2013: The Half Term Report
Already? You’re not the only one surprised, but yes, with June almost done, it is indeed time for the now annual half term report. Has 2013 been behaving in class? Most definitely. As forever will be, if you inclined to disagree then you’re most likely looking in the wrong place. You’ll no doubt have your favourites. Here, in no particular order, are those that have been tickling my fancy most so far.
Strikingly, it’s been a big year so far for the indie majors. 4AD have continued their recent strong run, cementing their golden return with a sublime sixth album of dream-punk from Deerhunter , as well as with the new offering from the ever-stately National boys. Matador knew a good thing when they latched on to the hypetactular Savages and they did a fine job with the post-punking ladies’ debut, not to mention their superlative efforts with the hardcore-leaning Iceage sophomore too. Sub Pop weren’t going to be left out in a year of noise though and their new Pissed Jeans record is once again the sludgy slap in the face you’d expect and hope for.
Deap Vally ‘s primitive blues-rock promise really came to fruition on Sistrionix and so too has Gabriel Bruce dropped a few jaws with the dark grooves of his Love In Arms . Pleading the case for space-rock, Psychic Ills have hit an undisputed career best with their aptly titled One Track Mind . Wax Idols too have done a great job in keeping Savages company at the murkier end of the early 80s and, finally, Brooklyn noise-rockers Talk Normal managed to balance just the right amount of sting and melody on their impressive Sunshine .
So, despite a disappointment or two (mainly the abject FIDLAR LP), and with a teetering stack yet to appraise including the likes of Grave Babies , The Men , Bleached , Alex Calder and No Joy , 2013 would seem to be shaping up like every year on record – one of absolute note (puns intended).
That list of winners in full:
Pissed Jeans Honeys (Sub Pop)
Iceage You’re Nothing (Matador)
Deerhunter Monomania (4AD)
Talk Normal Sunshine (Joyful Noise)
Gabriel Bruce Love In Arms (Mercury)
The National Trouble Will Find Me (4AD)
Savages Silence Yourself (Matador)
Psychic Ills One Track Mind (Sacred Bones)
Deap Vally Sistrionix (Island)
Wax Idols Discipline & Desire (Slumberland)
How has 2013 been treating you? Be free to comment below.
[sic] Review – Pissed Jeans – Honeys
[sic] Review – Iceage – You’re Nothing
[sic] Review – Deerhunter – Monomania
[sic] Review – Gabriel Bruce – Love In Arms
[sic] Review – The National – Trouble Will Find Me
[sic] Review – Deap Vally – Sistrionix
[sic] Review – Wax Idols – Discipline & Desire