Walking Relic

Times and Tides

I get a lot of random songs stuck in my head. That several tracks from this synth rock album joined the rotation after just a few listens I think speaks to the power of this Norman, Oklahoma group’s music. Frequently dramatic, often quite catchy, this was my favorite random find of the year. It’s also proof that the concept album still has relevance in 2020.

Bitch Falcon

Staring at Clocks

Chunky straight up rock music from this Dublin three-piece that combines elements of shoegaze, grunge, and post-punk into their tunes. I love the guitar and bass tones on this album, and the whole thing has just the right amount of fuzz and outright noise. Overall quality and consistency (there’s no filler and several real bangers) make this a downright impressive debut album that struck me as a breath of fresh air in an era of increasingly generic “indie music.” No album I heard this year rocked harder.

Hiroki Tanaka

Kaigo Kioku Kyoku

Had no expectations going into this album from former Yamantaka // Sonic Titan guitarist Tanaka, and was pleasantly surprised by this gorgeous, heartfelt, and somewhat heart-wrenching album built around the idea of being a caregiver for loved ones (album title translates as “Caregiving Memory Songs”). A lot of folk music doesn’t really do much for me since a lot of it sounds pretty samey to me. When I find folk music that I do like, however, I tend to like it a lot. That was the case for this compelling, deeply personal, and almost dreamlike work that features interesting instrumentation and percussion elements.

Dboy

New Records in Human Power

Another case where a band succeeds by not trying to reinvent the wheel. This is simply an exhilarating (and succinct) punk rock record packed with catchy licks, amusing lyrics, and an appropriate amount of sass. Or maybe about precisely what I’d expect from a group that’s a bit peculiar.

CLT DRP

Without the Eyes

Everything about this seems designed to make people uncomfortable: the band’s name, that cover, the sleazy sorts of sounds, subject matter, and vocal delivery on the album. That’s probably the point, but there’s no denying that this trio’s brand of electro punk music is arresting. Another debut release that points to bigger things ahead, and considering the timely themes featured on this album, it will be fascinating to see what the future holds for CLT DRP.

Body / Negative

Fragments

Truth in advertising. This entire album seems to provide just the slightest glimpse into another world, with airy vocals and delicate, almost whimsical melodies figuring prominently in the proceedings. Though the entire album is supremely beautiful, there’s something haunting about it, as if we’re getting, yes, fragments and not the whole story, which in turn only makes it more intriguing. I’m not sure I could truly pin down why I like this album, maybe it’s the childlike wonder it seems to tap into, but I think it’s magnificent.

Zoe Polanski

Violent Flowers

Just the kind of bright and relaxing listening experience that provided a ray of sunshine in the midst of everything 2020 had to offer. The debut from Israeli artist Polanski offers plenty of warm electronic elements and ethereal and hazy vocals on the majority of its tracks, but also provides a few dreamy instrumentals. Kind of reminds me of what Chromatics might sound like if they gave up on the disco elements.

Drab City

Good Songs for Bad People

This album seems to have landed in 2020 from a different time. Many of the tunes here might as well have been lifted from a super cool noir-inspired film from the late ‘60s (that warbling flute gets me every time…) and I also get some serious European vibes from the singing and overall smoky atmosphere. Maybe this isn’t an outright masterpiece (like, why does the male singer show up out of nowhere so late in the going?), but it boasts some great tracks and I didn’t hear a whole lot this year that sounded even remotely like it. I think that speaks for something.

hackedepicciotto

The Current

Interesting that this collaboration between Einstürzende Neubauten’s Alexander Hacke and his wife, American musician and multidisciplinary artist Danielle De Picciotto, would be called The Current. Musically, this album reminds me of the dark and just plain disconcerting sound of a band like Current 93, but the album also seems to touch on many contemporary issues such as social equality, even if in a somewhat indirect sort of way. Further, the ominous overall atmosphere may as well be a representation of humankind in 2020. Still, there are some glimpses of hope here and there, and I’d have to say that the sonically diverse release is a beguiling bit of sound art.

Cindy

Free Advice

Indie/dream pop, I might even label most of the album as slowcore, in the Slumberland Records sort of vein that I found to be sublime in its simplicity. The band’s not doing anything crazy in the least, but it’s just nice to listen to. I also kind of love the restrained use of synth here to create mood. Maybe this record is a bit too low key, but I found it to be a perfect after a long day or for a lazy afternoon.

Blake Braden

The Most Beautiful Song I've Heard

At times ambient, more electronic, somewhat classical, and even playing as a found sound recording, this ultimately is just a fascinating tapestry of voices, sound effects, and frequently beautiful, sometimes just plain odd bits of sound. Though quite lengthy, this album might be the ticket if you’re looking to escape reality for a while.

- Andy

Bobby Previte, Jamie Saft, Nels Cline

Music From The Early 21st Century

This improvised jazz recording featuring a trio of drummer, keyboardist, and guitarist regularly locks down some deep grooves while also delivering murky psychedelia, more upbeat moments, and utter serene beauty, particularly down the stretch. All the players here are clearly competent; the rhythms are tight and the guitar soars when needed, but it’s Saft on the keys who perhaps shines the brightest as he pumps out nifty melodies, soft ambiance, and bursts of synth weirdness.

- Andy

Bing & Ruth

Species

On a year when the human species went through a lot, Species the album is about the opposite of everything 2020 embodied. Warm and contemplative, the only thing I could maybe say against this ambient release is that its synth and keyboard-driven tracks get kind of samey after a while. Still, I think the overall effect is hypnotic rather than off-putting, and it’s exceedingly pleasant to listen to.

- Andy

Ground Tactics

Reality Implant

Aphex Twin didn’t release anything in 2020, but a host of electronic artists stepped up to fill that gap. From the breakbeat of Sewerslvt and John Frusciante (yes, the former Chili Peppers guitarist, whose catalog of solo work only gets more intriguing over time) to the glitchiness of Container (how weird was 2020? Container’s album this year actually had a title other than “LP”), there were some pretty outstanding electronic releases. Unleashing a plethora of bizarre tones and effects and doing a little of everything, from manic to chill, in the same way that Aphex Twin’s Richard D. James seems capable of, Ground Tactics’ Reality Implant may be the 2020 release that best embodies the Aphex spirit.

- Andy

LF58

Alterazione

The Bandcamp page for this release includes the user comment “This album is really great on drugs.” That seems accurate. Mysterious, mesmerizing, and introspective ambient music that somewhat recalls for me the sort of material found on Selected Ambient Works Vol. II. Tracks gradually evolve, with synths bubbling up and pulsing around soothing atmospheric tones and white noise. While much of the album is vaguely unsettling and quietly tense, the whole thing builds to a nicely hopeful finale.

- Andy

Illuminine

Dear, Piano

Taking the minimalist classical works of Flemish composer Kevin Imbrechts a.k.a. Illuminine and reimagining them as stripped down piano numbers, Dear, Piano is full of delicate melodies and has a lonely, almost haunting quality to it. One of the things about this album is that the tracks were created by 18 different artists and some of the compositions are featured more than once, making it interesting to see how different people worked with the same basic foundation using the same instrumentation. If you’re looking for something relaxing to listen to, this would certainly fit the bill.

- Andy

Saffronkeira With Paolo Fresu

In Origine: The Field Of Repentence

A new album by Saffronkeira is something I look forward to. When I learned he had a new album in the makes I was excited. When I learned he teamed up with trumpeter Paolo Fresu I got even more excited. Why? Because his previous collaboration with a brass player (Mario Massa) the result was mind blowing. It gives his sound a bit more organic, which adds even more dynamism to an already dynamic sound. The high of his collaboration with Massa is matched at least on this album.

- Dennis

Hania Rani

Home

Sometimes I just buy records without checking them out, purely based on my (high) expectations. Home is one of those records. I loved her previous album Esja and could not resist the artwork of this one. At first I had to get used to one change: she is singing on about half the tracks now. I did not really expect that. I still really do love her instrumental tracks, which are beautiful piano driven soundscapes/neo-clasical pieces. Once I got used to the fact there's someone singing over the other tracks I started to see the beauty of these tracks as well.

- Dennis

Carlos Cipa

Correlations (On 11 Pianos)

I got to know Carlos Cipa when I explored Denovali Records roster some years ago. I lost track of him after he changed labels. This year I rediscovered him and as reward I now have to new albums to explore. On his previous, Retronyms, he is exploring new territory. The first two records and a collaboration EP included piano only. On Retronyms, other instruments were included and got to play quite a big role really. Very enjoyable music still. On Correlations it seems he is returning a bit to his roots: the piano. At the same time this album feels like an exploration of sorts. An exploration of moods to conjure, of his mind perhaps. As the title explains this album is played on eleven different piano's. Each piano is selected as it matched the mood Carlos Cipa wanted to explore with you. The end result is a diverse and very exiting album!

- Dennis

Mansur

Temple

I am cheating a little bit here, including an EP instead of full length. But hey, this is great stuff and as the full length is only just released (at the time of writing) I have not yet have had time to listen to it. Mansur is a project in which Jason Kohnen is involved. You might know his name from various projects or bands, but The Kilimanjaro Darkjazz Orchestra is the most important reference point here. Think what that band did and add Eastern influences to that. The vocals are (because of those influences) less jazzy, but match the musical mood perfectly! There's only five tracks on this album, which leaves me hungry for more. I am looking forward to exploring the full length soon!

- Dennis

Vemod

Venter på stormene

I was lucky enough to see Vemod in London in February and their record Venter på stormene from 2012 is still in constant rotation for me.

The combination of atmospheric black metal, beautiful synths and vocals that strike deep makes for an album that is as stunning on the hundredth listen as it is on the first. It is magical. 

Listen here. 

The Angelic Process

Weighing Souls With Sand

Weighing Souls With Sand remains one of the most affecting albums ever made, even more so once you delve into the history of the band and the death of guitarist Kris Angylus shortly after the album was released. 

Distilling its genre down to one easy description is difficult as it encompasses drone and doom, metal and over-driven effects. It's heavy in ways that you don't expect and heartbreaking at its most destructive.

Listen here.

VNV Nation

Empires

When things are overwhelming you might need a vibrant pick-me-up and VNV Nation are a band who fit that bill all too well. Their brand of EBM focuses on hope and euphoria and the songs on Empires surge with desire for change.

The tracks here are so good that VNV Nation still include many of them in their live set, which is as close to ascension as you'll ever get. 

Listen here.

Dimmu Borgir

Enthrone Darkness Triumphant

This is by far, Dimmu Borgir's best record (although their catlaogue is pretty strong overall, but that's another discussion) and Enthrone Darkness Triumphant is the Norwegian band enjoying the heck out of themselves while also creating a fun, dark black metal album that has synths for days and lyrics that are kinda funny when you look back. 

Still, Dimmu Borgir are masters of this kind of symphonic, satanic black metal and to be honest, I wouldn't change them for the world.

Listen here.

LowCityRain

LowCityRain

LowCityRain released this in 2013 and have been somewhat quiet since. Founder Markus Siegenhort is in several other projects but this post-punk, gothwave record is a highlight of his catalogue, not least for the track "Nightshift" which features Soror Dolorosa's Andy Julia on lead vocals and is wonderuflly catchy.

When you're thinking of curling up under a blanket on a rainy day, holding a hot cup of tea, this is the record to soundtrack that. 

Listen here.

Persona 4 Golden

A reworked edition of a game originally released on consoles in the late 2000s, this game mixes high school simulation with traditional Japanese RPG elements with social interactions among characters being featured prominently.  The story really hooks you, and while somewhat grindy, this was probably the most generally outstanding and rewarding game I played all year.

Being a DIK: Season 1

Okay, I should start off by saying this game (NSFW links) is definitely an adults-only experience, but if you're playing this game just to, uh, "play it one-handed," as they say, you're doing it wrong.  From the maker of the equally outstanding Acting Lessons comes this quite amusing and also emotionally affecting visual novel that plays kind of like a modernized (and X-rated) National Lampoon's Animal House.  A really well-developed story and engaging cast of characters set this title apart. 

Graveyard Keeper

This game is a couple years old at this point, but the devs have put together pretty fun DLC packages for a Halloween release the last two years.  Humorous, dark, though somewhat unrefined (especially compared to something like the conceptually similar, absolutely streamlined Stardew Valley, which just got a nice update itself), Graveyard Keeper nonetheless provides a wonderful sense of escapism.

Katawa Shoujo

I'm digging into the past with this one, but I randomly stumbled upon it mid-summer and immediately fell in love with it.  So much about this game could have gone wrong: it is, after all, a dating sim designed by 4chan users dealing with physically disabled characters.  Still, I don't think I've ever gone through a game as emotionally powerful and moving as this one.  In my opinion, it's stunning.

Wreckfest

Being a fan of racing games, I look forward to trying out the various titles out there and seeing how they compare to one another.  While many of them are increasingly technical and intense, Wreckfest somewhat goes in the opposite direction.  I might describe it as a rallying game where you're driving beaters.  Also, the crash physics and car damage elements are pretty boss.

Nantucket

A strategy game set in the world of commercial whaling of the early 19th century.  Similar to Graveyard Keeper, this game benefits from its odd setting and scenario.  I'm sure this game wouldn't please animal rights activists, but it's definitely different and rather challenging at times.  This isn't a AAA title by any stretch, but I thought it was quite evocative and moody, with a nifty selection of vintage sea shanties on the soundtrack.

Warsaw

As a kid, I was fascinated by history, particularly World War II.  Hence, when I discovered this tactical RPG game, set in the Polish capital in 1944 and focused on a group of ragtag resistance fighters roaming the city and battling straggling German forces, I was intrigued.  This is another fairly low-key kind of game, but it has just the right amount of historical accuracy and a period-appropriate level of difficulty.

World of Horror

While I suspect they'd be hit or miss for modern gamers, I loved playing the old school point and click games back in the day.  World of Horror looks and plays like a game for 1980s computer tech designed by a demented programmer.  It's unsettling, frequently downright disturbing, and overwhelmingly doomy with menacing chiptunes nicely solidifying the mood.  I pretty much love it even though it kicks my ass every time.

Riley Gale

Riley Gale - Power Trip (Vocalist)
August 24th, 2020

The thrash metal outfit Power Trip is known for their knack for blending metal, hardcore, and thrash, spawning fans across the spectrum like a modern-day Pantera, and became a pillar of the Dallas hardcore scene. Lead singer Riley Gale, a DFW native deeply involved in the local scene since the early 2000s, passed away in August. He brought that sense of tight-knit hardcore community to Power Trip’s ethos even as they expanded into larger metal audiences, and he’s credited with trying to create a sense of unity among all the separate Texas scenes. As a “scene gatekeeper,” he was welcoming and open, inclusive in a way that not many are able to maintain. His ability to transcend the metal scene without sacrificing the DIY ethics of hardcore is to be commended, a rarity for which he will be remembered.

- Campbell

RJ Phillips

RJ Phillips - Life Long Tragedy (Guitarist)
March 29th, 2020

Involved in countless Northern California hardcore bands, including Life Long Tragedy, Allegiance, and most recently SPICE, RJ Phillips was a staple of the North Bay community. This is a huge loss for our community and anyone who has been involved in the Bay Area hardcore scene since the early 2000s. He will be remembered not only for his sharp guitar playing, but for his wise energy, dedication to songwriting and touring, and a willingness to fill in for anyone in need of a guitarist or bassist. His impact and quiet influence was felt by many.

Scene Point Blank had the pleasure of interviewing RJ and his younger brother Scott (lead singer of Life Long Tragedy) back in 2004, by former writer and fellow North Bay resident Zed. In retrospect, the interview was conducted during a high water mark for Bay Area hardcore, and encapsulates what the NorCal scene was all about at that time, highlighted by references to the first Set Your Goals shows in the summer of 2004. RJ will be sorely missed.

- Campbell

"Toots" Hibbert

Frederick Nathaniel Hibbert passed away in September at the age of 77. A pioneer of Jamaican reggae, Toots & the Maytals performed for over 50 years, releasing Got To Be Tough this August.

---

photo by Bob Doran, taken 2005 at Reggae on the River.

- Loren

Andy Gill

Andy Gill - Gang of Four (Co-Founder, Guitarist)
Died February 1, 2020 at age 64
Cause: Multiple organ failure and pneumonia

"Gang of Four" was a name I'd seen pop up many times over my years of browsing music forums, but I never actually gave them a chance. I only got into Gang of Four this year when I read the headlines of Andy Gill's passing. When I heard Entertainment, what I ended up finding was one of the best albums I'd heard in years. Not only was he one of the pioneers of Post-Punk, but as I dug deeper, I learned of Gang of Four and Gill's level of influence on many of Rock's most reverent artists. Tom Morello paid tribute to Gill and proclaimed that Gill had been a huge influence on his guitar playing. Gang of Four were such an influence on Nirvana that Kurt Cobain even suggested they were just "a ripoff" of Gang Of Four. Even to this day, Gang of Four and Andy Gill's musicianship is influencing artists. Look no further than our album of the year, Run the Jewels' RTJ4, which samples "Ether" from the band's debut. It's clear that Gill's work with Gang of Four will continue to resonate with artists of all genres.

---

photo by Erin Altomare, 2005

- Aaron H

Ennio Morricone

Ennio Morricone - composer

Died July 6th, 2020

Known for his compositions in over 400 films and television shows as well as scores of classical works, Morricone had a profound career notable not only for its longevity (Morricone started composing for cinema in 1960 and continued until 2016, winning an Oscar for his work on The Hateful Eight in 2015) but the sheer breadth of films he composed music for.  While many film composers seem to specialize in one type of thing, Morricone, known to crank out more than a dozen film scores per year at times, was equally at home doing music for sexy thrillers or sinister horror films as he was composing for the westerns or dramas he's more well-known for.

I've heard it described by several people and it's true: a Morricone score could make a bad movie immediately watchable, make a good movie great, and make a great movie an all-time classic.  While his name may not be known by all, I can virtually guarantee that most people would recognize certain Morricone compositions (several themes from The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly immediately come to mind), yet I find his work for more obscure films to be perhaps more enjoyable.  Truly a remarkable figure in the world of music.  Addio, Maestro.

- Andy

Regarde

The Blue And You

This artwork by Michele Bruttomesso is very strong. I think it is as strong as it is because it is so simple. In addition it has a graphic novel like charm with the use of only two colors. Regarde must have enjoyed the artwork very much as they ordered the visuals of single "Small Talks" from Michele as well!

John Moreland

LP5

This is the cover of John Morelands fifth album LP5. It saddens me that I can't find who made this lovely piece of art. I love it in all it's simplicity. I am not sure if I like the placement of the barcode, but next to that, it's almost perfect. It should be a very lifeless design, but the texture of paint in the coloured blocks give it life. Simple as it may be, it is really striking.

Mumrunner

Valeriana

One recent personal development is that I am starting to understand abstract art. Well... understand is a big word. Instead of just a blank stare there are some paintings that make me feel something. This beautiful piece of work is one of them. I've spent a couple of very pleasant late sunday evenings listening to Mumrunners take on shoegaze while staring at the cover of their LP. Gorgeous work by Senni Tuomi!

Mothers Of The Land

Hunting Ground

Dr. Knoche/Clor is responsible for the artwork of Mothers Of The Land latest album Hunting Ground. Looking at it you know what to expect: some heavy psThe Outskirts Of Realityych. I could rave how I love how the band spiced it up with NWOBHM influences and that I don't miss vocals for one second, but this is about the artwork. There is a certain balance in this work that makes it truly beautiful in my eyes. It is however bound to a certain feeling. It would be awkward to see this artwork featured on a pop record for example. It needs the context it has now.

Yuri Gagarin

The Outskirts Of Reality

I dig the whole outer space thing Yuri Gagarin has going on. The artwork reflects that spacey vibe. Påhl Sundström really captured the vibe of the album with his astonishing artwork!

Hania Rani

Home

Combining stills from the video for the song "Leaving" with his own sketches Łukasz Pałczyński created something that captures a mood, but most importantly, something that makes me very curious to the album. Good art can do that, and this hits a homerun if you ask me!

Slift

Ummon

Slift has asked CAZA to make the artwork for Ummon. The picture you see here is only part of the magic that you get when you look at the LP cover. Yes, there's more. It's dark, but in a very wonderful way. This is the kind of artwork that you marvel at while playing the LP.

The Ocean

Phanerozoic II: Mesozoic | Cenozoic

Don't you just love it when a band takes you on a trip spanning multiple albums and they get a certain consistency in the artwork as well? I know I do and I am pretty sure The Ocean do too. Martin Kvamme is responsible for the artwork of their latest album Phanerozoic II: Mesozoic | Cenozoic and what he made is perfectly in line with the connected albums. What I especially love about the artwork (and what I can't show you in this picture) is how he made this three-dimensional (in line with the previous two parts).

The Other

Haunted

You probably know the saying: you shouldn't judge a book by it's cover? Oss Caroch must have thougth: yeah, I don't agree with that and designed a cover for The Others album Haunted in such a way that you know exactly what you are going to get.

Saffronkeira With Paolo Fresu

In Origine: The Field Of Repentance

Mustafa Sabbagh's artwork graces the album In Origine: The Field Of Repentance and for me sets the tone of the album. It explains it and guides you through the motions of the music in a way.

Notches

New Kinda Love

Okay, we shared this last December. But the record came out in January so we're counting it.

New Kinda Love is the third album from New Hampshire's Notches and released on Salinas Records. Power-pop with rough around the edges life lessons.

Constant Insult

History in Shorthand

I was pleased to see Constant Insult appear in a couple of Pass The Mic entries this year.

History in Shorthand is the band's first full-length and released on Let's Pretend/ State Champion/ Stupid Bag Records. Garage-punk with real emotion.

24/7 Spyz

The Soundtrack To The Innermost Galaxy

Hard-hitting punk/funk/metal/more, each song on this 11-track record brings new twists and turns.

Check out the band's unique "Heavy Metal Soul" sound.

Sorespot

Gifts Of Consciousness

Released on Midnight Werewolf Records, Sorespot's Gifts of Consciousness is a harsh noisy record on its surface, with soft complex melodies masterfully balanced within.

Gaytheist/Intercourse

split EP

Two bands, four songs, one Black Flag cover.

There's a lot I could say to cover two bands like these. Instead I'll just say they both aim for coarse sounds up front, but with a lot more going on -- in different directions on each side of the vinyl. Available from Learning Curve Records.

Holler House/Busey

split EP

A Minneapolis/Chicago split, both bands play noise-influenced hard rock with their own complementary twists on the styles.

As Holler House talks about in Pass The Mic this year, this EP came out just as civil unrest spread across the country. While it was hard to think music at that time, but the stream is still here for those just checking it out now. 

Out on Jetsam-Flotsam.

Old Ghosts

Crow

Hardcore out of Buffalo, NY. Crow is the second LP from Old Ghosts and it's blistering, thoughtful and potent.

Released by State of Mind Recordings.

Raging Nathans

Live From Wonkfest

Ohio's The Raging Nathans released Oppositional Defiance full-length in July. They packaged a limited, free 7" with the LP in some orders. Live From Wonkfest gives a 6-song taste of hearing the band live -- something we didn't get to do in 2020.

Released on Rad Girlfriend Records.

Outro Records

Sampler

Outro was kind enough to create a 16-song exclusive label sampler for us.

And it's totally worth checking out. Normall on a compilation you expect a couple of duds, but there are none to be found on this high energy collection.

Heart & Lung

You Wanna Know The Truth?

Originally released in 2017, Red Scare Industries announced signing the Cleveland band by reissuing this debut full-length.

A new album is coming next year.

The Soviet Machines

s/t

This record is on the homepage now and technically isn't out until 2021. But we're still gonna share it again because that's the whole damn point, isn't it.

Power-pop with some extra punch. Out soon via DC-Jam Records.

Zao

"Conflict"

It's not often you get to share an unheard gem from nearly 25 years previous. We had the privilege to debut a deep, deep cut from Zao in August.

Caterpillars

"Tangents" video

Caterpillars released Where Shadows Go To Speak this year on Friend Club Records. We teamed up with them to debut a new video, "Tangents".

Pearl Jam

Gigaton

So much happened in 2020 that's easy to forget Pearl Jam led off the year with their first album in several years. Read our Gigaton review here. Spoiler alert: 7.8/10.

But what did we write?

Ulver

Flowers Of Evil

House of Mythology released the latest Ulver record and long-time fan Cheryl had a lot to say about Flowers Of Evil.

Stiff Little Fingers

Live @ Metro Theatre

In February live concerts were still a thing. Including seeing the legendary Stiff Little Fingers in Sydney, Australia.

Mr. Bungle

The Raging Wrath Of The Easter Bunny

Did we just say it had been a long time since Pearl Jam released a record? Pfft. Mr. Bungle hadn't even released a record this millenium. 

On The Raging Wrath Of The Easter Bunny the band recruits Soctt Ian and Dave Lombardo, transforming into a thrash band while maintaining their own warped personality at the same time.

The Violet Mindfield

Hello Darling

January was so long ago. One of our earliest reviews of the year -- of a 2019 record -- was Hello Darling by The Violent Mindfield. Spoiler alert: 8.0/10.

It's more than numbers. Read the words.

Hey Colossus

What's That Noise?

Hey Colossus released the brand new Dances/Curses in late 2020. But before that we talked to them about The Pirate Ship, their backline that delivers their powerful sound.

Our 1QI series gets answers short and long. This one is a novel. And a picture book.

And amazing.

What's That Noise?

Laibach

interview

It stands to reason that our January pieces have had more traffic throughout the year than those published in November. 

In this early year interview, we chatted with performance artists, industrial rockers and far more than that: Laibach.

Cro-Mags

In The Beginning

2020 may have been the year of COVID. 

But it was also the year of The Cro-Mags, who returned to action under Harley Flanagan's watch in a big way, with two EPs and the full-length In The Beginning.

And it was good.