Written by Kirk
On the finish of yearly, we get flooded with lists of favourite albums. However what about these beloved songs that didn’t make it onto a full-length document? What concerning the tracks that acquired left on the reducing room flooring or have been left to face on their very own? That’s proper, I’m speaking concerning the singles. They deserve love, too, and I’m going to inform you my favourite single of 2023.
Earlier than I begin going via my record, let me clarify one thing: I don’t rank my releases. There are two classes—LOVED and HONORABLE MENTION—and I believe they’re fairly self-explanatory. Additionally, I record them by launch date, as a result of that’s the order through which they entered my ears. So, with out additional ado, listed below are the singles of 2023 that I LOVED:
Oceanator — Half Time (Could 30)
I’ve been an off-the-cuff fan of Polyvinyl Data for some years now, however this yr I lastly determined to point out my true fandom and subscribe on Bandcamp. This was my first introduction to Oceanator, nevertheless it actually left an indelible mark. You see, as a lot as I like heavy steel and punk and noise and experimental music, there’s an enormous a part of me that’s deeply rooted in different rock. Give me a superb new wave document, and I’m a contented man. This standalone single is catchy, enjoyable, and stuffed with vitality. In case your foot isn’t tapping alongside to the beat writhing the primary 30 seconds, verify your pulse; you may be useless.
Momma & Slim Head — Sunday / Drugs (Oct. 31)
I believe the one factor higher than a cut up between two bands is a cut up between two bands on two completely different labels. That sense of camaraderie is gorgeous, particularly in an business as aggressive because the music enterprise. This time we discover Polyvinyl teaming up with Run for Cowl for a one-two punch of grungy shoegaze from Momma performing “Sunday” on the A-side whereas Slim Head slides in on the B-side with “Drugs”, which is bound to provide the serotonin increase you want with all its late-‘90s indie rock vibes. This cut up is simply what the physician ordered.
Yeah, okay, that’s not a really lengthy record of single I cherished this yr, however, in my protection, I solely got here throughout a handful of singles, so it’s not my fault. And whereas I solely fell in love with two singles this yr, a have just a few extra that brought on me to show my head so quick it pinched a nerve in my neck. Listed here are my HONORABLE MENTIONS for 2023:
STRFKR — Working Round (Skeletron Combine) (Feb. 1)
When you’re in any respect conversant in electropop, you’re most likely already conversant in STRFKR. They took that early MGMT sound and turned it right into a profession creating a number of the most infectious digital grooves round. And whereas it’s been a scorching minute since STRFKR dropped an album, they lit up this yr with singles. The A-side, “Working Round”, is the musical equal to using on a cloud, a light-weight, ethereal, dream-like track that may elevate any temper. And the B-side, “Waited for It”, is an equally delicate affair, like the feeling of floating down from these clouds after a lofty escape. In different phrases, an ideal escape.
Tangled Horns — Pissing within the Wind (June 23)
This yr will most likely be remembered (at the least for me) because the yr I found that stoner grunge is a factor. And you realize what? I kinda prefer it. I’m most likely the stoner rock guru of the Noob Heavy crew, and that’s a badge I’ll put on with pleasure. Give me a superb stoner rock document and I’m a contented man. That being mentioned, should you’re a fellow stoner rock aficionado and never maintaining a tally of Polderrecords, you’re doing it incorrect. They’re the hub of the stoner rock scene in Belgium and buying fairly the lineup of bands. One such band is Tangled Horns, who’ve an album popping out subsequent month however managed to drop 5 singles this yr. All have been good, however “Pissing within the Wind” actually caught my consideration with its infectious sing-along refrain and total grit and perspective. That is a kind of “increase a glass” form of songs that looks like an amazing huge center finger to a yr that supplied some nice music however kinda sucked in any other case (the demise of Henry Kissinger however).
Laura Jane Grace — Dysphoria Hoodie (Oct. 4)
Possibly it’s as a result of I’m Outdated, however I don’t actually go for the entire acoustic punk rocker factor. After I consider a troubadour shouting down the vultures of our society, I consider a younger Bob Dylan armed with simply an acoustic guitar and a harmonica weaving tales of warning a few world able to swallow us complete. That being mentioned, this new single from Laura Jane Grace is nothing if not a throat punch to my expectations. A uncooked, stripped down, and visceral jaunt, it’s the form of track that may hang-out you lengthy after its 2:34 runtime ends. It’s not straightforward shouldering the burden of being the voice of a era, however Laura makes it look straightforward. Easy. And he or she does it with model.
Gore Goat — Jesus Cuts in Line for the Curler Coaster (Nov. 14)
If I’d identified we have been going to get new Gore Goat this yr, I might’ve made certain to decorate for the event. As irreverent as ever, this monitor is totally assured to lift the eyebrows of everybody who hears it, which—let’s face it—is totally the purpose. Gore Goat isn’t right here to make associates, they’re right here to topple pillars and liberate your minds. My solely hope is that this track at the least causes you to crack a smile, as a result of I certain did.
Shout-out to all of the bands who launched singles this yr. This yr has been jam-packed with ups and downs, however the high quality of music that crossed my path was one of many largest ups of all of them. Hopefully you readers see one thing in my record of singles that catches your eye and turns you on to one thing new. As a result of sharing music is certainly one of my largest loves in life.
The publish Kirk’s High Singles of 2023 appeared first on Noob Heavy.