Albums





Geography (2018)

Tom Misch

Geography is a melodic explosion, a musical exploration and my favourite album of all time. Smooth grooves and funky, bopable beats provide the backbone for most of the tracks, each of which have a perfect balance of meaningful lyrics, catchy hooks and strong musicality ‒ it all just sounds so good. It is undeniable that the quality control is top tier; this one of the only albums I know which contains not a single bad song. Overall, Geography offers a depth and breadth of sound which is rare as it is masterful.

Score: 9.6/10 Top Pick: Water Baby




Get To Heaven (2015)

Everything Everything

Get To Heaven is a subversive smorgasbord of delicious sounds and atypical indie music. A reoccuring structure within many of these songs is the technique of beginning relatively basic, and then building throughout the song to a breathtaking, souring climax. Lyrics are wild as they are dark, and yet not without depth and meaning; this is in stark contrast to most typical pop/rock lyrics. Though not without a miss or two, the majority of songs which do hit are compelling as they are mind-bending.

Score: 9.3/10 Top Pick: Distant Past




Curve of the
Earth (2016)

Mystery Jets

Curve of the Earth is a fine example of classic indie rock, and is some the best this genre has to offer. Although I can't quite put my finger on it, something about this album makes it unbelievably listenable, elevating it far above many (and there are many) indie rock groups. It may be their nuanced and near staggering depth of sound, or maybe their dynamic and interesting lyrics. If I had one qualm it would be that some lyrics could be articulated a bit clearer. Regardless, this album makes for a great listen.

Score: 9.1/10 Top Pick: Bubblegum




Songs in the
Key of Life

(1976)

Stevie Wonder

Songs in the Key of Life demonstrates the highest levels of funk and groove you may ever potentially listen to. While the music is driven by bass, kit and synth indispersed by some ripping instrumental solos, lyrics touch on religion, love, politics and race; between its lyrics and music, this album truly is in the key of life. This album also features seamlessly melding of one song to the next, reinforcing this album as a cohesive experience in its own right.

Score: 8.9/10Top Pick: Isn't She Lovely




Joy in the
Wild Unknown

(2018)

Ripe

Joy in the Wild Unknown is a delightfully funky alt-pop album. Melodic hooks grab you at every turn, while harmonically layering progressions keep the ear engaged. Horns, eletric guitar and crispy vocals drive every song, each of which demonstrates phenomenal musicality and an intoxicating energy. On top of the musically delivery, there is also a compellingly carefree yet edgy vibe, which is then subsequently accentuated by the lyrics.

Score: 8.8/10Top Pick: Follow Through




The Original Motion Picture

Soundtrack (2021)

Saint Motel

The Original Motion Picture Soundtrack is a fun indie pop-rock album, complete with retro vibes and bopable grooves. Every song is driven by smooth, simple riffs, and each one can be individually treated as a single in its own right. While the overall sound is undeniably sweet, it admittedly lacks a certain depth. And yet, what may lack in depth is made up for in sheer variety and vibrancy, nicely balancing the line between carefree and cringe.

Score: 8.7/10Top Pick: A Good Song Never Dies




Viva La Vida or Death and

All His Friends (2008)

Coldplay

Viva La Vida (lit. long live life), is a stark contrast to the typical Coldplay sound, showcasing minor riffs which rather than being depressing, instead create a moody and atmosphereic musical experience. Lyrics are impactful and have a cohesive thematic direction in relation to the album title. Repetitive lilting melodic riffs drive much of the sound, allowing for strong builds within songs. Overall, Viva La Vida is unique while remaining completely Coldplay.

Score: 8.6/10Top Pick: Cemeteries of London




DECIDE (2022)

Djo

DECIDE presents a dark, psychodelic and synth-heavy soundscape, with heavy use of autotune to surprisingly engaging effect. Though somewhat genre defying, DECIDE lies decidedly in the region of indie and alt-pop; and yet the overall sound of the album is unique in its own right. Cool, edgy lyrics work with experimental, unconventional music to create a deeply moody and almost chaotic vibe. And yet in spite, or maybe because of this, in the end DECIDE just sounds really, really good.

Score: 8.5/10 Top Pick: I Want Your Video