SOUND ON A WIRE

10. Empress Of - Us

9. Denzel Curry – TA13OO

8. Pusha T - Daytona

7. Ross from Friends - Family Portrait

6. Saba - Care for Me

5. The 1975 - A Brief Inquiry Into Online Relationships

4. Tirzah - Devotion

3. Sophie - Oil of Every Pearl’s Un-insides

2. Blood Orange - Negro Swan

1. Young Fathers - Cocoa Sugar

9. Little Dragon - Season High

Not a popular choice for sure seeing that both music critics and fans were left very disappointed by this album. I admit it as well that Season High is not the band’s best work, but after a few more listens it really grew on me and just wouldn’t let go. Yukimi Nagano’s voice is as irresistible as ever, their electronic beats range from powerful dance anthems to gentle ballads, and all of it is done with their regular Swedish cool. Also, my appreciation for this album especially grew after seeing Little Dragon perform the songs live, which resulted in me getting a signed copy of the vinyl that still puts a smile on my face.

8. Julie Byrne - Not Even Happiness

Julie Byrne is definitely my discovery of the year. After her album was recommended to me by a good friend, I was surprised by how much it felt like home. Although the songs were brand new, they sounded so familiar and nostalgic as if they had been with me my whole life. Each of them carried a memorable melody that sounded so sweet accompanied by Julie’s gentle voice and acoustic guitar, which made Not Even Happiness a favourite quite early in the year, and it still hasn’t lost its charm.

7. Yumi Zouma - Willowbank

On the day that Yumi Zouma’s Willowbank was released, I put the record on and didn’t listen to anything else for the entire day. The whole album was so cohesive that it seemed like one song that I just couldn’t stop playing on a loop. The endless amount of unforgettable indie pop hooks was probably to blame, but it was also because of how good the album made me feel. As if I was caught in a safe bubble of happiness and joy that would last forever.

6. The xx - I See You

From the very first notes of the album's opening track Dangerous, I was so happy to hear that The xx was embracing a richer and more upbeat sound that was also heavily influenced by Jamie xx’s solo work. While their previous album Coexist was a nice record, it felt a bit drab at times. That’s why it felt so nice to realise that the band was not afraid to incorporate some pop elements into their new material. The blend of this newly-found indie/electro pop and their signature moody atmospheric sound has thus given us a bunch of excellent tracks on I See You that gives you one goosebump after another.

5. Kendrick Lamar - DAMN

Kendrick Lamar doesn’t need an introduction at this point. He has established his name in the hip hop scene as one of the greats and is not giving up this title anytime soon. Although nothing can beat his legendary masterpiece To Pimp a Butterfly, DAMN is still a very, very good record and definitely the best rap album out there in 2017, where Kendrick faces the consequences and inner battles brought by his fame. Heavy is the head that wears the crown.

4. Perfume Genius - No Shape

With this album Perfume Genius has transformed from a shy little fella by the piano into a magnificent, bold artist. The boldness does not only show in his image but also in the music, which has become very rich, layered and luscious. One could even call it royal. You can really tell that Perfume Genius feels much better in his own skin now, and that reflects in the cascading soundscapes that No Shape is filled with.

3. Kelela - Take Me Apart

2017 has given us a string of marvellous r’n’b albums, and Kelela’s full-length debut is one of them. It’s been a long time coming since her mixtape back in 2013, but it was definitely worth the wait. Kelela has a voice of an angel and when she uses it over innovative electronic beats, it sounds like magic. This combination of 90s r’n’b vibe and futuristic sounds is what makes this album so special and puts her a level above so many other r’n’b artists.

2. Sampha - Process

My second place goes to another voice of an angel - Sampha - who also released a long-awaited full-length debut this year. Music lovers have been waiting for this record ever since his guest vocals appeared on SBTRKT’s album back in 2011. Sampha's voice was just too amazing to only listen to him as a featured artist, and now we can finally enjoy it for 40 minutes straight. This man’s voice seriously makes me cry and my heart tremble and when it’s wrapped in the most gorgeous melodies, there’s nothing else to do but admire.

1. SZA - CTRL

At the risk of sounding like a broken record, my top spot belongs to, once again, a long-awaited full-length debut. I fell in love with SZA back in 2014 when TDE released her third EP, which was supposed to be followed by a debut album the following year, but the record kept on being pushed back again and again, which made me worried if it would ever be released at all. And then it happened. The year started off by SZA announcing the release of CTRL and performing the first single Drew Barrymore live on Jimmy Kimmel, which made me flip from excitement. When the release day had finally come, I put aside all other music and continued spinning CTRL over and over, and just couldn’t believe that she had pulled it off. An album that’s perfect from A to Z, an album that still has the sensibilities of her three EPs, but also sounds incredibly fresh, an album that’s honest and intimate, but witty at the same time. SZA, you’ve done it. You’re the queen.

9. NAO - For All We Know

One of my favourite debut albums of the year. It’s groovy. It’s funky. It’s sexy. I literally can’t sit still whenever it starts playing. Although NAO’s voice resembles Aluna Francis at times and some of her guitar riffs sound just a tad too similar to Ben Khan, you can’t call NAO a copycat. She has merged her jazz background with modern r’n’b in a very smart way creating an exciting neo-soul cocktail that she refers to as wonky funk. No matter what you call it, it’s one of the most danceable records out this year.

8. The Range - Potential

Conceptually I found this the most fascinating album of the year. For every single track on the record The Range used a sample of completely random videos found on YouTube. Who on Earth thought that a cover of Ariana Grande’s You’ll Never Know could be made into a cool sample covered with gorgeous electronic beats? If that’s not creativity, I don’t know what is.

7. Danny Brown - Atrocity Exhibition

Detroit rapper Danny Brown goes really deep in the belly of his beast on this latest record Atrocity Exhibition where he gives an insight into his dark past filled with addiction and anxiety. The dark mood is also reflected in the cool, wacky beats that are quite unusual for rap music, but work so well for Danny and make him such an intriguing artist to follow. One of the best hip hop albums by far this year.

6. White Lung - Paradise

Although many fans were quite unsatisfied with the new musical direction of White Lung’s latest album Paradise, their new sound is exactly what drew me to this record so much. I just love how they have managed to become so melodic while still being able to keep up the hardcore punk speed and intensity. Paradise made me feel very nostalgic about the golden days of post-hardcore, and it’s the sound I just can’t say no to.

5. The 1975 - I Like It When You Sleep, for You Are So Beautiful yet So Unaware of It

I’m often getting a lot of hate for loving this band, which has kind of turned it into a guilty pleasure, but it’s simply a guilty pleasure I cannot resist. I don’t know what it is about The 1975, but their music just makes me feel so goddamn good. Or maybe it’s just the inner 16-year old me, who feels reborn when listening to them. Although it’s probably mostly their way of creating music in the same way we consume it – a mixture of genres, emotions, self-irony, and unapologetic bubble-gum pop.

4. Beyoncé - Lemonade

Queen Bey is becoming a living, breathing legend with every next album she drops out of nowhere. Lemonade has literally become a cultural sensation. Never had Beyoncé been so raw, angry and vulnerable in her records, which made the whole world stand up for her and emphasize with what she was saying. It seemed like for two weeks almost everyone wanted to throw on a yellow dress and go beat the shit out of something with a baseball bat or get cheated on just so they could say You better call Becky with the good hair in somebody’s face. I also wouldn’t be surprised if the amount of bags containing a bottle of hot sauce had increased by 50%. Lemonade was a bold move both lyrically and musically, and although it might not actually be based on a true story, everybody can learn a few tricks about exceptional storytelling and presentation from this masterpiece.

3. Chance the Rapper - Coloring Book

This guy will turn every single atheist into a believer with his positively and religiously charged music. Chance’s third mixtape Coloring Book is filled with magnificent energy and innovative sonic ideas that will wrap you in a bubble of love and happiness that you will never want to leave. Coloring Book also shows how much Chance has grown as an artist, and it is evident that he is becoming a big influencer in the hip hop scene and the music scene in general by refusing to sign to a major record label. Coloring Book is a great example of what happens when you have all the creative freedom in the world.

2. Chairlift - Moth

Although Chairlift doesn’t exist anymore (#fuckyou2016), their third full-length release Moth can definitely be considered the peak of their career. Released back in January, it was the first album of the year that I fell in love with and the feeling hasn’t changed since. Every detail on this record sounds on point and there is not a single dull moment throughout the ten tracks. This album was also a slight change of sound for the band with more pop references than ever, but it fit them really well, and, to be honest, I can understand why they disbanded because I doubt that they would have been able to record something more magical and complete than Moth. It’s the most perfect parting gift.

1. Frank Ocean - Blonde

Frankie has done it again. After four years that felt like forever, he has delivered another classic. Although Blonde is a slow burner, it has so much to offer the more you listen to it. I started off hating the opener Nikes, but after a couple (hundred) listens, I thought it was one of the most interesting tracks on the record. I honestly couldn’t put this record down for two months after its release and listened to it every single day. An infatuation I didn’t experience with any other record this year, so Frankie - the top spot is yours!

9. Donnie Trumpet & The Social Experiment – Surf

This collaboration project of countless super-talented artists could be easily tagged as „healthy hip-hop”. With a strong positive message from the opening track until the very last beat, it offers a very fresh, confident, and loving outlook on life, which is very contagious. Surf makes you feel good not only lyrically, but sonically too, as it delivers a magnificent fusion of jazz, neo-soul, and hip-hop.

8. A$AP Rocky - At.Long.Last.A$AP

To quote A$AP Rocky himself „Lord Pretty Flacko Jodye stepped up in this piece”, as he handled the usually difficult sophomore album issue with excellence. At.Long.Last.A$AP is much more refined than its predecessor, but is still soaked with swirling beats and killer lyrics. It’s also a much more coherent piece of work held together by soul samples and Rocky’s undying Harlem attitude, and this album proves that his cockiness is justified.

7. Viet Cong - Viet Cong

Viet Cong are as aggressive in their music as they are in their name, and although due to many complaints, the band is going to change it soon, it doesn’t take away from their music. To be completely honest, you can try to describe Viet Cong’s debut album all you want, but no words will come even close to the savage energy these Canadian lads exude during their live shows. It’s like the most beautiful battle cry that breathes fresh air into post-punk and rock music, and although it was released very early this year, it managed to remain one of the best debuts in 2015.

6. Earl Sweatshirt - I Don't Like Shit, I Don't Go Outside

This fella ran miles ahead his fellow Odd Future rapper Tyler, the Creator with his second record I Don’t Like Shit, I Don’t Go Outside. It’s a gloomy and dark journey through a lion’s den, but every Earl’s verse is a delicious reward. With his heart on his sleeve he talks depression, frustration, health issues, and survival in the hip-hop industry, but still manages to sneak a ray of sunshine amidst all this desperation when pitch-black heavy beats suddenly transform into light neo-soul arrangements.

5. Jamie xx - In Colour

In Colour is the modern soundtrack of British underground music and rave parties. It’s like a multi-layered love letter to the British electronic music scene written by the most dedicated fan, and this pure passion comes through in Jamie’s debut, making it a great record. Some might have hoped for an even greater record, but I believe this is a great starting point that romanticizes the dance floor at its best.

4. Julia Holter - Have You in My Wilderness

Have You in My Wilderness simply makes me feel royal. I’m not sure whether it’s my weakness for harpsichords or the sensual contrabass that does it for me, but Julia’s take on baroque pop has bewitched me this year. However, I have to admit the ridiculously cute dog in the Feel You video and Julia’s charming personality at her gigs was a great boost for the album as well.

3. Tame Impala – Currents

I think that Tame Impala trading their psychedelic roots to sultry synthesizers was one of the best things that happened to music in 2015. Thus it makes Currents a very sexy record. A futuristic erotica, really. Listening to this album is like floating in a colourful time and space, and no, I’m not on drugs while writing this. On second thought, Currents could easily pass off as a drug.

2. Young Fathers - White Men are Black Men Too

My love for Young Fathers is still alive and well, and has grown even stronger in 2015. They could have easily topped the list this year as well, since White Men are Black Men Too is as brilliant as their last year’s debut Dead. Plus, you have to admit that releasing a mind-blowing and original album two years in a row is pretty fucking awesome for a new band. I still believe that their unique sound will rule the world one day. It definitely rules mine.

1. Kendrick Lamar - To Pimp a Butterfly

A masterpiece. An African-American epos. A future classic. The golden child of hip-hop. Call it what you want, but Kendrick’s To Pimp a Butterfly is the greatest album of 2015 whether you like it or not. Even the Grammys can’t deny it with staggering 11 nominations including Album of the Year. And why would they? To Pimp a Butterfly is a sonic painting that reveals itself in 16 chapters that are fueled with Black politics, acid jazz, and energetic funk. It’s a cinematic work of art that deserves all the recognition it can get.

By now SBTRKT, Sampha, and Jessie Ware feel like family. With lots of new artists on the board for the second album Wonder Where We Land this family has grown even bigger and stronger delivering fresh and exciting music. This record has a very easy flow to it taking you from one musical wonder to the next and, hands down, New Dorp. New York is one of the coolest, edgiest and boldest songs of the year.

8. Ben Howard - I Forget Where We Were

Mr. Howard here had the balls to ditch his upbeat folk sing-alongs this year and release a second studio album, which sounds exactly like he wanted to – dreamy, experimental, and rich. Don’t get me wrong, I love his upbeat folk sing-alongs, but this album is just so much bolder, mature and, in the words of Rihanna, unapologetic. Howard has a knack for brilliant and heart-ripping soundscapes and you’ll get a perfect ten of those on I Forget Where We Were.

7. St. Vincent - St. Vincent

This lady is a true example of rock’n’roll - colouring her hair grey at the age of 31, rolling down the stairs during her live shows, and making the whole world bow down to her majestic self-titled record. This album makes me believe that there is still hope for rock music, as St. Vincent creates intricate and unexpected melodies with her guitar. A record that rips her and your heart open in mere 40 minutes.

6. Bombay Bicycle Club - So Long, See You Tomorrow

These four British lads have created a record that feels like a hug – it warms your heart, makes you smile, and grips you so tight that you don’t wanna let go. Sounding as experimental as ever, Bombay Bicycle Club have found a perfect way to incorporate different samples from all over the world with their distinct indie sound. And in the spirit of the holidays, So Long, See You Tomorrow also happens to be a perfect soundtrack for Christmas.

5. Schoolboy Q – Oxymoron

Already crowned as one of the worst years in hip hop, 2014 has indeed disappointed to deliver. Fortunately, there was Shoolboy Q’s Oxymoron to drown the sorrows in. It’s a record to turn up loud and feel bold to. At times it’s extremely dirty and pleasantly creepy; at times it’s a total party banger, but ultimately it’s one of the best hip hop records of 2014.

4. FKA twigs - LP1

I’ve praised FKA twigs so many times over the past year and a half that at this point I’m lost for words. So I’ll just leave you with a reminder that she’s pushing the boundaries of r’n’b, pop, and electronic music and being an absolute sensual goddess at it. One of the strongest debuts of 2014.

3. A Sunny Day in Glasgow - Sea When Absent

An album full of noise turned into wonderful pop songs. A band that sounds like nothing else out there. A band which to the contrary belief is not from Glasgow, but their music is sure as hell sunny. Sea When Absent is full of playful melodies that remind you of carefree childhood days and make you believe in magic again. Truly enchanting!

2. Little Dragon - Nabuma Rubberband

Do you know that feeling when you listen to a record and every single sound, every little detail seems perfect and makes you feel whole? That is the case with me and Little Dragon's Nabuma Rubberband. Everything just falls into place, Yukimi Nagano’s voice is magnificent, and the music sends chills down your body. A record that was ridiculously close to being number one, but in the end is a very close second.

1. Young Fathers - Dead

Released on the same day as Pusha T’s My Name Is My Name, Danny Brown’s Old was sort of an underground rebel competing against a long overdue major label debut. Although production wise Pusha T probably won the battle (after all, Kanye did put blood, sweat, and his own samples in it), Danny Brown is the war hero here. As extraordinary, bizarre and comic as Brown himself, Old is one of the best rap albums this year had to offer.

8. Disclosure – Settle

For some Disclosure are just a couple of guys behind club bangers Latch and White Noise, but for others brothers Guy and Howard Lawrence are the house and UK garage revivalists, who brought the underground scene to a surprisingly well-received mainstream spotlight. I belong to the ‘others’ crew and stand by these British lads 100%. Their intricate beats and a natural knack for mesmerizing melodies is one of a kind and they deserve every bit of praise they get. Their debut Settle is just one of the many proofs.

7. Lapalux – Nostalchic

Though not as mastered as Disclosure’s Settle, Nostalchic bears an unrefined quality and adds extra value to the body of Essex-born Stuart Howard’s work. His melodies reek of rosy evenings by the beach and late mornings underneath the sheets - deeply sexual with a touch of whimsy and a lot of groove.

6. Baths – Obsidian

Speaking of whimsy and sexual – Baths a.k.a. Will Wiesenfeld uncovered a lot of his demons on his second studio album. Obsidian is dark, mysterious and yet joyful. “I hope people understand that I’m not the depressed, suicidal, and death-obsessed person the record may paint me as being,” clarifies Wiesenfeld while stating that he just wanted to venture and explore some darker areas in his music. As a sucker for dark atmosphere and melancholy, Obsidian is an album I just couldn’t resist.

5. A$AP Rocky – Long.Live.A$AP

Despite the fact that Long.Live.A$AP was the first record I listened to in 2013, I knew right there and then that it would end up on my top 10 albums of the year. The self-proclaimed Pretty Motherfucker will make you feel like you’re the shit yourself while listening to his debut LP. Yes, it’s that good. Juicy bass lines that will make the hair on your neck stand up, bouncy beats and as much cockiness as a Harlem rapper can muster up. It’s as flashy as the golden teeth in his mouth and the bitches in his verses, but Rocky has just enough confidence and attitude to pull it off. Might be timing’s fault, but it’s a shame that Long.Live.A$AP was left rather unnoticed.

4. Devendra Banhart – Mala

Oh, Devendra. The untamed Houston child with a Venezuelan heart. Devendra surely likes to play, as does every child, only Mr. Banhart’s list of favourite toys consists of guitars, languages and jokes. Mix it all up and one of the most amusing albums of 2013 is ready! Mala is pure joy filled with freedom, sunshine and quirkiness. Best enjoyed with a warm heart and an open mind.

3. King Krule – 6 Feet Beneath the Moon

It seems that I have fought an endless amount of fights about King Krule’s debut LP this year, because for some strange reason no one else seems to enjoy 6 Feet Beneath the Moon to the extent that I do. With the very first notes this album transports me to the endlessly grey streets of London with just enough golden rays of sunshine peeking from behind the rooftops, and this image is so vivid every time I hear it that I just cannot shake the feeling that 6 Feet Beneath the Moon is the best debut album released this year. Archy Marshall is the coolest young redhead out there and his combination of indie, rock, jazz, and electronica is as unique as his voice. And all of this coming from a 19-year-old.

2. Vampire Weekend – Modern Vampires of the City

This album probably holds more subtexts that I could ever comprehend, but who would be Ezra Koenig without his endless word play? Modern Vampires of the City is a true masterpiece and definitely the best album from the New York City boys. It builds up with every next song till your mind is just stunned by how much greatness Vampire Weekend possess. Although, let’s be honest, no one ever expected anything less from these guys.

1. These New Puritans – Field of Reeds

1. Air France – No Excuses

Air France ir duets no Gēteborgas, kas savā mūzikā piedāvā sauli, pludmales vēju un brīvības gaisotni. Ne velti tā ir salīdzināta ar post-rave bliss, beach foam pop un Balearic disco. Ir izdevuši vien divus EP – On Trade Winds (2006) un No Way Down (2008) – toties ar lieliskām atsauksmēm. Diemžēl tagad duets vairs nepastāv, jo pagājušā gada martā Joels Karlsons (Joel Karlsson) un Henriks Marksteds (Henrik Markstedt) nolēma savu muzikālo sadarbību pārtraukt. No Excuses atradīsiet viņu 2008. gada EP platē No Way Down.

Air France is a duo from Gothenburg that make music that’s full of sunshine, sea breezes and freedom. No wonder their sound has been labelled as post-rave bliss, beach foam pop and Balearic disco. They have released only two EPs – On Trade Winds in 2006 and No Way Down in 2008 – but both of them were met with rave reviews. Unfortunately the duo has disbanded as of March 2012 when Joel Karlsson and Henrik Markstedt decided to call it quits. You can enjoy No Excuses on their 2008 EP No Way Down.

2. I’m from Barcelona – We’re from Barcelona

I’m from Barcelona ir milzīga grupa no Jonkopingas (nevis Barselonas, kā gribētos domāt), kas spēlē ļoti pacilājošu, priecīgu indie popu. Kāpēc milzīga? Kaut vai tādēļ, ka grupā ir 29 dalībnieki, kuri pie tam vēl spēlē dažādus mūzikas instrumentus. Par galveno vīru gan uzskatāms Emanuels Lundgrēns (Emanuel Lundgren), jo viņš ir tas, kas saraksta dziesmas, un ir grupas dibinātājs. 2008. gadā lidināja balonus un konfeti tepat Latvijā, Positivus festivālā. Viņu pirmais singls We’re from Barcelona ir no grupas 2006. gada debijas albuma Let Me Introduce My Friends.

I’m from Barcelona is a huge group from Jönköping (no, not Barcelona) that is playing happy upbeat indie pop. Why do I say huge? Well, there are 29 members in the band and they all play different instruments. The main man, though, is Emanuel Lundgren who is the main songwriter and the founder of the band. In 2008 they graced the stage right here in Latvia at Positivus Festival. We’re from Barcelona is the first single from their 2006 debut Let Me Introduce My Friends.

3. Peter Bjorn and John – Young Folks

Kaut arī pa lielam pasaule iepazina trijotni Peter Bjorn and John 2006. gadā ar viņu hitu, nu jau indie himnu, Young Folks, puiši muzicē jau no tālā 1999. gada. Grupas nosaukums veidots no dalībnieku vārdiem, kuri attiecīgi ir Peters Morens (Peter Morén), Bjorn Jitlings (Björn Yttling) un Džons Ēriksons (John Eriksson). Ir izdevuši sešus studijas albumus, no kuriem zināmākais paliek Writer’s Block, kurā arī atrodama Young Folks. Vēl atpazīstamību guvusi dziesma Dig a Little Deeper, kura tiek izmantota kā ievaddziesma kanāla CBS situāciju komēdijā 2 Broke Girls.

Although the world got to know the trio Peter Bjorn and John only in 2006 after the huge success of their indie anthem Young Folks, the guys have been making music since 1999. As you might have guessed the band’s name was formed from band’s members Peter Morén, Björn Yttling and John Eriksson first names. They have released six studio albums to date but Writer’s Block, which features Young Folks, remains their most popular one. Another Peter Bjorn and John’s song – Dig a Little Deeper, has gained some popularity as well, as it is the theme song for the CBS sitcom 2 Broke Girls.

4. The Ark – It Takes a Fool to Remain Sane

Glam rock apvienība The Ark spoži muzicēja no 1991. līdz 2011. gadam. Ar ekstravaganto Olu Salo (Ola Salo) priekšgalā grupa nereti pārsteigusi publiku ar provokatīviem dziesmu tekstiem un savu ģērbšanās stilu. Par spīti tam tieši viņi tika izraudzīti par savas valsts pārstāvjiem 2007. gada Eirovīzijas dziesmu konkursā. Spēlējuši arīdzan daudzos nozīmīgos festivālos, kā arī iesildījuši vēl vienu glam rock apvienību The Darkness viņu Lielbritānijas turnejā. Grupas visu laiku populārākā dziesma It Tales a Fool to Remain Sane ir no viņu 2000. gada debijas albuma We Are The Ark.

The glam rock six-piece The Ark was a bright star in Swedish rock music scene for twenty years from 1991 to 2011. The band and their extravagant frontman Ola Salo were known for their often provocative and controversial lyrics and fashion. Despite that, they were the ones voted to represent Sweden at the Eurovision Song Contest 2007. They have also played a number of big festivals and supported another glam rock band The Darkness on their 2006 UK tour. Their most popular single is It Takes a Fool to Remain Sane and it can be found on their 2000 debut We Are The Ark.

5. Eskobar – Love Strikes

Romantiskie Eskobar ir trijotne no mazas pilsētas Akersbergas 30 kilometru attālumā no Stokholmas. Grupas pirmsākumi meklējami 1994. gadā, taču tā pilnībā nokomplektējās un ieguva savu nosaukumu vien 1998. gadā. Sākotnēji puiši spēlēju grandžu, taču ar laiku viņu skanējums kļuva arvien popsīgāks. Tagad puiši muzicē indie popa stilā un pa šo laiku ir ierakstījuši piecus studijas albumus. Love Strikes ir pirmais singls no viņu 2004. gada albuma A Thousand Last Chances.

The romantic trio Eskobar come from a small town called Åkersberga just 30 km outside Stockholm. They started playing together in 1994 but endured a lot of changes therefore weren’t formed and didn’t even have a name till 1998. One of the main changes was in their musical style because Eskobar started out by playing grunge but over the course of time their sound shifted to pop. Now they are writing lovely indie pop tunes and have five studio albums under their belts. Love Strikes is the first single from their 2004 album A Thousand Last Chances.

6. Kent - Kräm (Så nära får ingen gå)

Kent ir uzskatāmi par zviedru alternatīvā roka grandiem. Viņi muzicē kopš 1995. gada un pa šo laiku ir ierakstījuši desmit studijas albumus, no kuriem divus pārizdevuši arī angļu valodā, un saņēmuši 20 Zviedrijas Mūzikas balvas. 1996. gada singlam Kräm (Så nära får ingen gå) ir īpaša nozīme grupas vēsturē, jo tieši ar šo dziesmu viņi sāka izsisties un gūt arvien lielāku popularitāti. Tā atrodama Kent otrajā studijas albumā Verkligen un tulkojumā no zviedru valodas nozīmē "Krēms (Neviens cits netiek tik tuvu)".

Kent is one of the biggest alternative rock acts in Sweden. They formed in 1995 and have recorded ten studio albums (two of them re-released in English) and won 20 Swedish Music awards to date. Their 1996 single Kräm (Så nära får ingen gå) is considered to be a turning point in Kent’s career because it reached #4 on the Swedish official chart and so began their way to stardom. The song can be found on their second studio album Verkligen and translates as Creme (No One Can Get That Close).

7. The Knife – A Tooth for an Eye

Elektroniskās mūzikas duets The Knife izveidojās 1999. gadā Stokholmā. Tās sastāvā ir māsa un brālis – Olofs Dreijers (Olof Dreijer) un Karīna Dreijere Andersone (Karin Dreijer Andersson). Savā ziņā uzskatāmi par elektroniskās mūzikas revolucionāriem un robežlauzējiem. Kā jau tas raksturīgs vairākiem elektroniskās mūzikas duetiem, Dreijeri slēpj savas sejas aiz maskām – melnām ar gariem knābjiem. Ir saņēmuši neskaitāmas Zviedrijas Grammy balvas, taču atsakās apmeklēt apbalvošanas ceremonijas. Duets arīdzan ļoti reti sadarbojas ar medijiem un līdz pat 2005. gadam nebija sniedzis nevienu koncertu. Īpašu popularitāti ieguva, kad viņu tautietis Hosē Gonzaless (Jose Gonzalez) ierakstīja The Knife dziesmas Heartbeats kaverversiju. Kopš 2009. gada Karīna darbojas arī savā solo projektā Fever Ray. A Tooth for an Eye ir no dueta jaunā, šī gada albuma Shaking the Habitual.

Elektroniskās mūzikas duets Niki and the Dove izveidojās 2010. gadā un ātri vien piesaistīja melomānu un mūzikas apskatnieku uzmanību. 2011. gada nogalē Malinas Dalstromas (Malin Dahlström) un Gustafa Karlofa (Gustaf Karlöf) mūzikas projekts tika ierindots BBC Sound of 2012 piektajā vietā un viņu albums Instinct bija viena no gaidītākajām pagājušā gada debijām. Šogad saņēma balvu European Border Breakers Award par Zviedrijas vārda skandināšanu pasaulē. Vēl joprojām atsakās izpaust, kāpēc dueta nosaukums ir tieši Niki and the Dove. The Fox ir dueta pirmais oficiālais singls no debijas albuma.

The electronic music duo Niki and the Dove was formed in 2010 and gained the attention of melomaniacs and music critics rather quickly. They were listed 5th on the BBC Sound of 2012 and their album Instinct was one of the most anticipated debut albums of 2012. This year Malin Dahlström and Gustaf Karlöf were the winners of European Border Breakers Awards 2013 for gaining such success outside Sweden. They still refuse to reveal why they named the duo Niki and the Dove. The Fox is the first official single off of their debut album.

3. I Break Horses – Winter Beats

Vēl viens elektroniskās mūzikas duets no Stokholmas – I Break Horses. Izveidots 2008. gadā, tajā darbojas Marija Lindena un Fredriks Balks. Jau paguvuši iesildīt M83 viņa Lielbritānijas turnejā un 2011. gadā izdevuši savu debijas albumu Hearts mūzikas ierakstu kompānijas Bella Union paspārnē. Winter Beats ir otrais singls no tā.

Another eletronic music duo from Stockholm – I Break Horses. It was formed by Maria Lindén and Fredrik Balck in 2008. In 2012 they supported M83 on his UK tour and in 2011 released their debut album Hearts on Bella Union. Winter Beats is the second single from the album.

4. The Radio Dept. – Pulling Our Weight

The Radio Dept. ir grupa no Lundas, kas savā skanējumā veiksmīgi apvieno dream pop, shoegaze, indie un daudzus citus mūzikas stilus. Viņi ir aktīvi muzicējuši kopš 90. gadu vidus, taču nav izdevuši neko jaunu jau kopš 2010. gada. Grupa savu nosaukumu aizguvusi no degvielas uzpildes stacijas, kas tika pārveidota par radio remontdarbnīcu (angļu val. The Radio Department). Plašāku atpazīstamību guvuši 2006. gadā, kad trīs viņu dziesmas iekļuva Sofijas Kopolas filmas Marija Antuanete skaņu celiņā, kuram dziesmas režisore izraudzījās pati. Pulling Our Weight ir viena no tām un ir atrodama 2003. gada EP ar tādu pašu nosaukumu.

The Radio Dept. is a band from Lund that incorporates a lot of musical styles in their sound – starting from dream pop to shoegaze. They have been actively making music since 1995 but haven’t released anything since 2010. Their name comes from a gas station that was turned into a radio repair shop named Radioavdelningen that is Swedish for The Radio Department. The band gained a wider recognition in 2006 when three of their songs were picked for the soundtrack of Sofia Coppola’s movie Marie Antoinette. The soundtrack was compiled by Coppola herself. Pulling Our Weight from the same title 2003 EP is one of them.

5. Shout Out Louds – Walking in Your Footsteps

Shout Out Louds ir bijis prominents vārds Zviedrijas indie mūzikā kopš 2001. gada. Grupā darbojas četri puiši un viena meitene, kas ir draugi jau kopš mazotnes. Izdevuši četrus studijas albumus, no kuriem pēdējais – Optica – palaists tautās šī gada februārī. Walking in Your Footsteps ir otrais singls no tā.

Shout Out Louds has been a prominent name in the Swedish indie music scene since 2001. There are four guys and one girl in the band and they all have been friends since childhood. They have released four studio albums to date. The latest one – Optica – saw the daylight in February this year. Walking in Your Footsteps is the second single from it.

6. Jens Lekman – You Are the Light (By Which I Travel into This and That)

Jens Lekmans (Jens Lekman) ir 32 gadus jauns dziesminieks. Savu mūzikas karjeru sācis 2000. gadā, paša spēkiem izdodot pāris EP plates. Tas viņam palīdzēja noslēgt līgumu ar mūzikas ierakstu kompāniju Service Records Zviedrijā un amerikāņu leiblu Secretly Canadian pārstāvniecībai ārpus Zviedrijas robežām. Viņa 2004. gada debijas albums When I Said I Wanted to Be Your Dog ieguva augsto sesto vietu vietējā albumu topā. Ļoti asprātīgs un tēlains savā mūzikā, par ko izpelnījies neskaitāmas kritiķu atsauksmes. You Are the Light (By Which I Travel into This and That) ir viņa visu laiku veiksmīgākais un populārākais singls.

Jens Lekman is a 32-year old singer-songwriter from Angered. He started his musical career in 2000 by releasing a couple EPs by himself. Soon after he signed a record deal with Service Records in Sweden and an American label Secretly Canadian for releases outside Sweden. His debut album When I Said I Wanted to Be Your Dog reached No. 6 on the Swedish national album chart. He has always been a very witty storyteller in his songs for which he has received a lot of praise from the music critics. You Are the Light (By Which I Travel into This and That) is his most successful single to date.

7. Tiger Lou – Oh Horatio

Tiger Lou ir Rasmusa Kellermana (Rasmus Kellerman) solo projekts, kas koncertu laikā pārtop par grupu. Kā apgalvo Kellermans, šāds nosaukums radies no Korija Juena (Corey Yuen) 1993. gada filmas Fong Sai-Yuk personāža Tiger Lu. Tiger Lou skanējums ir romantisks indie, pop un akustiskās mūzikas apvienojums. Kellermans visām dziesmām raksta vārdus pats, kā arī spēlē gandrīz visus ierakstos izmantotos instrumentus. Oh Horatio ir pirmais singls no viņa 2004. gada albuma Is My Head Still On?

Tiger Lou is a solo project of Rasmus Kellerman that transforms into a full-fledged band during his live shows. According to Kellerman, the name comes from a character named Tiger Lu in Corey Yuen’s 1993 movie Fong Sai-Yuk. Tiger Lou’s sound is a romantic combination of indie, pop and acoustic music. All of the lyrics are written by Kellerman himself and he also plays almost every instrumental part on the records. Oh Horatio is the first single taken from his 2004 debut album Is My Head Still On?

8. Jose Gonzalez – Hand on Your Heart

Indie/folk dziesminieks Hosē Gonzaless (Jose Gonzalez) nāk no Gēteborgas, taču viņa ģimene pārvācās uz Zviedriju vien divus gadus pirms viņa dzimšanas. Savu mūzikas karjeru Gonzaless uzsāka, spēlējot hardcore punk grupā Back Against the Wall, taču tagad dod priekšroku akustiskajai ģitārai. 2003. gadā saviem spēkiem izdeva divu dziesmu singlu, kuru pamanīja viens no mūzikas ierakstu kompānijas Imperial Recordings dibinātājiem, kurš gribēja noslēgt ar viņu līgumu, un tādējādi Gonzaless kļuva par leibla pirmo oficiālo mākslinieku. 2008. gadā sniedza ļoti intīmu koncertu tepat Rīgā, Andrejsalā. Pašlaik darbojas grupā Junip. Kailijas Minogas (Kylie Minogue) kaverversiju Hand on Your Heart atradīsiet viņa 2004. gada EP Stay in the Shade.

Indie/folk singer-songwriter Jose Gonzalez comes from Gothenburg but his family moved to Sweden only two years before Gonzalez was born. He started his musical career by playing in a hardcore punk band Back Against the Wall, but has switched to acoustic guitar now. In 2003 he self-released a double single that was noticed by a co-founder of a new record label Imperial Recordings. He signed a record deal with Gonzalez and thus he became the label’s first official artist. In 2008 he played a very intimate show right here in Riga. He is also a part of the band called Junip. You can find the cover version of Kylie Minogue’s Hand on Your Heart on his 2004 EP Stay in the Shade.

9. The Tallest Man on Earth – Revelation Blues

Dziesminieks The Tallest Man on Earth, īstajā vārdā Kristians Matsons (Kristian Matsson), savas balss un dziesmu rakstīšanas stila dēļ nereti no mūzikas kritiķiem izpelnījies salīdzinājumus ar Bobu Dilanu. Viņš vienmēr ieraksta savus albumus paša mājās un bieži vien ģitāras partijas un vokālu nemaz neieraksta atsevišķi. Ir koncertējis ar Bon Iver, kā arī savu sievu Amandu Bergmani (Amanda Bergman) jeb Idiot Wind. Dziesma Revelation Blues ir no viņa pagājušā gada albuma There’s No Leaving Now.

Folk singer-songwriter Kristian Matsson a.k.a. The Tallest Man on Earth, has been frequently compared to Bob Dylan because of his voice and songwriting skills. He always records his albums in his home and rarely records the vocals and guitar separately. Matsson has toured with Bon Iver and his wife Amanda Bergman a.k.a. Idiot Wind. Revelation Blues is off of his 2012 album There’s No Leaving Now.

10. Lykke Li – Possibility

Ekstravagantā dziesminiece Likke Lī (Lykke Li) atradusi veidu, kā radīt savā mūzikā ideālu miksli. Tajā popa rotaļīgums savijas ar indie neparastumu un elektroniskiem bītiem, ko palīdz radīt neskaitāmie instrumenti, sākot no vijoles līdz pat trompetei. Viņas māte ir fotogrāfe, savukārt tēvs – mūziķis, ar kuriem viņa daudz ceļojusi un dzīvojusi gan ASV, gan Portugālē, gan Indijā. 21 gada vecumā atgriezās dzimtajā Zviedrijā, lai ierakstītu savu debijas albumu Youth Novels, kuru tostarp producēja Bjorns Jitlings (Björn Yttling) no zviedru trio Peter Bjorn and John. Tajā nepārprotami saklausāmas ietekmes no Likkes intensīvās ceļošanas. Tās jūtamas arī viņas ekspresīvajos koncertos, kas tiek ļoti bieži slavēti. Possibility ir dziesma, kas sarakstīta 2009. gada filmas "Krēsla" otrajai daļai Jauns Mēness.

Krell opened the show with one of his most popular songs Cold Nites and powerful beats filled the venue while he cried out a love story gone wrong. He was accompanied by two microphones (a normal one and the one that expanded his voice to a whole other dimension), a video screen and Aaron Read, the man responsible for the beats and the violin, and even though all of it contributed to creating an intimate atmosphere nothing was as captivating as Krell’s falsetto.

The next emotional layer got peeled off to Suicide Dream 1, a song dedicated to Krell’s best friend Ryan Hitchon, who passed away in the summer of 2010. Listening to it was like peeking at Krell’s disbelief and perplexity about his loss and the calm melody contrasted beautifully with the screaming woman on the screen.

The show took a happier turn with one of How to Dress Well’s most upbeat songs & It Was U. The crowd started dancing and singing along which in turn made Krell giggle and who can blame him - a group of people trying to imitate his falsetto must sound pretty damn funny. Krell also found it quite amusing that he was surrounded by a bunch of blushing girls in the first rows and a woman, who passionately commended him on creating a lovely atmosphere.

Towards the end of the show Krell revealed his schizophrenic layer while trying to explain the song Talking to You in which he talks to himself about overlapping desires. The story behind it is quite common – we all have several desires and goals in our lives and sometimes these desires clash and it makes us frustrated so this song is a dialogue with Krell himself about the times when it happens. The two microphones come in very handy in this one and help playing out a role of two Krells. What surprised me was that Krell apologized about speaking in English every time he explained something. It’s not like people don’t understand English in Latvia, but it seems that the sound engineer proved him wrong because he failed to understand Krell’s requests about the lights and the volume several times.

It came as no surprise that the powerful and heart-ripping Set It Right was saved for last. The song was recorded on the one year anniversary of Krell’s best friend's death and it mentions a lot of people, who Krell has lost or became estranged with in the last couple of years. It filled the venue with explosive and triumphant sounds that served as a catharsis after all that emotional stripping and just when I thought that there were no more layers to unveil Krell returned to sing an encore song a capella. Entitled Blue, it’s a song about his brother whose real name is indeed Blue (Krell blames his stoned parents for this). It was a majestic vocal performance – vigorous, clean and emotional. It silenced the crowd and left it in a total awe.

Such an emotional encounter with Tom Krell’s demons left me wondering why it wasn’t held in a smaller venue than Palladium Riga because a small and cosy place would make the performance even more intimate. Despite that, How to Dress Well’s show was a definite success and judging from the many admirers buzzing around Krell after the show his latest album Total Loss will be abusing a lot of record players for a long, long time.