It’s the 8th annual Tunes & Oats Best Albums of the Year!
But first of all, it’s still FREE PALESTINE 🇵🇸
15. NEW YORK – Rapstar* – Side A & B
Couldn’t have said it better than them: “NEW YORK is a girl-pop music and performance project by artists Gretchen Lawrence and Coumba Samba. The sampling of royalty free loops and sounds of clicks and cuts are met with chopped vocals and impulsive lyrics. NEW YORK chews up the sounds and visuals of hip hop, pop, and electro and spits them out on to the city streets.”
Rapstar* Side A and B are experimental to say the least. It could be a tough listen for some. Being a fan of their debut album and their DJ sets, I really liked their double sided record. They are definitely a band to check out if you want to discover more of the girly-pop genre of the 2020s.
14. Bassvictim – Basspunk
The duo from London bring something interesting to the hyperpop scene. I think we’ll rehearing more from them in 2025 so check them out now before you’re late to the game.
13. Bladee – Cold Visions
As a drainer, I was very delighted with all that Drain Gang put out this year. They really won’t stop. And Bladee is letting his heart take the wheel with his music. What’s your favorite bar from the album? Mine is: I’m the one that’s sick but bless you.
12. Two Shell – Two Shell
Who is Two Shell? Maybe we don’t need to know. I would describe them as an experimental Daft Punk from the UK. Their stardom this year from their self-release rebut is a little sus. But it’s definitely deserving. They even collated with FKA Twigs.
11. Evanora Unlimited – Perfect Answer
Evanora Unlimited has been one of my most played artists for the past few years. Originally from the Bay Area, he spent much time in Europe in 2024. He puts on wild shows and his music is..WILD. His albums tend to include instrumental versions of the tracks. He also puts out music through his side project, Marjorie W.C. Sinclair. It’s part of the whole lore that is the universe of Evanora Unlimited. Keep up with him!
10. Sports Coach – COACH OF ALL SPORTS
Sports Coach returned this year with COACH OF ALL SPORTS. This album is a great listen all the way through. I got to see them in their 1st performance since the pandemic in LA this year along with .com. This hipster puts out dope synth-wave music. And it looks like he’s still cooking up some tunes as well as announcing a tour for the following year.
9. Public Circuit – Lamb
Public Circuit is a band from New York City who really pack a punch when it comes to dark synth-punk. Lamb is such a pleasant listen and I think they deserve more recognition. Great stuff!
8. Suzy Sheer – Euphoriphilia
This band originally from Vancouver is part of the next wave of hyper pop that is also being fronted by Snow Strippers. I guess you can call it Indie Sleaze Revival. Its intensity is where the future of pop is headed. BTW it’s actually a boyband.
7. French Police – BULLY
Is it safe to say that French Police is this generation’s Interpol? French Police has been on my radar for years and Bully lived up to what the band is capable of. Originally from Chicago, I really appreciate the Spanish songwriting. 2024 was their biggest year yet, selling our shows left and right. I was sad I couldn’t see them with Wisteria and Still Ruins this year. Hope to finally catch them next year unless they sell keep selling out!
6. Nürnberg – Adkaz
Nürnberg is one of the biggest acts to come out of the European Post Punk scene in recent years. You don’t need to speak Russian to understand the wholesomeness of the lyrics and energy that they bring. ALSO, lmk if you want more Russian Post Punk recommendations.
5. Spookystack – Operator
Spookystack is a member of Public Circuit, who is also on this year’s list. The reason why Operator is so high on the list is because it has so much to offer. The synth-punkness of Public Circuit is definitely present as well as intense goth club dancing tracks. It’s also so dynamic with the different sounds it offers in each song.
4. Coatie Pop – Unknown God
Coatie Pop should be played at every goth dj event. This album is dance crazy and the vocals are ethereal. You can dance to it or you can study to it. Just listen.
3. Levi Ryan – soviet winter
Levi Ryan’s soothing voice along with the DNB sounds he creates made its way to a high spot on this year’s list. There are only 8 tracks on this album, but each one offers something unique. I recommend you check out this Houstonian’s whole discography. He writes and produces everything himself from his house.
2. Chanel Beads – Your Day Will Come
Your Day Will Come is Chanel Beads’s debut album. It can be quite ethereal with soft instruments. It’s synthy and with a a slight jazzy element to it. It makes you feel like you’re standing at the edge of the world. Or like you’re at a beach and there’s no tomorrow.
1. Tipsy Kiss – Tragic How Youth Inflicts Itself On The Body
My numero uno album for 2024 belongs to Canadian solo project Tipsy Kiss. Their side projects include Solar Apex as well as Inri Kiss. Their music is like gospel. It’s somber yet uplifting. Their songs almost always end as if didn’t know when it was going to end or if it was planning for it all along. I totally get Tipsy Kiss even though their lyrics are totally slurred. I really loved this album as well as their 2024 EP Guinea Canticle.
EP Picks of 2024
Still Ruins – S/T
Still Ruins truly touched my soul with their debut EP in 2024. Their song “Perfect Blue” was my #1 song on Spotify. I was fortunate to catch them in San Francisco earlier this year. I am really excited for what else they have to offer. Don’t sleep on them and listen to the whole EP if you haven’t. It’s a nice blend of indie and post-punk.
Wisteria – Kiss at Dusk
Wisteria was my number #1 artist on Spotify this year. It was really a year for the one-man (and thems) bands. Kiss at Dusk is an incredible EP and you deserve to enjoy it as much as I do.
The Garden – Six Desperate Ballads
Wyatt and Fletcher Shears seem to take no breaks. I was really impressed by their 2024 EP Six Desperate Ballads and was glad to see them with my cousin at the Vada Vada Festival in LA this year. They will be at Tioga-Sequoia in Downtown Fresno on March 5, 2025 w/ Ice Age! Grab your tix before they’re all gone HERE.
Snow Strippers – Night Killaz Vol. 2
Yes, we all know who Snow Strippers is now. But if you haven’t, then check them out before you’re 2000 and late. But maybe Tik Tok already showed you? IDK but they’re so good and I’m curious to know what they will bring to the hyperpop game in 2025!
Honorable Mention #1: Meat Computer
I can’t end the year without mentioning an important artist in my rotation. Earlier this year, Meat Computer did put out a new album. He then took it down and put it on Soundcloud. Now all we have are some singles that were released in late 2024. Keep your eyes peeled in 2025. Meet Computer is the future.
Honarable Mention #2: R. Missing – Knife Shook Your Hand
R. Missing is the true indie electronica revival. Knife Shook Your Hand came out in late 2024 but her singles have been making rounds for months. I recommend her music if you are a fan of Phantogram and Metric.
Let’s have more music enjoyers and performers be vocal for a free Palestine in 2025.
We must do everything we can to hold Israel and its accomplices accountable for the genocide of Gazans taking place in the name of Zionism.
– David 12/31/2024
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