It’s that time once again, as the countdown to the end of 2019 rapidly approaches and we somehow end this decade- 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 filled with plenty of highs and lows- it’s the releases that have once again pulled a lot of people through the year.
Now in it’s 9th year, we let our favourites take over the site to tell us the records that have made their end of year lists. Telling us their most loved events/gigs and what we can look forward to from them next year.
Kickstarting our annual end of year tradition, Inwards is the first to share an insight into his incredible year of music. Inwards is the experimental music programmer and multi-instrumentalist from Worcestershire- AKA Kristian Shelley. 2019 saw the release of Shelley’s standout EP release Feelings of Unreality on Small Pond and multiple live shows. Check out Inwards year in music below…
- Top 5 releases of the year
1. Aleksi Perala – The Colundi Sequence Level 3– Microtonal magic from Aleksi Perala.
“Speaking to the Wire last year, Wilson-Claridge explained that the frequencies were chosen “via experimentation and philosophy, each relating to a specific human bio-resonance, or psychology, traditional mysticism or belief, physics, astronomy, maths, chemistry.” He elaborated in a Facebook comment spotted by puzzled WATMM forum members: “E.g. 90-111Hz – Beta Endorphin range. 126.22Hz – 32nd octave of Earth year, The Frequency Of The Sun, Color=Green, Tempo=118.3 BPM, centering of magic, Hara(chakra).” https://www.residentadvisor.net/features/2567
2. Sculpture – Brilliant work from AV two piece Sculpture.
My favourite find in music ever since discovering Aphex Twin. Takes my ears to very new places. watch the video!
https://plasticinfinite.bandcamp.com/album/music-for-exposition-electro
3. Adam Betts – Kick Punch ft AK Patterson
I have never heard anything like this before, brilliant. Heavy as fuck. Adam betts is doing it right, check out his other business. Also “I lost Detroit” is brilliant.
4. Slugabed – Any attempt to control the environment or the self by means which are either untested or untestable, such as charms or spells
This album is fantastic. Totally unique approach. Many heaters. Features lots of instrument recording it sounds real organic. Well worth listening to, multiple times. Don’t know where you are channeling this stuff from greg, keep doing it right! Some really uplifting moments, also spooky. Interesting use of audio processing. You are definatly up to some magical activity. Listen to ’empty shell’ rhythms are bananas.
5. The Physics House Band – Death Sequence
Heavy, immersive & melancholic, High energy, spooky saxophone & drum torture. Go see them live, 100% witchcraft. Whoever produced this record needs a big old pat on the back. Hits the spot, Makes me think of being sacrificed to some sort of dark entity. Check out Sam Organs (Guitar/Keys) Solo work as well.
- The best show you have played this year
Badehaus Berlin. First show in Berlin, was a great experience. Shout out Nordpath (label), thanks for the invite!
- The best gig you have attended
Haven’t really been to many gigs this year!
- Highlights of your year
Recording a second album, coming out next year on Small Pond. Probably got enough songs to make another one also, but we shall see! Every show has been really fun this year too.
- Artist/Band to watch for 2020
Delay Grounds. Making really nice things, going to be releasing music in 2020
- Best discovery of the year
Skee Mask. Incredible Productions.
- Plans for 2020
Chill, make music, Gig. Get a new drum machine, I’ve had the elektron sps-1 for 8 years now and I think its time for a change. Also getting a piano and going to learn how it works.
Thank you so much, good luck with the drum machine and we can’t wait to hear more!
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