The guitarist from LIFE IS NOISE favourites Drowning Horse shares his top five releases of 2015.
Big Brave – Au De La
I only heard this album a few weeks ago but it’s been on high rotation since. Big Brave have a very jarring, unstructured sound that reminds me a little of Khanate — but without the harshness. Definitely a 2015 fave.
Various Artists: Native North America (Vol. 1): Aboriginal Folk, Rock, and Country 1966–1985
A compilation of music from Indigenous peoples of Canada and North America from the mid-1960s to 1970s. Some really diverse sounds on this one, but there are some tracks that are kind of Townes Van Zandt-ish (e.g. Shingoose – ‘Silver River’). It’s beautifully presented, and does a great job documenting the music from this time and place. I think it was also nominated for a Grammy for ‘Best Historical Album’. Really looking forward to Volume 2.
Diät – Positive Energy
Great album from start to finish. There are hints of bands like Wire, but the tracks are weirder, and definitely more dynamic than their earlier tracks. Drums are punchy, bass is solid, guitars are bright, and the vocals sit perfectly in the mix. 2015 belter.
Nervous Trend – ‘Shattered’
A really catchy single from Nervous Trend (Perth/Melbourne/US). I’ve been hammering this one all year to the point where if I listen to it anymore I’ll ruin it for myself. I could cite several bands to try and describe their sound but that would probably turn you off from listening to it. Just give it a spin.
Dr Alien Smith – Phosphorus
A great EP released by Dr Alien Smith this year. To me it sounds like a cross between Godflesh and Death In June, and it was a great accompaniment to the colder months. For those that know Dr Alien Smith for his day job, you won’t be surprised to learn that the production is perfect.
