Best of 2023 | Best albums | Best songs | Irish albums | Best Of Podcasts | Guest lists |
The Cork artist Elaine Malone released a debut album called Pyrrhic, a long-in-the-offing release, capturing the moody shoegaze and country psych-rock sound she’s been cultivating for about five years now, with inspiration coming from The Velvet Underground and Nico, and Lee Hazlewood. ‘Moontread’
Bar Italia
jelsy
Bar Italia were my favourite gig of the year. Have been listening to them compulsively every time I travel for the last few months. There’s an earnestness to it that feels like a sexually charged Alex G/Elliott Smith. The three part vocals are mesmerising, the delivery is dry and deliberate. I’d been listening to Double Virgo for quite a while without realising the connection. Would recommend a spin through Foolish Narratives too.
Omni Gardens
Plant Shop
My most recent find is the intoxicatingly calming ambience of Omni Gardens. There’s a strangely archaic tone of archival synth arpeggios and the quality makes everything feel found. He has achieved a cosmic quietude that lulls the mind into submission. I highly recommend Steve Roseborough’s previous album Moss King as well. For hangovers and bad mornings in general.
ØXN
Farmer in the City
Scott Walker is an untouchable deity in my opinion and I had a holiday ruined by his death a few years ago. ØXN’s cover of ‘Farmer in the City’ elevates it into a heavenly wash of darkness. I would be happy for it to be three times as long as it is. The blend of voices and it’s innate sadness is ghostly and unsettling to its core. Being a farmer in the city myself I feel strongly about this song.
Inga Copeland
Obsession 2
To my knowledge this track was originally released a few years ago on the Higher Powers LP, I generally love anything made by Alina Astrova. Between Hype Williams and Lolina, there’s a striking subtlety to her vocals and everything she makes has a timeless modernity to it. Future music.
System Olympia
My Lincoln
This record has the energy of William Friedkin’s To Live and Die in L.A. She is the queen of all things lurid and neon. Sun-dripped, top-down red Lamborghini, smoking a fag.
Operating Theatre
Spring Is Coming With A Strawberry In The Mouth
I am unabashedly obsessed with everything that Olwen Fouéré and Roger Doyle have made together. Elena Lopez’ vocals on this track are so effervescent and make me nostalgic for an Ireland in the 80s that never was.
Не Уходи, Дарящий
Владимир Леви, Ким Брейтбург
No idea when this came out, but I heard it this year for the first time and it’s my favourite thing of this godforsaken year. It feels like crying in the shower and Enya rhapsodies.
The Bonk
May Feign
I will go see The Bonk 1,000,000 times if I can. This track came out a few years ago but is my favourite on the record. Heavily indebted to the influence of the lads.
Maija Sofia
Four Winters
Ireland’s Kate Bush, this tune is heavy and brilliant and danceable simultaneously. ‘Clots in my menstrual blood’ is the best lyric of 2023.
Crying Loser
Muscle Man
Whoooooooooooo. I am biased as I live with 2/4 of the band, go see them live. Sabbath bass clarinet, all angles and disco-ntentment.
Honourable mentions
- The World Couldn’t See Us – Nabihah Iqbal / DREAMER (I wish I lived in this song)
- The Bass – I Dreamed I Dream / Why Say A Lot? (this is unabashedly funny and banging)
- High speed calm air tonight – ML Buch / Suntub (chorusy bass forever please)
- Sopratutto – Nicolini / Sopratutto (sexy Italian dub???)
See all Guestlist of 2023 choices
Best of 2023 | Best albums | Best songs | Irish albums | Best Of Podcasts | Guest lists |
