Top 5 Albums of 2012

Some awesome music was released in 2012, and I've compiled a list of my five favourite records released this year - none of which you will be hearing on the radio anytime soon unfortunately. Check them out to hear the amazing stuff that true musical artists are creating by clicking on the link attached to each of my favourite tracks from each album!

Honourable Mentions:
Mono - For My Parents
Josh Varnedore - Sun Chapter
Jodis - Black Curtain
How to Dress Well - Total Loss
Cloudkicker - Fade
Lights Out Asia - Hy-Brasil

5. Almeeva - EP #2
Something a bit different that what I normally listen to, Almeeva is trancey, up-tempo music mostly created using traditional instruments, but with a minimalist idealism. The pulsing rhythm sections on this short EP of five songs really drive the music, complemented nicely by the spacey guitars. Looking forward to hearing more from Almeeva soon.

Favourite Track: Strobe

4. Hammock - Departure Songs
Almost a little disappointing by Hammock standards, it goes to show that even an average Hammock album is still so much better than almost any other music currently being released. There are 19 songs on this double album, which makes it a little too long for my tastes, but most of these songs are unbelievably good, with particular standouts being Cold Front, Tape Recorder, Dark Circles, and Ten Thousand Years Won't Save Your Life. This is Hammock's most ambitious album to date, with many songs breaking away from their traditional ambient approach, and much more utilization of percussion and rhythm guitars. It makes for a cathartic atmosphere in this album about loss, and the music video series directed by David Altobelli is a perfect companion. I'm looking forward to Hammock's next release which has been described as the complete anthithesis to this one.

Favourite Track: Cold Front


3. Helios - Moiety 
Keith Kenniff is an internationally recognised composer (whose music you have undoubtedly heard in films or advertising but never noticed), and Helios is just one of the many projects he is involved in. He generally takes a minimalist approach to writing music, but there is absolute beauty in the hypnotic and soothing compositions. The production is lush and cinematic, with post-modern piano often taking the forefront but supported by gorgeous guitar melodies and dense ambience  I must start checking out the rest of his back catalog soon, but first I have to digest Helios' latest release, a remix album featuring two of my other favourite artists - Hammock and Rhian Sheehan. I guarantee you will lose yourself in this music.

Favourite Track: Nothing It Can

2. Neurosis - Honor Found In Decay
The tenth studio album by post-metal giants Neurosis is monolithic. At its heaviest, the music represents an epic landslide, obliterating all in its path, while at its softest, the listener feels calm and at one with the cosmos. As is expected from Neurosis at this stage in their career, the musicianship and production is simply outstanding. The tribal drumming by Jason Roeder on songs such as At The Well, My Heart For Deliverance, and Casting Of The Ages is something which can be replicated by no other band, the vocal styles of Scott Kelly and Steve von Til complement each other perfectly, and the varied song structures used contribute hugely to the success of the album. Neurosis have always been a band which make you feel a part of something greater, but on Honor Found In Decay they take it to a whole new level.

Favourite Track: My Heart For Deliverance

1. Deftones - Koi No Yokan
Deftones are one of only a handful of bands I listened to ten years ago that I still listen to today. This is quite amazing considering how much my music tastes have changed since I was 15. Back then, the Deftones were my absolute band and not much has changed since then - I haven't stopped listening to this album since it was released on November 12! Koi No Yokan is a Japanese saying expressing a premonition of true love upon first meeting someone, and it aptly describes this album. The production is full and lush, and every band member is at the absolute top of his game, none more so than vocalist Chino Moreno and guitarist Stephen Carpenter. Every song on this breathtaking album is ultimately a supreme lesson in emotional groove and outstanding songwriting.

Favourite Track: Rosemary

Exciting albums coming in 2013:
Jakob - TBA
Tool - TBA
Rhian Sheehan - Stories From Elsewhere
*Shels - TBA
Palms - TBA