“If you don’t learn to laugh at life it’ll surely kill you, that I know“-BROM
March was a dark month, especially in the UK as it was the month when the lockdown measures were put in place, creating a new situation even for the reclusive misfits of society. The sonic output of this month was rich but we did not find it as easy, to identify truly exceptional releases. There were many EPs and albums that confused us both with the plurality of their influences and with the fact that the bands seemed to be unable to make sonic sense out of all this. Once again it was the most experimental approaches to sound that fascinated us and a spirit of relentless energy that has been retained and enhanced from all-time favourite bands.
““A poet is a nightingale who sits in darkness and sings to cheer its own solitude with sweet sounds.”
-Percy Bysshe Shelley
October was one of the most inspiring months of this year in terms of its independent music output, not only because Stephen Mallinder has released his first solo album for 37 years, but also because SWANS have ‘broken’ their self imposed hiatus. In October we also had the chance to enjoy some great debut releases by new bands showing a strong DIY element. If this monthly playlist was a person, they would be a kooky, abrasive and gothic looking one.