Exclusive : Meat’s Best Music ’22
Best Music ’22 list. Blah. But hey it’s my list. It’ll probably be different than the norm. It will definitely stand out from the fork people. Name changed to keep anonymity. Also I don’t know if I can pick one of these as album of 2022. I enjoy these each for what they are.
If this post is too much might I suggest smaller bite size video vlog reviews with me making errors instead ? Like share subscribe ! I’ll get ya back if I can see ya on YT (check your settings) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aZC8qL__vqY&list=PLp9aKx_tzSczIlvleTtwytuDxn9mkMftK&index=5
I know , I know I missed quite a few across the genres. Let’s look at the glass half full and focus on the records below.
Agreed. I missed 9000 or so releases this year. So focus on what I did hear. Rather than what I miss this 2022. Apologies due. You can always think of this as a supplemental best of list to a more comprehensive one. Like Lemmy might say .. Let’s get on with it.
Orchids – Dreaming Kind – Skepwax Records
I reviewed this one in depth. So go here, pretty please https://meatsheetfanzine.com/are-you-dreaming-kind-new-orchids/
Rightfully so. The Orchids are experts in the field of indie pop and a long running band from Glasgow. The Orchids hold their own and then some.
Swirly, poppy , and full of tiers of finely crafted pop songs.
They have come a long way from the defunct record label in UK Sarah Records. That is not to say I don’t adore the early and mid to current Orchids material. I do.
However on Dreaming Kind its is great to hear them really stretch out their sound.
What a stellar release. All hail Orchids, Glasgow, and of course Skepwax Records ! Get your groovy tunes here ! https://skepwax.bandcamp.com/artists
Goodbye Ranger – Memories and The Sky – Sillas Famosas Records
Shoegaze fan ? If you are like me and love the sound of shoegaze but think the term is lame, this EP is even better. This is necessary listening. It’s textbook gaze but not formulaic.
Even if you are brand new to dreamy indie stuff the title track, We Collide and the whole damn thing commands a few spins to wind down a busy day or perhaps to celebrate a well earned day off ? Even more impressive, Goodbye Ranger is a duo.
Lush, blissful, half awake textures. Consciously half awake though. As in when you come around from a quick nap and feel more relaxed.
Also I use ‘dreamy’ too much. But Memories and The Sky is just that. How can you afford to not listen, purchase ?https://sillasfamosas.bandcamp.com/album/memories-and-the-sky I simply cannot not include this in my best of 2022 list.
Moving along to the Northeast is Rhode Island’s crown jewel duo of noise and field recordings. The inimitable, effervescent combo of Staubitz and Waterhouse. Although they release more material than i can shake a rake at, here are two I am able to take a proper deep listen and pen a review of. So, field recording fans must check this and the other audio wares out.
John Meat says this about Deluxe Romantic Suite – ” June 2022 release. Here we go. The latest cassette and digital offering on Regional Bears gives that escape that is much in need. That is to say if you want something a little more experimental than the status quo. Most times you find immersive recordings of various scenarios in which the audio of what is happening creates the ‘ song ‘ itself.
Overall, if you are a fan of field recordings I cannot fathom one not checking this out.
This is very romantic and accessible to the field recording afficionados. Please tell the label and Staubitz and Waterhouse that I sent you. Buona Sera mi amor ! Ciao “
For said audio go here https://staubitzandwaterhouse.bandcamp.com/album/deluxe-romantic-suite-accessible
Exhibit B is Common Metals by Staubitz and Waterhouse. More field recordings. Common Metals features “Runoff” a personal favorite of mine. Pluvial sounds that can help me induce a meditative state. This is not the first time that I think of chi gung or relaxation music and one or both of these artists.
Upon writing about this in January ’22 I explain how some may not get what Staubitz and Waterhouse may be doing. It’s ok. I counter with this. ” To the contrary though, if you can appreciate the ambient background, middlegrounds, and foregrounds of everyday life’s audio then Common Metals is a metallurgical treasure. It’s all about intent and perspective, is it not ?”
Night Sins – Violet Age – Born Losers Records
Kyle from the band Nothing is in Night Sins. For fans of electronic, dark wave, goth and other nocturnal sounds. Violet age contains compositions inspired by the great that come before them. I hear echoes of Bauhaus, Gary Numan, New Order , Joy Division. Night sins is not afraid to dabble with dance and industrial, but are they not all cousins to above influence? Ok maybe 2nd cousins. Get your sins on here https://bornlosersrecords.bandcamp.com/album/violet-age
Emperor Of Ice Cream – I See You Everywhere – FIFA Records
I See You Everywhere is one of the best I have heard this 2022. I easily could have picked their single Winter Pages too. But then again isn’t this post already too long? For those who enjoy labels, its indie rock. Powerful and pop elements permeate it.
The vocal harmonies are what put I See You Everywhere over the top.
Check out the vlog post where I fumble for words over this track https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yw-dYJKpyDU&list=PLp9aKx_tzSczIlvleTtwytuDxn9mkMftK&index=4
Arctic Lights – Belong (single)
At first I was not certain how to write about this, but attempted it anyway. Arctic Lights single Belong features Eddie Butt of Emperors Of Ice Cream in blurb above… Belong also breaks the Meatsheet mold of hardcore, punk, shoegaze indie rock. Belong could be considered indie rock, no doubt.
What grows on me about this track is how it starts off mysterious and flirting with gothic dark overtones. Next it emerges into bright audio tones that seem redemptive and healing.
This one took a while to sink in, but I think I’m ‘getting it’ You too can get it here. https://arcticlights.bandcamp.com/track/belong
Dragged S/T Demo
Post scripted late in this year 2022 on blogotosis meat zine. “Dragged deliver some explosive brutal sounds. I don’t think this demo needs to be experimental. It’s direct and you’re either gonna feel the energy contained within or not. To those of you who are really into hardcore (last 5 years or so) please help me out with the cross references. Vocally I heard a little bit of the style of the Lack of Interest singer and musically a little bit of Shark Attack and the bands that they were turned on by.
MSPAINT – Acid – Convulse Records
Add another winning single to the pile of this year. MSPAINT are from Hattiesburg, MS, and employ synth heaviness into their sound. Combined with punk and hardcore elements, this leaves many bands in the dust. If you are the type to work in a record store or only seek out obscure edgy music, then you may think I’m full of shit.
For me though, I find this track and others by this band fresh and exciting.
I’m obsessed with this band. Conclusively and clearly one of my top singles of this year
The Beths – Expert In A Dying Field – Carpark Records
Without belaboring and or repeating myself, allow me to say this LP and some of the other Beth’s material is simply outstanding indie guitar pop. The Beth’s just have a knack for it. Silence Is Golden is just a fucking huge pop number with a sharp edge. I find this hard to top or beat. This entire LP rules and is full of melody and hooks. Masterclass quality in the field.
Oog Bogo – Plastic – Drag City Records
What if you took some Bowie and Ramones and put em on that ride that makes you stick to the wall due to centrifugal force? When the ride slows down you add a little Buzzcocks and more synth. Oog Bogo kinda like that.
New State is perfect for a party, you can dance to this. Staccato, Elvis Costello /Joey Ramone – ish vocals accentuate this skull bongo of a romp.
Pogo punk around your favorite room to this record.
Lightning In A Twilight Hour – Overwintering – Elefant Records
As a big fan of Bob Wratten’s work I’m biased. However if you like mellow indie rock that paints pictures and create moods, then Overwintering is a tremendous LP to reckon with.
For ease of description, this is glowing, mellow indie guitar rock. You know just in case you have not heard the bands I am about to mention. These bands are cousins or family like in regards to LIATH.
If you’re a fan of Trembling Blue Stars, Field Mice, Northern Picture Library, JetStream Pony or Luxembourg Signal… gently sink into your cozy chair grab your beverage of choice and prepare to be whisked away to a different world
LIATH show courage to be vulnerable and deliver on this record. So , with that keep the faith and know this record is there to hold the space if you need (someone)
Indoor Voices – Falling
Falling LP is short for an LP but long if were considered an EP. Either way it delivers a healthy dose of dreaminess and gazing at your effects pedals (and /or footwear)
The full report is here. https://meatsheetfanzine.com/use-indoor-voices-new-lp-falling/
A short and dreamy LP that had some help from Simon Scott of Slowdive as far as mastering. If you love Slowdive and music like it, then you may want to have a listen this light and glimmering LP, Falling. Ethereal and approachable, it glides right by.
Hammered Hulls – Careening – Dischord Records
If the resumes of these guys don’t cause you to spin this fine LP then maybe you have hit your cranium on bulkhead of an actual ship hull. Not applicable? Fair enough. This is intricate, yet approachable punk rock. Steeped in D.C. hardcore roots.
Literally pisses on anything remotely Hot Topic. This LP is no joke.
Just hard enough. Poly rhythmic, earnest and full of a multitude of riffs. Among a group of hardcore fans I would hope the consensus on this is nearly unanimous in its favor. Albums like Careening don’t happen often. A landmark.
Soul Blind – Feel It All Around – Other People Records
These Hudson Valley New Yorkers seem to be on a winning streak. Everything I have heard from this band is great. It’s consistent. It’s creative. Quality writing , crushing riffs. Memorable vocal phrasing. Imagine the best of the 90’s grunge colliding with tuned down riffs you would hear throughout Helmet’s career.
Feel It All Around is no exception. Not only one of the best of the year but destined for greatness over time. Let’s see if I am right.
Soulside – A Brief Moment In The Sun – Dischord Records
Dischord and DC coming in strong this year. First, Hammered Hulls and now Soulside right after. I think that any naysayers that say hardcore is dead have now been cast out as the trolls they are. However Soulside are on the cerebral side of hardcore.
I love brutal caveman type stuff some times. Soulside have always gone above and beyond that. That is to say from musicianship, and ideology / lyrics.
Top notch and best of this year, head over to local shop or Dischord and tell Ian hello for me.
Andy Bell – Flicker – Sonic Cathedral Records
Andy Bell Flicker abridged review. Mr. Bell is from Ride and Oasis and continues to put out compelling music. Be it under his name or Glok. Flicker is a cornucopia of Ride like music. Also in the mix is some funk heading towards R and B. Think Beck Hansen and the stuff that informs him. Listener will hear some DJ and Electronica influence, some synth. All tastefully packaged in a 18 song LP.
My Raining Stars – The Life We Planned
This EP is great. I didn’t want to include it for brevity sake. However if I didn’t, I’d feel as if I were doing myself and the band a disservice. So here we are. Stiff competition due to my fanboy status of Bob Wratten, Beths etc. Also the newly discovered bands above that are of similar feeling. So the cohesive and consistency of the songs compels me to add this EP.
Secondly, Mirror 2 and the title track are worth it alone but the whole EP flows like fondue at the perfect temperature.
So The Life We Planned title song alone is worth the price of admission kids and here is where you can plug in https://myrainingstars.bandcamp.com/album/the-life-we-planned-ep
A Place In The Sky – Isolation EP
A Place In The Sky delivers a tight EP. There is no shortage of competency in the writing, arrangement, and production. Sounds and tones are aesthetically pleasing. I do hope they push the envelope in some way. Depart from sounding like RIDE or embrace it but give it a real unprecedented twist.
That is not to say there isn’t great listening to be had. It is quite a good time.
Isolation (title track) helps me reflect on the global trauma and cathartic healing that so many of us go through.
Judge And Jury, The Cradle, are all tracks that shine. Harmonizing vocals on the first and veering off from the influences of Teenage Fanclub, Ride , and other Indie bands from UK circa 90’s.
But not a sharp right angle veer, just a touch.
Peace Test – Pry – To Live A Lie Records
If the title track doesn’t hook you then maybe it’s not your cup of tea and you should go see Arctic Monkeys. Shot out to Axe To Grind for talking on this band and TLAL Records who put this out.
Previously written on MSF blog : “Simply put, Pry is heavy, sans melody and puts the needle in the red on the aggression meter. It’s just full of tension and release.”
Hardcore is thriving , alive and well says I. I am somewhat of an old dog learning new tricks so support To Live A Lie Records and Peace Test if you can
Next one post published earlier this year contains the following releases below. Each is either the best of ’22 or worth honorable mentions if nothing else – poke around here https://meatsheetfanzine.com/new-powerful-heavenly-empire/
For brevity’s sake, if you don’t want to read all about each in depth a short sentence (s) about each.
Drug Church – Hygiene
I love how this band comes from hardcore but keeps pushing the sound further than the three chord hardcore and punk bands of back in the day lore would ever do. Hygiene fearlessly crosses genres but still has semi hidden roots in hardcore from the 80’s to 90’s . Creative guitar work and a sense of the band really gelling.
Glare – Heavenly
Some bands can play dream pop and shoegaze and its pretty good. Glare take it up a notch. they turn in one of my faves.
Only attention seeking negative nee bobs will deny this efforts launch into Elysian fields and sunlit skies.
Watery Love – Decorative Feeding (Reissue) – Testostertunes Richie Records
John Meat simply states that I have to include this. Although it is much older than a year, this is a pivotal release for Philly’s underground band history.
Unhinged and full of brute force with a lack of finesse that keeps me listening over and over.
More punk than the posers from Bay Area that need to piss on authority. Names redacted. All Hail Watery Love https://waterylove.bandcamp.com/album/decorative-feeding
Heavenly Bodies – Universal Resurrection – Petty Bunco Records
Philly on the map again. This is not for the short attention spans. When I want to go into a semi meditative space and drop out of 3D world this is one of 2 picks by this band. Both release in the same year of our Space Lord 2022. If you want one continuous track of a cosmic journey, then Universal Resurrection it is. For a similar but segmented one, Measures. Also by The Heavenly Bodies.
Bite sized chunks of interstellar travel ? Or do you prefer one linear lump sum ?
Check out Universal Resurrection and Measures that both are born in 2022 and you will never be the same again https://heavenlybodiesphl.bandcamp.com/
Paris Music Corp. s/t LP
Mellowed out electronic vibes, This LP and Luna Waves are the two best things that are kind of in the same neighborhood. Common denominator ? Chill waves of sound. From post https://meatsheetfanzine.com/new-powerful-heavenly-empire/
“Paris Music Corp. really dials in soundscapes and moods on this work. Although the works are 100% audio, they create many different visuals in my head.
It’s like an ambient downtempo slideshow for the ears.
Support here https://parismusiccorp.bandcamp.com/album/paris-music-corp
Chill Rob G – Empires Crumble – Spitslam Music Group
On the hip hop tip is an LP from Chill Rob G. If you love the way hip used to sound, this is his 2022 release. Empires Crumble comes at you hard with that ole school flavor. Puts the mumble and NLP robots to shame. Will not dumb you down and it just bumps.
La Casa Al Mare – Otherwise / Autumn
Italian shoegaze ! As post scripted in link ” Otherwise is a fitting companion to the indie pop of early Velocity Girl, Tiger Trap, Heavenly. The phasing however is textbook My Bloody Valentine in nature.
A pleasant contrast is Autumn , the other side or track 2 depending on the format you prefer.
Please (per favore) show the house to the sea (La Casa al Mare) some love here (qui) https://lacasaalmare.bandcamp.com/album/otherwise-autumn
Luna Waves – Blood Moon (LP)
From Bedford UK we have Luna Waves. Rob Muir creates songs about bella luna, summer, and changing dream like states. Here is where you can soak in some waves. https://lunawavesmusic.bandcamp.com/
I will listen to this when I want something new – ish but still reminds me of the good old mellow 90’s guitar dream pop psych.
You tube yourself Luna Waves or old videos from MTV 120 minutes for references.
High. – Lifetimes (single)
I fucking love NJ and High is another reason to love the garden state. Taken from this post. https://meatsheetfanzine.com/see-mesmerizing-autumn-feliz-sun-moon-lifetime/ ” Lifetimes fits in the realm of shoegaze for sure. I don’t want to get wrapped up in labels. This track by itself is bigger than labels. Of course it has ethereal dream like qualities.” Look for more from this band soon and support them if you can. Also in the same post is..
Quicksand – Feliz – (Single and cassete)
Heavy post hardcore single from the mighty Quicksand. Enough adulation on Quicksand, I need to maintain a less biased opinion and branch out, but yet I still love what they are doing. If you never heard of them I may as well be sprechen zie Duetsch.
Honorable mention to Steve Queralt and Michael Smith for a compelling EP that feels like a spoken word story. Sun Moon Town on Bytes Records. (linked above w/ High. and Quicksand)
Late but a few weeks or months ago in 2022… Fixed View / Choice Is Yours / Drink Deep
Go here for two out of these three reviewed , linked, and praised in more depth https://meatsheetfanzine.com/new-august-memories-views-choices/
Choice Is Yours – Demo 2022
Wuppertal Germany on the map. A raging ass kicker of a demo. Tightly played, well produced and for name your price on Bancamp. I suggest if you have the means shoot them a few dollars, Euros, or preferred currency. Go here to hear https://choiceisyours.bandcamp.com/album/demo-22
Fixed View – Losing Touch – K.O.T.P. Records
If you are into hardcore and need something a little more tough, bouncy, and just plain hard then Fix Your View here https://fixedviewflhc.bandcamp.com/.
Hailing from Florida, make a playlist with this band and get ready to thrash your bedroom so that you are finding socks in places you have long forgotten.
It’s hard. FFO of bands in the vein of No Warning and mid to late 90’s NJ /New York Hardcore ( shall I just say ‘east coast’)
Drink Deep – Demo 22
Previously on MeatSheet Fanzine blog . “Four songs that just speed right by you. And it’s pretty good, better than that in fact. Hailing from Berlin Germany, I give you.. Drink Deep. What a strong demo coming right out the gate. I don’t have any complaints except maybe I’d want one or two more tracks but as is Drink Deep bring it. Support them if you are a fan of old school hardcore.”
Field Day – Why ? – Unity Worldwide Records / Sense of Place Records
EarIler in ’22 Field Day drops this EP. Field Day is half of Dag Nasty lineup from Wig Out and Field Day LPs from late 80’s. Absolute classics. Peter and Doug. Also on drums Kevin Avery who is solid but can go beast mode very quickly if needed. I watched video and saw him play live. Shay is sculpting the classic Dag tones and bringing it into his own. (and the ’20s) Find an in depth discussion in Meatsheet #7 here https://meatsheetfanzine.com/product/2-meatsheet-fanzines-issue-7/
Field Day is one of my go to bands when I need to take the intensity down from hardcore that is just pummeling and so hard I want to punch holes in sheetrock. As a result I cannot knit or play guitar well if my hands are busted up so.. Field Day offers an alternative.
Likewise I seek high energy, positivity, and still want punk? Problem turns to solution. . Think of Dag Nasty and that Positive Force / 7 Seconds feeling.
Here is what i wrote about Why? earler in March ’22
“It’s melodic enough for the Fat Wreckords crowd and hard enough for fans of the more pure DC hardcore sound.” 2023 is going to be great, I can feel it ! https://fielddaysounds.bandcamp.com/album/why
Suncharms – Distant Lights EP – Sunday Records
Previously on MeatSheet rant tirade
“This is the perfect companion to the previous release of the same name in LP format. Three songs. Self titled Distant Lights LP version, a single remix of same song and a song you cannot get on LP called Telescopes.
Distant Lights and its remix slowly emerge from silence and begin swaying guitar sounds. The remix offers a longer tension build and release. Trem arms of the instrument’s providing the sway. The beginning of this track is blurry, but powerful. When Suncharms open up the chorus it gets wider and clear in tone.
Let’s dig into the track Telescope. It feels like you’re pining over lost love by the sea.
Hurtful but hopeful. Or maybe it’s the uncertainty over new love. Guitar melody runs that remind me of the Johnny Marr on Please Let me Get What I Want. If I were a playlist guy this would be perfect slower pop number to add. Call it Seagaze.” Support Suncharms here https://sundayrecords.bandcamp.com/album/distant-lights-ep
Persian Leaps – Machines For Living – Land Ski Records
This five song EP adds diversity to the sounds I cover on the regular. In the sense of it is not hardcore punk or shoegaze.
I know the vinyl collectors and serious musos may snicker at my lack of other genres. So may that be. Here is what I surmised this autumn ’22
“Introduction is in order. Singer / songwriter Drew Forsberg is the creator of these tunes. Hailing from Minneapolis, Persian Leaps offers five songs scheduled for October 7.
Overall, Machines For Living is a fairly strong EP. I’d recommend to fans of the aforementioned groups, and general hook laden indie rock.” Bands I referenced were Replacements, Teenage Fanclub, and Orange Juice. Buy here https://thepersianleaps.bandcamp.com/album/machines-for-living
Kurt Vile – (watch my moves) – Verve Records
I’ve followed KV and Violators for some time now. (watch my moves) maintains the quality you may expect as a fan of KV. Tone and songwriting for days. Streaming meandering consciousness in music form. If you don’t know this band, (watch my moves) is a modern indie guitar classic.
Touches of American folk and psych, but mostly iron clad chord progressions and turnarounds.
KV is not afraid to bust out banjo, run a song part in reverse or throw other curve balls at you. (watch my moves) is a great album to chill with. Philadelphia fucking rules. 215 / 610 is coming strong !
Lazer Beam – Lost In Oblivion
Lazer Beam’s Lost In Oblivion is included in 2022’s best albums for several reasons. The songwriter Lucust French’s work ethic is one. Tenacity and building up a body of work. Check. Secondly, as stated before on previous MSF media (blog/vlog) Lazer Beam’s willingness to take artistic risks. Third, Lucust can write catchy hooks that traverse genres. Groovy Stoner metal soaked in pop meloddies. Therefore if that isn’t enough, then I’m at a loss. Lower Your Guns , title track and Dandelion Wishes are incredible songs. As a whole, Lost In Oblivion is smooth sailing. Turn on the lava lamp and then spin it here. https://lazerbeam.bandcamp.com/album/lost-in-oblivion?fbclid=IwAR2oOLswZuJt9Dq_Zt7ytTYNyUw-7T1mkTwUX35bx34LAPoWtpMrFNvMucc
Brierkliff – Demos
This is a fun set of YouTube demos. The artist is 13 years old. Brierkliff successfully mold old school punk, metal, and speed metal / thrash into their own abrasive, raw and fun songs. I don’t know many adults that could pull this off. Read the full report on Brierkliff, Lazer Beam, and others that appear somewhere else in this gargantuan post. Tap https://meatsheetfanzine.com/life-we-planned-lazer-lost-deep-drink/
Some last minute late ’22 hardcore bands.. Colonial Wound LP (FL) / Planet On A Chain LP (Oakland Austin)/ Dragged Demo (Massachussets)
Last batch of reviews for 2022 is in this post, click tap thru for POAC , Heavenly Bodies (see Universal Resurrection blurb above), Colonial Wound https://meatsheetfanzine.com/heavenly-deprogram-measures-easy-laughs/
That’s all folks .. for now. I’m ready for some new energy and your support on vlog, you tube and web store. For video content https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BfDDYRjmYrA&list=PLp9aKx_tzSczIlvleTtwytuDxn9mkMftK&index=6
Additionally, if you want an ad on blog or think your writing may fit in with the music please do reach out. The url for Meatsheet Fanzine is up for renewal and I’d love to trade currency , merch, or social media follows.
Twiddler – https://twitter.com/meat_sheet
Instaham – @meatsheetfanzine
FaceNovel – https://www.facebook.com/meatsheet
Or please send support to any and all of these artists and make it a great year. These artists deserve it. Woop Woop !