Music has no
limit, no seasonal restrictions, and not unlike a ferocious lion stalking its
prey, the thrill of the kill not only fulfills a hunger to survive but
provides a sense of gratification beyond numerical measure. So far this year I
have been listening to record amounts of music. With that goes trying to
remember all the artists I’ve sampled, as well as deciding which ones were
worthy of spreading the good word about, and last but not least which ones I
wanted to play over and over despite knowing there are new albums sitting on
the virtual shelf at any given moment that could be the next album of the year.
With that, here is a list of the most played and worthy albums that have graced
my ears during the month of July. You can find previous months favorites over
at my personal blog that
I am not very active on to catch up or if you’re curious about other albums
that you may have missed. I try and feature the more obscure and not so talked
about albums within the community to an extent as my nature is to root for the
underdogs. These represent my most played and highest regarded albums
out of over 100 new albums added this month. Take note, I only add good albums which means I think these are really good.
8. John Gallow – Violet Dreams
Some of the
coolest, most interesting “true doom” I’ve heard all year. From the plodding
riffage to the most dire vocals, John Gallow compiles over an hour of extreme doom
bliss. Take a listen over at bandcamp and see what the fuss is all about.
7. Mt. Mountain – EP
Here’s what
I had to say on bandcamp, “Listened once through on bandcamp, and although
I'm going broke I bought the vinyl as soon as the last song finished. This is
brilliant! I only buy vinyl on records I adore. Absolutely stunning! And look
at that wax! Can't wait for the mailman.” I have since received the vinyl edition of 250 and it goes up there
into one of the cooler records I’ve ordered this year.
6. Kallus Valley – No Burning Fire EP
“Kallus
Valley is chalked to the brim with scorching melodic groove flowing with heavy
metal hot enough to melt your face and smooth enough to have you drooling for
more.”
5. The Loudermilks – The Loudermilks
Another
wicked vinyl record, limited to 100, purchased and not to go unheard. Rising
stars in the alternative country/Americana realm, well rising under the
Loudermilks name that is. The harmonizing duo of the Louvin Brothers will have
you dancing and crying tears of joy into your beer in no time. Formerly
smashing it out in Lou Ford back in
the day, The Loudermilks combine classic country twang with alternative punk
rock and just the right amount of fuck off attitude and honest lyrics. This stuff gets a lot of playtime at
my house. Definitely worth checking out for fans of Lucero, Jason Isbell, The
Jayhawks, etc….
4. Heat – Labyrinth
“Ripped and toned muscular chops slay away
to the fast paced girthy riffs. The entire album is packed full of energy
maintaining a psychedelic backbone with plenty of rock star attitude, and
bluesy perception. Comparisons range amongst Witchcraft, Graveyard, Horisont
and Sideburn with its retro sensibility including proficient use of the organ
and superb execution of ripping guitar solos. “
3. Old Major - …With Love
“Such an
eclectic mix of familiar styles of music ranging from grunge to metal and
stoner rock to alternative noise. If I had to compare I'd say a hybrid of QOTSA
and the Red Hot Chili Peppers. Fantastic treat to break up the monotony of day
to day discoveries.”
2. Flood – Oak
Absolutely floored upon listening to this
monster of a heavy doom record. It’s doom metal with catchy hooks and
blistering slabs of menacing vocals reminiscent of Torche. Listen to the
opening number in its entirety and tell me you are automatically rigid with
back hair on end. Volcom records strikes again with its diverse taste on Oak by
Flood. No joke, this is the real deal. Late month discovery passed to me by
Steve Howe of Sludgelord fame. He’s probably already got a full review in as I
know he agrees, this is some of the best stuff of the year likely to go under
the radar.
1. Moab – Billow
Holy fucking shit was I floored by this free
album download featured by the one and only Scion A/V.? Don’t hesitate as Moab completely crushes its psychedelic trance
inducing, bludgeoning and angular doom riffs against the helpless listeners
ears. Vocals resemble an Ozzy Osbourne solo era, croon with more of a west
coast desert doom backbone. Took me a couple listens to fully appreciate what
we have here and it was fucking free over at Scion. You can’t afford not to add
this to your collection. I love it. If this isn’t included in many best of the
year lists, well then I will be sitting alone in the corner Billowing my
thoughts to Moab and shaking my head in disappointment of the human race. ;)
July yielded one of the more successful
months of the year on the hunt for the elusive album of the year. Who knows, one
of these could end up landing a spot on my trophy list at the end of the year.
Let us know some of your favorite finds, and don’t be afraid to say you think
these releases suck, cause there may definitely be a heavier, blacker, and
deadlier album out there for you, these ones topped my month and hopefully you
can find something worth your while as well.
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