SEISMIC-SOUND’S TOP 10 ALBUMS OF 2018

This list is quite tardy, but better late than never. Due to family emergencies, I had to postpone formatting and putting my list up here. I did however have my top 10 of 2018 list posted on the KEXP music website.
So here we have my top 10 favorite’s of 2018.

Over the past few years my focus was a broad spectrum of music both mainstream and independent. But this year I wanted to try and keep the focus on the bands who had a smaller presence but had just as big of a impact.
Sure I’m aware of the amazing Mitski album, Low and Robyn albums … they all killed. But I really needed to focus on those smaller bands, and reveal the bands that affected me the most, in a “holy shit, who is this band again?” kind of way.
I’m not going to lie, this could very well be a top 50 albums of the year, cause I’m telling you ….. good quality music is out there, and there is ton of it that’s going unheard.
So I basically wanted to really tip my hat to these bands that are a bit more obscure, but their sound and impact was top notch shit nonetheless.

1. Mammoth Indigo – Wilt

This band put my mouth on the floor, and I was in complete awe, track after track. The depth of their musical talent completely floored me, and I cry big gay tears that this band has not been discovered. But I think this may be just be the beginning. I will do what I can to change that. Check this album out.

2. Wild Pink– Yolk In The Fur

This album is Magic right from the jump with incredibly beautiful ethereal sounds, and then morphs into this light, folky-pop, Wilco frosted song called “Lake Erie”, and the album just keeps delivering time after time.

3. The Greeting Committee – Is This It

The descriptors for this album are hard to peg. This album takes on many faces of well crafted quirky pop art sounds that burrow under the skin immediately. I was listening to this album on repeat quite a bit while working at my computer, and I’d imagine at any moment I would have been busted for doing some kind of “jig” in my chair. It’s a beautiful and fun album, and I’m obsessed with seeing them live.

4. Sloucher– Be True

No surprise within my social media feeds that this one of my absolute favorite bands in Seattle. Their debut album made my top 10 list in 2016.
So much about them resonates with me, whether it be the nostalgic guitar riffs, or the Cobain-esque vocals of lead singer Jay Clancy. But this is no way is a rip off of yesteryear. This shit is tight, and it’s professional. I highly suggest you check them out.

5. Shame– Song Of Praise

I mean, where to start with this band out of South London. I remember hearing the song “One Rizla” the first time and I was addicted. They hav this pop appeal that’s universal, but you can hear that angsty shit in the vocals of Charlie Steen that remind you of Sid Vicious. This album has all the elements of making this band the next big thing out of London, right along with Idles.

6. Constant Mongrel– “Living In Excellence”

This band out of Melbourne, Australia is the perfect remedy for that beautifully crafted gritty punk sound that I really enjoy. This band has little or no presence online but I would love to see that change. Listen to this album, and then tell me that I didn’t tell you so. I need this VINYL!

7. Erika Wennerstrom– Sweet Unknown

You may know this woman from Heartless Bastards, but holy shit! The talent and incredible music this woman just divvied up is extraordinary. I dare you to just hit play on the opening track, then listen to how this all unfolds ….its brilliant!! Typically, I do a little eye-roll when people get out and do their own solo projects cause so much falls flat. But Erika Wennerstrom could destroy the music world with her solo talent. I can’t wait to hear what’s next.

8. Haley Heynderickx– I Need To Start A Garden

Not to gloat, but I was hot on the trail of this budding artist, years ago, when I lived in Portland for a year. I reached out to work with her, and we corresponded, but as time went on and all was forgotten. I moved back to Seattle, and all had but faded. Then I recieved a email in my inbox about her new album … and on Mama Bird Records no less (Well played Mama Bird), and I knew once again that I was correct in my findings years back that she had it. And that she has!
Freshman album ‘I Need To Start A Garden’ is sublime. It’s one of the most vocally intricate albums I have heard since fellow Portland crooner Kelli Schaefer’s ‘Ghost Of The Beast’. It’s a beautiful tapestry of gentle plucking on her guitar, aligned with that incredible voice that will leave you in a trance. Stunning…

9. The Sea Atlas– Goodbye

Boom! Opening track “Ripped Jeans” is fucking ginormous. It’s so much of what I look for in emotional and heart wrenching track. Just enough gloom, and optimism to make me bury my head in my hands and want more. I will forever be paying attention to this artist, and I can’t wait till he rolls through Seattle.

10. Yoshi Flower– American Raver

This came out of left field, and I was on the floor in disbelief while listening to it. Essentially unheard of, Yoshi Flower can not only write, but his voice is money and the beats are fucking fire.
I think he has the potential to do HUGE things in his career. I’m watching this guy with bated breathe. Someone needs to get him some huge opps, cause the kids will eat this shit up!!