Thuckabe's Top 19 Of 2014
Not really foreseeing anything else to add. Here we go. |
| 19 |  | Blood Red Shoes
Blood Red Shoes
Rioting, pounding rock that goes as deep as you're willing to dig. It's easy to get caught
up in the addictive hooks and whirls, but this album exists for more than that. Brooding
vocals and an abrasive attitude that a lot of bands fail to ever attain. That aside, I feel
the album never quite finds its peak - its defining moment - and as the album comes to
a close, you're left with your glass feeling a little empty. |
| 18 |  | 68
In Humor and Sadness
Josh Scogin has been a very entertaining musician to follow over the past 12 years - this
record is no exception. This album is a torrential assault of hardcore indie rock, but
unlike some of Scogin's releases over the years, it never loses control. It has a purpose -
a vision - and if the music doesn't take you there, he ensures that the vocals do. This
album feels pure, it feels extreme, it feels right. |
| 17 |  | White Arrows
In Bardo
Psychedelic pop rock that is far more enlightened than their previous release. Vibrant,
up-tempo, but a little too moody to truly separate itself this year as the lyrics rode a
oddly dark character that simply didn't bode well with the overall personality the album
carried. The sound works wonderfully however - the layers are wisely placed, the
production is appropriate. This album was a few pieces short of being excellent, but it
still stands above a lot of albums for me this year. |
| 16 |  | Kishi Bashi
Lighght
Exceptionally catchy orchestrated pop that makes you feel like you are riding a unicorn
through a mystical cloud. It is ethereal, vivacious, and almost too much fun to take
seriously. It is a fun ride and I really do enjoy it, but I feel like it got stuck in a single
fluffy gear, which works, but it probably could have been less bubbly and more focused
in areas. |
| 15 |  | Delta Spirit
Into The Wide
Delta Spirit is driven to make anthemic, soulful alternative rock. Their albums shift in
sound, yet maintain an unforgettable epic pulse throughout. Into the Wide is the band's
most ambitious album to-date, and while it may lack some of the rootsy Americana rock
that made their previous albums so enjoyable, their range on this album feels
invigorated and natural. Delta Spirit continues to explore and we are all at benefit. |
| 14 |  | Lost In The Trees
Past Life
Their previous release, A Church that Fits our Needs, is an all-time favorite of mine, and
thus I had a difficult time curbing my enthusiasm for this album. Classically-minded,
angelic, exquisite. They explore a purer sound on this record, stripping down to driving
rhythms and experimenting with foreboding electronica, yet still satisfying with their
delicate melodies and harmonies. While some of their new ventures on this record fall
short, the crescendoing aura this band creates will always remain captivating and
impressive. |
| 13 |  | Desert Noises
27 Ways
In a genre that is becoming saturated with rehashed sounds and stagnant vibes, Desert
Noises stands out. The bluesy rock and roll is progressive, pushing boundaries,
challenging fellow rock and rollers to step up their game. The album maintains a 60's
groove throughout that appeals to most every listener while relying on organic, grungy
americana and dynamically layered harmonies to completely draw you in. Their live
show has unrivaled energy and enthusiasm. This album restored my faith in a genre I
felt was becoming vandalized by the likes of Mumford & Sons and The Lumineers. |
| 12 |  | These Ghosts
Still The Waves
Soothing, ethereal math rock that is concise in its approach and never falters. It does
not do anything drastically original, but it is very concrete in what it does do while
creating enough of a signature to their sound that you won't easily forget them. It eddys
from minimalistic rhythms to delicate brilliance. It is emotional; fragile and grand. A
creative and purposeful effort that does not disappoint. |
| 11 |  | Chad VanGaalen
Shrink Dust
Dazzling and surreal lyrics transport you to the odd dream world of VanGaalen, but the
character of the sound holds you tight, reassuring you that things will not get unbearably
weird. His fuzzy pop rock seamlessly explores a wide variety of influences, reflecting his
sporadic and untamed style without ever losing the listener's interest. It's weird, but a
good weird, maybe the best kind of weird. The kind of weird that gets more comfortable
and joyful with each listen. |
| 10 |  | Pompeii
Loom
After a five year hiatus, Pompeii returns with a much matured and dynamic approach to
their ambient post-rock sound. Atmospheric, symphonic melodies swirl and surge
throughout while subtly entrapping. Loom is a vast journey full of energy and
desperation that feeds strongly off of its influences. As is the problem with most albums
that rely on epic crescendo moments, there are moments that float away without a
second thought, but the energy of the complete product is undeniable. |
| 9 |  | Woods
With Light and With Love
Woods mold a diversely mellow sound that will remind many of George Harrison or Neil
Young, but they have a collected nature that streamlines this beloved sound into one of
their own. The vocals bring a wandering whimsicalness that hold it all together. It's this
year's finest psychedelic folk album, with the title track being one of the finest of this
year's offerings. It's groovy, it's trippy, it's polished. The album tends to create a few
odd stretches that don't quite fit, but as a whole this is not an album you want to miss. |
| 8 |  | Wax Fang
The Astronaut
A rock opera in three movements of sweeping, glamorous psychedelic rock that will blow
your mind. This album feels like a journey through the majestic depths of outer space.
Massive, and exuberant throughout. It is an album reliant on many classic rock
influences, but it never struggles to remain unique. A fantastic intergalactic journey that
rarely finds lulls in its course. |
| 7 |  | Douglas Dare
Whelm
Discordant and dissonant piano and vocals pieced together masterfully to elicit a
chillingly romantic dulcet. Music that you can feel, emotions you can relate with, an
organic experience that feels natural. The vocals twist among the electronic drone of the
album which simply further allows you to lose yourself. It is dark and memorable, the
finest debut of the year. |
| 6 |  | Nick Mulvey
First Mind
One of the most consistent and rewarding albums of the year. I'm surprised at the lack
of recognition this album has received. His simple acoustic approach is warming and
encompassing with layered waves that go from chilling to electrifying. It is smart, very
smart - smarter with each listen. In a genre that has had a hard time finding a new
pioneer, it may need to look no further than Nick Mulvey. |
| 5 |  | Run The Jewels
Run The Jewels 2
Run the Jewels 1 was amazing, but this album exceeds its accomplishments in every
way possible. Somehow, over the course of one year, Killer Mike and El-P delved even
further into their untouchable chemistry to create an intrepid album that will be heralded
as one of the best rap albums this decade. Incredible. Love Again was unnecessary. |
| 4 |  | Every Time I Die
From Parts Unknown
No one can touch these guys' finesse when it comes to southern metalcore. This album
shows maturity while staying true to the roots that made them so ferociously fantastic
when they ripped onto the scene back in the early 2000s. It's odd to hear a band release
an album so deep into their careers that reinvigorates the hype - it's almost like listening
to Last Night in Town for the first time in the approach that you can't wait to see what
they do next. This album is straight-up savage. |
| 3 |  | Animals As Leaders
The Joy of Motion
Return to form. Defying the laws of music. Jazzy progressive metal that grips and
crushes while allowing you to get lost in all the textures and intricacies. The chemistry in
the sound is on par with the best of acts. In a genre that's becoming consistently more
saturated, it's impressive that Animals As Leaders can come out and make an album
that completely outdoes the others. Fantastically mesmerizing. |
| 2 |  | Low Roar
0
One of the most dynamic minds in ambient indie music. Every moment of this record is
delicately placed to create a spacious, chilling aesthetic the relies on the sum of its parts.
Fragile, luxuriant, and extensive. It's difficult to not become emotionally captivated by
the sentimental lyrics and tranquil essence Karazija puts forth, and I'd recommend not
trying to fight that feeling. There is beauty here - beauty that doesn't come often from
music - a strength that isn't measured by decibels or time; an art form that not only
demands your vulnerability, but rewards it. |
| 1 |  | Kiasmos
Kiasmos
Brilliantly contrived ambient techno. The slow, methodical pulse is carried throughout
the album to create a fantastically immersive album, an album that you can truly feel.
The relationship between the two artists is undeniably exciting and cohesive. There is no
other album this year that matches the excellence found here. The soundscape
presented here is near perfect. |
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