Sarah Moore, Head of Marketing

 

Charli XCX – CRASH

Charli XCX's fifth studio album, and her last to be released under her contract with Atlantic Records, CRASH is a celebration of all things electronic. Bringing influence from the likes of 80s pop, 90s house and her signature brand of modern hyperpop, this album is a masterclass and boasts incredible collabs from the likes of Christine & The Queens, Caroline Polachek and Rina Sawayama. CRASH is a triumph in contemporary pop and one of Charli's most cohesive and thoroughly enjoyable releases to date.

 

 

 

Let's Eat Grandma – Two Ribbons

As we noted in our Live Review earlier this year, Let's Eat Grandma's third studio album is a phenomenal effort that eloquently conveys the heartache of grief, loss, and the tumultuous nature of long-lasting friendship. Two Ribbons is a heart-achingly honest LP and one that I’ve had on repeat for the lion's share of 2022. Let’s Eat Grandma are on such an exciting path, and three LPs in I can’t wait to see what comes next.

 

 

 

Alex Cameron – Oxy Music

Master of the concept album, Alex Cameron released his fourth album this year. The aptly named Oxy Music follows tales of the addicted, taking inspiration from the opioid crisis in America. Oxy Music doesn’t pull its punches, and invites you to join in the discomfort of its subject matter. It’s a well-crafted album that’s equal parts witty and thoughtful in its creation. With bouncing melodies and crooning lyrics that will often make your skin crawl, it’s a fine addition to Alex Cameron’s already impressive discography.

 

 

 

Beyonce – Renaissance

We’ve waited six years for a full solo album from Beyonce, and it’s safe to say Renaissance did not disappoint. While it was going to be hard to ever follow up the acclaimed Lemonade, this album stuns from start to finish. Its ballroom-inspired, nostalgia-ridden disco sound is full to the brim with iconic samples, becoming something of a love letter to the icons that came before, while still managing to pave its own way to becoming a modern classic.

 

 

 

 

Jimi Arundell, Web Content Manager

 

LIFE – North East Coastal Town

After the full-on freneticism of debut Popular Music, followed by the anthem filled breakthrough album A Picture Of Good Health; Hull born political post punk gang LIFE returned with thoughtful third record North East Coastal Town. More considered than their previous output, the introspective themes are balanced out with an eagerness to experiment way further than they ever have before. Check out our recent Live Review, when LIFE came to Nottingham to show off their latest material!

 

 

 

Suede – Autofiction

Coming off the back of a trio of long players, each more extravagant than the last, which culminated with a somewhat of a concept album – it was a natural reaction for the beautiful ones to want to spend much less time in the studio. Resulting in what Suede call their “punk album”; Autofiction is far from slapdash and recalls the energy and the hedonistic youthful folly of their early days.

 

 

 

Yard Act – The Overload

Leeds DIY supergroup Yard Act freely admit that their first LP is fraught with production problems, largely due to the need to catch up with their own runaway success. Still, that didn’t stop The Overload from only just narrowly missing out on topping the charts. And what it lacks in polished precision, it certainly makes up with wry poetic wit, infectious rhythms, and bags of Yorkshire charm.

 

 

 

Wet Leg – Self-titled

Seemingly appearing out of nowhere and then suddenly everywhere; many were quick to cast aspersions, calling Rhian Teasdale and Hester Chambers of breakthrough band Wet Leg nothing more than a manufactured act invented by their label. But the secret to their instant overnight success, in addition to MANY years hard work playing in various other forms, was to play it safe with a plain and simple indie rock record that removed all gimmicks in favour of relatable 20-something lyrics applied to twelve truly catchy tracks.

 

 

 

 

Harry Taylor, Business Development Executive

 

Weyes Blood – And in the Darkness, Hearts Aglow

The most transcendent record I’ve heard since her last offering in 2019. There are some slightly campy, theatrical musical touches on this album which feel indicative of a little bit of tongue-in-cheek influence from Father John Misty. Really brilliant arrangements as you would expect on a Weyes Blood record, expertly co-produced by Jonathan Rado brought back on after smashing it on Titanic Rising.  

 

 

 

 

Emmie Sheeran, Customer Services

 

Alvvays – Blue Rev

My album of the year has to be Blue Rev by Alvvays. An album full of shoegazey dream pop goodness, love the noisy guitars, dreamy vocals and the really cool production.

A standout track for me has to be “Belinda Says” with fun lyrics and a melody that hurts my heart a little :’)

 

 

 

 

Chris Reeve, Event Manager

 

Kathryn Joseph – For You Who Are the Wronged

My pick for this year is For You Who Are the Wronged by Scottish singer-songwriter Kathryn Joseph. I heard the title track on the radio just after it came out and decided to get my paws on a copy, and I’m very glad I did. For You... is eleven tracks of haunting melodies draped over skeletal arrangements, played on an organ and little else, and the final effect is part-confession, part-sonic exorcism, with ‘”flesh and blood” a particular standout. It’s not an album for everyone, but if it gets its claws into you, it’ll burrow deep into your heart and happily set up camp there for the foreseeable future.

 

 

 

 

Jack Muncaster, Customer Services

 

High Vis – Blending

Ascending from London’s DIY, hardcore punk scene High Vis’ Blending is the sophomore album for the band, a perfect crossover of poignancy and power.

The album authentically explores themes of poverty, class, nepotism, and the malaise of unfairness present in modern Britain. All the whilst, rejecting and abandoning the nihilism that usually accompanies those experiences and, in its place, High Vis offer a refreshing reminder that all we have in life is each other.  

‘Buried too many too young… It's a short life, tears on my Gore-Tex we're defective and numb’

 

 

 

James McBride, Event Manager

 

Los Bitchos – Let the Festivities Begin

Jangly cumbia that you cannot stop dancing to.  It's got to be the most fun and invigorating album of the year. Oozing with groove & laden with surfy delight - they are my favourite band on the planet right now. 

 

 

 

Simon Carpenter, Chief Commercial Officer

 

Horsegirl – Versions of Modern Performance