how was everyone’s 2024? somehow i can’t believe it’s nearly 2025, the year has flown by and at this point can’t wait for it to end. i’ve been reflecting on my year in music as well, and feel like, despite the hardships and fuckeries that hve occurred this year, music has still been incredible and has left a mark on me in one way or another. a few interesting trends have happened. despite what apple music said in their end of year roundup, i feel like i’ve listened to a lot less hip-hop this year than previous years. there were a few albums that really left an impression on me as you’ll find out, but as a whole i drifted away from the genre and explored much more house, techno and electronic music of all kinds. we out here festival, my event of the year, was a pivotal moment this year for me, a fully cathartic, spiritual musical experience that reignited the love i felt like i lost a little this year. i got introduced to some of my favourite bands and artists this year, while other releases made me revisit unexplored discographies. my criteria for this list is twofold: how much have i played a particular project this year, and what kind of impact did it have on me. there are some albums that i’ve listened to less than others (mood albums, i’ll refer to them within the list) but have left a stronger, lasting impact on me. either way, all of these projects are amazing and have captured my energy and moods this year. without further ado, let’s get into the list!
30. real farmer – compare what’s there
with heavy riffs, groovy rhythms, shouty vocals and an infectious energy to it, real farmer’s album compare what’s there is up there with the best and most debuts i’ve listened to this year. the dutch punk band from gronigen have crafted an eclectic, punchy album, with angsty energy and melodies throughout that are just riveting from start to finish. review / album
29. doechii – alligator bites never heal
doechii, for many hip-hop fans, has been the breakout star this year. the tampa, florida emcee has had an exceptional year this year, and yeah, i hear and see the hype. doechii’s dexterous, effortless and playful rapping, along with her plethora of flows and interesting ideas make alligator bites never heal is an exceptional album, and one of the best tde releases in a while, in my opinion. album
28. astrid sonne – great doubt
danish, london-based composer and voila player astrid sonne released a stunning album this year with great doubt. with gorgeous string and synth compositions, it’s a beautiful, immersive body of work, capturing astrid’s talents as a composer. modern classical, ambient, electronic, call it what you want, it’s an incredibly dense and varied album that combines cacophonous and heavy sounds with delicate ambiance throughout. review / album
27. moin – you never end
i discovered london-based experimental rock trio moin ( valentina magaletti, tom halstead and joe andrews) earlier this year and was immediately drawn to their raw, relentless sound and idiosyncratic compositions. they released their third studio album you never end not too long ago, and loved the melodies, the fuzzy guitar-led compositions and the emphatic drumming throughout. with more of an emphasis on collaboration on this album, the band has been able to create a sonically varied yet cohesive body of work that is immersive and engaging throughout. definitely recommend checking out their whole discography. album
26. mannequin pussy – i got heaven
bold, expressive and with a heaviness to their music that is utterly infectious, mannequin pussy has created another masterpiece with i got heaven, possibly my favourite of their albums to date. the philadelphia-based punk group create these riveting, cathartic melodies that sound like an angry release of energy, while simultaneously bringing lighter and more melodic moments throughout. an amazing alt punk album from one of the most exciting bands working today. review / album
25. musclecars – sugar honey iced tea!
the new york house duo singlehandedly gave one of the best dj sets i’ve ever experienced at we out here festival earlier this year. it was a spiritual experience and one that immediately made me a fan of theirs. their debut album sugar honey iced tea! captured the same infectious dance-filled energy that they bring to their sets, but with more soulful and melodic moments as well such as on the infectious “tonight” featuring kamaal and the more angelic and light “hello?” featuring aden. a diverse, eclectic and super fun dance album that deserves all the support and acclaim they an get. review / album
24. contour – take off from mercy
on take off from mercy, contour’s compositions evoke feelings of melancholy and loneliness, brought by his super personal lyricism and guitar-driven and electronic soundscapes and melodies that are immersive and incredibly poignant throughout. it’s emotive, gentle, yet with a punchiness to it that’s brought by the incredible drumming as well as additional piano-led melodies that intertwine with the intimacy of his guitar playing. it’s a truly stunning body of work. review / album
23. shrapknel & controller 7 – nobody planning to leave
new york hip-hop duo shrapknel, consisting of premrock and curly castro, released their best album to date with talented producer controller 7 titled nobody planning to leave. with fierce social commentary and a dystopian quality to both the lyricism and the production throughout the album, it’s a heavy listen, with lots to digest from two emcees who are only getting better with each and every release. premrock’s verse on “human form” is still one of my favourite hip-hop moments of the year, while it’s so good to hear curly castro back and as hungry as ever. review / album
22. moor mother – the great bailout
moor mother has been making some of the most interesting, impactful and politically-charged music in recent years. the great bailout is one of her most impactful releases to date, with a darkness and heaviness to it that i haven’t quite felt on another album this year. i’ve listened to it only a handful of times, but it’s the impact and the stories moor mother tells about the slave trade and britain’s role in the oppression and exploitation of black people that makes it a necessary and important listen, and one i return to for its anti-colonial. review / album
21. marysia osu – harps, beats & dreams
the gorgeous harp-led compositions on harps, beats & dreams are so therapeutic to me. combining string compositions with electronic beats and grooves, as well as soulful vocals, marysia osu captures this hypnotic and spiritual energy that is gentle, delicate and moving throughout the 10 tracks on the album. it’s a truly magical, warm and inviting piece of music. review / album
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