There’s been a ton of big-name artists that have been releasing some pretty stellar music projects this year (as with every year of course) from Radiohead, David Bowie, Beyonce, all the way to Kendrick Lamar. I’d figure I’d shed some light on some more underknown indie artists that have released some of my favorites for 2016’s halfway point, a tad late on the subject, but most bigger releases always shoot to be released near the second half of the year so there’s plenty to come that I’m anticipating. I’d recommend any music enthusiast looking for some more genres and such to listen to this year to give this list a proper shot. Let’s get into my personal top 5 of 2016 so far.
Savages - Adore Life (Post-Punk, Gothic, Noise)
Taking inspiration from acts like Joy Division and PJ Harvey, the badass all female-fronted band released their sophomore album produced by Johnny Hostile once again. It’s more ambitious in certain areas this time around, particularly the songwriting and a more anthemic production. Jehnny Beth’s lead vocals are gut-swallowing, eerie, and opera-esque that will send shivers on those dark romantically failed nights. Plenty of grit and grime to accompany the name - a recommendation to anyone looking for a short but well paced album that will split hairs and antagonize you.
Open Mike Eagle & Paul White - Hella Personal Film Festival (Hip-Hop)
Open Mike Eagle is one of the chillest rappers out there today. He’s got a laidback delivery yet knows when to put a little boost into the performance. He’s got a very witty, funny, and kind of nerdy lyrical aesthetic that makes him fresh in the pool of overly dramatic or generic rappers around making waves. What makes this different than his previous releases is the presence of Paul White handling the instrumentals - using his talents to make these beats as silky as Almond Breeze. They have great chemistry together as a project duo and I do hope they collaborate more in the future. Give it a spin if you want some hip-hop in your life that is down to earth, relaxing, and clever.
Xiu Xiu - Plays The Music Of Twin Peaks (Ambient, Experimental Rock)
If you’re as big a fan of the 90’s television mystery thriller, “Twin Peaks” as much as I am (which you can stream on Netflix currently) then you will definitely be into this. Experimental pop group, Xiu Xiu, give you true to the series soundtrack while not losing their head in who they are. The album is very brooding, dark, and foggy, which I feel they couldn’t have chosen a better concept to accompany their already mysterious and depressed style of writing.
BadBadNotGood - IV (Jazz, Instrumental Hip-Hop, Downtempo)
BadBadNotGood, the former trio now quartet, may be better known for all of their collaborations with prevalent indie hip-hop artists today like Ghostface Killah and Earl Sweatshirt for examples - delivering throwback improvised jazz beats for all the merry rappers. While they get a little flack for playing too much to their influences, there’s only so much you can do with jazz that hasn't already been done and BBNG know that. They combine elements of electronica, post-bop, and experimental pop to keep your interest. While I believe this latest release is probably their most commercial sounding, it easily features some of their best tracks considering they actually wrote more of their own songs this time around rather than improvised tracks.
The Avalanches - Wildflower (Plunder-phonics, Psychedelic, Electronic)
16 years in the making ladies and gentlemen! 16 years it’s been since this legendary plunder-phonics group released their debut, “Since I Left You” which is widely considered one of the best indie records of the 00’s. While at first listen I think many will agree that it doesn’t touch on their classic first record, this is definitely a worthy album to put up next to Since I Left You, and is distinctly it’s own project. 60’s psychedelic samples, booming funk basslines, and an overlying magical concept that details the 60’s counter-culture phenomenon and the struggles of escaping humanity. On top of that they still have their trademark off kilter humor scattered throughout, primarily on the lead single, “Frankie Sinatra” (Feat. Danny Brown & MF Doom). Easily the funnest yet intelligent record I’ve heard all year that I will recommend to anyone for a journey!
