Dirt Witch Records

Gonna be the teensiest year wrap up I’ve ever done, but that’s alright. Life’s busy. Anyway, let’s get right to it.

I’m gonna talk about my favorite right at the top. Wet Leg’s Moisturizer was my hi-hat slappin, bass pounding post-punk dreamboi. I had this one on repeat, and my kiddo seemed to vibe with it as well. Had a few songs I really liked off this album, but “Catch These Fists” was probably my most re-visited.

Forever Howlong by Black Country, New Road was another one on repeat this year. I love the varied folk instrumentation and proggy song structures. I loved the soaring vocals ,and my kiddo loved me badly singing them. “For The Cold Country” has me pumping my fists like a lunatic pretty much every time it reaches peak. Its lovely y’all.

Wednesday dropped Bleeds this year too. A lot of variety, from folk to grunge, and what feels to me like a complete improvement on 2023’s Rat Saw God. The soft and sweet “Elderberry Wine” is my far favorite on this thing.

The Mountain Goats released yet another wonderful album this year with the thoroughly musical inspired Through This Fire Across From Peter Balkan. A little more instrumentally focused than previous efforts, and while I miss getting a bit more lyrical splendor from John Darnielle, this album has truly made me come to appreciate the rich and complex compositions The Mountain Goats deliver. No strong favorites on this one, but “Armies Of The Lord” probably got the most listens.

Those are the big ones, I think. I didn’t explore the true indies as much this year being busy with the kiddo, but I promise you there are still a shit ton of talented indie musicians out there. Hopefully I listen to more of them next year!