ABL Pedals’ Albums of the Year 2023
It’s been a great year for music! And since I didn’t post an album of the month in November, here’s a small selection of the albums I’ve been enjoying while at my workbench this year. In no particular order…
Helicon – God Intentions
Now, this might be a little biased as I did quite a bit of work for this particular 12-legged Glasgow band, but their recent release of Fuzz Club has had a lot of spins at ABL HQ this year. The band seem to have the right balance between psychedelic and shoegaze with a strong sense of melody and harmony on top of the noise.
Queens of the Stone Age – In Times New Roman…
Despite missing their (apparently great) recent Hydro show, I’ve been rinsing the band’s back catalogue after speaking to several clients about what makes their sound so attractive to guitar players. We mostly came to the agreement that it’s heavy but measured in terms of the variety and layering of guitars but none of it is over the top, and this new album is no exception.
Margaret Glaspy – Echo the Diamond
I’d come across Glaspy before but not listened to a whole album. Needless to say, that changed after hearing the singles on BBC6 Music. Sharp lyrics meet snappy guitars in all the right places on this one, with her great voice sitting just right in the mix. FFO: Courtney Barnett, PJ Harvey, Lucy Dacus, Julia Jacklin.
Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs – Land of Sleeper
Some of you might remember that, yes, I had the pleasure of meeting Adam and Sam from the band and interviewing them earlier this year. Regardless of that, I’ve been loving their third album “Land of Sleeper”. It’s an awesome mix of classic riffy rock that is slow, but at the same time energetic. Ohh, it’s HEAVY!
Raveloe – Exit Light
Raveloe is the guise of local singer/songwriter Kim Grant, someone whose musical output I’ve followed for many years. 2023 saw her release her solo debut album and it’s great! Folk sits alongside shoegaze-y dream pop in a wonderfully measured mix.
Wilco – Cousin
“Cousin” is Wilco’s thirteenth studio album. While unlucky for some, this one’s a belter! Wilco has become a band that refuses to be shoehorned into a single genre. After starting off with more Americana roots, in time they’ve added a plethora of influences from all over to their musical spectrum, and this new album is no exception.
Island of Love – s/t
This, unfortunately, now defunct band’s debut album was released on Third Man Records earlier this year. Despite being English, they have a distinctly American indie and punk sound to them. Shades of Dinosaur Jr. and Husker Du meet early Teenage Fanclub with this lot. Expect catchy melodies and some equally catchy guitar moves.
The Bug Club – Rare Birds: Hour of Song
I’ve waxed lyrical about this band in the past. Super catchy, fun, rock and roll! Smart lyrics and great energy, what’s not to like? Their second album in little over a year follows the same format with the addition of skits and spoken word. Clocking in at just over an hour it’s a deep dive, but that’s the fun part! Although I’m not sure if I should be including them in this list – they don’t use guitar pedals!
Cloth – Secret Measure
Local heroes Cloth finally released their second album “Secret Measure” through Mogwai’s Rock Action label. This album feels like a real progression of their already established soft, yet considered sound. Complex arrangements and ethereal vocals make for a sonic journey that never outstays its welcome. A beautiful record from a great local band.
Geese – 3D Country
This album took me by surprise. I’d heard the band’s mix of angular post-punk before and assumed this one would be much the same. How wrong was I? All I can say is that Geese’s “3D Country” sounds like Mick Jagger fronting the Velvet Underground while taking notes from Parquet Courts. Shades of classic R&B and garage go alongside a punk attitude. If that sounds like any of your cups of tea, then I recommend checking it out!
Honourable Mentions:
Iggy Pop – Every Loser
Young Fathers – Heavy Heavy
Boygenius – The Record
Sulka – Distractions
Quitter – Monument Road
Andrew Gabbard – Cedar City Sweetheart
What have been your favourites this year? Is there anything I should check out?