Hello, 2023.

As we hit the halfway mark for the year, we take a look at some of the albums that turned heads in more ways than one this year so far.

JAN TO MAR. //

The year kicked off well with the Irish coming up for air from their dwelling with Gigi’s Recovery; a resilient and poetically dark return from the Don’t Cling To Life boys. There was no signs of slowing either as Paramore entered the fray with their sixth studio album – and their sixteenth year together as a collective. A garish off-kilter resemblance of a band growing up, This Is Why is an album for old and new, showing off a bravado of alternative licks and funky deep-dives.

APR TO May. //

As we venture into the heat, we also see artists hotting up. April kicked off with Wednesday kicking up the turf of experimental shoe-gaze and ungulfed post-punk dive-bombings. We were also met with Enter Shikari returning for a Summer scheduling with A Kiss For The Whole World, a passion-led project yanked in tow with the prospect of the world opening up again. Nearing the end of May, sees the mighty juggernauts of Sleep Token bolster their metal statuettes in bronze with their most euphoric, catastrophic drop so far.

JUN TO JUL. //

Entering half way we hit hard with the return of Foo Fighters, a mighty steeple all in itself from a band full of grief. It’s Grohl and co’s best in a while, and reflects the passing of both Hawkins and Virgina Grohl with a homage so raw and powerful. This month also see the return of Chris(tine) + The Queens with his portrayal of aching angels, sexual prowess and sentimental emotion that was another stoic album topped off with equally mesmerising performances in the live setting.

Aug. //

The month of August has seen the might of The Hives rise to their former glory with The Death of Randy Fitzsimmons – a knickerbocker rock-god glory of fast four-to-the-floor bravado we’ve all come to know and love from the Swedish group. We have also

seen a HUGE artist spotlight on the likes of Dumb Buoys Fishing Club and English Teacher this month, with both collectives causing a kerfuffle in their own right.

Sept-Dec. //

The months of September to December saw some mighty figures embark in the space again, with the likes of Rolling Stones and The Beatles releasing highly anticipated new music – that still sounds timeless in 2023. We also saw of the best creatives reach new milestones with breathtaking albums. Ethan P Flynn’s is one to note, as is our stand-out duo of the year – Dumb Buoys Fishing Club.