Top Ten Of 2024: Rob Walsh
Speaking only for myself, 2024 was a noticeable improvement over its predecessor. I got into better shape, got a lot more creative with both music and literary writing and I’m planning on a much-needed change of scene for 2025. On the other hand, I experienced a breakup, the loss of a canine friend and the various issues that prompted my need for said change of scene.
Luckily, I was once again treated to a fine collection of some sonic offerings from various artists to ease this time period into the next one. Let’s have a look at my top ten!
10. Sonolith ‘III’
Hailing from the Sinful City of slot machines and emptied bank accounts, Las Vegas’ Sonolith play a variety of instrumental ‘castle doom’ that has a spirit of mischief and eccentricity in addition to packing a wallop. I imagine III as being a live-recorded soundtrack to an awesome ‘90s PC survival game set amidst gothic ruins and ominous dungeons, perhaps a future endeavor for the band? With a gorgeous album cover, great riffs and song titles such as Under the Torturer’s Attention, Sonolith deliver a fun doomy listening experience.
Label: Independent
9. Blood Incantation ‘Absolute Elsewhere’
I can’t lie, I simply am not the death metal listener I once was. But that doesn’t mean I ignore the genre, especially when it comes to one of the more exciting bands of recent years. Colorado’s Blood Incantation first burst onto the scene years ago playing some of the nastiest galactic death metal since Nocturnus, only to throw their audience a curve ball with some epic synth music soon after. With Absolute Elsewhere, they combine the two styles for a very rich and ambitious record that answers a question that someone must have asked: What if Morbid Angel jammed with Tangerine Dream?
Label: Century Media
8. delving ‘All Paths Diverge’
Elder statesman Nick DiSalvo’s other project delving has finally come into its own, at times seeming like an instrumental counterpart to his main band but also serving as something else entirely. It’s a bright, flourishing and riveting melodic journey through a celestial psychedelic haze that is sure to please fans of everything from classic ‘70s kraut rock to contemporary ambient stylings. And while I still enjoy Elder from time to time, part of me is more curious as to where delving will be traveling next.
Label: Stickman Records | Blues Funeral Recordings
7. Glass Beams ‘Mahal’ EP
It’s difficult to not compare this Australian trio to Khruangbin. But while that outfit’s style is sunny and bright, Glass Beams approach is as mysterious and cryptic as the jeweled masks they wear while performing. Soaked in deep Indian and Mediterranean influences, they weave a nocturnal current of ghostly, ethereal instrumental music that is rich in atmosphere and mood. I eagerly await a full-length album from this impressive Melbourne-based act.
Label: Ninja Tune
6. Hijss ‘Stuck On Common Ground’
Definitely one of the more original records this year, Italy’s Hijss are somewhat difficult to describe, but they certainly rock. A dizzying blend of styles from skate punk to grunge with some electronic and new wave accents to boot, Stuck On Common Ground is anything but common. They have grace and elegance but musical muscle and a touch of weirdness to throw in the mix as well. It’s always refreshing to hear some interesting heavy rock that is big on individuality and short on cliches.
Label: Heavy Psych Sounds
5. Dirtwire ‘Pyrochrome’
Based out of Oakland, California, Dirtwire are a hardworking act with several releases under their belt. Theirs is an utterly unique blend of outlaw blues attitude with a wide array of stringed instruments and electronic beats plus countless other influences. Some tracks float with pleasant ambience while others seem primed for a rough and tumble Wild West saloon seconds before a glorious bar brawl breaks out. Pyrochrome is a fine addition to their already impressive and varied discography.
Label: Independent
4. Melvins ‘Tarantula Heart’
Yet another hardworking act that needs no introduction, Tarantula Heart sees a modified return to the larger Melvins lineup format. Not only do we get two drummers again, we also get two guitars. It’s a great blend of different eras for Buzz, Dale and their many friends and I am glad to include it in my top ten. May the Heart of the Tarantula guide it to your vinyl player.
Label: Ipecac Recordings
3. Massive Hassle ‘Unreal Damage’
A much-needed dose of soulful heavy rock in trying times, Massive Hassle, the brotherly duo of Bill and Marty Fisher, return to help undo the Unreal Damage that is done to our poor souls. Killer ‘70s guitar riffing meets yacht rock dreaming and those signature elements of Fisher weirdness and humor to combine for a truly standout record. This album was how I started many a morning and I suspect it will help me start many more to come.
Label: Septaphonic Records
2. Abrams ‘Blue City’
At number 2 is the impressive Denver-based four-piece Abrams and their incredibly vibrant record Blue City. The DNA from the likes of Failure and Cave In runs deep in their veins as they blend post-hardcore and ‘90s alt rock with stoner and hard rock. The guitar theatrics are bright and dazzling as are the memorable and unique rhythms. Abrams is one band I could see enjoying mainstream success, thus proving that the modern rock industry doesn’t have to be saddled with manufactured mush and could actually rely on talented artists for a change. Shocking, I know!
Label: Blues Funeral Recordings
1. Fu Manchu ‘The Return of Tomorrow’
I’m glad that my number 1 pick for this year is the band that best defines the word ‘fun’ in California stoner rock. Fu Manchu has certainly returned with an absolute monster of a high-octane riff record. Uniquely, lead singer Scott Hill came up with the idea of a double album showcasing a mellower side of the band that I never really thought possible. You get city-destroying numbers like Loch Ness Wrecking Machine to be sure, but you also get melodic and introspective numbers like the stony What I Need. Throw in some killer production and one of the best album covers of their entire catalog and you have a badass sun-soaked slab of SoCal fuzz that is so very welcome.
Label: At The Dojo Records
Honourable Mentions
In no particular order…
Skin Yard ‘Select’
Skin Yard were one of the original Seattle grunge bands, best known as producer Jack Endino’s outfit. They remain obscure compared to their peers but this lively limited-edition box set showcases what a unique sound they had.
Sun & Sail Club ‘Shipwrecked’
Southern California’s hardcore-tinged stoner super group returns with a vengeance.
Uncle Acid And The Deadbeats ‘Nel Ora Blu’
One of the most distinctive records of their catalog, this tribute to Italian film soundtracks of the 70s and early 80s is about as far away from the Deadbeats’ usual fare, but it makes for quite a listening experience.
we broke the weather ‘Restart Game’
A very ambitious and impressive progressive rock effort, this Boston band blends a pretty dazzling array of different influences together.
Scribed by: Rob Walsh
