Well, half the country is locked down and we’re spending more time than ever with our headphones on, deep listening to the weird and wonderful tunes that are being produced across the world.

So, what better time for us to share some of our favourite albums from 2021 so far? You’ll also get a sense of our diverse listening habits, and maybe even find something new to listen to. Without further adieu.

Lachlan R. Dale

Hiatus Kaiyote – Mood Valiant

Thank god. They’re back. No one sounds like Hiatus Kaiyote. I guess we could call their style future-shamanic-soul? 

Mood Valiant speaks to the band’s growth: the songs are more refined and restrained than its predecessor (which suffered from too many clever ideas jammed into a short space of time). This is a sleeker, more focused, hungrier Hiatus Kaiyote. And we should rejoice.

Floating Points – Promises

Take renowned experimental-electronic producer Floating Points, instigate a collaboration with legendary jazz saxophonist Pharoah Sanders, and give him access to the London Symphony Orchestra, and you get this wonderful, genre-defying album. An engrossing, minimalist classical composition, with an ambient jazz edge. Wonderful.

Hossein Alizadeh and Rembrandt Frerichs Trio – Same Self, Same Silence

Look, I don’t even care that this came out in 2020. This is the most beautiful example of contemporary Persian classical music I’ve heard in recent years. For the uninitiated, this record is a wonderful introduction to this sophisticated, graceful musical tradition.

 

Daniel Nesci

Architects – For Those That Wish To Exist

Over the last 15 years, Architects have graced the metal scene with compelling lyrical compositions, incredible production and brilliant writing. Their latest addition to the catalogue, ‘For Those That Wish To Exist’ has topped their releases for me. Ranging from extremely aggressive guitar breakdowns all the way to borderline orchestral pieces the album for many could serve as a venting opportunity after a volatile 18 months. 

This album affirms an already cemented band just proving once again they are among some of the best in the world when it comes to writing music within this genre. On every level, this album has been meticulously thought out. With continuous orchestral layerings, relatable lyrics and perfection in regards to guitar tracking I have had this album on repeat since its release.

Favourite Track: Animals

Nick Jonas – Spaceman 

More known as a part of the Jonas Brothers, Nick Jonas has endeavoured on many solo releases and his latest, ‘Spaceman’ I’ve really gravitated towards. This album caters towards people with a more mainstream palate, if you enjoy catchy lyric hooks, modern production with some EDM vibes and R&B style rhythms then this is definitely for you. 

Favourite Track: This Is Heaven

 

John Mayer – Sob Rock

Although singles off this album have been out for nearly three years, John Mayer has finally decided to release the rest of this album and it doesn’t disappoint. For me, I’ve always associated Mayer with someone who knows their sound and how to actually feel something on the guitar. This album is just more of that. 

This is the kind of album you can put on during a road trip, sitting on the balcony or just relaxing. It’s a very cathartic release and for me is up there as one of Mayer’s best releases. 

Favourite Track: New Light

Benjamin Shannon

Magnusson/Anning/Vanderwal – I want to go (Parts 1 and 2)

Dropped out of the thinnest of air, this two-part studio improvisation typifies the sound of Australian improvised/experimental music. Featuring three of the country’s most formidable artists in Stephen Magnusson (guitar), Sam Anning (electric bass) and Ben Vanderwal (drums) this 40-minute exploration captures an utmost beauty, poise, conviction and assuredness that can only be shared between three great mates devoted to their respective craft.

It sounds like a cuppa on the back deck in the morning sun and how harnessing little moments of beauty in day to day life lie in squarely the heart of honest, emotive group improvisation. At least to me anyway

The Armed – Ultrapop

The Armed command noise, pop and heavy stylings with considerable ease and conviction. Under cascading riffs and irregular rhythms are infectious hooks and pop sensibilities. It really shouldn’t work, but it does. So very well.

I love this band and can’t wait for the next release.

The Contortionist – Exoplanet Live Stream 

Technically not a release as such The Contortionist announced an additional livestream concert after showcasing their 2017 release Clairvoyant front to back. Their 2010 release Exoplanet was performed with new vocalist Michael Lessard. (New in the sense that he was not on this studio recording joining the band in 2013)

This album is a potent mix of deathcore, progressive metal and ambient influences giving life to a style/genre of music that is often marred by repetitive structures, sounds and arrangement. To see this album brought to life in 2021 again with Michael on vocals and the addition of other select works from their back catalogue was a wonderful treat for the ears. A seminal album in my creative practice. 

Here’s a link to the live stream, but go support the band please if you enjoyed it or are a fan. Support any of the above bands if you’re fortunate enough to do so.

Tom Brand

Mare Cognitum – Solar Paroxysm

Apparently, I was late to the party on these guys. I’ll preface this by saying I’ve got a contentious relationship with both black and death metal. I fucking loathe most of it. Not enough complexity or drumming that sounds like a kid bashing a tonka toy set and I’ll can an album.

Solar Paroxysm has none of this. It hits different. The thrashing guitars hold a brilliant, full, militant sound that grabs your attention and throws it into orbit. Every solo maintains over-the-top brain-blasting instrumentation that’s so close to being dorky but falls well into the category of excellent. The drums don’t let up either – blast beats melt you down into primordial goop, and many of the bridges are pieced together in a way that catches you off guard. As my entry point to Mare Cognitum, this record was a thrill from start to finish.

Chassm – Falling Forever

Few and far between are records that hit you in the same way that Falling Forever can. Not since those early days of hunting down crust punk and sludge recommendations on skungy 00s message boards have I come across an album with so much character. The riffs shift in some sort of aural kaleidoscopic pattern, transferring from bleak to furious at breakneck speed, and each one has that gnarled quality that drew me into the old Fall of Efrafa and His Hero Is Gone tracks. Just crazy that something can feel so unique and nostalgic at the same time has popped up in the same country as me. Looking forward to lockdown lifting so I can catch them live. 

 

Sorry readers. No other records this year outside of that. I’ve been too busy studying, listening to the excellent Behind the Bastards podcast, sifting through Mount Eerie/William Basinski releases I’ve missed and finally appreciating the structure and form that makes Talking Heads a good band.

Joseph Rabjohns 

Pat Metheny – It Starts When We Disappear

Pat Metheny has been my favourite guitarist since I began studying Jazz at the Queensland Conservatorium. During my studies, I never really felt emotionally attached to traditional Jazz. Pat Metheny’s unique sound really opened my ear to hear ‘Jazz’ as improvised music with no bounds, rather than a genre. He also sent me on a path to discover some of my other favourite players like Bill Frisell, Ben Monder and Jim Hall.

His latest offering combines interesting synthesised components, driving South American influenced rhythm, and his signature guitar tone.

Superfeather – Superfeather

Superfeather provides a unique and refreshing take on math rock, by blending interesting off-kilter rhythmic structures with psychedelic guitar and synth effects, and amazing Jazz-influenced improvisation. Picture Battles meets Faraquet.

Chassm – Falling Forever

I agree with everything Tom has said. CHASSM rules. Great to see and hear an amazing young band with their own unique footprint on HEAVY.