2022 was a year for the books, with a plethora of music being released around the world. From your favourite local band to international artists, everyone had a few special releases that soundtracked 2022.

We checked in with the 2SER voices you know and love and compiled their favourite releases of the year.

Check out the Spotify playlist below containing all these tunes to listen to on the go!

 

STATIC WITH BERKO AND MICK (Thursdays 8pm – 10pm)

Topical Dancer – Charlotte Adigéry & Bolis Pupul

Proving that you can dance and think, the debut team-up between the Belgian-Caribbean provocateur and her Ghent-based partner in crime was packed with devilish disco-funk and politically-charged club jams. Coming from the children of immigrants – Charlotte’s parents were from Martinique and Guadeloupe, while Bolis’ mum was born in Hong Kong and met his dad in Belgium – they grew up as outsiders, which also added to their friendship and solidarity. Many of their album’s songs explored coping with feelings of displacement, and questions of identity … but all with a wicked sense of humour and mischief in its lyrics. “Blenda” recast a racist slur into a sing-song chorus (“Go back to your country where you came from”) and became an empowerment anthem – when we spoke to Charlotte on the program, said it’s the best feeling to see people of all colours in their crowd singing along to that line. In other places, it was surreal in its simplicity – “Haha” just sampled Charlotte laughing, which was instantly infectious – while over-used, clichéd music lyrics were crammed into “Ceci n’est pas un cliché” and made you never able to hear them the same way again (“You’re cold as ice, I wanna make you feel real nice”). It was a real family affair, too – Charlotte’s mum Christiane sang on “Ich Mwen”, and Charlotte’s baby Rocco was immortalized on its cover (albeit still inside her pregnant belly). Co-written and co-produced by Soulwax, and released on their mighty DEEWEE label, “Topical Dancer” made you move your body and your brain.

Listen to the “Static” interview with Charlotte Adigéry here.

No Past No Future – Spacemoth

Someone who really learned her craft to make her first album was the Bay Area’s cosmic avant-pop marvel Maryam Qudus, who recorded as Spacemoth. With a day job as a producer and engineer at Oakland’s all-analog Tiny Telephone studio, Maryam had already worked on records by the likes of Toro y Moi and Tune-yards before she made time for her own material. And she fought hard to get there – as a first-generation Afghan-American child of working-class immigrant parents, finding a place in music was not easy. Maryam was DIY as a kid – at age twelve, she traded chores for guitar lessons. And at sixteen, she took on after-school jobs to pay for voice lessons, and learned to drive so she could take herself to them. Her debut album, then, was consummate – awash in vintage synths and fluttering tape manipulations that created reverberant beds of intergalactic soundscapes, which held their own alongside forebears like Broadcast and Stereolab. And thematically, it pulled no punches – its lyrics dealt with racism (“L.O.T.F.”), sexual harassment (“Asking For You”), climate change (“UFObird”) and more. A way-out wonder that proved that Space was indeed the place.

Listen to the “Static” interview with Spacemoth here.

No Photographs – Workhorse

A pure thoroughbred of twanging alt-country and shimmering dream-pop crossed the line this year in the form of Workhorse’s debut album “No Photographs”. The alter-ego of Adelaide’s Harriet Fraser-Barbour, for Workhorse’s influences she namechecked some soundalike musicians (Julee Cruise, Chris Isaak, Mazzy Star) but also mentioned some queer western films as equally important reference points  (“Desert Hearts” and “Brokeback Mountain”). Its songs were pensive not only in sound but also in subject – working off a dream diary for many of them, Harriet mined some existential anxieties about money woes (“More Money”) and environmental apocalypse (“Rode A River”) as a therapeutic alleviation. She toured it across Australia’s vast landscapes, too – her five-piece band (featuring lap steel and fiddle) headed north on a road trip into the desert from Adelaide to Coober Pedy, then onto Alice Springs and Darwin. Impeccably played and stunningly executed – with its ten songs moving from a canter (“Darkness”) to a gallop (“No Photographs”) – Workhorse was one fine equine.

Listen to the “Static” interview with Workhorse here.

 

MONDAY DRIVE WITH JESSIE PEAKE (4PM – 6PM)

Trying – Pei (Pei’s Pagaent) 

As an unintentional birthday present to me, Pei’s Pageant, the debut solo album from former Gang of Youths guitarist Joji Malani was released on the 10th October this year. Malani is working under the name of Pei which is the Fijian word for ‘baby’, reflecting the childlike state of creative exploration. ‘Trying’ has a beautiful twinkly melody with the glockenspiel which really highlights that childlike wonder vibe he is creating – I could be standing on a mountain or under a sea of stars. This one is definitely my fave!

Party…. ahaha – Hector Morlet 

This one was an instant download to my phone! I’m a big fan of juxtaposition and Hector does it so well in this track where he describes the feeling of just not wanting to have fun, not being in the mood, whilst crafting this lo-fie indie bop that you can’t help but nod along to. Hector has to be one of the greats!

Ne pas trop rester bleue – Laure Briard

Who doesn’t love a French song?! Monday Drive listeners know I have a little affinity with the French language, and this song combines a little bit of the best of everything! Translating to “Don’t stay too blue” – it’s got a catchy upbeat feel which even if you didn’t understand the language, can understand the sentiment conveyed through the music. Laure has such an enchanting and authentic voice, it’s hard not to love her! 

The Band Next Door with Cameron Menegoni (Wednesdays 8pm)

High Spirits // Low Life – Totally Unicorn

The third album from the Sydney quartet is a perfect combination of the chaos from their early post-hardcore days, with the anthemic power that was displayed on the predecessor record ‘Sorry’. Kickin’ off with the bouncy and big swinging riff of ‘Yeah, Coach’ the next 37 minutes is Totally Unicorn at their crushing best.

Diesel Forever – Full Flower Moon Band

Fronted by Brisbane’s Kate ‘Babyshakes’ Dillon, Full Flower Moon Band’s second record draws heavily on the gruelling experience of a band living life on the road. The endless highways, the woozy fumes, the never-ending hustle. Armed as a five-piece, Full Flower Moon Band exude the darkness of rock and roll and the seductive undercurrent of the entertainment industry

Levity – The Stroppies

Melbourne has a jungle of indie jangle bands, but The Stroppies stand out as being the best. With an incredibly playful nature, the band bring more of a kraut-rock vibe to this record and infuse a scattering of synthesizers, pop hooks and a wistfulness that allows the band to push their creative boundary outside of the guitar-pop troupe.

Shadows of Tomorrow with Sofie Loizou and Prize (Monday 8pm)

Home ≠ Location – Elle Shimada

A real standout release for me this year is Melbourne artist Elle Shimada’s new release, out on local label Jazz diaries. A journey using music and sound to deep dive into the concept of “Home”, we are taken on a deeply vibey Jazz inflected space funk trip. Elle searches for home, finds it and takes you there. – Sofie

Yellow – Emma-Jean Thackery

Prize’s Pick: Brand new album from fellow cosmonaut Emma Jean Thackery. Filled with sound references from Sun Ra, Pharoah Sanders and beyond. Undoubtably Emma is a force to be reckoned with and from all accounts a gentle and kind soul ta boot! – Prize

Education & Recreation – Surprise Chef

Hailing from the southern states, Surprise Chef have been dropping heat ever since their first release way back in the heady days of SARS-CoV-2. Lots of great tracks on this album, with super production giving it that all time warm analog vibration. – Prize

THE OUTPOST WITH VINNY RAMONE (Thursday midday – 2pm)

The Sea Drift – The Delines

Favourite Track: Kid Codeine

The Delines are a now 7 piece band from Portland, Oregon and the latest musical vehicle for writer Willy Vlautin. Willy writes about ordinary working class folk and the downtrodden, looking out and searching for the good in everybody. He’s the author of 6 acclaimed novels and previously founded and fronted the much missed alt-country band Richmond Fontaine. The Delines have been around since 2012, with singer Amy Boone upfront (formerly of Texas band the Damnations) and Willy Vlautin at the helm writing the songs and playing guitar. The Sea Drift is their 3rd full length album. Boone had asked Vlautin to write her a Tony Joe White “Rainy Night In Georgia” and the ensuing cinematic batch of songs about the Texas Gulf Coast was born, with the lonely, dislocated, the dispossessed never far away. Kid Codeine, pulling the heartstrings with its tale of the girlfriend of a washed up boxer, working a bar in Lombard Street, San Francisco, may be the best song you hear all year, complete with horns ablazing,.

On The Ghostline, With Hands of Lightning – Halfway

Favourite Track: 1994

On The Ghostline, With Hands Of Lightning is the 8th album by Halfway, the Brisbane based purveyors of all things alt-country-sonic-rock. Ghostlines are miles of fishing nets left abandoned in the ocean north of Darwin destroying delicate ecosystems, till First Nations people reclaim the nets reimagining them into decorative art, thus something beautiful is reborn. The album looks back at events and times spent with family and friends and how we move on and process the present. There’s nostalgia in singer-songwriter John Busby’s songs, with listeners of a certain vintage relating to days of Passion Pop teenage park drinking, interwoven with writer Carson McCullers references, one time Guru Clyde Bramley’s silver boots, a nod to the Silver Jews, the spirit of a comrade who has moved on from a band of brothers. The album was recorded in Brissie, whilst renowned Grammy winning Canadian producer Malcolm Burn oversaw proceedings remotely from NYC. With Ghostline Halfway continues to evolve and are in it for the long haul.

Until We Darken Your Doorstep – Crank Williams & Patsy DeCline

Favourite Track: State’s Most Wanted Man

A debut record from the now Ballarat via Darwin via Sydney based Crank Williams & Patsy DeCline (AKA Jeff Pope & partner in crime and love Louise Tegart). Crank is a long time guitarslinging maestro, having played with legendary cowpunks Deadwood 76, the Dunhill Blues, JFK’s 68 Comeback Special, Roland K Smith’s Sinners, the Saloon Daddies, lots more. Just recently he’s been back on the horse with Spurs For Jesus. Until We Darken Your Doorstep sees Crank stepping out front for the first time, with a mix of original songs and a couple of killer covers. This is a true record in every sense, available through the boutique Stanley Records label on translucent red vinyl, it flows as one long dark track, with tales of murder, betrayal, love good and bad and everything in between. All interspersed with the crackle and hiss ¼ inch tape sounds of 3 dark voices exhumed from a discarded 70’s reel to reel machine.

 

SUPER HAPPY FUN TIME HOUR WITH EDDY YUTTS (Sunday 11AM – 1PM)

A Night At The Mirage – 208L Containers

Just a taste of the embarrassment of riches from nilapula/Tasmania record label Rough Skies Records in 2022 (see also  Slag Queens, Ben Salter and Rabbit) A Night At The Mirage is a concept album about Andrew Denton tracking down Christopher Skase. While the idea is delicious enough, the scrappy and ragged delivery of this post Eddy Current masterpiece makes it far more than a curio. Check out Steve’s other band Free Live Sports’ release Stay Grounded from last year as well. 

 

Amateurs – Laura Jean

One of the best albums of any time ever, Laura Jean embraces amateurism as a concept to be proud of in the face of late era capitalism. Also, it’s just an album of incredible songs which rewards infinitely after a few listens lets it get under your skin. I think I’ve already listened to it more times than her last album ‘Devotion’ which is saying something. 

Escapist Blues – Jensen Tjung and Tom Lyngcoln

The nicest guy in rock and roll (not a diss!) Tom Lyngcoln from Harmony/The Nation Blue provides a musical accompaniment to the poetic work of Jensen Tjhung from Deaf Wish/Lower Plenty in an incredible work of modern art. A handful of notable musicians provide a bit of colour, while Lyngcoln’s music gives Tjhung’s words even more poignant importance. 

 

BREAKFAST WITH DANNY CHIFLEY (Weekdays 6am – 9am)

Too Much To Do – Laura Jean

Following the passing of the Queen, the CWA halls of the nation will need a new portrait to adorn their walls. I hereby nominate Laura Jean as our new monarch, a songwriter and performer of the highest order whose latest album ‘Amateurs’ explores the importance and vitality of art over commerce. ‘Too Much To Do’ is a fantastic exercise in tension and release that woke me up several times over.

Calling – Achindrum

Achindrum is one of the many pseudonyms of Tim Shiel, a man I feel obligated to thoroughly dislike because he’s so talented and well mannered, the very antithesis of what I bring to the table. But, this track is a slapper. This is self-described as ‘lizard brain’ music, which isn’t a clever insult, but an actual psychological term.

Dirty Rat – Orbital & Sleaford Mods

Perhaps you have conservative relatives that you’ll need to tolerate this holiday season? If so, instead of telling them to get stuffed at the dinner table, breathe deep and take five minutes before pudding to blast this in your headphones. The collab you didn’t know you needed, this is a fantastic showcase of what makes each respective artist responsible for this track so awesome.

Honorable mention: Mana Takatāpui by Jen Cloher, anything that the Jockstrap, Black Midi, Black Country New Road loose collective did, Khruangbin and Vieux Farka Toure, Spacemoth & so much more. 

LOVE BUZZ WITH BOO BOO MUCK AND DEL PIERO (Saturday 8-9 pm)

Prism – Say She She

Favourite Track : Prism

Anticipating this LP from Brooklyn based modern soul outfit, I was not expecting the obsession I fell under for the opening track Prism. Lead by three compelling female vocalists Asbrina Mileo Cunningham, Nya Gazelle Brown and the familiar Piya Malek (both from 79.5), together they explore a modern and genuine take on the soul garage girl groups of the 60’s. The production on this track is top class. The space allows you every musician of the 7 piece, to breathe and radiate their artistry. It glitters, it shimmers, it dazzles, as it sweeps through the sweetest and softest psychedelic clouds. Listen to it loud, share it with your neighbours, or fall into it with your headphones. The fact that I have played this track over and over, morning day and night, made it obvious to me that this had to be one of my top picks for the year 2022!

Make Me Believe In You – Oyobi

A remake of a highly regarded soul funk classic, penned by Curtis Mayfield and completely owned by Patti Jo in 1973, you would think, should be forever forbidden! The courage and audacity to approach even this thought, from Sydney producers Oyobi, must have weighed heavy on them. But this is how a re-interruption should be done. These musicians know what they are doing, and my goodness, bringing in that all-powerful voice of Karen Lee Andrews, was the golden key that allowed this spellbinding rebirth to happen. A respectful tribute in the true sense, this is also a fresh and commanding funk destroyer which belongs on every modern day dance floor. Not only do I want more of this from Oyobi, I also need for more of Karen Lee Andrews! I’m ready! – Released through The Remedy Project

Texas Moon – Khruangbin & Leon Bridges

Favourite Track : Side B

2022 was a great year for new releases and also brought a welcomed return to live music, locally and from across the shores. I chose this track as it is a collaboration of both Leon Bridges and Khruangbin who both visited this land, at different times. Both acts hail from Texas, and to what seems evident, must share common record collections as they both intertwine their chemistry like some kind of spiritual fate, on this beautiful ep release “Texas Moon”. The added flavour of desert blood and dirt makes this track such a standout in both their catalogues.

DEPARTURE LOUNGE WITH ELCHINO and SASHA SOH (Saturday 3PM)

Precious Energy – Barnie McCall

Favourite Track : Sweet Water feat. Rita Satch

From Grammy-nominated composer/pianist Barney McAll was released in February 2022. It features Miles Davis Alumni Gary Bartz, Hiatus Kaiyote, Laneous, Rita Satch, and a host of brilliant young emerging artists. Gilles Peterson has called it “a beautiful album, brilliant work”. The album fuses all of Barney’s band-stand experience with the likes of Gary Bartz, Sia, Dewey Redman, Maceo Parker, Billy Harper, and Fred Wesley into a hybrid of avante-funk, soul, and improvisation.

 

Welcome – Don Glori

Favourite Track : Dinner Party feat. Allysha Joy and Matt Hall

The debut album from Don Glori, the pseudonym of local artist Gordon Li. It’s an invitation into Li’s kaleidoscopic world, inspired by jazz, house, soul and Brazilian music. As the album statement says “each song on this album captures the spirit and irrepressible energy that underpins the core of the Don Glori project.

Conduit – Kyoshi

(Gadigal/Sydney) Leah Wilkie and her Sydney based neojazz collective have transcended standard genre labels, to create thought-provoking music with a commitment to unapologetic individuality. Their track Conduit has synthesised their own distinctive voice, a psychedelic take on modern future-soul; a profound combination of rich vocal harmonies, eclectic rhythmic ideas, lush synth textures and deeply fragile lyrical content, that is completely indicative of Kyoshi’s soulful and experimental sound.

Doplar – First Beige

Favourite Track : Sudden Weight feat. Allysha Joy

Based in Brisbane, First Beige draws upon jazzy colours, textural synth layers and interwoven vocal harmonies backed by driving house rhythms. The infectious live act presents listeners with an ever-evolving set comprised of extended improvised sections and high energy grooves. The six-piece have continued to solidify themselves as one of the most eclectic, transportive and vibrant live acts to come out of Brisbane in recent years.

THURSDAY DAILY WITH JACK GEMBITSKY (Thursday 9am – 12pm)

Made To Love – Sunfruits

I couldn’t help it; every time I heard ‘Made to Love’ by Sunfruits I was jumping around the studio with a big smile on my face. The latest release by the Melbourne psychedelic disco/pop group is now part of my happy playlist and won’t be leaving anytime soon. Like sherbet for your brain, ‘Made to Love’ explodes into a shower of summer associations; driving with your friends with the windows wide open, get-togethers with mates to ring in the silly season and the scorching heat of the sun means it’s holiday time. The electric rainbow spark erupting from the guitar flies up through your cranium and is pure sensory delight. This kaleidoscope of feel-goodness is all contained in a track that runs 2 minutes and 15 seconds. Amazing. With relentless enthusiasm and upbeat positivity, ‘Made to Love’ is exactly what it says; Love pouring out of every second Sunfruits is jamming away. I want more!

 

Gabriel’s Horn – Cousin Tony’s Brand New Firebird

This upbeat pop number reworks the mythology of ‘Gabriel’s Horn’, the Herald of Judgement Day, into something positive and personal. An affirmation of the end of something and the beginning of the new, perhaps a relationship or crossing a threshold in life.

With comforting guitar work, a transcendental trumpet and the lyrics being so much fun to sing, ‘Gabriel’s Horn’ is an infinitely replayable piece of indie pop rock. Cousin Tony’s Brand New Firebird has a winner here, the perfect track to put a smile on your face or to get you thinking about the big questions in life. What a day to be alive indeed. 

The Worker – Party Dozen 

Finally, something hard and heavy to shake up the joints post-lockdown! From the 3rd album of the incredible Sydney duo Party Dozen, ‘The Worker’ surges with unrelenting ferocity and a primal unconsciousness. The huge bass and pounding drums awash your senses in a mind melting dark matter and the discordant saxophone bubbles up a galaxy of colours as it swims through the sonic aether. It is impossible to stand still when ‘The Worker’ comes on. Like a message from another universe or a David Lynch movie where sex is fun, this track is a sexy, sinister and energetic explosion of the id just waiting to be unleashed on the dance floor. Make it happen!

ANOTHER ANGLE WITH LYNDON PIKE (Wednesday 2PM)

Heaven Sent – Space Ghost ft. Teddy Bryant

Favourite Track : Sweet Water feat. Rita Satch

On the always impeccable People’s Potential Unlimited label, this 3 track EP of modern soul, slow boogie and new jack swing made for 2022 is just as nice a vocal as you’ll hear all year. Space Ghost has had a prodigious run of releases over the past 18 months and this is yet another feather in his style hopping musical hat. 

America Dream Reserve – Compilation by Charles Bals & Henry Jones

Compiled by Charles Bal, the guy responsible for the Club Meduse compilation, and Smiling C label boss Henry Jones, this 2LP set is described by the label as “a place for kindred souls. An hour-long journey into the world of lo-fi drumcomputer folk, disco-pop-lounge, haunting ballads, obscure vanity pressings, and synthesized string ensembles.” Deeply dug private press oddities from the far reaches of America made by loners, husband and wife duos, lounge entertainers, bedroom superstars – hip acts these were not, but the music they made possesses a charm and wonderment that makes this the comp of the year for me.

Once Upon A Time & In My Hour Of Weakness, I Found A Sweetness – Romance 

Mysterious producer Romance produced 2 albums in 2022 of stretched out ambient, wavey deconstructions of Celine Dion vocals laid over the most sublime musical bed you’ve ever slept in. Like a warm syrup slowly poured over you, these tunes take the Canadian songbird into an entirely new subconscious realm that evokes an experience that never fails to soothe. Its opener ‘Once Upon A Time’ with its repeated refrain “have you ever been in love” found a place in my brain that I could happily listen to on a loop for hours. I did in fact listen to this album a lot at sleep time, it is music for dreaming in all senses of the phrase. Airbrushed opiated tones for the modern lover, and now, tragically, a love letter to an iconic voice sadly cut short with the recent announcement of her chronic illness that seems may be the end of Dion’s singing career.

THE TUCKSHOP – MICK AND JULES (Sunday 6PM)

With Gusto – Eggy

It’s nothing symmetrical about Eggy and that’s why they are so perfect. From their rollicking use of samples (yes, they use sandpaper!) and electronic thing-a-ma-jigs to the pulsing bass and hypnotic beats to that damn awesome sax, there is so much to love about this Melbourne group who released their second album and first through Flightless Records this year. It’s a bit off the wall, and you never quite know what you’re going to get, but hey, that’s just life, right?

Defender – A.D.K.O.B 

There has not been a better debut album this year than the long-awaited opus from A.D.K.O.B, Defender. The Sydney group, spearheaded by music aficionado, Mark Piccles, has long been powering along in the background, but with this record they’ve shown the superb skills of writing perfectly lilting, expressive and expertly crafted odes that weave their way in and out of a personal experience with carefully uplifting lyrics and hope.

the future is here but it feels kinda like the past – Annie Hamilton

The long-awaited debut from this Sydney indie-pop icon, was worth the wait and with its arrival, marks the official start of a new era for the outstanding songwriter who has been working harder than most throughout the pandemic years. The album itself has you traversing a rich maze of sound, from light and fluffy to thick and murky, but always with a feeling of presence and life experience. Annie’s voice, with her unique lilt, places you in a vulnerable position as you ride the wave with her, but also saves you – knowing that her music will protect you.

Now & Then – Eliza & The Delusionals 

Eliza Klatt and company somewhat quietly delivered one of the most confident and consistent debut albums of the year. Singles like ‘Halloween’, ‘Nothing Yet’, and ‘Save Me’ are expertly written pieces of indie pop, taking notes from 90s pop-rock icons like Alanis Morissette. Klatt’s vocals are strong and pliable as she details the tender and chaotic coming-of-age years for the band. It’s not an album that will hit you over the head immediately – let it flow over you charm you. 

At Least I’m Free – WAAX 

From the very first few bars of At Least I’m Free’s opening track ‘Mermaid Beach’, you know that this is going to be a special album. The Brisbane band, led by the formidable Maz DeVita, reached new heights on their second record, bringing a newfound gentleness and vulnerability to their gritty rock. There might not be an album as raw and gut-wrenching as this one – ‘Read Receipts’ and the opener remain the highlights, but that said… there isn’t really a lowlight to be found. 

Smoke & Mirrors – Miiesha 

On 2020’s Nyaaringu, Miiesha introduced herself as one of the country’s best new songwriters and vocalists. The record deservedly won her an ARIA, and since then Miiesha hasn’t looked back, releasing single after single of incredible R&B and neo-soul. These singles culminated in the double EP Smoke & Mirrors, which again showed her chops as a vocalist – her falsetto on tracks like ‘Damaged’ is simply glorious  – and saw her dip more into dancefloor territory. The future is so incredibly bright for Miiesha. 

 

THE SPACE IN BETWEEN WITH ANDRE CALMAN (Tuesdays 10pm-midnight)

Meeting With A Judas Tree – Duval Timothy

The most piano centered album from this Space favourite is his most accessible, but few play piano like this English / Sierra Leone musician. It’s to Kendrick Lamar’s credit that he requested he play and create the basis of the most adventurous tracks on his recent album.

The Compositions of Sam Wilkes & Jacom Mann – Sam Wilkes & Jacom Mann

This list could’ve featured all music from the Leaving Records label as it was seemingly was played most weeks on the show this year and this duo album from two key figures of the New Weird Los Angeles was the show’s favourite. Gentle beats, organic ambience, soulful chord progressions, nostalgic synth squiggles and even subtle boogie pop up in an album that brought joy and contentment with every listen.

Isola – Laurence Pike & Cameron Deyell 

The most played album on the show this year was this remarkable collaboration from prolific Sydney drummer Laurence Pike (PVT, Triosk, Jack Ladder, Szun Waves, his own solo albums and many other artists) and Melbourne guitarist / composer Deyell. It managed to artfully balance a restlessness with a moody sprawl of sound, nailing a feeling of unease searching for, and sometimes finding, calm.

DIRT MUSIC WITH STUART COUPE (Saturday afternoons 1-3pm)

 

 

 

Pretzel Logic with SuZen (Saturday 11am) 

 

 

WHEN THE LEVEE BREAKS – PETE, EO, AND MODMAN (Saturday 6-8pm)

Cheat Codes – Danger Mouse and Black Thought 

Petes Pick: Consistently, melodically creative hip hop, electronic jazz with interesting samples from other genres.  Has star bling (MF Doom, Joey Bada$$, Russ, Dylan Cartlidge, Michael Kawanuka).

Just Can’t Wait – Sam Redmore 

EO’s Pick: Electronic, Funk / Soul (House / Disco). Uptempo house classic style with great instrumentation and soulful vocals by Lumi HD. A dancefloor stomper for sure! And the video clip is packed with bright and beautiful geometric images: 

Down The Coast – Crankees 

Modman’s Pick: I chose Down The Coast, the b side to their 45 released this year on Evil Tone as both band and record label are local. Also I love the single that has humour and a tough garage sound.

WIDE OPEN AIR EXCHANGE WITH CHRISTINE GALLAGHER (Monday 6:30pm &  Saturday 10:30am)

Get Happy – Yirrmal 

A feel good, upbeat song that is an antidote to the troubles of the world.  Yirrmal was a guest on the Wide Open Air Exchange this year from a studio in North East Arnhem land and it was great to hear about his connections to country and community.  

Chip Dinner – Dick Dudley

A mesmerising arrangement and attitude, this is a track to listen to on repeat. It was also a stand out in their live performance as part of a 2SER The Band Next Door gig this year.  

Glory – Sault

First heard in the studio with Danny Chifley before our “Catching up with Chrissy” segment on 2SER Breakfast, this groove made us stop what we were doing and pay attention.  Peace and love are the themes.  

MUSIC FOR BEACHES WITH DAVE HOWELL (Sunday 8-9 pm)

Private Paradise – Space Ghost

Space Ghost has been on a huge consistent roll of fantastic music for some time now and this album captures his magic perfectly. It’s uplifting yet peaceful and needs to be listened to again and again. It is without doubt beautiful music for chilled souls.

Infinite Echo – Seahawks 

This record does that magical thing of sneaking up on you, then pretty soon it’s sending tingles down your spine. It’s a grower that slowly gets under your skin. Brilliant!

TUESDAY DRIVE WITH FELIX SHANNON (4PM – 6PM)

The Space Between – Alexander Flood

An incredible, rhythmically-driven record that envelops you in the eclectic world of percussion that Alexander Flood and his collaborators have drawn from. Soaked in attitude and luxurious world-jazzy performances that stick together seamlessly, the super up-front mix draws intimacy out of every drumhead, string and bit of brass, making it irresistible to groove along with a slowly deepening stank-face. I was pretty convinced 10 seconds into track one back in January that this would be my album of the year, and months later I am elated to be proven right.

WEDNESDAY DRIVE WITH SEAN HATZINIKOLAOU  (Wednesday 4-6 pm)

Expert in a Dying Field – The Beths

From the first time the Wednesday drive team met, we all heard the song expert in a dying field and it was friendship at first sight (lol). We even ended up having The Beths on the show which was epic.

Stained Glass Love – Telenova

There is no other band out there like Telenova and their latest EP Stained glass love proves just that! From the start, the EP is a “cinema for the ears” and is nicely washed down with the self-titled track at the end “which is so beautiful and emotional”.

Pre-Pleasure – Julia Jacklin

Speaking on behalf of Wednesday drive this album got us through some Sh*t, enough said…

 

 

2SER Music Co-ordinator Lachlan Holland

Dragon New Warm Mountain I Believe in You – Big Thief

On Dragon New Warm Mountain I Believe In You, Brooklyn’s Big Thief returned with their long-awaited follow up to 2019’s U.F.O.F and Two Hands. 

And this is certainly a wide ranging one, coming in at 20 tracks (cut down from an original 45 demos). It was recorded across four locations and over five months (including Brooklyn, The Rocky Mountains and Arizona).

Already with a firm reputation for their unique tangents on ethereal folk music, what they have crafted here is a beautifully honed musical odyssey. Constantly engaging, and sitting on the abstracted edge of folk and blues, it carves a path through light and darkness with it’s unique songwriting and adventurous production. Ever-present are the ethereal vocals of Adrianne Lenker, whose poetic lyricism is the perfect foil to the swirling instrumentation throughout.

There are distinct stylistic variations throughout – perhaps a function of the geography across which it was made. The flow of the album is worth special mention.  Sequences of more familiarly arranged, and brighter, folk songs give way to more electronic, pained and experimentally produced pieces. Standouts include the drum-machine backed Wake me up to drive, the wildly off-kilter Time Escaping, as well as Little Things and Flower of Blood. 

By the end it is as though one has experienced a dream for several days and nights. It’s a close-to-flawless masterpiece and personally my favourite of the year.

 

Like that – Cool Sounds

Like That is the fifth album from the prolific Melbourne jam-band fronted by Dainis Lacey.

It’s brilliance lies in how eminently likeable and human the whole thing is – as they cut a wonky disco-laden path across a sound template that captures the spirit of Bryan Ferry and David Byrne, whilst stamping their own offbeat charm throughout.

Similar to Partner Look’s S/T debut from January (another Dainis Lacey-led project), it draws you in with a tongue in cheek nod to 80s pop, yet there’s meaning, depth and emotion that creep in through the cracks on this and it’s a brilliant record to go through in one listen.

I love you Jennifer B – Jockstrap

In September, we had the brilliant debut from London duo Jockstrap, aka Georgia Ellery (vocals/violin) and Taylor Skye (producer). I love you Jennifer B is an utterly strange trip through avante-garde pop fusion, that melds sweet and present vocals into an almost nursery rhyme surreality, and unexpected detours and directions.

It’s beautiful madness, a dizzying and at times unsettling listen, but also a hugely rewarding one, which locks more onto a feeling than a clear narrative. An amazingly produced, futuristic and excellent take on pop and cross-genre experimentation.

Despite the Wednesday Drive teams best efforts, we still don’t know who Jennifer B is.