I’ve talked about having a writer’s block this year. So when I set myself down (after a stern talk to motivate myself) I looked at this blank page thinking: what on earth should I discuss this time around? At first I thought I would put another couple of labels in the spotlight. I still like how my previous column turned out. I have decided against that idea for now, although I will probably revisit it in the near future. As I am having some reconstruction going on at home (the kitchen this time) I played with the idea of building a column around that theme again. But that that is more of a one-off kind of idea. So, for now I will just share a couple of albums and EPs with you that really struck a chord with me this year. I may have had trouble with writing about music, but I had no trouble discovering more music and I have listened to a boatload of records this year. There are a couple of real gems which I think you should check out too. So brace yourselves!
The Greek Connection
First up is Khirki with their second album Κυκεώνας. This album is where I got to know this band. I had read some raving reviews of their previous album, but never checked them out as I figured the combination of hard rock, classic metal, and folk wouldn’t appeal to me. Not long after their second album was released, I read another glowing review where the band was compared to Villagers Of Ioannina City, whose album Age Of Aquarius is a record I played to death. This triggered me to actually check Khirki’s release out. Halfway through the first song, both albums where in my basket. Khirki uses the same Greek folk influences, but ditches the stoner vibe for something more uptempo that is, indeed, somewhere between hard rock and metal. A couple of minutes in, I started to focus more on the drumming and let me tell you: if the musical description doesn’t sell this album to you, the drumming probably will! This album has had a lot of spins and I still return to it on a regular basis.
A Different Voice
Another album that surprised me is Broken Hearted Blue by Jenny Don’t And The Spurs. I don’t remember where I picked it up. I do remember seeing the cover and thinking, “With a name like this, could this be the singer of the band Don’t?” I checked and, to my great surprise, she is indeed the singer of that band (as well). Don’t was a punk band that had a couple scene veterans (The Wipers, Poison Idea amongst others) play some great melodic punk with equally great vocals. Jenny Don’t And The Spurs play country. Somehow, this country hater appears to enjoy this album. Perhaps because there are some ‘60s garage influences incorporated as well? It has enough fire to actually enjoy this. The real reason for listening to this are the great vocals though. Where I enjoyed Jenny’s style in Don’t the different vocal approach on this album suits her even better. Combine that with a superb production that allows said vocals to really shine and you get a really addictive record.
Add a Pinch of Grunge, Please
I really like Fatima’s previous album, so I am a bit surprised I did not write about them before. Whatever the reason, I did not mention them anywhere. Now it’s time to fix that omission, as they have released a new album this year. Eerie continues where 2022’s Fossil ended. Their sound is rooted in stoner rock, but with a couple of heavy nods to grunge which proves to be a golden combination (again). Add a dash of Middle Eastern influences and vocals that remind me of Kurt Cobain and you have a record that I can listen to again and again. It is strange I don’t hear too much about them as I would expect more folks to be enthusiastic about their albums.
What Did They Do This Time?
A band I have written about before is Florida Men. I enjoyed the Ramones-core of their debut. In fact, I listened to it way more than I expected when I wrote the review. I was happy to see a new release by the band, but also a bit surprised it was not released on Morning Wood Records, their previous homebase and the label run by their drummer. Perhaps their new home Monster Zero will give them more reach. The pond with bands playing this style is pretty crowded but, if you ask me, Florida Men stand out from the crowd. Not because they add different elements to the style, but because they seem to understand how to write a good tune. They keep you on the edge of your seat the whole runtime. Great energy and great hooks do have that effect, especially in this style.
Rookie Records Delivers Again
Another great punk release this year is from Germany’s KMPFSPRT. They came on my radar because I started to follow Rookie Records. The label that released last year’s Pascow. That record came as a big surprise to me, but made it to my year list after listening to it almost nonstop for a couple of days. It is a record I still return to often, giving enough reason to check if the label released more gems like this. KMPFSPRT is one the shiniest gems I have found so far. Aus Gegebenem Anlass is KMPFSPRT’s sixth album, and their experience shows in their to-the-point songs with a poppy edge. They sound way more serious than the usual suspects when I think about pop-punk, but there is still a certain lightness too. So now I have two German bands with back catalogs to explore!
Don’t Judge A Book By Its Cover
As always, my taste in music is all over the place. So from punk we will dive headfirst into the realm of black metal. Conifère released their debut album L’Impôt Du Sang last april. This album is a masterclass in writing engaging black metal. It is raw, it has (at times) a post black vibe, yet it is very old school. Everything works just right. It bites when the songs ask for a bit more aggression and it is very compelling at other times. There is a sense of melody that is incredible. When this album popped up on my Bandcamp feed, I almost didn’t click it because, based on the artwork, my expectations weren’t very high. I don’t know why, but for some reason I decided to check it out. And boy am I glad I did. From the first seconds, this album had me in its grip. It also has tremendous replay value. I could think of a lot of references that should give you a clue about the sound of this band, but I would rather see you check them out yourself. Do it. You will not regret it. This might just be the best black metal album of this year.
A Big Step Forward
Have you got room for one more? I do and I want to point the spotlight to Shooting Daggers, whose album Love & Rage left a big impression on me. If you ask me, this is what punk is all about: a strong message (dealing with queerphobia, misogyny and all kinds of oppression) wrapped in urgent music. My biggest highlight is “Not My Rival,” a song previously released on a split with Death Pill. There is a lot of aggressive hardcore to be found on this album, but the band is also not afraid to show a completely different side of themselves in the almost shoegazy “A Guilty Conscience Needs An Accuser.” The diverse sounds keep you on the edge of your seat. The band shows big growth compared to the previous EP. Having made a big step forward like this, I must say I look forward to future material. Until that is released, Love & Rage can be found in my playlist a lot.
I always hope that these columns inspire you to dive into a couple of records you might not have checked out otherwise. Columns like this are a big inspiration for me. Anyway, looking forward to seeing you again soon!
