So it's coming to that time of the year again when top tens are being compiled and having done ones for Ghost Cult and The Sleeping Shaman (the latter to be published in due course) I thought it would be fun for Clean Sheets to feature such a list.
Since the foundation of the site in April (the first review getting published on the 26th of that month), I have to date written 53 reviews. Not bad going for roughly eight months of existance right? A big shoutout and thank you needs to be extended to all the artists, labels and PR who had faith in me to cover their releases. Please note that this is an end of year list and if you haven't been included don't take it to heart, it doesn't mean I liked your work any less, the task of putting together such a countdown is always an onerous one. The albums featured in this list are strictly those I have reviewed for this site so without further ado let's see what's made it, cue Top of the Pops theme tune and away we go, from ten...
The Slumbering & She The Throne – Daymares & Night Terrors (Slithering Black Records)
My homies in Manchester's (UK) She The Throne team up with US based The Slumbering (Clint Listing) for a collection of unsettling Dub, Dark Ambient, Drone and Dark Industrial sounds on this absolutely lovely collaboration.
Just Rattled - A Famously Cold Winter (Independent Release)
Another Manc band makes the list! My favourite city in the world has produced yet another quality band (after She The Throne) in the shape of Just Rattled. This young outfit appeals to my love of The Birthday Party, The Cramps and Dave Conway era My Bloody Valentine.
Murf - Already Dead (Learning Curve Records)
The first of two bands from the Learning Curve stable to be featured comes courtesy of Minneapolis quintet Murf. A vicious and thrilling concoction of Hardcore Punk, Crossover and Noise-Rock these guys certainly kick out the jams (if you pardon the MC5 reference).
Sons of Viljems - Lithospheric Melodies (Disasters By Choice)
Sons of Viljems are a London duo who occupy a similar space to Sly and the Family Drone, Abstract / Concrete and Bohren & der Club of Gore. They are a band who utilize Jazz and Drone sounds to brilliantly bewitching effect who I would love to witness live one day.
Genre is Death - Talk (Independent Release)
Thanks to good friend Moray from Wax Donut, I got exposed to a lot of artists who would have otherwise passed me by. Hence duo Genre is Death who sound like the natural heirs to Royal Trux, Velvet Underground and play an intoxicating blend of Post-Punk/No-Wave.
Free Ride - Acido Y Puto (Small Stone Records Co)
From Spain's capital Madrid, comes wonderous fuzz laden trio Free Ride who have been around since circa 2017/2018 and who I first discovered around the time of the Surf inspired single Nazaré. For fans of Fu Manchu, Nebula and their kind. Superb.
The Stabbing Jabs - The Stabbing Jabs (Reptilian Records)
The Stabbing Jabs are a supergroup with members pulled from Gang Green, Chrome Cranks, GG Allin & the Murder Junkies and Motorbike. High octane Punk Rock 'N' Roll and Garage-Rock the music is as every bit as exciting as you'd expect from this particular line-up.
Tojo Yamamoto - 山本東条 (Forbidden Place Records)
Wrestling has never been of interest to me, however when its infused with quality Post-Punk and Noise-Rock then it definitely turns up on my radar. Such is the case with this Lexington, Kentucky outfit who bring a sense of fun to otherwise discordant, uncompromising genres.
SUSS - Birds & Beasts (Northern Spy Records)
Dig Earth and Swans latter work but with an Americana twist? Then SUSS are the band for you. From the moment I heard Birds & Beasts I knew this band would be making my end of year top ten and here they are with this gorgeous record.
The Triceratops - Charge! (Learning Curve Records)
To quote Highlander "there can be only one" thus here's my choice for the number spot for the very first Clean Sheets end of year Top Ten with New Yorkers The Triceratops playing an infectious blend of Power-Pop, Hardcore and Noise-Rock. Bravo John and Melvin!
Honourable Mentions
Ty Varesi - East County Pregnancy Demos (Independent Release)
Dead Senses - Dreamless (Already Dead Tapes & Records)
The Bear Around Your Neck – A Two Faced Prince/With Your Permission to Rot (Independent Release)
Knife Crime - Bare Racket (Noise Merchant Records)
Bangladeafy - Vulture (Nefarious Industries)
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