USA, Australia, England, Belgium, Canada, Scotland, Singapore. It’s a microcosm of Sombrero Fallout’s geographical spread this middle episode of our annual round up. And a mix of the new, the emerging and the established.
Amongst the established, most are harbouring some private demons: the distinctive Geordie insights of Richard Dawson revealing the everyday sadnesses of life in the health service; Camera Obscura making a highly welcome comeback after the death of a band member; and Phoebe Bridgers proving that selling millions does not provide immunity from feelings of depression (or producing excellent music either, for that matter). As far as I know, Alvvays aren’t battling any particular issues – but that’s the mistake we frequently make in life. A cheery exterior can so often mask a interior in turmoil.
Emerging artists who’ve appeared on the show before include Sydney’s Lazy Eyes; last year’s #1 artist, English Teacher; the hugely impressive Jockstrap here with intriguing echoes of both Eleanor Friedberger and Joni Mitchell against a folktronica backdrop; and the mesmeric Nilufer Yanya.
New artists too with some classic postpunk (if that’s not too overworked a catch-all) from Silverbacks, Bodega and Cola. Then we travel further afield for what might be described as cyber-glitch-acoustics, probably inaccurately, from Yeule, and some scathing social commentary wrapped in dance rhythms from Charlotte Adigery and Bolis Pupul.
So much to love about 2022.
