Black Keys: Turn Blue

     There is almost certainly no album more divisive than Black Keys ambitious release, Turn Blue.  The album's opening, "Weight of Love,"  is a seven minute psychedelic sojourn, that points the band in an entirely new direction.  Since 2008's Attack and Release, The Black Keys has been testing the power blues waters, and this is where they finally broke through. Subtle electronics and keyboards (courtesy of Brian "Dangermouse Burton) tactfully layer meandering psychedelic rock tunes.  Some purists may decry The Black Keys for abandoning their three minute blues pop foundation, but Turn Blue shows the band taking a dynamic new trajectory and mature attitude towards song craftsmanship.  Once again, The Akron rockers outdo themselves, and put together another acclaimed album.

Nicole Atkins: Slow Phaser

     In of the greatest (authors opinion) releases of 2014, Nicole Atkins' breaks the mold of the indie rock climate, with her breezy release, Slow Phaser.  Atkins opts to forgo some of the zeitgeist gravity and wallowing for a collection of fun, tongue in cheek, tunes.  A delicate recipe of pepped up indie rock create a snarky, danceable, swagger, that Atkins wears well.  Slow Phasers bouncy backbone gives the entire album drive and cohesion.   There are some heavy themes mixed throughout the album, but Atkins exposes her vulnerability in a lighthearted and relatable way.  Slow Phaser has a very welcoming vibe to it, allowing Atkins genuine enjoyment to translate to her listeners, definitely one of the most fun, and friendliest albums of the year.

Run the Jewels: Run the Jewels 2

    2014 was not a hugely notable year for hip-hop, but one particular album stood out above all else.  Hip Hip duo El-P and Killer Mike, collectively known as Run the Jewels, released their sophomore album (aptly titled  Run the Jewels 2)  to reviews of the highest praise.  The futuristic production,  with fast tempo bass beats, heavily layered over Killer Mikes extraordinarily dark lyrics, provide the perfect compliment.  The deeply personal threats, and general shit talking, on the album, provide the perfect soundtrack to a black culture that had a tumultuous 2014.  Despite everything, however, there is a certain triumph floating through the album.  Mike and El-P take a machiavellian approach to competition, and revel in their success.  Run the Jewels 2 is the sonic equivalent of a shabby flower growing out of a pot of dirt. 

Angel Olsen: Burn Your Fire For No Witness

     The last couple of years, has proven to be quite adventurous the young folky, Angel Olsen.  In the last to years, she has moved from Chicago to North Carolina, formed a band, and released her sophomore album, Burn Your Fire With No Witness, to rave reviews.   Angel's voice on this release is mesmerizing; both engaging and fragile. She sings with heartbreak, but with optimism, as if she feels good about feeling bad.  Sonically, Olsen had no qualms about expanding her folk horizons, dabbling in the wide array of influences picked up from her Chicago landscape, to her Asheville transition.  Her insightful words are accentuated by reverb heavy garage folk, which create a power to her voice, creating an all around beefier sound.  The music is the perfect compliment to her sarcastic tone throughout the album.  Clearly, Angel Olsen worked to destroy the dreaded sophomore slump, and made Burn Your Fire one of the years happiest albums about heartbreak.

 

Phantogram: Voices

      Fans had to wait nearly five year for another full length album from Phantogram, but most would agree that it was worth the wait, as they were treated to 2014's Voices.   The formula of Voices is relatively expected for the shoegaze duo, but with the fuller sound that a major label budget can provide.  Combining Sarah Barthel's swirling layers of synth tones, atop an R&B structure and philosophy, Josh Carters doleful, meandering,  guitar, the tandem create the a sound that highlights both of their talents, and bring their best assets to the forefront on the album.  The sonic framework creates the perfect ambiance for Barthel's plaintive lyrics; creating an ominous affect, but still evoking a feeling of nostalgic remembrance, rather than overt sadness. The result is Voices' ability to be both fun and introspective, noisy and cerebral.  By pushing themselves to experiment, without going too far too fast, Voices has, at least momentarily, placed Phantogram on top of the competitive chillwave food chain. 

Glass Animals: Zaba

    2014 was a big year for Indie for the English production team, Glass Animals, as their debut release, Zaba, was received with critical praise.  Zaba, although ultimately pigeonholed in the ever ambiguous "indie" category, proves to be one of the least genre specific albums of the year.  Musically, Zaba has a percussion theme at its core; with a backbone of jungle beats and curious high end timbres.  The album is subsequently layers with atmospheric soundscapes, and crafty synth drops.  It is finally capped off with prominently displayed, sensual, hip hop style, lyrics.  Despite the melting pot of aural influences, Zaba does not the sound the least bit anarchic.   Each approach is toned down just enough to where it doesn't overpower the others, and the result is a softened, smokey, feel, with lots of room to breath.  A great debut from a promising new band. 

Swans: To Be Kind

Cynical intellectuals rejoice, as Screech and Drone powerhouse Swans release their latest, "To Be Kind." A follow up, and companion, to 2012's "The Seer,"  "To Be Kind" follows the same formula of dire straits, ominous repetition, and guttural noises, that have made them so acclaimed within the NYC art scene since the New Wave era.  This latest release follows the relative structure of drawn out songs, beginning in  vast soundscapes, and swells with intensity until a giant crescendo. Swans customary darkness notwithstanding, there is, indeed, a lighter tone on "To Be Kind."  It would be an unrealistic claim to call it carefree, but perhaps this is the close as Michael Gira (Swans front man, and band visionary) will get.  The albums resulting juxtaposition makes "To Be Kind" one of the most experimental albums of 2014, as well as one of the most difficult to absorb.