So, what do we have here? Six months, 180 days, thousands of new LPs, new bands, old bands… With this article, I want to pause a minute and go back to the best releases from 2023 to date. We’ll take stock at the end of the year.
Pardoner – Peace Loving People: My gosh, this band never disappoints. “Came Down Different” (2021) was an absolute hit, and so is “Peace Loving People” (2023). Pardoner plays the post-nineties card better than any other band on the scene today. The new LP is full of hits; Pavement must be proud. [bandcamp // spotify]
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Nov LT – Recesses: Is this the biggest surprise of the year? It could very well be. I did not know about Nov LT until a few weeks ago, but it became immediately obvious “Recesses” will be one of 2023 best albums. I really enjoy the experimental ambitions à la “Fungus II” (listen). Nov LT is incredibly innovative, a real cabinet of curiosities for those of us into garage rock. [bandcamp // spotify]
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Gee Tee – Goodnight Neanderthal: I consider Gee Tee one of the leaders of the garage scene. Every time the band puts out a new LP, I know I’m going to get my dose of UFO, egg punk, trashy VHS aesthetics, and hits. “Goodnight Neanderthal” brings it all to the forefront, all at once.[bandcamp // spotify]
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Tee Vee Repairmann – What’s On TV?: Tee Vee Repairmann is one of the UFO’s leaders (click here). Probably more inspired by the seventies pop scene than other bands of his kind, TV Repairmann makes music that is unique in history. What else can I say? [bandcamp // spotify]
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Yonic South – Devo Challenge Cup: Remember Bee Bee Sea? Those guys are back with Yonic South and their desire to deliver the best slacker music of 2023. I want to party every time I listen to their music, but this time around Yonic South adds mind-blowing jams to the mix. That’s right, m.i.n.d.-b.l.o.w.i.n.g. [bandcamp // spotify]
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Washer – Improved Means To Deteriorated Ends: Have you noticed how good and consistent Washer is? This band delivers great albums one after the other. Their latest release, “Improved Means To Deteriorated Ends” is sure to please those of you who like powerful and sometimes experimental raw music. This kind of stuff has a name: PROPER ROCK’N’ROLL.. [bandcamp // spotify]
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CIVIC – Taken By Force: Here they are again. You listen to CIVIC for the first time to experience a powerful storm. And you come back for the same reason. “Taken By Force” could not be better named. What an overachiever! [bandcamp // spotify]
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Glyders – Maria’s Hunt: 2008 was the best, right? Well, if you’re into late Jay Reatard / early Ty Segall, Glyders is the band to propose to. Enjoy the memory lane! [bandcamp // spotify]
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