liammenzies

Their first album in over a decade, it’s still pretty astounding that no act really scratches that same gushing, pussy itch like Arab Strap. As Days Get Dark is a depraved return that is no less delightful for the quality songwriting it showcases. Narrated a la Gruestome Tales For Gruesome Kids, the stories on here range from Zootopia mixed with American History X to, quite literally, yer da having a mid-life crisis.

As Days Get Dark has ... read more

With lyrics that sound like someone collected a series worth of Black Books scripts and put them in a blender, it’s no surprise that Dry Cleaning’s debut record is as divisive as it is.

Some may lament the spoken word nature of their output but I’m definitely in the camp of people who are here for Florence Shaw’s ad-lib esque approach to “singing” and with the punchy performances that go along with it, ... read more

There’s always an album I finally get around to at the turn of the year that makes an impact on this list, and 2021’s honour goes to A Beginner’s Mind. The concept on its own is tantalising enough, but the fact it was Sufjan Stevens and Angelo De Augustine who decided to write songs about a movie they heard the night prior makes it all the better.

Like any movie marathon, there’s a ... read more

We’re kicking things with one of my early favourites from 2021, but don’t let its low placement act as a course correction for too much hype, rather this year just kept wowing me, and the fact this album made it on here is indicative of how impressive it is.

Speaking of impressive, Pom Poko’s Cheater! This is the kind of peppy, vibrant punk music that honestly reminds me of De Blob - a glowing seal of approval if ever I’ve heard ... read more