Matt's Top 10 Releases Of 2023
Posted by Matthew Davies on
There's a nice bit of variety on the album from the quite upbeat Mole in the Ground to the deliberately dour but excellent version of Dirty Old Town. Taking Irish folk into new territories.
This is not to take away from the well crafted songs and the tight three-piece band that perform them. Songs of strong women and female energy. Alongside the anger there's an undercurrent of humour - I love the song Rage which really does embrace both.
LISA O'NEILL - ALL OF THIS IS CHANCE
Genre: Folk
Label: Rough Trade Records
BUY HERE!
This came out in the Spring but I only discovered her and this album late in the year. She has such a strong unique voice it probably turns on some but it really moves me.
The track Old Note has reduced me to tears... twice. Another album that seems to be taking Irish Folk further into the unknown whilst remaining firmly rooted in the traditional.
‘Blast off into love my friends and decimate cognition.’
LANKUM - FALSE LANKUM
Genre: Folk / Drone
Label: Rough Trade Records
"False Lankum" is on lots of people’s lists this year and rightly so. Dark, brooding and droning but again rooted in Irish folk - what the hell’s going down on the Emerald Isle?
At times they remind me of the dark ambient electronica of Coil - maybe down to their shared use of the hurdy-gurdy drone. Saw them at Green Man this year and they did a great job of commanding the main stage during early eve.
Soul, blues, electronica, hip hop and more stirred and blended in Glasgow with offbeat hooky chorus.
KOFI FLEXXX - FLOWERS IN THE DARK
Genre: Electronica / Hip Hop / Jazz
Label: Nature Sounds
BUY HERE!
Jazz/hip hop/electronic fusion from the first release on Shabaka Hutchings label and he's also the producer here. Guest vocals by rapper/wordsmith Billy Woods (his album "Maps" nearly made this list but know it’ll be on Rich’s end of year list and it’s his recommendation) and an excellent contribution from Anthony Joseph who reminds me of some of Gil Scott Heron politically charged readings.
Musically the album continues to keep things interesting throughout veering as it does from jazz to dark rumbling electronic 'scapes. The album grows with repeated listens.
LANA DEL REY - DID YOU KNOW THERE'S A TUNNEL UNDER OCEAN BOULEVARD?
Genre: Pop
Label: Polydor
BUY HERE!
Been following Lana for most of her career. I really appreciate that every album, whilst unmistakably Lana, is different, even if sometimes subtly. This one felt very confident with quite lengthy songs, spoken intros and a really full-sounding production.
This choice is no doubt heightened by seeing her live in Hyde Park with my daughters. A fantastic show, great day and having seen her before years ago she’s become a much more commanding performer. Candy Necklaces is a favourite.
ACTRESS - LXXXVIII
Genre: Electronica
Label: Ninja Tune
BUY HERE!
No-one produces music quite like this: jazzy electronica that has echoes and flourishes from the electronic dance floor. The album is apparently inspired by the game of chess - I can believe the thought that's gone into these compositions comes from the mind of a chessmaster.
A real sense of fun about them - excellently crafted alternative pop songs that are totally infectious. We all need more Lemonade in our lives.
Share this post
- Tags: Acoustic, Alternative Rock, AOTY, Country, Drone, Electronica, Experimental, Folk, Indie, Matt Davies, Pop, Welsh Music