A handful of favorites from what seemed like a particularly strong year for music. Rest in peace to Yuzo Iwata, who had the album of the year the second I heard it.Ā I Dischi Del Barone was my label of the year; everything Matthias released couldāve gone on here. Most releases listed below are readily available via any links provided: support the artists, and letās keep this thing rolling.
Yuzo Iwata, Daylight MoonĀ (Siltbreeze)
Mournful Congregation, The Incubus of KarmaĀ (20 Buck Spin)
Lolina, The SmokeĀ (self-released)
The Body, I Have Fought Against It, But I Canāt Any Longer.Ā (Thrill Jockey)
Woolen Men, PostĀ (Dogās Table)
Constant Mongrel, Living In ExcellenceĀ (La Vida Es Un Mus/Anti Fade)
Mamitri Yulith Empress Yonagunisan, Yulith LilithĀ (Bruit Direct Disques)
Vilkacis / Turia split (Altare Productions)
Arv & Miljö, Svensk sommar i stilla frid (Omlott)
Chris Corsano & Bill Orcutt, Brace Up!Ā (Palilalia)
The Doozer, FigurinesĀ (Feeding Tube)
Geld, Perfect TextureĀ (Iron Lung)
The Native Cats, John Sharp ToroĀ (R.I.P. Society)
Patois Counselors, Proper ReleaseĀ (ever/never)
Mette Rasmussen & Tashi Dorji, s/t (Feeding Tube)
Mosquitoes, Drip Water Hollow Out StoneĀ 12ā³ (ever/never)
Alienation, Bitter RealityĀ 7ā³ (Warthog Speak)
FĆ„glar I Bur,Ā āPlattā b/wĀ āĆppen Inbjudanā 7ā³ (I Dischi Del Barone)
Healer / DJ Eons, Dank GoblinsĀ split 7ā³ (Warthog Speak)
Honey Radar, Psychic CruiseĀ 7ā³ (Chunklet)
JJ Ulius,Ā āTƤnder Ett Ljusā b/wĀ āEra JƤvla ManĆ©rā 7ā³ (Happiest Place)
Monokultur, s/t 7ā³ (I Dischi Del Barone)
The Native Cats, Spiro ScratchĀ 7ā³ (Rough Skies)
Phrenelith, Ornamented Dead EyesĀ 7ā³ (Night Shroud)
Rapid Dye, Nurture or DestroyĀ 7ā³ (Paradise Daily)
Mary Lattimore, Charlieās YardĀ cassette (Petty Bunco)
Long Hots, Monday Night RawĀ cassette (self-released)
Wonderfuls, Voices Like RainĀ cassette (Round Bale)
Reissues? My research was scattered and lacking, but my top picks would be the Nightcrawlersā Biophonic Boombox RecordingsĀ 2xLP, a much-needed reissue of Corruptedās Se Hace Por Los AsesinosĀ (buy that here or here), and CutĀ by Bill Direen/Bilders.
Above: Mizmor at Migration Fest 2018, Mr. Smallās Theatre, Pittsburgh, PA
Migration Fest at Mr. Smallās Theatre, Pittsburgh, PA: So many great sets, bolstered by the best company I could ask for and a multitude of trips to the nearby Grist HouseĀ brewery. Mizmor, Mournful Congregation, Hell, Yellow Eyes and Fórn were my favorite performances of the weekend.
Primitive Man and Spectral Voice at the End, Nashville, TN
Bill Direen / Bilders at the Pilot Light, Knoxville, TN
Tashi Dorji at the Pilot Light, Knoxville, TN