100 albums of 2021 you shouldn’t miss, plus playlist

Sun June – Somewhere (Run for Cover Records)

What we said: The drumming, synths and LA electric guitar slides sealed the deal for this record, perfectly in sync with Cowell’s effervescently cool vocals. Closing track ‘Colours’, a sure change from the usual dream pop vibe, gave a perfect nod to how the band started out in LA, then made the transition to Texas. It was probably the most relatable track on the album, its acoustic guitar sounding like it could be a strumming from your next door neighbour, and the acoustic piano an almost angelic covering of all the angst, loss, and confusion we would experience listening to a coming-of-age record – because that’s what this album ultimately feels like: 10 years after prom, on your way home, your love gazing out the window from the passenger seat.

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Supahoney – Every Cell In Your Body (Sesame Records)

We said: Every Cell In Your Body’ quite literally requires your full devotion and attention in order to appreciate the full weight of the experience, and to truly grasp the capacities and obsessions that Supahoney have come to possess in their enthusiastic offering. It is truly a masterwork from a group that has such enormous competences and such fine attention to detail. A work of art to consume in slow surges, with superlative returns.

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Tamar Aphek – All Bets Are Off (Kill Rock Stars)

We said: It’s a cracking debut. Tamar takes the power trio thing and moves it forward into new psych-blues-rock territories with elegance and so much fire. She also might just be the best new noisy guitar stylist since Joey Santiago and John Dwyer. You can tell, the guitar and her: it’s a love affair for life, like Richard Burton ‘n’ Liz Taylor. She’s potent and has a voice of real elegance, and sonic firepower, and tunes, and the future is very, very bloody bright indeed.

The complete review is here

The Telescopes – Songs of Love and Revolution (Tapete Records)

The Telescopes’ dozenth album takes the simple premise of psych fuzz and lets itself sink deep. Now Spiritualised, for all we may wish otherwise, are a way, way down from their Nineties summit and Spacemen 3 have attained the nailed-on, did-anyone-you-know-see-them?-my-god legendary status accorded to MC5 back when they were extant, we’ve needed someone to step into the breach and pick up the dirty psych torch.

No Fender Jazzmasters or Vox Teardrops were likely harmed during the course of this record, but many are reported to have emerged bruised, sweat-slicked and smiling. Dirty, sexy and necessary.

Read our full review, here

Tout Bleu – Otium (Bongo Joe)

We said: Coming as it does at the end of another bewildering year Tout Bleu have released a record that has been snatched from the chaos and part assembled using remotely recorded sessions. Still those circumstances have shot it full of resolve and insight making ‘Otium’ an album that probes, questions and pushes without ever losing the listener. 

Read on, here

Xiu Xiu Oh No! (Polyvinyl)

We said: Xiu Xiu are a band that needs to be heard to be believed, and no negative comment on tracklist cohesiveness or shifting atmosphere is worth your time, especially when concerning OH NO. This is why I hold it in high regard, because it’s an undertaking that is glad to be dynamic in its presentation, bold in its message and a reminder of why I am a Xiu Xiu fan. I hope this album becomes a bridge for new fans to join the ranks, since it is possibly one of their more accessible albums, with some tracks perhaps considered radio friendly. This is not a failure of artistic vision, but rather a celebration for what they as a group have achieved and a thank you to those who helped get there. 

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The Yugoslav Attack – Illusions (False Peak Records)

Providing the perfect soundtrack to a seat by an open fire, a solo night drive, or simply a trip into introspection, these sounds will help you on your way. The Yugoslav Attack are unique and compelling in that they create Blue Note worthy jazz masterfully blended with 90s melodies and themes.

In depth review is here

Yung: Ongoing Dispute (PNKSLM Recordings)

What we said: The album is full of mood and edginess, with tracks such as “Above Water” reminscent of Japandroids. Other contemporaries you can hear being called upon are Killing Joke Nada Surf; there’s a heavy pinch of krautrock also.

Produced by regular sound technician Neil Robert Young over two sesssions at Dreamland Studio and the tiny, now-defunct Studio One, this is an album that speaks to the power of perseverance and collaboration.

Read the whole thing, here

The Zephyr Bones – Neon Body (La Castanya)

We said: The whole album just shimmers with positivity and a good time vibe. There’s isn’t a simple track here as each one twists and morphs emerging different each time after the interludes and solos taking the tracks off on a musical journey. The musicianship is note perfect and Brian Silva and Santi Garcia have captured the band perfectly to showcase their ever evolving creations and by doing that have created one of the best albums of the year.

Read it all, here

Zoon Van Snook – SE•PA•RA•CIÓN (Lo Recordings)

Seperacion is an album to get acquainted with. It explores the dark times, the isolation and yes, the separation we’ve all had to deal with in the last year. Spending time with the record is almost cathartic, a comfort blanket to these strange times.

Playlist