10 Songs on Repeat: 1. Shook by Tkay Maidza (2020)- This Australian rapper's latest EP is about as good as I was expecting it to be (meaning it is damn excellent). Earning her a second place in this series in just as many weeks, Shook is the project's catchy, banging and confident lead single. 2. A Lucid…
10 Songs on Repeat: 1. Seasons (Waiting on You) by Future Islands (2015)- Few decade end lists were without mentioning this synth-pop anthem by American band Future Islands. From the catchy melodies, the baritone of singer Samuel T. Herring, some genuinely insightful lyrics about change and the explosive chorus, it is merely a masterpiece of…
10 Songs on Repeat: 1. What's Your Pleasure? by Jessie Ware (2020)- This British popstar's latest LP is a beautiful odyssey to the world of disco in the 21st Century. The standout for me is the LP's sultry, catchy and groovy lead single, complete with an excellent yet subtle vocal performance and insane replay value.…
10 Songs on Repeat: 1. Robert by Jockstrap with Injury Reserve (2020)- The recent wave of glitchy, noisy and challenging pop music that is sweeping the music world has continued with British duo Jockstrap's excellent new EP Wicked City. The best track for me on this mini collection is the bass-driven, highly abstract and multifaceted Robert, which also just…
10 Tracks on Repeat: 1. Spells by Backxwash (2020)- A fast-paced, spooky and downright catchy experimental hip-hop meets horrorcore number off the female rapper's menacingly engaging new LP God Has Nothing to Do With It Leave Him Out of It. 2. Grounds by IDLES (2020)- I doubt an album announcement in 2020 has got me as…
10 Songs on Repeat: 1. Future Doesn't Know by Guerilla Toss (2019)- This banger is a deft combination of art and psychedelic rock, creating a playful, catchy and addictive rock belter. Think Talking Heads if Kevin Parker was the lead producer. 2. Solitude of Enoch by KA (2020)- This New York rapper's reflective new album Descendants…
10 Songs on Repeat: 1. A Hero's Death by Fontaines D.C. (2020)- I am still trying to figure out whether this is a happy or dark song. The lyrics are seemingly inspiring, the repetition of "life ain't always empty" and the various amounts of advice given by frontman Grian Chatten are uplifting and affirming but…
10 Songs on Repeat: 1. There Must be More Than Blood by Car Seat Headrest (2020)- The Will Toledo led band's latest project is an ambitious and enjoyable sonic left-turn from their typically scrappy, guitar-oriented indie rock. There Must be More Than Blood plays out like a combination of anthemic Bruce Springsteen and the slow-burning electronica of…
10 Songs on Repeat: 1. Ghost Rider by Suicide (1977)- If their name is any indication, Suicide were one of the more boundary-pushing acts in the first wave of punk rock, as well as the likely the most unsettling. Their minimal, synth-based compositions were driving and at times frightening, with Ghost Rider displaying the full effect of…
10 Tracks on Repeat: 1. Shameika by Fiona Apple (2020)- To say that the singer-songwriter's new record is amazing would be an understatement, it’s a virtual cultural phenomenon. Shameika is just one of many excellent tracks on Fetch the Bolt Cutters; however, it does stand out to me as the top highlight. 2. Idontknow by Jamie xx (2020)-…
10 Songs on Repeat: 1. Funeralopolis by Electric Wizard (2000)- If the current climate is putting you in an apocalyptic mood and all you want to listen to is music that feels like the world is ending, then this snarling, nasty stoner metal classic might just be for you. 2. Twin Peaks Theme by Angelo…
Ten Songs on repeat: 1. Paradise by Tropical F*** Storm (2019)- Tropical F*** Storm are an Australian art-punk supergroup that slipped under my radar over the last two years. However, due to all the time I've got on my hands these days, their aggressive, agitated and nasty style of punk has become one of my…
10 Songs on Repeat: 1. Sweet Porridge Radio (2020)- The second week in a row for this sensational young indie band, Sweet plays upon the loud, quiet dynamic often associated with grunge, creating a tight, angsty affair. 2. Makes it Funny by Avenade (2018)- An artist one day I hope will get the break he deserves, Avenade…
Wow, over ten weeks now of writing music. And what a great ten weeks it has been for music in the new decade (with some real surprises coming this week). I would just like to thank everyone who has gone to effort to read my material, it means so much to me. Now, for the…
10 Songs on Repeat: 1. money machine by 100 gecs (2019)- One reaction many have when hearing music duo 100 gecs for the first time is "really?". It's hard to even describe the bombastic sound of this group, with it needing to be heard to be believed. 2. Halve Life by Rav, Kill Bill and…
Levine Lowdown 