2SER’s Favourite Music of 2023!
2023 has been a year jam-packed with incredible music from both around the world and your own backyard.
To make sense of it all, we enlisted the help of the amazing presenters from across the station to give us their top three for ’23’. Some couldn’t, some gave us a dozen. But that’s the way things work on community radio and this is a pretty amazing list, from a wonderful group of passionate music fans.
2023 has also been a huge year for Australian music, and 2SER has been proud to support so much of it throughout this year, and our main music rotation features well over 50% local Sydney and Australian artists. As much as possible we’ve linked to the artists bandcamp pages with the releases. So if you’re loving their music and want to support, you can buy their records, cassettes, t-shirts or even a high quality digital audio recording of their music.
Check out the full playlist below to hear all these tunes on the go! Big favourites across 2SER include the likes of RVG, Nabihah Iqbal, Concrete Sea, Yussef Dayes, boygenius, Angie McMahon and Say She She, but there is so much more to dive into.
Static with Berko and Mick (Thursdays 8pm – 10pm)
David Holmes featuring Raven Violet – “Blind On A Galloping Horse” (LP)
The Belfast-born DJ, producer and composer has kept himself busy over the years – he was one-third of filmic avant-pop troupe Unloved who released sprawling 90-minute opus “The Pink Album” last year – but the first album under his own name in 15 years came with a similarly epic scope. Teaming up with vocalist Raven Violet, it was both claustrophobic and euphoric – albeit a little more motorik and rave-focused, and a little less soundtrack-indebted. A state-of-the-(fucked-up)-world address from a guy who’s already done some living, he said of our modern struggles “the Troubles feel like pre-production for all this shit!”, and the album’s cover photo was taken post-riot in 1970s Northern Ireland. Holmes sampled spoken-word accounts from Afghan and Ukrainian refugees, alongside a Palestinian ambulance driver and others. He also made time for plenty of positivity via nods to his fallen heroes, too – “Necessary Genius” namechecked Sinéad O’Connor, John Coltrane, Terry Hall, Serge & Jane and others, while “I Laugh Myself To Sleep” was a poignant recording of an unreleased song by his late mate (and ours) Andrew Weatherall. A Horse you could flog.
Ainsley Farrell – “Dirt” (LP)
The second album from the Sydney-via-Orange County ace was a record that took its sweet time arriving, and also in revealing itself once it landed. Ainsley’s debut LP 8 years ago was a finger-picked, quiet bluegrass release but she plugged in the electric guitar here, turning up the volume and the drama in her songs. Its title “Dirt” emphasised there was more grit in these tunes – musically she dipped into slow-burn alt-country and widescreen rock (the Ry Cooder-esque, dusty trip of the 8-minute title track) but also veered into homespun Gillian Welch-style folk (“Blue Side”) as well as some more taut, Julia Jacklin-type twanging pop (“The Way Back”). Vivid in its tales – “Buffet” recounted an uncomfortable exchange with a leering bloke in the smorgasbord line (“Told you I’m not part of the buffet”) – it also found time to celebrate some picture-postcard life moments, such as 4th Of July (“Fireworks”) or sneaking a first kiss (“Motel 6”). There was a musical love-letter too (“Aretha”), to round out an album that showed Farrell is for real.
Hear the “Static” interview with Ainsley Farrell here.
Youth Lagoon – “Heaven Is A Junkyard” (LP)
It was a long road back for Idaho songsmith Trevor Powers, who’d killed off his alter-ego 8 years ago for a couple of curveball digital folk records under his own name. But there’s nothing like a life-threatening health scare to put things in perspective – after losing his voice for months in the wake of a reaction to an over-the-counter medication, Powers felt free rather than pigeonholed to make music as Youth Lagoon again. The song “The Sling” on this record said “I could die happy if I started again”, and despite his traumatic experiences this album wasn’t bitter – there was a tender, wide-eyed wonder to its subjects and sounds. Awash in joyous junk-shop rock and piano-led dream-pop, there was a delicate tread to cuts like “Idaho Alien” and a beauteous bop to the single “Prizefighter”. Celebrating his own unique world – “Trapeze Artist” painted a picture of his chaotic upbringing with “Brothers all fighting ’til mom kicked in the door” – it was a heavenly way back in for the Boise boy.
Hear the “Static” interview with Youth Lagoon here.
Love Buzz with Boo Boo Muck and Del Piero (Saturdays 8pm – 9pm)
Sven Wunder – “Take A Break” (from LP “Late Again”)
I hold artist and composer Sven Wunder in such high regard, and to have his fourth LP come out as a sudden and unexpected surprise this year absolutely thrilled me. I have always felt like he is a painter who constructs his compositions with colours, as opposed to scales and keys. This album has all the beautiful paint strokes as its predecessors, and it’s again, a beautiful and wondrous journey, that may feel familiar if you have a thing for 60’s and 70’s soundtracks. Take A Break is a perfect example of how far away Wunder can take you, in just 3 minutes of perfection, and that’s what a master does.
I love what this Swedish creator is producing in this day and age. It’s a modern album, with beats and jazz and psychedelic strings and a cinematic production. But maybe it’s nostalgia because I grew up on Mancini and Morricone soundtracks, that I feel it’s almost too good to come from these modern times.
Isolde Lasoen – “Oh Dear” (from LP “Oh Dear”)
This incredible release was a feature record for 2SER, and my goodness, the moment it was introduced to me, I knew this was going to be a prized piece of music in my collection for a very, very long time! This masterpiece of an album is the making of Isolde Lasoen, a gifted and accomplished composer, writer, vocalist and a jazz-trained drummer from Belgium. Dark and moody, modern psychedelia, and enthralling from start to finish, this album is a deep dive into stunning beauty. If you were moved by Soffia Coppola’s collaboration with Air for The Virgin Suicides, or an admirer of Serge Gainsbourg’s complex jazz pop, this is the album for you!
This was a difficult album to choose one track from, and while I did choose the title track, please I implore you to delve into Batterie, Lune Noire and Bed And Breakfast. The production is incredibly dynamic, but also the album itself is alluring, enchanting and a captivating vision from this artist. I’m so excited as to where Isolde Lasoen will be taking us in the future!
Say She She – “Reeling” (from LP “Silver”)
A year later, and here I am nominating Say She She once again, for one of the best releases of the year. Led by the three vocalists Nya Gazelle Brown and Piya Malek (both from 79.5) and also Sabrina Mileo Cunningham, the Brooklyn based 7 piece again release another high class album filled with 100 percent sassy-ness!
They themselves perfectly brand their sound as Discodelica, but this new exploration extends their diversity even further, with its double LP release. Once again this doesn’t help me at all when it comes to choosing one track, but I have to go for the opening track Reeling, because like last year’s Prism, it’s the gold that can be played to a dance floor, or to a lover, or just to enjoy in all it’s glory on your own. But let it be loud, and allow yourself to be saturated. It is so divine!
With such an impressive sound and polish, there is a lot to discover on this album also, with its many moods, strong topics and the finest funk. And it will grow and grow on you, and it will be that your good friend that will make you feel “alright”.
The Outpost with Vinny Ramone (Thursdays 12pm – 2pm)
Concrete Sea – “Australian Dream” (LP)
A debut record by the Sydney via Wollongong 3 piece band Concrete Sea, featuring Nick Elias (ex-Wallspace), Rohan Wilcox and Cody Munro Moore (The Morning Star). Australian Dream is an album full of tales of Sydney people, Sydney places and Sydney living, with a South Coast detour. Singer-guitarist Elias’ writing is up there with our very best, painting suburban landscapes with forensic precision.
Caroline documents the tragic events that took place in Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs back in 1995 and the case of Caroline Byrne. Hotel In Thirroul reads like a tribute to our greatest artist Brett Whiteley, with a kind of Go-Betweens soundscape to the song. Australian Dream is jangly rock with dark stories interwoven along the streets of your town. But ultimately the end game is uplifting “on the nightly news, they all said they were just good decent people”. Australian Dream is out through the indie Stranded Recording Studios label.
Feature song: Hotel In Thirroul
Babitha – “Brighter Side of Blue” (LP)
Babitha is the musical outlet and alter-ego for Sydney based artist Imogen Grist. Her first full length album, Brighter Side Of Blue is the sound of the evocative ‘other woman’, like a comforting lonely night sojourn. It’s a big band sound gently firing on guitar laden tracks, piano ballads and unfiltered alt-country pedal steel, with front and centre Babitha’s sun-kissed captivating, vocals. Recalling greats from golden years past – think Dusty In Memphis, or Bobbie Gentry singing about Choctaw Ridge and the Tallahatchie Bridge. Along Brighter Side Of Blue’s lost highway of songs, Night And Day is a 3am club slow dance, Happy Person is the tell me I’m OK break up, How The Time Is Tickin’ recalls that the NSW country upbringing is never too far away, whilst the epic Fade Away closes the record like a Crazy Horse jam. Brighter Side Of Blue is out through Spunk!
Feature song: Night And Day
Perry Keyes – “Black & White Town” (LP)
Black & White Town by Perry Keyes
Perry Keyes’ 6th studio album and his first in 5 years, is full of skeletons of songs that long time diehards of his former pub band The Stolen Holdens have waited 30 years for. Black & White Town is an unflinching take on the lives and the stories of the people of Sydney’s other inner-city. Stories of displacement, anarchy, homelessness and of people trying to hang onto each other. Stories of a different Waterloo sunset, halfway round the world from paradise. Keyes has long been at the forefront of Australia’s very best songwriters, with the musical influences deeply ingrained – Last Night In Redfern Park screams at you like the Clash “Kids hit the skids pin-eyed in hot cars” – Walking At Midnight Through The Lot could be from the End Of The Century songbook “She said I know the ground’s just gravel, tonight it feels like quicksand” – whilst with Down On My Street Coney Island is never too far away “A tired eyed Coogee Boy, hides the spike down in his sock”. Black & White Town is self-released on EH Records.
Feature song: Streets Of A Black & White Town
Dreamstate with Jasmin Williams (Sundays 8am – 10am)
Angie McMahon – “Light, Dark, Light Again” (LP)
This album soundtracked the second half of my year. I’ve been a listener of Angie’s for a while, but these songs bring a new dynamic to her discography. Stripped back and tender, these songs have such a distinct and unique energy that puts her ahead as one of my top albums of the year. This is an album that I’m recommending to everyone I talk to, and it is truly something I think every person needs to listen to at least once.
My favourite tracks on the album are “Fish” and “Fireball Whiskey”.
Boygenius – “The Record” (LP)
This was the most highly anticipated release of the year for me. Boygenius is a band that has held such a prominent place in my heart for so many years, and to finally see them release new music was something I never thought would actually happen. These tracks are beautiful and highlight each individual member so wholly, that I often find it hard to achieve in collaborative albums like this one.
My favourites on here are probably “Not Strong Enough”, “Satanist” and “$20”, but this changes almost every day.
I’ve had a lot to say about this one – read my completely comprehensive analysis of the album here.
Paramore – “This Is Why” (LP)
Paramore is a band that has been one of my absolute favourites since I was 13 years old. In my opinion, I genuinely think they are one of the most talented and dynamic artists I know. Their ability to transition seamlessly through genre throughout their past albums has led them to such a perfect place with This is Why. The songs are catchy, the riffs are strong and there’s not a single thing I would change.
My favourites on here are “Figure 8”, “Crave”, “Thick Skull” and “This is Why”.
The Band Next Door with Cameron Menegoni (Wednesdays 8pm)
The Empty Threats – Monster Truck Mondays
Monster Truck Mondays by The Empty Threats
2023 has been a big year for independent and alternative music coming out of Adelaide and one group who stand out from the pack is the five-piece known as The Empty Threats. On their debut album Monster Truck Mondays, this socio-politically charged outfit throw out some thick, yet fluid molten psychedelic rock that carries their anthemic vocals to a whole other level.
Summer Flake – One Less Thing
One Less Thing by Summer Flake
Stephanie Crase (aka Summer Flake) has been creating blissfully breezy shoegaze music for over a decade, conjuring up bittersweet pop melodies that slowly seeps into your psyche. One Less Thing continues Steph’s now trademark melancholia wrapped up within a golden shimmer.
Perfect Actress – Perfect Actress EP
Perfect Actress by Perfect Actress Pacing post punk from this newly established group from Sydney ticks all the boxes. Four tracks of noisy guitar, sweeping synth attacks and washed out nonchalant vocals.
Danny’s Dirty Disco Dozen aka Danny Chifley / 2SER Breakfast (weekdays 6am-9am)
Final Draft with Andrew Pople (Saturdays 10am)
Angie McMahon’s Light, Dark, Light Again
I don’t know about anyone else but 2023 has been a lot! That’s why Angie McMahon’s new album and its anthemic single *Letting Go *hit high rotation in the Final Draft headphones. Angie’s sense of poetry and storytelling through her lyrics is also a huge draw for obvious reasons!
boygenius’ The Record
The boygenius story is steeped in literary tradition and shared love of literature which is just one of the reasons we love them. Like a captivating novel this album is awash with fully realised voices telling rich tales full of emotional weight and resonance. Can’t go past *Not Strong Enough*.
BENEE/Mallrat’s Do it Again
This track just oozes all the feels and good vibes from watching the Mathilda’s World Cup campaign. Straight to the Final Draft workout playlist and on high rotation anytime we need an endorphin hit!
Metal on the Margins with Jemma Hong and Gracy Mayhem (Fridays 10pm to midnight)
Metal on the Margins has loved everything that has been put out by Aussie Metal artists this year but these had our heart or were on repeat this year.
“Gasolina” by Future Static (cover of Daddy Yankee)
This cover was on repeat in the Metal moms’ house! If you are looking for your party track of the summer this is it. High octane, unhinged fun that is perfect to twerk or headbang too.
The Dragonfly Pursuit by Aurateque
The Dragonfly Pursuit by Aurateque
“Eora/Sydney alternative metal outfit Aurateque dropped their debut EP earlier this year and it is an explosive entrance onto the scene. The melodies both vocal and instrumental are complex and diverse. If catharsis from daily life via music is your thing this is the EP for you.”
Moon Phases by Rosie Roulette
“Moon Phases” is an intimate and personal journey through space and time but is rooted in the cold-hard reality of Planet Earth. Rosie Roulette paints a beautiful picture of the realities of being AFAB, trans and disabled in the modern world through cinematic and theatric means. They give Andrew Lloyd Webber a run for his money with this hard-hitting masterpiece.”
There are way more that we loved this year but you know us moms’ couldn’t choose from our metalings! So listen to all the Metal Moms’ faves below!
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2PBsI36EBu9dcK4bvsSxcL?si=IFqXPVIUQGujP_emjnwqlQ&pi=a-a4lUugxdSlS8
The Tuckshop with Mick and Jules (Sundays 6pm)
Cash Savage and The Last Drinks – So This Is Love (Mick)
So This Is Love by Cash Savage and The Last Drinks “The pace of this song reflects the pace of the last year, flowing from slow and reflective to visceral and raw. Opening up your year and your heart. The song, title track of one of the albums of the year, showcases Cash Savage at their talented best. Courageous and wild. “
Gut Health – The Recipe (Mick)
“A few bars into any Gut Health song and you’re wondering where they’ve been all your life. With a year that has seen them showcase at BIGSOUND and SXSW Sydney, things couldn’t be healthier for this 4-piece Naarm punk group. It’s hard to pick from their three fire singles of 2023 which one is best, The Recipe combines all of what makes this band great into something bright, exciting and innovative. 2024 will be a huge year for Gut Health!”
Georgia Mooney – Full of Moon (Jules)
Full of Moon by Georgia Mooney
“The debut solo album from the All Our Exes Live In Texas singer was a gorgeous triumph of cinematic art pop. There are many highlights to speak of, like the swirling opener ‘War Romance’ or ‘Consider It A Gift’. But the album’s crowning glory is the closer ‘Soothe You’, a tender lullaby that holds you in its arms and lays you gently to rest.”
Jem Cassar-Daley – ‘King of Disappointment’ (Jules)
“After garnering some well-deserved buzz for a string of excellent pop singles and the I Don’t Know Who To Call EP, Jem Cassar-Daley ascended a new level this year with the hugely successful single ‘King of Disappointment’. The stinging, bittersweet track is one of the best pop releases of the year, and the singer followed it up with the equally strong ‘Slow Down’ a few months later. You get the distinct impression that is going to be big for Jem Cassar-Daley.”
Dirt Music with Stuart Coupe (Saturdays 1-3pm)
“Let’s cut straight to the chase here. There were an INCREDIBLE number of great records released in the past twelve months and I thought the standard, diversity and innovation from Australian artists particularly strong. These are a few albums I played a lot, didn’t work on as a publicist and shelled out to have them on vinyl”
NAT VAZER – Strange Adrenaline
Strange Adrenaline (LP | 2023) by Nat Vazer “An astonishing songwriter who I totally adore”
RVG – Brain Worms
“It won the Australian Music Prize. And deserved to.”
CARLA GENEVE – Hertz
“I love everything CG has released but this was a step up in terms of song writing, musicality and delivery.”
CONCRETE SEA – Australian Dream
Australian Dream by Concrete Sea
“This is a brilliant album on every level. A phenomenal debut.”
LULUC – Diamonds
“They keep getting better and better – and that’s not easy given their body of work.”
LEAH SENIOR – The Music That I Make
The Music That I Make by Leah Senior
“This – and seeing her live – made me realise why friends have been shouting her praises for some years.
The Departure Lounge with El Chino & Sasha Soh (Saturdays 3pm – 5pm)
Ella Thompson – “Domino” (LP)
Domino by Ella Thompson Ella Thompson’s ‘Domino’ is a spooky, bittersweet collection of cinematic soul cuts influenced by 1970s Italian ‘Giallo’ film scores, with luminous vocals that draw a line between 60s icons like Nancy Sinatra and contemporary soul artists like Kadhja Bonet. Ella’s effortless singing and haunting lyrics paint angular pictures in the moody darkness.
Ana Frango Elétrico – “Me Chama De Gato Que Eu Sou Sua” (LP)
Me Chama De Gato Que Eu Sou Sua by Ana Frango Elétrico
Ana Frango Elétrico is the Brazilian wunderkind creating music for star-gazers and earth dwellers drifting from place to place seeking company and collaboration.
New album ‘Me Chama De Gato Que Eu Sou Sua’ (Call Me They That I’m Yours), sees Ana invoke the core conventions of Brazilian boogie music, filtering it through a prism of a retro-futurist, wide-ranging pop. Blithely referential but gesturing forwards in it’s embrace of samples and pop culture idioms, ‘Me Chama..’ is funky, heady and propulsive. It’s also an interior offering, full of diaristic observations and raw, personal truths, unfurling the layers to Ana’s ever-evolving identity.
The Monday Daily with Annie Lee (Mondays 9am – midday)
Bridge Dog – “Working At It”
“Grace Ha, Brian Park, Cohen Bargas, and Eduardo Guerra make up the 4 piece band Bridge Dog, bringing a mix of shoegaze and pop rock in their summery tunes.
‘Working At It’ is their catchiest single to date, with their signature guitar riff combined with lush vocals from Grace, will have you humming along to the melody on loop. It really is THE perfect go to song for those warm, late afternoon drives – a kind of song that makes you feel both nostalgic and refreshed.
Despite ‘dog’ being an iconic part of the band name, Grace is actually very much a cat person and is a proud mum to her cats (Rilo & Jonsey) but she has a soft spot for all animals big and small.
When we questioned Brian, he kept it neutral as he has adopted both cats & dogs.
Now keep your eyes and ears out because I heard through a very reliable source (aka Eduardo our go to person for all things Bridge Dog gossip) that their full album is coming out very soon in early 2024.
And if you’re looking for clues on the exact date, don’t trust Cohens’s Spotify playlist called March 23rd (apparently it’s been taken over by ZZ Top fan- they are still trying to figure out why & how).
It’s no secret that the Monday Daily are one of Bridge Dog’s biggest fans & absolutely obsessed with ‘Working At It’!
Ellen Soffe – “Friend of Mine”
‘Friend of Mine’ is a must-add to all your go to spring & summery vibe playlists and that private playlist for your post-breakup, healing stage tunes.
Sydney based singer & songwriter Ellen Soffe, reflects on the healing & moving on stage from a significant relationship in ‘Friend of mine’ through her emotionally charged lyrics and warm tones.
We also LOVE how her dreamy voice is reflected in her personal style. Ellen is a style icon for coastal grandma core (she IS the Pinterest board). Did you know she thrifted and upcycled her own merch while on tour? Sustainable and cute, say no more!
If you want to hear Ellen’s natural knack for being a radio host, her going to snacks before a gig or how her band Ooroos came to be, listen back, here 🙂
Ps* Besides her solo projects, Ellen can be found absolutely killing it on stage with her fellow bandmates/besties, Ellen and the Ooroos!
Salarymen – “Second Sight”
Renee de la Motte and Thom Eagleton are the powerhouse behind Sydney-based indie duo, Salarymen (not to be confused with the vegetable celery + men).
In their latest (and our favourite) single ‘Second Sight’, Salarymen explores their own personal experience of navigating through the foes posing as friends, with empty promises within an already tough music industry.
We love their catchy melody, signature guitar riffs and Thom’s fantastic vocals, but most of all their ability to draw inspiration from all that life throws at you and turn it into an absolute banger of a song!
It’s no surprise that the Monday Daily team have been absolutely obsessed with all things Salarymen in 2023, and are making it part of their 2024 bucket list to visit all of Salarymen’s favourite ramen spots!
If you want to find out where Renee’s and Thom’s top tier, no bs selection of ramen gems are located, check out this interview, here 🙂
Lachlan Holland – 2SER Music Coordinator
Nabihah Iqbal – Dreamer
DREAMER by Nabihah Iqbal
A record that slowly drew wide acclaim since it was released, it’s the complete package, with a huge range of stylistic jumps that nevertheless sound connected and cohesive, mainly due to Iqbal’s obvious talent for imbuing everything with organic melody. It’s an impeccably crafted recorded sitting at an intersection of hazy dream pop, watercolored rave, ambient and melancholic new wave, underpinned by some real subliminal poetry. I’m also astounded that someone could put out a record like this while also holding things down as a radio broadcaster, festival director, touring artist, intrepid crate-digger, arts curator (the list goes on).
Concrete Sea – Australian Dream
Australian Dream by Concrete Sea
Concrete Sea are Nick Elias, Cody Munro Moore and Rohan Wilcox and in Australian Dream they quietly turned out one of the best local albums of the year. Recorded at Stranded Studios, it’s an under-the-radar classic of Australiana. The distinct husky and baritone vocal style of Elias sit ever-present on this excellently cosmic dose of Australiana that shares revealing, poetic and often heart-wrechning lyrics on the darkness in modern life, love, generational relations, and personal revelations, combined with an endless supply of infectious hooks. It’s an absolute gem of a record, constantly underpinned by a direct and melancholic energy. It’s been a busy year for Munro-Moore, who also co-wrote and recorded the excellent debut by The Morning Star with Ali Molica as well as running the aforementioned Stranded studios in Bellambi. An example of some of the incredible songwriting talent at our doorstep, who make authentic music much more comfortably than going for self-hype.
The New Style with The Wicked Bandit (Fridays 8pm)
MR & MRS PSYCHO – NO INTENT
It’s hard not to pick one of your favourite releases of the year as a track that immortalizes you in song!! I have had the great honour of being the official DJ for Sydney Hip-Hop Don’s No Intent over the last 15 months. With a gritty ethereal beat cooked up by Stevie to No Intent’s distinct and poignant lyrics about corruption, the system, and what’s important, this is a tune that’s too easy to wind back. No Intent proving once again that they are leagues ahead of most other artists in the scene.
“Through the avenue, the pathways stay wicked, if you hear us on the radio it’s the ways of the bandit”
Life Of A Local feat. Ill P – DZR (from Life of a Local EP)
DZR’s triumphant release this year Life of a Local is such a solid project. It has a lot of heart and solidifies him as an artist in his own right and one to keep an eye on. The production as always by Skep is top tier and the title track in particular has such replayability. I love this step from the Darksyde crew into a sound that is reminiscent of West Coast LA, Cadillacs, and G-funk, and the hook is soooo catchy. As someone who grew up in an area that had a lot of local pride but also a lot of disadvantage, the title track and the whole EP really speaks to me and apart of my history. DZR and the whole crew deserve massive props for this release and the work they’ve been putting into their art.
Ratu – Ave Maria (from 2023 Album 12 Labours)
I have a real soft spot for Ratu. I think his production, style, and flow are lightyears ahead of a lot of Australian hip-hop artists. He is really tapped into this niche underground style and sound of boom bap that is coming out of places like New York, Massachusetts and Medellín – he reminds me of my favourite US artists like Al.divino, RLX and Crimeapple. His track with Lee Monro, Ramadan & Opiates was my most-played Spotify track all year and it only came out in October. I picked the track Ave Maria because this video was shot at The Cut – the secret hip-hop party The New Style threw back in July – you might just see a lil Wicked Bandit in the background on the decks… How good is Sydney hip-hop!
Heavy Demo with Rik Saunders (10pm Sundays)
Monday Drive with Ben Curdie (Mondays 4pm-6pm)
Good Lies by Overmono
Welsh duo Overmono released their debut LP in May; a little two-step garage with a flourish of techno that reminds me of Burial and Four Tet’s collaborations with a touch of Fred again in the pitched vocal chop stylings. The Russell brothers have mastered the art of subtle experimentation with anthemic big-room trance plucks fit for a festival rave. The title track is a vibe and a half; the team always jammed along to it whenever it made its way onto the Drive playlist. Can’t go wrong with those cowbells in the final chorus, or with a Dobermann for cover art. See them live at the Metro on 6 Jan!
“Sixteen Ways” by Frankie Rose
Love As Projection by Frankie Rose
‘Sixteen Ways’, the opening track from ethereal indie-pop auteur Frankie Rose’s seventh record Love as a Projection, has been a staple closer for Monday Drive. It started appearing every week on the playlist rotation in February, until we decided it’s an electropop banger in its own right — from the gossamery 80s-inspired, New Order-esque synthwave boardwork to the oscillating FabFilter prevalent across Frankie’s vocals. The 35 seconds of backtiming between the first chords and first words was perfect for the concluding mic break.
Oyster Rock! by The Brights
The debut full-length from the Northern Beaches five-piece is a remedy for lovesick hearts and world-weary heads. Freshly released at the start of this month (December), the band’s affinity for beaches shines through in their music, boasting jangly guitar tones, relaxed vocals, and soothing rhythms. The lads were on Monday Drive on Labour Day to have a yarn about their recording experiences for the EPs leading up to this album. Check out the interview here!
Bonus: Black Classical Music by Yussef Dayes
Black Classical Music by Yussef Dayes
As a drummer myself, I couldn’t shake the percussive syncopations of Yussef Dayes’ solo debut . Being tutored as a child by Billy Cobham, the drummer for the singular Miles Davis, definitely helps. Black Classical Music is a masterclass of light and shade, juxtaposing minimalist, yet cosmic, neo-jazz alongside displaced polyrhythms. A definite highlight for me is the Tom Misch collaboration ‘Rust‘, cut from the same DNA strand as their 2020 collaborative album What Kind of Music. Anyone can learn to play an instrument; it takes something else entirely to voice it, letting one’s personality bleed through without words. Yussef and his virtuosic musicianship belongs in the latter category.
Wide Open Air Exchange with Christine Gallagher (Mondays at 630pm, Saturdays at 1030am)
Happy as a Baby by Anarchosophist
Happy As A Baby by Anarchosophist
‘Happy as a Baby’ by Anarchosophist is a funky Prince-esque track. Padraig Parkhurst aka Anarchosophist is an independent Australian music producer and a musicologist doing a PhD. He was a guest on the Wide Open Air Exchange presented in two parts: first as Anarchosophist speaking about his approach to sampling and making concept albums and then as Padraig Parkhurst discussing his doctoral research topic of 1970s East Germany progressive rock.
Musica by Mildlife
‘Musica’ by Mildlife was a bright addition to the 2SER playlist that was an especially welcome way to start the day when played during the 2SER Breakfast Show with Danny Chifley.
Until you call my name by Radical Son
Until You Call My Name by Radical Son
‘Until You Call My Name’ by Radical Son, a Kamilaroi singer-songwriter, was released close to the referendum and the lyrics are poignant: “I hear you call my name, wanting to engage; We’re all finding our way; we’re coping with the struggle; Life is just a game, and we’re all stuck in the middle. We’re challenged by the day; we’re put in this position; Pushed into the corner; the torment this delivers; One step forwards and forever falling.” Radical Son was a guest on the Wide Open Air Exchange, and he invited us to interpret the lyrics for ourselves.
Newfangled with Josh Green and Oscar Byrne (Saturdays 8am – 10am)
Collarbones – Filth (LP) (Josh)
Heartbroken as I was the learn this would be Collarbones’ final album, Filth is an incredible way to mark the end of an era for the Sydney-Adelaide duo. Spanning genres and styles to cover something of a coming-of-age experience for the artists, Filth has everything, and it’s all coated in that distinctive, droning Collarbones sound. I was lucky enough to speak to Marcus Whale about the release in June – a dream interview for me. Collarbones Forever!
Radio Free Alice – Radio Free Alice (EP) (Josh and Oscar)
We couldn’t take our eyes off these boys from Melbourne all year. From strength to strength with a string of addictive singles, leading up to this self-titled EP collating them all alongside a new release. You need to see them live to get the full experience (saxophone will produce immense excitement). And if 2023 is anything to go by, they’ll be in Sydney plenty for you to get your fix. We spoke to Noah and Jules in May – listen back!
Girl and Girl – All I See (single)
The stabbing rhythm guitar parts coupled with the signature Girl and Girl wail in this track make it an easy top choice for 2023. A band you have to see live at least once before you die, I can’t see the my favourite Meanjin four piece slowing down anytime soon. Listen back to our interview with Kai from June.
Time To Track with Andrew Wowk (Thursdays 10pm – midnight)
Steffi – “The Red Hunter (Remixes)” (LP)
The Red Hunter (Remixes) by Steffi
The Berghain resident DJ’s 2022 album receives the remix treatment, with Steffi inviting nine wildly different artists to deliver reinterpretations ranging from IDM and experimental broken beat sounds to electro, techno, and drum & bass. The album perfectly encapsulates her versatility as both a producer and DJ, and works both as a listening piece and a collection of tracks for more daring club DJs.
Scotch Rolex & Shackleton – “Death By Tickling” (LP)
Death by Tickling by Scotch Rolex and Shackleton
Two of electronic music’s most free-spirited mavericks come together to push the boundaries further than ever before. Combining the anarchic ethos of Scotch Rolex and the psychedelic, bass heavy rhythms of Shackleton, Death by Tickling is ten tracks of wild, unpredictable music full of odd time signatures, dubbed-out delays, gnarly synth sequences, and lots and lots of sub bass.
Super Fun Time Happy Hour with Eddie Yutts (Sundays 11am – 12pm)
Mope City – “Population: 4” (LP)
Population: 4 by Mope City
Locals Mope City celebrate 11 years of being a band, with their fourth longplayer, adding some new elements to the sonic palette but keeping it gloriously slow and sad.
BluesBurger – “Up In Smoke” (LP)
Magic mixups from the group alternatively known as The Blues Brothters (not a typo). A million YouTube samples with familiar beats, heaps of David Letterman, incredible stuff from this late year wonder.
Seja – “Here Is One I Know You Know” (LP)
Here is One I Know You Know by Seja Seja returns from a big gap between records with everything firing and a collection of instantly memorable synth pop modern classics.
The Search Party with Sharif Galal (Wednesday 12pm – 2pm)
Alexander Flood – “Oscillate” (LP)
Nicodemus – “Soul & Science” (LP)
Lack Of Afro – “Square One” (LP)
Fourth Estate with Anthony Dockrill (Thursdays 630pm)
Summer Flake – “Barnicle Bill” (from LP ‘One Less Thing’)
Yussef Dayes – “Raisins Under the Sun” (from LP “Black Classical Music”)
Tuesday Drive with Felix Shannon and Jonathan Chang (Tuesdays 4pm-6pm)
Et cetera, etc. by dust (JONO)
The hyper-kinetic post-punk Novocastrians taking Australia by storm definitely released one of my favourites this year – think Aphex Twin meets Protomartyr, with a little seasoning of Sleaford Mods, and you get dust. Dream State host Jas loves ‘Alternator’; I’m obsessed with that $picy saxophone in ‘Ward 52’, the politically-charged visceral fury of ‘The Gutter’, and the verse poetry of ‘Joy (Guilt)’. Since chatting with them in June, their meteoric rise has only kept ascending: playing Yours & Owls, a SXSW showcase on my birthday, as well as opening for Slowdive at the Enmore and Bloc Party & Interpol at Hordern on separate occasions.
Glorious Game by El Michels Affair & Black Thought (JONO)
Glorious Game by El Michels Affair & Black Thought
I’m convinced Illadelph’s own Tariq Trotter has never dropped a wack verse. Easily one of the most consistent MCs in the 1980s, the frontman of the legendary Roots crew is one of my all-time favourite rappers. I regularly return to his eleven-minute freestyle on HOT 97 for inspiration. He has excellent taste in co-collaborator albums — following Cheat Codes with Danger Mouse (shoutout to Pete & EO from When the Levee Breaks for including this on their favourites last year), Black Thought released Glorious Game with Brooklyn cinematic soul outfit El Michels Affair, which was a 2SER Feature Album back in April.
Psychedelic Sundae with King OPP and DJ SOUP (Sundays 12pm – 1pm)
Gee Tee – “Goodnight Neanderthal” (LP)
Goodnight Neanderthal by GEE TEE
R.M.F.C. – “Club Hits” (LP)
Tee Vee Repairman – “What’s On TV?” (LP)
What’s On TV? by Tee Vee Repairmann
This is an absolute belter of an album! Finely crafted by two Balearic legends and perfect for sunsets, nights round the fire, or anywhere where maximum good vibes are required. It gets better and better with repeated listens as well. Perfection!
Mighty Reel with Hober Mallow (Fridays 2-4pm)
Close Counters – Soulacoasta II
Close counters are Allan McConnell Finn Rees and their second full-length was one of the real standout dance records of the year for mine.
Soulacoasta is a whirlwind trip through impeccably constructed house and jazzy dance goodness, working in elements of french touch, UKG and excellent sample-based arrangements that capture the spirit of 80s boogie, early 2000s house music and broken beat. Many of the tracks are an extension of their highly reputable live shows, featuring percussive flourishes by Lucky Pereira, as well as guest vocal work from the always excellent Kudu Joy.
Coming in at fourteen tracks plus extended mixes, this is a lengthy but no-filler record that works for dancefloors, as well anywhere else that calls for bright, intricately woven electronic music. Which is just about anywhere right? Even the huge amount of samples worked into this one make it the sort of album that is going to reward listeners for years, and it’s far-reaching and unique enough to stand well apart from the usual by-numbers dance music of the now.
Melati ESP – Hipernatural
Seemingly coming out of nowhere back in April was this lush and organic take on electronica from Indonesian producer Melati ESP. It’s a finely produced work of dance-oriented abstraction using a multi-sourced approach that cuts across techno, jungle, ambient and features sampled material from an “anything goes” set of places- everything from cassettes to youtube rips, and her own vocals performed in Bahasa. It’s a trippy ride and a masterclass in fusing a multitude of stylistic references into a cohesive record.
Synthesized Sudan: Astro-Nubian Electronic Jaglara Dance Sounds from the Fashaga Underground
This one is just wild. Compiled and arranged with the help of Ostinato records, it’s the first studio record from Sudan-based solo artist Ahmed Mohamed Yaqoup Eltom aka Jantra, a one-man orchestra from the Fashaga region, near the disputed borders of Sudan, Eritrea and Ethiopia.
It’s hard to define, cosmic electronic music that is performed live in extended all night one-off solo sets at street parties using modified Yamaha synthesisers. It’s made all the more incredible by the fact Jantra plays all of this, rhythms, bass and lead himself. The released edits on this are cut down versions using midi data and cassette recordings from many decades of Jantra’s performances. Genre-breaking sounds.
Wednesday Drive with Sean Hatzi
Josh Ray – Producer
Ana Frango Electrico – Me Chama De Gato Qeu Eu Sou Sua
Outside of opener ‘Electric Fish’, I have no idea what Ana Frango Electrico is saying on most of the songs on Me Chama De Gato Qeu Eu Sou Sua. It doesn’t matter, though, because this album is just so awesome, and it sounds like she’s probably singing about a bunch of cool and fun stuff anyway. If you have ears, you should listen to this album.
Highlights: Insista Em Mim, Coisa Maluca, Dr. Sabe Tudo
King Krule – Space Heavy
Space Heavy is the ultimate twilight album. Though King Krule (real name Archy Marshall) never strays too far from his punk sensibilities (see: ‘Pink Shell’), it’s his knack for ambience and atmosphere that makes it feel like there’s always something lurking beneath the surface. The track ‘Flimsy’, for example, sounds like the more sinister cousin of Brian Eno’s ‘Silver Morning’. I mean that in the best way.
Highlights: Pink Shell, From the Swamp, Space Heavy
Young Fathers – Heavy Heavy
I first heard the lead single for Heavy Heavy, ‘I Saw’, while aimlessly flicking through the racks on level 8 of Tower Records in Shibuya, Tokyo. For such a big store, choosing what to buy can be an overwhelming process. Listening to ‘I Saw’ made this decision easy, and I bought Heavy Heavy (among other things) without having heard the rest of the album. That was 11 months ago, and Heavy Heavy has been a mainstay on my turntable ever since.
Highlights: I Saw, Tell Somebody, Ululation
