It’s that time once again, as the countdown to the end of 2018 rapidly approaches we take a personal look back on familiar names, features and musicians’ best releases of the past 12 months. In what has been another crazy year of highs and lows- it’s the releases that have pulled a lot of people through the year. Now in it’s 8th year, Circuit Sweet will be hosting takeovers from the featured artists/musicians/labels and promoters of the site with their personal top releases of the year.
For our penultimate Rad Releases take over we hand the site over to a key contributor to Circuit Sweet. The incredible music journalist Gavin Brown. Gavin has been writing for the site for over 3 years and he is such a brilliant member of our team. If you’ve had a positive feature on the site chances are the review came from the dedicated Gavin. Gavin’s had a huge year with the birth of his Daughter and despite having time away from writing, Gavin has still checked in and sent some incredible interviews- especially his most recent with Emma Ruth Rundle. We hand over to find out more about his year in music….
Gavin Brown- Rad Releases 2018
Albums Of The Year
Dylan Carlson – Conquistador
On Conquistador, Earth mastermind Dylan Carlson reimagines an audio Western soundscape in his own inimitable style to create a brilliant album that stands tall with the rest of his storied musical offerings.
Grouper – Grid Of Points
Long awaited return for the ethereal sounds of Grouper and the legendary vocals of Liz Harris certainly doesn’t disappoint on this section of hazy tracks. A sublime album and definitely worth the wait.
The Fierce And The Dead – The Euphoric
The latest album from The Fierce And The Dead, The Euphoric is aptly named due to its uplifting blend of psychedelic and epic instrumental anthems. This is an album that is progressive, expansive and a joy to listen to.
Emma Ruth Rundle – On Dark Horses
Emma Ruth Rundle returns with On Dark Horses, an album that combines sheer beauty and a sombre melancholy with an added darkness on a selection of superbly crafted songs that you can’t wait to consume again straight away as soon as the album ends.
Children Of Zeus – Travel Light
Mixing deft hip hop beats and rhymes with the best in soulful vocals around, Children Of Zeus triumph with Travel Light which is a sublime and reflective album that you won’t tire of listening to.
Honourable mentions
Jo Quail – Exsolve
Thou – Magus
Miss Red – K.O
Sleep – The Sciences
You – Our Raw Heart
A Storm Of Light – Anthroscene
Best Gig You’ve Attended
Amen Ra, Boris & Jo Quail
Thekla, Bristol, February 14th 2018
With three amazing acts of varying diverse musical styles on the same bill, this was a gig that couldn’t be missed and was eagerly awaited as soon as it was announced. It certainly didn’t disappoint as the walks of the Thekla were shaken constantly. Jo Quail started the night off perfectly with a majestic display as only she can. The unique sounds of Boris followed and their hypnotising drone sounds were even more magnificent in a live setting. Capping off a night that demonstrated all that is good with live music was a devastating performance by Amen Ra who were intense, powerful and above all supremely cathartic in a simply awe inspiring set that will live long in the memory of everyone in attendance. A phenomenal night.
Other notable gigs
Mono, A Storm Of Light & Jo Quail – The Fleece, Bristol
Madball, Fights & Fires, Bar Fight & Dead Hands – Frog & Fiddle, Cheltenham
Love Saves The Day – Eastville Park, Bristol
Children Of Zeus – Kings Jam Festival, Gloucester
Neville Staple – Baker Street, Gloucester
Highlights of the year
The birth of my daughter, Lauren was the best experience of my life, was soundtracked by an amazing array of music and I can’t wait to introduce to so much more in the future. Listening to and discovering so much new and good music was a highlight of 2018 as well.
Artists/Bands To Watch in 2019
Frankie Cosmos
A I W A S S
Hannah Epperson
Planet B
The Messthetics
Plans For 2019
To keep on seeking out the best new music and artists. 2018 has been an awesome year with so much good music being produced and I’m sure that 2019 will be just as good. I’m also looking forward to hopefully taking my daughter to her first gig, best to start her young!
Once again a huge thank you Gavin for giving us more of your time! We just love your writing and very grateful for your contributions. All the best for 2019!
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