21’s Ultimate Fruitcake Recipes and Music

21’s ultimate and best was really tough for me to stay on top of. Even the sub-genres I follow. let alone scores of the new LPS from a varied group of sounds. Here are the highlights of what I did catch as far as LP’s. Then individual songs. Randomly mentioning in no particular order. Yes I am aware of the big scope of what I missed. I choose to take my mentor and fruitcake baker’s advice and focus on the positive. AKA what I did get to cover rather than the thousands of LP’s, EP’s, and tracks that I missed. In no order these are what I stumbled onto between zine production and fruitcake production.

Quicksand – Distant Populations – Epitaph Records

This LP is a highlight and I was lucky to chat with Walter (vocals) himself which is a another apex of 2021 for me https://meatsheetfanzine.com/category/features/

If you enjoy this band the slightest then this LP is must listen material. Given the amount of time that they were on hiatus and the members were doing other projects, this a perfect snapshot of the band. LP has a plentiful serving of the heaviness that encapsulate them from previous efforts. It also goes into territory such as the song Brushed. Hip hop beat accompanied by tuneful melodies and almost orchestral accompaniment. Lightning Field‘s fade from fuzzy murk  into clarity? Winner.

Sometimes it’s better just to keep on traveling and Quicksand travels on this one.

Golden Fang – Man With Telltale Scars 

Man with Telltale Scars as I put in my in-depth review ” authentically alternative and still showing classic rock and roll proficiency” Read it here https://meatsheetfanzine.com/fascinating-once-twice-moonwalk-tutorial/

Some of the highlights of this band are the guitar tones the rhythm section and lead vocals. In other words they are a complete package. If you’re not afraid of some songs that are over 5 minutes this slab offers some longer alternative rock songs like Don’t Be That Way and Polymers Are Forever. There is my favorite track The Night. The jangle on this track gets me every time.

They also seamlessly blend and bend genres. If you’re a fan 90s alternative up until now this and their other stuff deserves a fair spin. 

Emily Robb – How To Moonwalk – Petty Bunco Records

How To Moonwalk scratches the noise guitar itch and then some. When you get tired of verse chorus, verse chorus predictable structure and you just want be droned out and or bludgeoned by guitar riffage.. this is a very logical selection.

Birds of Maya – Valdez – Sub Pop Records

Scorching and scathing guitar rock from Philly. If Emily Robb’s platter was not quite enough pair it with this. Valdez stands on its own, though. I assure you. Mike Polizze and company’s joy for playing and running the gamut for variation of tones shines on this entire album. Read more? https://meatsheetfanzine.com/easy-song-soup/

2021 would not be complete without this disc.

Unapologetic rock and roll that celebrates what a cohesive trio can do.

Seizure Sister – Witness –

Also in the above link, Seizure Sister is a something a sad depressed shoegazer will revel in. Not me. We’ll call this person Mohn Jeat instead. Seriously though it’s like my Philly favorites Nothing. If you turn up the depressed – ness a few numbers , maintain heaviness. Check out Fawn on this EP although the whole EP appeals to the sad heavy neo goth types. That is if I were to pigeon hole and stereotype people. Why don’t you just lend an ear and experience yourself?

Heavenly Bodies – White Dwarf

I am a self proclaimed Philly – ophile. Heavenly Bodies hails from there as the last two artists do. If one is going to go hurtling into space rock, this is one very effective and a most intriguing approach.

Slow build tension and release to accompany interstellar travels to the unknown voids.. and beyond.

Proper review coordinates here https://meatsheetfanzine.com/leanie-kaleido/

Shine – Stare Into The Sun EP

This EP is such a killer. Chapterhouse and Hum jamming in Seattle undisclosed basement location. Only those in the know can pinpoint this location. The music in the first two tracks is perfect. Balancing perfectly between chill and energetic, like 90’s hardest hitters aforementioned. Don’t believe me? https://shinemusicseattle.bandcamp.com/album/stare-into-the-sun

The rest of the EP is very good however I keep coming back to Shine (s/t after band) song and Stare Into The Sun (song titled same as EP) …

Fiddlehead – Between The Richness – Run for Cover Records

Full review is here Allow me to preface this little blurb with a key point. Whatever one may classify this album as , I generally don’t listen to those genres. Such as classic emo, post hardcore or whatever this may be depending on who is listening. Whatever box this is in I approve even though I’m not into bands that may in the RIYL category (That is, Recommended If You Like) Fiddlehead, on a surface level keep the songs simple.

Earworms and melody abound all over Between The Richness. The chords are powerful and satisfying.

If you are not an emo post hardcore fan you still may dig this. If you happen to be, this should undeniably great and a no brainer.

Soul Blind – Promo 19 EP

Speaking of Seattle.. What if you had a punk or hardcore band that heavily drew from grunge/ post grunge and a little of Page Hamilton / Helmet? Soul Blind it is. https://soulblind.bandcamp.com/album/promo-19

Whoops gimme a late pass, this is 2019 release but fuck it. Soul Blind did have a song or two in ’21. If you like what I wrote seek it out.

If you took the parts of grunge that didn’t suck as hard, add Helmet like heaviness, and the “Yeah ” and “Whoa” sentiment( Collective Soul’s Shine song right before the chorus) you have Soul Blind. Now don’t get all bunched up this is just a road map and the actual road. I dig this 2 song EP. I am not down with alot ofthe grunge / post grunge with house grunge etc.. but when done like the early Sub Pop roster it’s very tolerable. Soul Blind wear the grunge heart on their sleeve. The song structures lead me to believe they have if nothing else a foot dipped in the pool of hardcore’s past and present.

Citrus Clouds – Collider

Best local (AZ) shoegaze ( hands down) and a nationwide contender for best dream pop in 2021. My words. Undisputable though. It’s up there. Observe the full report here where I painstakingly describe the album https://meatsheetfanzine.com/collider-new-album-from-citrus-clouds/

Strapping Fieldhands – Across The Susquehanna – Petty Bunco Records

A new flavor for my palate. Strapping Fieldhands are by no means new to music so bear with my pedestrian fumblings on how to describe this record https://meatsheetfanzine.com/august-21-most-strapping-of-fieldhands-traversing-river/

Gritty, honest, murky depths of acoustic and electric musings ? Disjointed at times then sunny and celebratory ? Yes to all.

I’m still trying to get my head around it but I dig it. A pleasant surprise for me and hopefully the many.

Beachy Head s/t – Graveface Records

Not only is this very dreamy and cooked to perfection.. look at the roster below. You had me at Christian Savill (Eternal < !) >, Slowdive, < !!! > Monster Movie <!!> )

“This project also contains Ryan Graveface (Dreamend /Casket Girls) and Steve Clarke ( Soft Cavalry). Interestingly enough special guests Matt Duckworth of Flaming Lips (percussion) and the one and only Rachel Goswell ( Slowdive / Mojave 3 / The Soft Cavalry/ Minor Victories) added a few vocals to Beachy Head”

TRZTN Royal Dagger Ballet – Octopus Hotdog Records

As a big fan of TRZTN’s overall work, this LP was pure excitement for me. Heavy on collaboration with an eclectic artists Karen O (Yeah Yeah Yeahs), Paul Banks (Interpol) <saw TRZTN share stage with – incredible show for another time or feature on this blog> , Eiko Hara, Izé Teixeira and ? I’m forgetting someone I know it. This is a natural work flow and progression for TRZTN. Utilizing your compadres as guests and yet still leaving an impressive former body of work. For brevity, I’ll leave it at that but would highlight this artist with joy. If you check out his previous work, Royal Dagger Ballet makes total logical sense. However it is not comprised of all logical stuff of the mind. It provides the art that the thinking mind cannot fathom. Creativity and masterful production direct this regal dance.

Singles and or favorite songs of ’21 (some have videos)

Health and Rifle Club – Gold In The Throes of Summer

Very close to being favorite in AZ. Running neck and neck against Citrus Clouds. It’s the Health and Rifle Club !!!

From the EP called Physiology Remembers, is a captivating dream pop track. The only reason I didn’t cover said EP is I think I covered nearly the whole thing as each single released over the course of weeks.

Anatomy Class – Reflector Shield –

Hooks and melodies for hours condensed into a single song. Hopeful, uplifting guitar driven pop . So freaking good. New stuff in this year coming !

Here’s the video that I missed. Hope you dig this tune as much as I. Jump into the sky.

Mike Polizze – Sign of Life ( Song from Dizzy Demos LP on Paradise of Bachelors)

From Dizzy Demos.. Think of outakes and B sided songs from Mike Polizze’s Long Lost Solace Find. Some songs are demo versions from that, or just extra. An essential companion to 2020’s aforementioned LP. Yes both containing collaborative playing with Kurt Vile. Another no brainer as these are two of Philadelphia’s best song writers. Although the whole release is two thumbs up from me I choose Sign Of Life as one of my favorites. An ode to change of season.

I can feel the change and slight chill in the air when I listen to Mike and Kurt on this opening track.

Aggros – City Kids – (Song and Video)

A herculean video combined with an equally impressive and ambitious track. https://meatsheetfanzine.com/dazzling-distant-lights-sensational-city-kids/?fbclid=IwAR0f62ZKXhvr-bvIHuqTkZzb-L-WdzHgIyQnko9vMtMfdxZUMqCPUFgfOW8

Friendly ghosts of New York hardcore flavor this, as it’s steeped in those roots. Parris Mayhew (Cro Mags) unleashes Aggros second song. Branching out with some synth, just enough to add depth. It’s not Gary Numan or Thomas Dolby by a long shot. The bass and guitars flow thickly on this one. The imagery of the video? I wouldn’t want to edit all the shots and footage but there is true eye candy. Slow motion water, lights, close up of instruments strings in vibration, skateboarding. Must see internet TV

The Suncharms – Distant Lights – Sunday Records

Warm jangly indie pop. Rumor has it we have another release coming very soon as this late look back article publishes. Check out the whole LP but my two standouts if I had to make a playlist with The Suncharms on it? Seas of Titan and Lucifer. Want more info? https://meatsheetfanzine.com/dazzling-distant-lights-sensational-city-kids/

Lazer Beam – Sno Burn LCF Records

This whole self titled LP is great if you love fuzzy distorted heaviness. I covered LP and singles and hone in on this track. It’s the perfect for bopping and or banging your lid. All you boppers and bangers who like that sort of thing will be pleasantly satisfied. If not there’s always a ton of other music.

To the contrast though, if I choose local, heavy fuzz, I choose and elect Lazer Beam as state fuzz rock represenative, by a landslide.

Nitekat – Concentration (Jeremy Bastard’s Dystopia Remix ) Single

This single channels what I think of as electronic music that puts one in night mode. In this case Nitekat mode. https://nitekat.bandcamp.com/releases

Nods and shoutouts for those who enjoy these things.. Modern synth new wave with 80’s callbacks. Sad synth and shoegaze. Sad but with a glimmer of hope. DJ David Katz’s moniker Nitekat teaming up with another prolific NYC DJ Jeremy Bastard. Although I’m not huge on any one genre, this single has helped me branch out of my comfortable zone and check out what’s fresh and happening in old town New York. Pop in virtually or in real life for a quick late night cocktail and allow this single to soak in.

pam risourié – So Be It, Eternity EP – ShoreDive Records

pam risourié ‘s EP is very good. However like a moth attracted to candle light , These Minds really entrances me. The vocals and lyrics ” I don’t care” strike me with emotions of ambivalence. As in projecting that you don’t care ( but you do if you felt it worth singing?) Also the other releases in this piece are top notch. https://meatsheetfanzine.com/5-ways-to-be-cool…/

Emperor of Ice Cream – Weather Vane – FIFA Records

Imperators of frozen dairy from Cork UK forecast catchy guitar jangle pop. If I may quote myself for speed of publishing sake.

“High Rise Low Rise, unlike my jeans, gently drifts above the horizon with some lightly sugared guitar tones you may find in your favorite dream pop pioneers of the 90’s. These two songs reviewed appear here https://meatsheetfanzine.com/infinite-granite-limited-birthdays/

So there it is. The late AF edition of 21’s ultimate best musing about music. Although it’s tardy, I’ll speak for the artists if I may. I’m sure they would love if you checked them out and became a fan and / or supporter.

I may have missed alot of 21’s best, but I probably could’ve drug this out longer into late January but that seems excessive so here is the paper I am turning in.

If i missed you and you are favorite of 2021.. I’ll shout you out on Instaham, Twiddler, and FaceNovel Meat Sheet platforms.

Examples ? Field Day , Ekulu, Colonial Wound, Gulch, and Astute Palate. Homework ? If you like the more upbeat, abrasive, aggressive attitudes then research them !

Coming up ? A Suncharms EP, more from Andy Bell, random new indie, punk, and hardcore, and features re: artists I am a fan of.