Here’s what I like from this year. It’s less than usual but I’ll take what I can get.
Heavy Tiger “Glitter”
This Swedish trio returns with new outfits, comic books and a huge improvement in songs. Similar to later Hellacoptors, Imperial State Electric, Joan Jett.
The Neptune Power Federation “Neath a Shin Ei Sun”
This blew me away. An Aussie elbowing its way into the Scandinavian chokehold at the top of my list. Heavy,rocking, mystical, psychedelic, glam all smashed into one.
Horisont “About Time”
More Swedes. More 70’s rock/prog/AOR.
Grave Pleasures “Motherblood”
Now to Finland. Take The Mission, Sisters of Mercy and the Damned and put it in a Nordic rock blender.
Troubled Horse “Revolution on Repeat”
Swedes strike back. More 70’s rock, I wouldn’t call it stoner rock but people that like stoner rock might like it. Plenty of harmony leads. Iron Maiden meets Wishbone Ash?
Sam Coffey & The Iron Lungs “Sam Coffey & The Iron Lungs”
I hate the cover, don’t like the guys voice but really enjoy this. Something keeps me coming back. Power-pop, punk and some Thin Lizzy sprinkled in a song or two. From Canada.
Dirty Fences “Goodby Love”
The US makes an entrance. Power-pop kind of like the Figgs. I got their first album “To High to Cross” liked it and promptly forgot about them. I was perusing iTunes and came across this and their second record. Don’t much care for the second album, this one is pretty damn good.
Blackfinger “When Colors Fade Away”
Here comes some metal. This Eric Wagner from Trouble’s band. Haven’t cared much for Trouble since “Manic Frustration”, I do like Blackfinger and Wagner’s other project Lid. Blackfinger is still doom but different from Trouble enough to keep it interesting.
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Crystal Fairy “Crystal Fairy”
Besides the covers album recent Melvins records haven’t done much for me. Although not a Melvins record it’s sounds like the Melvins with a different singer and some outside input. This combination really resonated with me. Crystal Fairy is made up of Buzz and Dale from Melvins, Teri from Le Butcherettes and Omar from At The Drive In/Mars Volta.
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King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard “POLYGONDWANALAND”
Fourth album this year buy this band and it’s the only one that resonates with me since “Nonagon Infinity”. Less frenetic and similar sounding, it expands their psych rock/space rock whatever you want to call it sound. Plus it’s free to download and manufacture.
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