Albums of 2021

Well 2021 went past very fast.  I must have enjoyed it. So as I sit in my moon chair being sprayed by a misting fan to keep cool in the December Sun, my mind has turned to the huge undertaking of describing and inevitably ranking the albums that have defined my year.  Not sure I want to rank them this year as it’s always an arbitrary ranking and the order could easily change with my mood.  The other reason is I’m now Twitter friends with almost everyone mentioned in this blog and don’t want to upset anyone.  Whether I place the album at number one or number thirty, I highly rate all these albums and recommend you check out anything that sounds like you might enjoy.  I have supported many of these artists with a digital or physical purchase and have really enjoyed playing them as I write these reviews. 

#30 Quivers - Golden Doubt 

Tasmania’s Quivers play jangling indie pop with excellent vocal harmonies.  Golden Doubt is their second album of the year. They also released an album of their interpretation of R.E.M.’s Out Of Time.  Favourite songs include Gutters of Love, You’re Not Always On My Mind, Hold You Back, & When It Breaks. 

#29 Acid Dad - Take It From The Dead

A New York band with a brilliant name, great psychedelic sound and a short eight track second album called Take It From The Dead. Favourite songs include Searchin', BBQ, Smile You're On Camera, & Djembe. 

#28 Lottie - Eve & Eve 

Lottie had been releasing great indie pop songs all year before releasing her debut album Eve & Eve in November.  It's a fantastic album brimming with catchy and emotional narratives.  Favourite songs include Lights Out, Indigo, Distorted, & Of The Night.

#27 Voldo - Regalia Nostalgia

This album is the bastard offspring of Beck and the Beta Band - you never know where it's heading next.  It's laid back sampledelic trip hop one minute, drunken reggae the next. Dive in and get confused and entertained in equal measure.  Favourite songs include Back To A Time, Round & Round, Bang The Drum, & Asthma Boy.

#26 Andrew Johnson - Dirteens 

Andrew "Prolific" Johnson has released a fair few albums this year including Suzie Wants to Boogie, the 9 track Madhouse EP as the final Crimson Bloom release and latest album Dirteens - a collection of mostly short indie Housemartins-esque gems with some great lyrics.  Andy has largely decamped to Bandcamp where you can enjoy this album and literally thousands of his previous albums.  Favourite songs include Grey Sky Thinking, This New Dawn, Jesus Christ Superstore, & Maybe It's Just.

#25 Feverjaw - All Bets Are Off  

Feverjaw deliver the goods on their debut album, a great alternative rock album channeling the spirits of Pixies, Nirvana, Ash, Manic Street Preachers and Placebo.  Dale is a great all round DIY musician, and the physical CD and artwork booklet is something of a treat in the steaming world.  Feverjaw go that one step further and it is well appreciated by the converts to the Feverjaw way. Including a shout-out to me in the album credits didn’t harm their cause either! Take note indie layabouts!  I must also mention the excellent Brightburn EP that preceded the album back in January which was of the same high standard.  I’m looking forward to their next move.  Standout songs include Stonewell Melody and the trio of singles Brightburn, Trauma and Grace, & Bloodwork. 

#24 Lyon Tide - Beginnings Of Ends 

There's some delicate arrangements on this album by Lyon Tide and it gets under your skin from the gorgeous opener Closure which builds and builds towards the sky.  It is followed by the downtempo funk of Hero which sounds like an indie Pet Shop Boys.  The Midlands trio have a winner on their hands here.  They're not shy to get some dance remixes in either which is always a bonus in my books.  Favourite songs include Closure, Hero, Science, & Blind.

#23 Jenny Colquitt - Something Beautiful

Jenny Colquitt came to my attention on her tribute song Captain Thomas Moore, with her wonderful voice and top songwriting.  She is also the singer with British Americana rock band ELY, but this is her first solo album.  There is great use of piano here and it reminds me of Australian singer Missy Higgins' early records.  Favourite songs include Dirty Town, Shape, Something Beautiful & 1964.

#22 The Mariners - Tales from the Great Central Line Volume One 

The second album from the Nottingham based 60's throwbacks.  Songs about Girls, trains and kitchen sink dramas.  The social commentary about keeping up with the Jones (Third album title there if you need one) and living beyond your means on Royston’s Lament is one of the highlights for me.  Another being the tale of a man laid off but pretending he’s still employed on Ooh La La.  Favourite songs include There Before Time, Ooh La La, Royston’s Lament, & That Girl Called Mary Jane.

#21 The Reytons - The Kids Off The Estate

If you like your indie loud, angry, with a twist of Arctic Monkeys Rock N Roll swagger then The Reytons is probably already on your radar.  The Kids Off The Estate broke into the higher places of the UK album charts when their debut album came out in November.  They have a sizable fan base which they have built up with explosive live shows and banging tunes over the last five years since the title track was originally released.  Favourite songs include The Kids Off The Estate, Expectations Of A Fool, Broke Boys Cartel, & Antibiotics.

#20 The Institutes - Colosseums 

A big indie rock n roll sound - Anthems with shoegaze guitars.  A Coventry band signed to the always reliable 42's Records.  The album only came out in late October and I must admit I've only listened to the album in full today (twice).  I heard others praising it and they're not wrong.  Favourite songs include All That You'll Ever Know, Alleyways, Inside Out, & Feels Like It's Raining Again.  But I'm not settled on those four as faves - it's all good, you know!      

#19 Invisible Squirrel - Sonder 

Released the day I started writing this blog but I have had earlier access to much of the album as it was recorded over the year.  The invisible squirrel is the alter ego of Joe Adhemar - to release his nuttier arrangements.  The big beat indie rodent tweaks his tunes and styles on each track and lyrics are just as important here on this album. He has also worked as a remixer, with tracks by Arcade State and Oh! Paulo given the squirrel treatment. Available on Bandcamp.  Standout tracks include Sonder, 303 Reasons to Like Rock, Droid, & Nicholas Bloody Parsons.  But you won’t find a duff track here so they are just some of my favourites today.

#18 Joe Peacock - Before The Robots Told Us Where To Go

Joe’s songwriting is strong on his second album of the year, the songs are mostly a collection of historical characters who suffered or struggled in their lives but still produced great art. There are personal songs too covering the topics of bullying and insomnia.  Joe writes in detail about all his songs on his blog and it’s always a fascinating read.  The genre hopping on the album keeps it fresh without feeling disjointed.  Punk, Reggae, Shoegaze all sit alongside each other.  The production is excellent and it’s Joe Adhemar (again) who has been instrumental in developing the arrangements and it’s clear that the two Joes have poured themselves into this album.  Available on Bandcamp.  Favourite songs include Is Not Everything Morbid, Keep The Nightmares Out, The Mind Created A Monster, & Blind Bends.

#17 Velvet Starlings - Technicolor Shakedown 

Half an hour of scuzzy rock n roll from California.  They have retained their pop sensibilities (I’m sounding a bit of a pretentious wanker - sorry sometimes happens when I put my reviewer hat on) . There have been many other great bands plowing a similar groove this year - notably Liverpool’s Mondo Trasho but Velvet Starlings have come up with an album’s worth of engaging rock songs that fly past and leave you with the urge to put it on repeat.  Favourite songs include Can't Control, She Said (She Said), Technicolour Shakedown & Checkmate.

#16 Louis & The Shakes - How Badly Do You Want It? 

London based Louis and the Shakes have dreams of the Wild West and like contemporaries Mondo Trasho and Velvet Starlings, their sound is scuzzy desert rock.  I've been enjoying their songs for the last twelve months ever since I first heard the classic Snake Hips.  The hits kept coming and this album is a blast of fun and perfect excuse to unleash my air guitar moves when I think no-one's watching.  Favourite songs include On One, Snake Hips, Losing My Mind, & El Dorado.

#15 The Poppermost - Hits To Spare 

Joe Kane is a one man Fab Four from Glasgow.  His love of the Beatles shines through on Hits to Spare which he recorded using period instruments and recording techniques.  Hunting for an authentic sound for the 14 Mersey-beat songs included on the debut album under the Poppermost name.  Early in the year I heard the EP A Piece of The Poppermost with four of these tracks on it.  Joe also sent me the Watermelon album - a previous project with a more psychedelic era Beatles sound but he’s restricted himself to the influences of The Beatles 1962-65 period for Hits To Spare.  Great fun and fantastically packaged giving a real sense that this album could be 60 years old.  Favourite songs include Get It Down, Can't Take That Away, Hits To Spare, & Laziest Fella In The Realm. 

#14 Sam Lambeth - Love and Exile 

As a frequent music journalist and reviewer for Louder Than War, Sam is always writing brilliant reviews of the music of the indie scene and is very supportive of everyone around him.  His own music is fantastic as shown on Love and Exile.  It’s a little bit country, a little bit rock n roll and a hand drawn CD cover is a class touch.  Harmonica, that voice, an acoustic guitar and a dash of the blues is all Sam needs to win you over.  Some songs include piano, drums and the good old electric guitar.  No-one is shouting “Judas” here!  Available on Bandcamp.  Favourite tracks include Dog Days Are A-Coming Again, The Scenic Route, The King (You And Me) & When Love Ain’t Enough.

#13 Jake Davey - What Did You Think Would Happen? 

A mesh of samples, a killer funky bass riff, crunchy guitars, some horns, vocals, a dash of swagger and some wacca wacca outro noodling and that's just the opening track of Jake Davey's debut album. I'm only on my second listen as it was released a few days ago.  A few songs I had heard before but it is mostly new to my ears and instantly agreeable.  I'm sure this album is going to grow on me over the next few months - Jake is a talented solo artist and he can play some awesome bluesy guitar.  Favourite songs include The Inner-City Lonely Child Blues, Looking Up (Getting Better), Foggy Weather, & Piano Thing.

#12 Novelty Island - How Are You Coping With This Century?

Light trippy songs, accompanied by gorgeous instrumental flourishes.  The singles Michael Afternoon and This Bird got me interested and I ordered the album which keeps finding it’s way onto my decks. It’s really a record that doesn’t want to be put away and rewards you each time you hear it. My favourite lyric remains “double-decker dodechahedron do”.  Favourite songs include This Bird, Yes, Jangleheart, & I’ll Sleep In April.

#11 Matt McManamon - Scally Folk 

Matt was formerly the frontman of The Dead ‘60s and this is his excellent debut solo album.  It is a boss collection of largely upbeat tunes, fiddles, flutes, a recurring theme of the Sea and personal lyrics about self reflection and restlessness.  There are moments here where the influence of Michael Head is undeniable and that’s never a bad influence to be under.  Standout tracks include Mulranny Smile, Gaslighting, Meet Me By The River, & Liberty Shore.  

#10 Joe Adhemar - Exhistential Dreadlocks 

It’s that man again with his fourth album since lockdown started.  It’s a mature album often angry at injustices, environmental destruction and dark futures.  There is melancholy when the anger has burned out but also hopeful messages.  The fact that Joe Adhemar has written two of my albums of the year and produced a third speaks volumes for his talents.  I just realised his Found Ourselves album was also released in 2021 which is another fine record.  Joe produced the Mind Aid charity single and has many plans to work with members of the new music community.  So Cheers Joe for your outstanding service to indie music in 2021. Exhistential Dreadlocks is available on Bandcamp.  Favourite songs include A Broken Bond, The Others, Indie Kid At Heart, and These Kids.  

#9 Starflyer 59 - Vanity

This was a bit of a surprise find - not even sure how I came across Californian Starflyer 59 last week but I'm happy it happened.  His releases go back to 1994 and there is a huge back catalogue to explore but why not start with his latest Vanity project?  Brilliant introspective songwriting and heavy use of droning keyboards and chiming guitars.  If you love Spiritualized  then you're gonna love this.  Favourite songs include Sunrise, Life In Bed, New Guitar, & Hey John.

#8 Afflecks Palace - What Do You Mean It’s Not Raining? 

Swirling noises, dog barks, intricate guitars, tunes and lyrics “Why are you wasting conversations on a pelican?” and that’s only the first forty seconds of the Afflecks Palace debut album.  They have switched from Roses tribute band to trading on their own compositions.  Each EP released has become highly sought after and the album collects many of their early songs together. Unfortunately the album doesn’t include Hello Is Anyone Awake? Which is my favourite and well worth a listen especially for the instrumental second half.  Jay has been busy working as a producer for Spirit of Spike Island label mates Pastel and Ava Carlyle.  The Afflecks Palace want to prove that indie guitar music is relevant in the Twenties and they have recruited and organised their fans into The Movement to support each Madchester release. Favourite songs include This City Is Burning Alive, Pink Skies, Forever Young, & We Can Be The Avalanche.

#7 Amends - Tales of Love, Loss and Outlaws 

A hard rocking Johnny Cash country alt-punk band from Western Sydney with their second album.  They tackle plenty of issues from aging, “I’m 29 and I can feel the decline” (just wait!), religion, “sin’s just a made-up word to keep us in line “, and imprisonment, “I try hard everyday to wipe the black spot from my name”.  Outstanding standout songs include Fighting A Losing Battle, Walking Backwards, It’s Been Heaven Knowing You, & White Bear Lake.

#6 Sky Diving Penguins - Sky Diving Penguins

The influence of The Beatles is stamped all over this magnificent album and the songs sound like uncovering some lost tracks from the late 60s.  There are other influences Nirvana, The Vines, Radiohead and the production and instrumentation is phenomenal here. I came across Sky Diving Penguins in the IYE inbox back in July and had to play them on my radio shows. It has been great to see many others feel the same and this is a very special album that rewards you with each listen.  Available on Bandcamp. Outstanding songs include About One Hermit, I Don’t Want, I Don’t Care, This Is Breaking Me Apart, & Tripping #9. 

#5 The Lathums - How Beautiful Life Can Be 

A modern classic album produced by James Skelly.  A top collection of songs, some of which pre-date the pandemic and a range of styles mixing together.  As an occasional stumbler over words I’m always impressed by Alex Moore’s speedy vocal flows. These four lads from Wigan, scored a number one album in the UK and proved there is a market for the indie guitar music.  There is so much talent out there to be discovered so just maybe the tide might be turning.  Favourite songs include Fight On, I Know That Much, Oh My Love, & How Beautiful Life Can Be.

#4 Moonlight Parade - What If 

The third album from the mighty Moonlight Parade who are one of my most played artists this year. What If features the a-sides and b-sides of the three singles released this year plus four fantastic new songs. The Moonlight Parade have a timeless quality and great musical chemistry.  Their sound seem effortlessly plucked from the ether.  I’m sure they put in a lot of hard work but it sounds so natural.  No physical release is planned yet but it’s sure to be snapped up if it is.  Previous album Caught In A Wave was released on vinyl in early 2021 and Moonlight Parade are largely responsible for my revived vinyl collection over the last 12 months.  You better hope my wife doesn’t read this lads! Favourite songs include White Horses, Brother, You Know Me Better, & 🏆Amsterdam🏆 (Voted as best song of the 2021 #Indie100cup).

#3 Apollo Junction  - All In 

Apollo Junction have been constantly releasing great indie rock songs over the last two years.  Seven of the eleven tracks on the album were singles and I’ve loved each of them.  So on the day of All In’s release, I discovered the track listing and it read like a greatest hits for the past two years and I immediately ordered the vinyl. It’s beautifully packaged with cut out bus windows and blue and white vinyl with a secret track. The title All In came from their decision to give up their jobs and try to make it as a full time band for their second album.  Everyone says they always have time for their fans and have a great social media presence which has helped win and build a loyal fan base.  Favourite songs include Rooftops, Borderlines, When We Grow Up, & Forever.

#2 The Shop Window - The State of Being Human 

I reviewed this album in full on my blog here The State Of Being Human Album Review.  That remains my only in-depth album review in the six years I’ve been writing a music blog.  But to summarise it - it’s my kind of jangling indie with quality songwriting from Carl with a few co-credits for Syd.  And another band with a great musical tightness between the members.  Like many of the acts in this list they are always on the socials, promoting themselves and others in the new must community or just having some pointless banter.  The album is an emotionally charged record, full of reflective moments, songs about happiness murmured in dreams, and indie anthems influenced by Ride, The Roses, Teenage Fanclub, The Cure and a host of others.   New single Lay Of The Land indicates the Maidstone Massif have hit a rich vein of form and will probably be bothering my albums of the year lists for as long as I’m making them.  Favourite songs include Out Of Reach, Flags, Evacuate, & Break Down Walls.

#1 The John Michie Collective - High Vibrations

John Michie has a great knowledge of music from classic rock to contemporary weirdo indie.  Dubbed King of Wonky it is no surprise that High Vibrations is a modern take on Phil Spector and Pink Floyd recorded on bedroom equipment.  I was blown away when I played this album and have been told repeatedly by John that this is just the start and wait for the next one! John is currently selling off his vinyl collection to upgrade his home studio equipment and his guitar collection before starting to record his third album.  It’s been great chatting with John on Twitter this year and was a pleasure to interview him on my radio show.   He released two albums this year, the second ambient album Towards The Rainbow, wasn’t my bag baby, but was well received by the chill out community.  High Vibrations is a real treat for your lug holes as the sounds swirl around your brain - perfect for headphones but I’ve been cranking it in my car’s CD player all year, chin stroking and occasionally singing along with my son on our way to football.  This has been my most played album of 2021.  Favourite songs include The Mothership, I’ll Write Your Constellation, Beautiful Day & Wish You Were Dead.

Albums to get excited about in 2022 

Next year I'll be looking out for album news from these acts... The Shed Project,  The Heavy North, Sunzoom, Senses, Dean Dovey, Jay Tennant, The Empty Mirrors, & 3 Little Wolves.