Catching Up on 10 Album of the Year Contenders
Japanese neo-psychedelia, avant-rock from Mexico, French melodic black metal, and everything in between.
As I scramble to wrap up my 100 Best Records of 2024 list (here’s the 2023 list for reference), I’ve been on a mad dash to cram in as many albums as humanly possible — and let me tell you, I’ve uncovered 10 absolute gems that are too good not to share immediately. There’s a little something for everyone here, with genres galore. One thing I’ll guarantee: none of these are snoozers, so get ready to give your ears a seriously heady workout.
Crumb - AMAMA
Get Vinyl: Deep Green
Let’s begin with Crumb’s third album, AMAMA, a vibrant, psychedelic odyssey that feels like tumbling down the rabbit hole into an Alice in Wonderland dreamscape. Their most daring production yet, it’s a wild mix of glitchy vocals, sax solos, and fun sound bites that keeps you on your toes. This album is perfect for both zoning out in tranquil reverie or losing yourself in a dance frenzy. If there’s one critique, it’s that I’d love to hear these tracks stretch a little longer, so I can fully luxuriate in that dreamy, hypnotic space.
Alcest - Les Chants de l'Aurore
Get Vinyl: Yellow
Alcest’s seventh album Les Chants de l'Aurore is a stunning return after five years, and well worth the wait. This French post-black metal masterpiece blends the ethereal blackgaze of Deafheaven with the towering crescendos of Parannoul, crafting something that’s as dreamy as it is crushing. The band's signature guitar work shimmers with beauty, while melodies pull you into a blissed-out haze, leaving you suspended between nostalgia and catharsis. The album is short, sweet, and leaves you craving more — every track hits hard, so blast it loud and let those waves of sound sweep you away.
Sarah Kinsley - Escaper
Get Vinyl: Milky Clear | Black
Sarah Kinsley’s debut album Escaper is a stunning culmination of years of promise, building on her four standout EPs. A gifted young singer, songwriter, instrumentalist, and producer, Kinsley enters the scene with the confidence of a veteran. Her mesmerizing vocals, reminiscent of Kate Bush, soar over lush production by John Congleton (Alvvays, The War on Drugs), combining elegant piano, orchestral strings, and vibrant synths to deliver an innovative alt-pop blend. The A-side is a real ear-grabber, with the opener, "Realms," and "My Name is Dancing" as the clear highlights. If there’s any justice, Sarah Kinsley will be a household name in no time.
Props to
for another great recommendation (he previously turned me on to Being Dead’s wild new album EELS).Ezra Collective - Dance, No One’s Watching
Get Vinyl: Satin Red | Black
Let’s dance! That’s the command Ezra Collective delivers with their third album, Dance, No One's Watching. Fresh off being the first jazz act to win the Mercury Prize, the band takes us on a genre-bending joyride, blending Fela Kuti-inspired Afrobeat, late-era acid jazz, dub reggae, Cuban salsa, Congo funk, and whatever else they could fit into their rhythm-fueled party. It’s one of the most fun albums I’ve had the pleasure of blasting this year—throw it on and watch the dance floor (or your living room) light up.
Lola Young - This Wasn’t Meant For You Anyways
Get Vinyl: Starburst | Red
The cameo I was least familiar with on Tyler, the Creator’s new album CHROMAKOPIA was London artist Lola Young, so when I saw she also just dropped a new album, I figured, why not give it a spin, and boy, am I glad I did. What immediately grabs you is her husky, raspy voice, which brings to mind Nilüfer Yanya and Remi Wolf, but with its own raw charm. But it’s not just the voice—there are bangers here, especially the back-to-back mid-album jams “Conceited” and “Messy.” Lola swings for the fences frequently on this record, and that boldness sets it apart from the pack.
One Step Closer - All You Embrace
Get Vinyl: Glitter | Purple | Pink | Blue
One Step Closer, the straight-edge melodic hardcore band from Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, returns with their second album, All You Embrace, on the always reliable Run For Cover label. While it’s a bit less intense than their debut, the band mixes hardcore, emo, and ‘90s alt rock in a way that feels refreshing. They’ve called in some heavy hitters this time — Isaac Hale of Knocked Loose and Mat Kerekes of Citizen — and you can definitely hear their influence in the mix. The result is an album that’s bigger, anthemic, and more expansive than anything they’ve done before, perfectly capturing that sweet spot for anyone nostalgic for Warped Tour side stages.
Berlioz - Open This Wall
Get Vinyl: Eco-Vinyl, Signed Cover
Jasper Attlee, the British DJ and producer behind the moniker Berlioz, delivers his debut album Open This Wall, and it’s a treat for nu-jazz lovers. The album flows effortlessly, with smooth jazz improvisations blending beautifully with deep house beats and spoken word samples. When the sax drops in the opener, “Ascension,” you know you’re in the right place. One listen had me rushing to grab the signed vinyl — excited to spin this again and again on my turntable.
Sababa 5 and Yuika Hanashima - Kokoro
Get Vinyl: Pink | Blue | Black
Sababa 5, renowned for their innovative fusion of Middle Eastern psych, funk, and disco grooves, teams up with Japanese singer and belly dancer Yurika Hanashima for Kokoro, a dreamy collision of Mediterranean vibes and Japanese pop. Sababa 5 finds the perfect partner in Yurika, whose mesmerizing vocals float over their infectious grooves. Kokoro marks a major milestone in both of their journeys, with the A-side featuring four fresh tracks, while the flip side collects four of their earlier, popular singles. It’s a solid collection of fusion funk that’ll have you hooked from the first drop.
Hildegard - Jour 1596
Get Vinyl: Lathe Cut (Sold Out)
Jour 1596, the second album from Montreal-based duo Hildegard (Helena Deland and Ouri), is a balanced blend of neo-soul and experimental pop. Deland, known for her indie folk roots, and Ouri, a classically trained composer, bring their unique skills to create a sound that’s entirely different from their solo works. The album’s title references the 1,596 days the duo spent writing and recording the 10 tracks, a stark contrast to the lightning-speed process behind their 2021 debut, which was written in just eight days. This collaboration feels like a true chemical reaction, merging their styles into something new, making Jour 1596 a captivating listen throughout.
Mabe Fratti - Sentir Que No Sabas
Get Vinyl: Black
My first listen to Mexico City-based, Guatemalan cellist Mabe Fratti was a revelation. Her fourth album, Sentir Que No Sabes (Feeling Like You Don't Know), is a shape-shifting blend of avant-rock, dream pop, and classical, yet somehow remains approachable—and groovy as all hell. The opener, "Kravitz," is addictive, and will end up on my best songs of the year roundup. Mabe is undeniably one of the most exciting musicians on the scene right now, and this album proves it.
Hey friends, thanks for tuning in! I’d love to hear what you’ve currently spinning; drop your favs in the comments or reply to this email.
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Lastly, big congrats to supporter Patrick Elliott for snagging this month’s vinyl giveaway! And stay tuned—paid subscribers can expect a whole new set of exciting perks coming your way very soon!
On that note, happy collecting, and catch you all next week!
Ezra Collective is such an underrated band. Thankfully they're gaining a larger fanbase this year, thanks to the new album, and the inclusion of "God Gave Me Feet For Dancing" on the FIFA videogame soundtack.
That crumb album is also on my shortlist. Love that band…