The Acorn – Glory Hope Mountain
Glory Hope Mountain is a quasi concept album about the lead singer’s mother and her tumultuous journey from South America. It’s a tender mix of shambling acoustics and subtle African rhythms where the heart is mapped over the geography of continents and psychography of hardship in a wide-eyed tribute. Highlights: The Flood pt. 2, Crooked Legs
Burial – Untrue
A year-end favorite, and deservedly so, Burial’s second album is the warmest cold record I’ve heard in a long time. Distant, yet edging over with latent emotion, it’s the perfect synopsis of unreconcilable love. Not a sunny day record, but one that soundtracks great saying hello to the night. Highlights: Arcangel, In McDonalds, Ghost Hardware
Ladyhawk – Shots
Ladyhawk are proving to be more consistent than small town transit with a second release of solid, squalling guitar workouts. This release gets a little darker, moving away from no luck resignation into alcohol-fueled mortal contemplation. The abyss stares back and it sounds great. Highlights: Fear, Corpse Paint, Faces of Death
Miracle Fortress – Five Roses
So Panda Bear gets all the credit for reviving the Beach Boys with Person Pitch, but I prefer Miracle Fortress’ Five Roses. Rather than play to the postmodern crowd, Five Roses revels in oldschool melody and the sweet interplay of double-tracked falsetto vocals. It’s forward-thinking, but still saves the baby from the bathwater. Highlights: Maybe Lately, Beach Bay, Hold Your Secrets to Your Heart.
Ungdomskulen – Cry Baby
The band name means “middle school” but sounds more like something a middle-schooler would draw on their binder. It’s a pretty fair representation of the band – a buzzing amalgamation of sung-scremed vocals, high-wire guitars, galloping drums and punch your lights out bass. The rhythm section is worth the admission alone. Highlights: Glory Hole, Modern Drummer, Ordinary Son.
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