As we get closer to the end of 2019, we continue to dive into our favourites from the last twelve months — and this week we’re excited to take you through our favourite albums. With over half of our list featuring debut offerings, emerging artists from both home and abroad had a huge impact on our listening habits this year. Scroll through as we take you through the albums that we loved over the course of 2019.
W. H. Lung – Incidental Music
UK band W. H. Lung treated music fans to the unexpected with their impressive debut album Incidental Music. Released back in April, the dynamic album features eight polished yet chaotically beautiful tracks. From the epic ten-minute long opener ‘Simpatico People’ to the album's closer ‘Overnight Phenomenon’, each turn is as gripping as the next. With more music coming from W. H. Lung, we have a feeling that they’re going to up the ante once again with their next release.
Favourite track: ‘Second Death of My Face’ or ‘Inspiration!’
Methyl Ethel – Triage
Written and created deep in solitude by Methyl Ethel’s Jake Webb, Triage explores emotional themes of belonging, identity and isolation. Arguably their best album to date, Triage pushes us all to ponder our own sense of existence alongside Webb and that's a very beautiful thing.
Favourite track: ‘Hip Horror’ or ‘Scream Whole’
FEET – What’s Inside Is More Than Just Ham
This untamed band from the UK came through blazing on their debut album What’s Inside Is More Than Just Ham. FEET’s genre-defying record embraces all that’s weird and wonderful about their sound and the stories that they create. Crafted in an array of settings, from a farm to a retirement home by the sea, their album will take you on a journey that you won’t ever forget.
Favourite track: ‘English Weather’
The Ninth Wave – Infancy
Released in two parts and six months apart, Infancy is a gripping and stirring body of work. As you listen to the album, you can’t help but feel deeply moved by their poignant and open words. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed or alienated by the world, you'll find a piece of home amongst Infancy.
Favourite track: ‘First Encounters’ or ‘Sometimes the Silence is Sweeter’
Angie McMahon – Salt
It felt like a long time coming, but Angie McMahon’s debut album was well worth the wait. In under an hour, McMahon reaffirms her status as one of Australia’s finest songwriters. Her superb release still gives us chills.
Favourite Track: ‘Soon’
Alex Cameron – Miami Memory
Through his previous offerings, he’s told stories about some of the world’s most unnerving characters and the inner workings of their psyches. Though Forced Witness was a great album and a solid release by Cameron, Miami Memory presents a more personal and intimate reflection of not only his own life but also the powerful women that inspire him — particularly his partner Jemima Kirke — and it's pure magic.
Favourite song: ‘Other Ladies’
Lupa J – Swallow Me Whole
After spending years exploring her sound, Australian artist Lupa J released her highly anticipated debut album this year. The experimental release encapsulates everything that’s special about her music, whether it’s her raw and honest lyricism or intriguing electronic instrumentation, she can do it all.
Favourite song: ‘Comfort in Numbers’
Orville Peck – Pony
Enigmatic country artist Orville Peck carries the spirit of country legends before him on his absorbing first album Pony. Produced and recorded by himself, the album is home to spine-tingling tales of heartbreak, revenge and everything in-between. Artists like Orville Peck only come around once in a lifetime.
Favourite song: ‘Nothing Fades Like the Light’ or ‘Dead of Night’
Little Simz – GREY Area
Just when we thought Simbi Ajikawo aka Lil Simz shared the perfect album with Stillness In Wonderland, she came through with her brilliant follow-up GREY Area. She embraces vulnerability on the album, using each of the tracks to talk as open and expressive as ever. Little Simz's place amongst the modern greats of hip-hop is undeniable.
Favourite song: ‘Venom’
FONTAINES D.C. – Dogrel
Their debut album Dogrel — which is named after a form of Irish poetry popular amongst the working class — paints a picture of Dublin through the lens of frontman Grian Chatten, who grew up in the city. With their distinct brand of songwriting, they mix realness and honest critiques of the world exactly how they see it.
Favourite track: ‘Boys In The Better Land’
Drab Majesty – Modern Mirror
Mysterious, and often mystifying, LA-based darkwave duo Drab Majesty turns the mirror on modern society with a postmodern critique on Modern Mirror — exploring the ways self-obsession, technology, imitation and distorted worldviews have stained humankind.
Favourite track: ‘Out of Sequence’
Faye Webster – Atlanta Millionaires Club
Love and heartbreak might be a theme that appears often in music, but it's rare to find someone who approaches it as masterfully as Webster does. Across the duration of ten intimate tracks, she channels feelings of longing and heartbreak through a series of heartfelt words.
Favourite track: 'Kingston'
Written by Amy Smolcic and Kristy Smolcic
