Dry Cleaning – Spoils

Genuinely hilarious dry-wit cutting through hooky, yet punchy instrumentation. Definitely a favourite in the van. Johnny recently set up Tom’s (from Dry Cleaning) guitar and serendipitously realised we all live ten minutes from each other. Always nice to make new friends in the chaos of the musical thing.

USA Nails – Work Drinks

Long-time friends and stage sharers, if you haven’t picked up a record by this band then you really should. Their latest ‘Life Cinema’ is a masterpiece, 12 songs rendered in pebbledash.

Polevaulter – International Break

I only found about about Polevaulter in 2019, and I’m really looking forward to seeing what follows this single in 2020 (this inclusion could serve as a clue).

Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds – Night Raid

Having bloomed quite late to that man’s illustrious past, ‘Push The Sky Away’ really clicked me into position. ‘Ghosteen’ is no different, a beautifully emotional record against a backdrop of grief. ‘Night Raid’ really shows off his ability to pull mystery from the mundane.

clipping. – La Mala Ordina

I really enjoyed the experimentation of  clipping.’s ‘Love and Splendor’ from 2016, the album written from the perspective of an AI about a mutiny aboard a slave spaceship. They’ve just released a new album via Sub Pop and I’ve been particularly enjoying this track.

Pile – Hair

Another must-listen… Pile are a special band with a heck of a back catalog. Having listened to a solo live recording of this song by singer Rick Maguire I was really pleased it was recorded and included on the recent album ‘Green and Grey’.

POZI – KCTMO

I accidentally caught POZI playing with a close friend’s band at Brixton Windmill a while ago and was captivated by the combination of violin, bass and drums, especially in contrast to the often stark, direct lyricism.

Blanck Mass – No Dice

Celebrated electronic wizard who manages to crush the heaviness of noise with dance floor euphoria. His previous album ‘World Eater’ on Sacred Bones is one of my favourites.

Christian Fitness – health part 2

Andy Falkous (of Mclusky, Future Of The Left, Christian Fitness) has always remained an inspiration throughout the years, and it’s been a pleasure to support Mclusky* numerous times this year. He has also released 6 albums under his Christian Fitness hat since 2014, the last arriving earlier in the year. Plenty for you to delve into over the holiday season…

And there you have it – some brilliant choices here, and some we’re intrigued to check out further.

Whilst we’re celebrating 2019, here’s our select cut from JOHN’s debut ‘Out Here on the Fringes’ album – we can’t wait to see your handsome faces gurn whilst you blast this one out boys.

JOHN play Deaf Institute on Wednesday 29th January – tickets available here