Nick Cave & Warren Ellis “Albuquerque”
Nick Cave has created some of the most beautifully haunted songs ever, and since the unfortunate passing of his son, he has been creating timeless music like a mad man. With “Albuquerque” from his latest full-length, accompanied by Warren Ellis, he has created an exquisite song about not being able to travel. The piano tone and production is perfect, the strings are bright and sad at the same time. The genuine quality of work that has went into this song alone is admirable, but Nick seems to pull this off with ease.
Loney Dear “Habibi (A clear black line)”
Loney Dear is one of my favorite indie musicians and has consistently had one of my favorite songs of the year with every album. “Habibi (A clear black line)” is brilliant and has an emotional quality to it that you’d be hard pressed to find in another artist these days. The songwriting is as authentic as it gets. The piano is produced wonderfully and his vocals are sang with the perfect falsetto. This is the type of song you could put on late at night and with a warm cup of tea and be in perfect serenity. Though this song may not be for everyone, I couldn’t think of any way to improve it and find myself constantly going back to it, as no other song can give this special quality.
Gia Margaret “Solid Heart”
Gia Margaret delivers one of the best songs of the last few years with “Solid Heart.” It’s a stampede on your heart that seems to claw at your nostalgia and teen angst. It’s a familiar chorus that you’ve never actually heard. Such a beautiful way of blending the the guitar with the easy going drum percussion section. The lo-fi production on her vocals serve as a sort of instrument as well, and carry her floaty voice into oblivion.
TORRES “Thirstier”
TORRES is easily one of the strongest musicians currently in the business. Her new single “Thirstier” is an epic, fascinating song. It starts like a Michelle Branch song from two decades ago, then it breaks open into the best indie-rock instrumentals of the year. The vocals soar and the songwriting is poignant.
Liars “Big Appetite”
Liars are one of the most polarizing bands on the face of the earth and their new song “Big Appetite” is carried by an impeccable guitar riff and incredible lazy sounding vocals. The production is immaculate and makes you extremely excited to hear the rest of the upcoming, ‘The Apple Drop’ album.
Sylvie “Falls On Me”
Sylvie’s single for their upcoming self-titled EP is an instant classic in its conception and gorgeous in its inner workings. It would sound amazing on vinyl or in a television show set in the past. The songwriting is very strong and the opening vocals floor me every time I hear them. The instrumentation is exquisitely written and produced.
David Gray “Laughing Gas”
“Laughing Gas” is one of my favorite songs of the year, as the piano is intimate and glorious. The way the vocals match the songwriting is perfect and on another level in terms of music this year. David Gray is truly a timeless talent and one of the greatest creators of the the last 20+ years. I consistently stay inspired by his works and he’s had an unprecedented premier music for the second time this year.
Wy “Dream House”
‘Marriage’ the upcoming album from Wy is the album I am most excited for. They are currently firing on all cylinders, production, songwriting and arranging. “Dream House” which will be the 8th cut on ‘Marriage’ is indie-pop perfection. The drum machine beat is reminiscent of prime Future Islands and the songwriting gives me my School of Seven Bells fix. When she says “it doesn’t matter where I am or what we do” it couldn’t have been sung better and it leads into the song picking up steam with overlapping vocals and a louder synth with beautiful production quality.
Azure Ray “Remedy”
With “Remedy” Azure Ray are back with their strongest song in 20 years since “Rise” from their debut. The beauty surrounds the production value, and the songwriting is glorious as the lyrics “for all the devils that dance under the sun / you’re a remedy or there’s none” is very spiritually uplifting. The acoustic guitars bounce wonderfully off the intimate vocals.
Casper Skulls “Monument”
Casper Skulls open “Monument” with simple percussion that seemingly drives the song forward. Once the exquisitely produced guitar comes in you then realize this is going to be a song to remember. The gorgeous vocals then bring the songwriting to the forefront, and for a moment it all drops off except the drums like the opening. Then the insanely amazing chorus comes in and blows the lid off the whole thing.
Army of Sound 