With the end of the year comes, well, end of the year lists, and to be quite honest, there was no shortage of good… scratch that, great music to be had this year. Whether you are a heavy music fan or have a slight towards hip-hop or punk rock, it would be tough to try and say that the proposed end of the world will at least go out with a bang in the music realm. So for this week’s selections, I’ll be showing you a few tracks from albums that, while quite good in their own right, didn’t quite make it into my AOTY list for 2012.
1. “Mostly Hair and Bones Now” – Gaza
While you can read a detailed review of No Absolutes In Human Suffering here, this track in particular sets a tone for abrasion and tension right from the start. The thing about this record is that while on the first few listens it was certainly good, its jarring nature has only ripened the album with a couple months’ age.
2. “How We Land” – P.O.S. (Ft. Justin Vernon)
Those in hip-hop circles will probably think a little higher of this record than I will, but don’t underestimate the power of some beautiful synths and razor sharp lyrics. The combination of a lush chorus and some immediately resonate lyrics (‘Worse things have happened to better people, that’s the mantra’) make this a standout on a record that is solid, if not daring across the board.
3. “Circles” – Pentimento
You can say what you want about the current state of music, but the decision for Pentimento to self-release their self-titled record in wake of their label situation is a bold one. That being said, the music certainly speaks volumes in a mix of emotional punk rock tinged with alternative roots a la Brand New. This track in particular channels that band well enough that you get the sense without feeling it to be a cop-out. If all plays as it should, Pentimento should be turning heads for the rest of the year and beyond.
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