The Best of 2019 list and an accompanying Spotify playlist from Peter Marchione, Release Magazine.
Albums
Agent Side Grinder: ”A/X”
With a new vocalist and a slightly updated sound, this album definitely hits the right spot.
Download: ”Unknown Room”
If this turns out to be the final album of this long going project, they went out on a high note.
TR/ST: ”The Destroyer – 1 & 2”
Robert Alfons seems to be on a spree now. Two full lengths of pure musical craftsmanship were released during 2019.
Alessandro Cortini: ”Volume Massimo”
First album on Mute and hopefully this will lead to more people discovering this musician who is generally more known for being a NIN keyboard player and front persona of SONOIO.
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds: ”Ghosteen”
Perhaps due to the passing of Conway Savage, an important element of the Bad Seeds sound, this album is a lot more electronic (or even digital) than what we’re used to. Still, a top notch album with that unmistakable Cave aura.
Red Mecca: ”Truth”
This album was an eye-opener for me, making me exploring their earlier ones. The collision between founding member, Jan Strandqvist, and new vocalist and keyboard player, Susanne Jonsson, equals a collection of songs full of fascinating twists.
Apoptygma Berzerk: ”SDGXXV”
Groth revisits the 1994 debut in a way more interesting way than any standard remaster b-s. By inviting different artist to reinterpret the songs, this release both triggers the 18 year old EBM-head in me and also proves that many of the tunes definitely stood the test of time.
Gesaffelstein: ”Hyperion”
Many scene puritans considered this album a weak sell-out. I personally appreciate this new club-pop rendition very much.
Unroyal: ”Mainstream”
This album would definitely be mainstream if it was released in 1982. While many synthpop acts are influenced by the Yazoo/Yaz catalogue, Unroyal manage to keep the song writing on a level that is quite rare among most other similar bands.
Trentemøller: ”Obverse”
Lots of cinematic songs and quite a few brilliant guest appearances.
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Songs
Agent Side Grinder: ”Inner Noises”
I’m not sure how they manage to sound both catchy and alternative at the same time, but they sure do.
Innesi: ”Wonderful Life”
Isabelle Erkendal dusts off this Black classic and turns it into pure indie bliss.
Karin My: ”The Silence”
I strongly recommend watching the accompanying video in order to maximize the impact of this atmospheric song.
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds: ”Spinning Song”
The perfect opening, on a perfect album (almost), by a perfect artist.
Black Line: ”Sedition (Sedated Mix)”
This laid back version brings another edginess and honesty to this great song.
Apoptygma Berzerk: ”Backdraft (Deviced by The Invincible Spirit)”
Timelapse nostalgia reinterpreted by another of the scene’s big names – what could possibly go wrong?
Gesaffelstein feat. The Hacker & Electric Youth: ”Forever”
I reckon they must hurry up writing the script for ”Drive 2”. This would be the obvious track for the opening and/or closing credits.
Trentemøller feat. Lisbet Fritze: ”Blue September”
The two words in the title perfectly sums up what to expect from this tune.
TR/ST: ”The Stain”
Twisted piano, reverbs and Alfons low baritone… You need to listen, now!
Unroyal: ”Something Stayed”
The band managed to distill the essence of synthpop 1982 AD, combine it with a well written pop tune, put great vocals on it. This is melancholy feelgood for the masses!
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Newcomers
Unroyal
Well, neither the members nor the genre are new, but 2019 meant the first Unroyal release and I look forward to hearing more songs.