One issue with running a music blog is that you’ve always got to focus on the ever-flowing stream of new music. Keeping your feet grounded in order to keep up with the latest big hit or emerging artist that’s managed to make an impact among the oversaturated crowd. This means there’s rarely time spent appreciating the sounds heard from previous years, which is what we’re going to do here.
Here’s a modest list of albums, EPs and singles from 2023 we felt needed a little more praise. Some extra props for being so darn good. We’re excited to dip our toes into the new music pool from next week, so keep your eyes (and oranges) peeled!
Boygenius – the record
Despite professing they’re ‘not strong enough’ on the most popular track of the album, boygenius has gone from strength to strength this year. Made up of Julien Baker, Phoebe Bridgers and Lucy Dacus, the three work in harmony to create this collection of mesmerising and effortlessly flowing tracks whilst still retaining each of their individual styles. You only need to listen to the opening track to hear each unique voice layer with each other, creating the soothing, lullaby-like a cappella, ‘Without You, Without Them’.
For me, it was the 5th track that had me in a trance all year. ‘Cool About It’ details the torment of not knowing where you stand with a friend or an ex (do you love them, do you love them not?) and having to cover it up to remain friends (‘I could walk you home and practise method acting’). If I could only give you one song to listen to it would be this one.
The band is headed for the Grammys in 2024 with nominations in 7 categories and I’m rooting for them to grab that album of the year win. Imagine winning probably the highest album accolade in the music industry for your debut album? I’d love to see that happen for these three incredibly special musicians.
Words by Lauren P
Chartreuse – Morning Ritual
Nearly four years since their debut EP release Even Free Money Doesn’t get me out of Bed, Chartreuse have finally released their debut album entitled Morning Ritual. After following them for years, with their music helping carry me through lockdown, I must admit I was chomping at the bit for them to release an album. After 5 EP’s we are finally here, and what a special album.
It would have been easy for the band to just compile all their songs from previous releases and create an album, but they haven’t done that. They have taken the four songs from their most recent EP Whippet, but then we are treated to eight brand new, never-heard-before songs – and it’s magical.
The album kicks off with ‘All Seeing All the time’ a strong opener for the album and was one of the standout songs when released prior to the album and made up the Whippet EP. The band can perfectly craft a strong build to the big wave that comes over you with the chorus of “All seeing all the time / all believing all the while”. Michael Wagstaff’s vocals seem to move from strength to strength and have really matured and ripened for the album. For me, the song serves as a symbolic opener for the album, to be completely aware throughout the entire album.
Words by Alex W
Declan Welsh and The Decadent West – 2
The end of October brought a highly anticipated sophomore album from some of Scotland’s finest when Declan Welsh and The Decadent West released 2, four years after the drop of their Scottish album of the year nominated debut Cheaply Bought, Expensively Sold.
The album is a result of the surroundings in which it was created; while record number one reflected the outside world with tracks about partying, politics and sexuality, this time around Welsh wrote almost the entirety of the album from his bedroom. The lyrics are short stories and poems which delve into themes of loneliness and anxiety, reflective of a world which is becoming more and more complicated and isolated.
Sonically, the record is some of their most interesting work yet. Opener ‘Mercy’ offers an elevated version of the group’s signature sound of layered vocals and thrashing guitars whilst other moments such as ‘King of my Head’ are slower, moody and swirling, reflecting the lyrical content of the track.
Highlights include ‘Come Outside’ which is perhaps best summarised by the lyrics “now you just exist to simply subsist”, it’s about shutting yourself away from the world, a beautiful reflection of the impact depression has on your relationship with others and the world outside. Towards the end, Welsh delivers a goosebump evoking spoken word poem set to music, a definite must listen.
‘100 to 1 (Saturday Night)’ is another favourite, a short story following a character called Donny on his weekend out drinking when he gets hit by a car, it is simultaneously funny and heartbreaking, and sonically very interesting as Welsh sites his influences as The Streets, Gwen Stefani, Lorde and Hamish Imalch.
Overall, 2 is a natural progression, highlighting both the group’s musical growth and Welsh’s personal growth. The album takes the listener on an introspective journey of reflection on the world and humanity from afar, leaving a feeling of melancholia that sticks with you for a while.
Words by Emma E
Dream Nails – Doom Loop
As well as housing our favourite single of 2023, Dream Nails’ Doom Loop continues to receive regular rotation. It’s a record that built upon the foundation left by its predecessor to bring a set of songs that make an instant impact, while continuing to strive for change on a matter of heavy topics and injustices that still occur today. Hitting hard sonically and lyrically. How they manage to perfect this without sacrificing the themes and their message is incredible.
From calling out the behaviour of Good Guys to the damning stats of ‘Case Dismissed’, Doom Loop is an important record that details the thoughts and feelings of the marginalised. Performed with the right amount of anger and fury to really drive home the emotion and context it holds.
Words by Adam R
Etta Marcus – ‘Mechanical Bull’
Etta Marcus is a pop artist from London. This year she’s released various singles including ‘Theatre’, ‘Snowflake Suzie’ and ‘Little Wing’. One of these was the single, ‘Mechanical Bull’ which was accompanied with a new music video.
‘Mechanical Bull’ opens with a slightly eerie sound following into the absolutely stunning vocals. Inspired by Sharon Van Etten, Mazzy Star and Pheobe Bridgers and this reflects so much in her work. Reminds me so much of Sharon Van Etten. Marcus uses her beats well and uses her instrumental layers with a stunning fashion, creating a truly poetic feeling. With lyric and vocal oriented tracks, she just never disappoints, Etta Marcus has a unique and ethereal voice. ‘Mechanical Bull’ is full of emotion, full of feeling, it’s a song that gets into your head- in all the best ways.
‘Mechanical Bull’ was shortly followed by its music video, full of gloomy visuals and beautiful lighting. You can find it on YouTube.
Words by Ani C
What was your favourite album, single, EP from 2023 that you feel still deserves to be heard? Let us know below.