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.
Tracklist:
27. Wear my medals, Silverbacks
26. Where’s my brain???, The Lazy Eyes
25. Thrown, Bodega
24. A55, English Teacher
23. Blenda, Charlotte Adigery, Bolis Pupul
22. Pharmacist, Alvvays
21. Sidelines, Phoebe Bridgers
20. Midnight sun, Nilufer Yanya
19. Glasgow, Jockstrap
18. So excited, Cola
17. Money matters, Camera Obscura
16. Thicker than water, Richard Dawson
15. Don’t be so hard on your own beauty, Yeule