Geese “3D Country”
Since their debut album, Brooklyn, NY’s Geese have been provoking a fair amount of inquiries ranging from ‘isn’t there already a band called Goose?’ to ‘are they, like, bad Strokes or good Greta Van Fleet?’ Considering the genre-spanning masterpiece that is their sophomore effort ‘3D Country,’ the kudos and guffaws thrown at the band in equal measure are entirely warranted, even if totally unfair at times. It’s just not often one sees such a glow-up from monochrome post-punk to full-on technicolor freak-rock in the span of just one album cycle. Plus, they’re barely into their twenties, a fact that shouldn’t matter but is sure to ruffle the feathers of forty-somethings who never got their band off the ground. I’m getting off the rails here, but 3D Country is as much of a revelation as it is a complete breath of fresh air in an increasingly homogenized alt-rock landscape.” -CM
OSEES “Intercepted Message”
Much like Keanu Reeves was forced to keep the bus’s speed over 50 miles per hour in the Blockbuster ‘Speed,’ Jon Dwyer and his recording project, OSEES, are set to physically explode if they don’t record at least four albums a year. “Intercepted Message” serves as OSEES – or however they’re spelling it this week – twenty-fucking-eighth album. While one would expect the quality to degrade, Dwyer keeps finding ways to freshen up the band’s sound, giving me song after song to annoy the absolute fuck out of my friends with on road trips. Their latest, with its melting analog synths, Dwyer’s-version-of-pop vocals, and psych-influenced production, is no exception to this rule -CM
Worriers “Trust Your Gut”
The title of this album is a big ask for a person like me who has to carry Imodium at all times, but I still enjoy the sentiment. Self-produced and featuring a backing band of all-stars and old friends alike, Atom Willard, Franz Nicolay, and Allegra Anka (Against Me!, The Hold Steady and Cayetana, respectively), ‘Trust Your Gut’ is a tour-de-force of indie-rock power. Coupling Lauren Denitzio’s trademark vulnerability with the aforementioned backing group makes for one hell of a ride. One that even IBS sufferers like me would be hard pressed to ever want to get off of. – CM
Buck Meek “Haunted Mountain”
“Those who have the fortune of seeing Big Thief live know that Buck Meek is an undisputed guitar wizard. Hovering over his pedalboard like a marionette doll being operated by some unknown entity hellbent on creating the most freaky soundscapes ever heard, he strikes the perfect note nearly every time. His solo songwriting style creates the same effects, though his ambient backdrops are replaced with complex cowboy chords, allowing his excellent bandmates the room to explore and paint his stories with compelling as fuck backdrops. His latest album ‘Haunted Mountain’ sounds the way a fresh honeycomb tastes: textured, complex, and not without the risk of being stung’ – CM
Joanna Sternberg “I’ve Got Me”
New York City’s best kept secret, Joanna Sternberg, released their long-awaited sophomore album ‘I’ve Got Me’ this year, and it did not disappoint, though it did absolutely obliterate my entire heart and soul. Over twelve incredible tracks that definitely don’t make me want to text my ex, like, at all, Sternberg weaves folk-punk sensibilities with heartbreaking lyrics detailing a love gone sour. All of the previously mentioned attributes are bolstered by a voice that evokes the melodic wonder of Joni Mitchell as much as it does the audible grief of Daniel Johnston. It’s truly a wonder I’m even able to get out of my stupor to write this. – CM
Shamir “Homo Anxietatem”
By the time you’ve finished reading this blurb, Shamir Bailey will have likely put the finishing touches on, like, four or five more albums. The prolific Philadelphia-based songwriter and producer’s unbridled reign over the indie-pop sphere continued unabated with this year’s ‘Homo Anxietatem,’ the artist’s first for legendary label Kill Rock Stars. While many tracks on this one might be considered as close to a return to form as one with such a sprawling resume can attain, the album as a whole shows an artist that refuses to stop evolving and questioning everything, making ‘Homo Anxietatem’ one of the most exciting and thought-provoking releases 2023 had to offer. – CM
Chris Farren “Doom Singer”
Look, he’s handsome, he’s hilarious, and he’s got a fantastic mustache. He also dropped one of 2023’s best albums. Is there anything Chris Farren can’t do? Probably. I’m still stuck on dividing improper fractions so there’s a chance Mr. Farren is stuck in the same boat as me. Regardless of his knowledge of 4th-grade mathematics, I’m sure he’s just as ecstatic to see “Doom Singer” on The Hard Times’ year-end list as he is when he sees himself in a mirror. – NB
Caroline Rose “The Art of Forgetting”
Despite the album’s title, it’s doubtful I’ll have trouble remembering to listen to it anytime soon. The criminally underrated Caroline Rose soared to dizzying new heights and crushing emotional lows on her fourth record, ‘The Art of Forgetting’ and backed it with a tour that nearly destroyed her emotionally. That’s commitment. It’s an indie-rock masterpiece of cinematic proportions, and if you’ve been sleeping on it, just know that you will be richer and probably way more depressed when you finally get around to listening. Light a candle, pull the shades, and put your therapist on speed dial. It’s time to feel again.” – CM
The Gaslight Anthem “History Books”
If you are about to take your Chevy on a road trip to Atlantic City there is only one band you should be listening to, and that’s The Gaslight Anthem. Thankfully the recently reunited band got back in the studio and delivered us 10 new songs to sing along with while you think about how quickly life has passed us by. Did you know I’ve never ridden a horse? What am I waiting for anyway? The title track also features some guy named Bruce Springsteen. Keep an eye out for him. – BC
Good Shade “Think Spring”
Remember when Foo Fighters were still making good music? Good Shade’s Shane Natalie does, or at least it sounds that way. I’m not actually sure if he’s heard ‘The Colour and The Shape’ and I may never find out. One thing is certain, however: On his fifth effort ‘Think Spring,’ Natalie is in peak form, delivering hook after hook with just the right amount of bitchin’ guitar solos (though I think he would prefer to call them ‘features’). This is without mentioning the fact that he plays every goddamn instrument on all of his albums. Seriously, what the fuck? – CM
Queens of the Stone Age “In Times New Roman”
Everyone shut up, Josh Homme is in both his personal and musical redemption arcs. “In Times New Roman” is by no means the best QOTSA album of all time, but considering how high that bar is, we’re just happy to be back in the saddle after “Villains.” ITNR brings the desert-rockers back to a decidedly off-kilter, gritty place. It’s more reminiscent of their mid-career work, with some dramatic flair and unorthodox production to boot. “Emotion Sickness” is the best lead single the group has had in a hot minute, and their live performances of it – and the rest of the album – make it clear that they are nowhere near done yet. This is simultaneously a return to form and a revenge tour. Blast it in your room by yourself and think about what it’s like to be reinventing yourself while burning pictures of your ex.” -CN