the three-piece formed in São Paolo, Brazil only to now be located in Macao, China. Quite a long way from home, and I'd love to know the details of how they got from Point A to Point B, but for now all I have to settle on is their music, which isn't too upsetting.  Earlier this year the group put out a single called "We rd Sound", which has a fuzzier kind of '60s sensibility to it.  Either way you look at it, the general sense derived from it is way more old school, like something you'd find randomly on an old vinyl in your garage. Although it's distantly separated (in terms of time of release) from the single, Turtle Giant has a new EP coming out on September 18th, which unfortunately does not have any released tracks (yet).  Therefore it would seem like "We rd Sound", which doesn't appear on the forthcoming EP, was simply a treat to hold us over.  For more information you can check out their homepage here, Facebook here, or SoundCloud here.  Almost all of these contain streams.  In the meantime check out "We rd Sound" below.  Enjoy!

Hunting Grounds

Jumping back in time three years, the sextet that is currently called Hunting Grounds used to go by the name Howl.  Labeled as "rambunctious high-school buddies", this is more than befitting, and it would seem as though it's this trait that gives them the passion to perform live.  Still back in 2009, it was under this moniker they won the Triple J Unearthed High competition and jump-started their career, adapting to Hunting Grounds and releasing an EP in 2010 (they had another in 2010 still under Howl).  Now, we see the culmination of their history in the form of In Hindsight, their debut album.  Much of their playing style remains constant; they're loud, complex, and do all they can to fill your speakers with wonderfully orchestrated organized chaos.  As they say, their ideas are just as big as their ambition, and it seems pretty clear to me that In Hindsight is a testament to this claim.  I have posted two of my favorites below, "Wings" and "Mind Decays", so go ahead and stream those.  The album is available for stream here, and they also have a homepage which can help link you to all outlets of their social media.

Wings

Mind Decays

The Rebel Light

The Catalpa Music Festival in New York City is absolutely stacked this year; Snoop Dogg, The Black Keys, TV On the Radio, Girl Talk, and A$AP Rocky are all included on the bill.  That's quite a list, and so it must be utterly thrilling for the up-and-coming band The Rebel Light to see their names right up there with the best.  How can you further that accomplishment?  You can record the vocals of your breakout song "Goodbye Serenade" in a bathroom accompanied with drum sections played in a shed.  Despite these truths about The Rebel Light, the production is surprising slick and lays down a wonderful foundation (which includes trumpets and xylophones) for the story of a breakup.  "I couldn't tell if you've changed, or does the darkness remain?  I'm just a stranger to you, a picture of someone you knew" are some of the lyrics that grabbed me, and I'm hoping they will hook you also.  Stream "Goodbye Serenade" below, and pick up the free download here.

 Goodbye Serenade by TheRebelLight