best of HONESTLY, 2017. - Singles/Albums TOP 10! / finished!!! :)

[TRF.]

1 minute ago, Dom said:

What do you mean by maybe??? Hmm. 

I need to study for two finals I have on Friday  also my Internet connection is kinda garbage lol

[Dom]

2 minutes ago, TRF. said:

I need to study for two finals I have on Friday  also my Internet connection is kinda garbage lol

Omg, two finals and you sitting on atrl , you need to go back to work asap. 

[Vilppu]

I wish I liked Danny L Harle more than I actually do but he's alright.

Flume's release was also cute even if I forgot about it after one play.

[SLIME]

**** i only know a few of these Danny's got the bangers, I wanna see how a full length would go too but he might need to step it up one notch more.

 

omggg i know i heard the sudan song somewhere but idr where. seems interesting tho I'm gonna dive deeper

[TRF.]

well, finally

 

 

#10. ‘Luz Mala’ by Bungalovv (IDM/Post-Industrial)

 

While the concept of “luz mala” (literally translated as “bad light”) does not appear on the whole concept of the Argentinian musician Bungalovv (member of the Buenos Aires electronic music collective TRRUENO) other than as an inspiration, his latest EP released under the Mexican-Canadian label Infinite Machine seems like a really odd take on the country’s folklore, both theme and sound-wise. Also inspired by African and Middle East rhythms, it takes on a sound that is decidedly “club-oriented”, yet feels innovative and playful, organic and industrial simultaneously. It is one of the label’s best releases in a while, something that trascends the usually vague term of “global bass” and does something actually exciting that will surely leave us waiting more (as the label promises an LP by 2018) and that is something to be excited for.

 

Highlights: “Ulna”, “Fémur”

 

 

#09. 'Shadow Expert' by Palm (Math Rock)

 

Palm are one of the most innovative new bands in rock music. Following their 2015 debut LP 'Trading Basics' with this EP, they leave the noisy intensity of their sound back then in favor of post-punk-influenced rock music with completely odd structures yet ridiculously catchy hooks, provided by both of the band's vocalists, Eve Albert and Kasra Kust. This sounds like a modern take on Battles or early Foals, but it is completely its own thing as well. Can't wait for their next album, 'Rock Island', to be released early next year!

 

Highlights: "Walkie Talkie", "Shadow Expert"

 

 

#08. ‘EP II’ by Buscabulla (Synthpop)

 

When people talk about music from Puerto Rico, the first things that tend to come to mind from there are salsa, bachata, reggaeton and so on. In theory, Buscabulla would be an exception, but does not mean that the Caribbean influences in their music are not present. That is probably the thing that distinguish them from any other of their contemporaries. While on their debut, self-titled EP the influences were a bit less obvious, at a musical level ‘EP II’ shows them being more unafraid and unashamed to show them. Their lyrics and music are likely influenced by the experience of living the USA as Latin American people, trying to reconnect with their roots. And their approach has a very successful result. 

 

Highlights: “Tártaro”, “Frío” (feat. Helado Negro)

 

 

#07. ‘Finding People’ by Croatian Amor (Sound Collage/Post-Industrial/Minimal Synth)

 

Danish producer Loke Rahbek, member of bands such as Damien Dubrovnik or Lust for Youth, released this EP earlier this year as Croatian Amor, in which he makes the perfect "bubblegum industrial" album, finding the midpoint between experimental sound collage pieces and sweet, almost poppy synth melodies. 'Finding People' comes from an alternate world where the most influential Kate Bush track isn't "Wuthering Heights" or "Running Up That Hill", but "Waking The Witch" or even "Hello Earth". Personally, this EP was the soundtrack of my winter.

 

Highlights: "Sky Walkers", “Keepers” 

 

 

#06. ‘ADD VIOLENCE’ by Nine Inch Nails (Electro-Industrial/Industrial Rock)

 

Last year, Nine Inch Nails released an EP called 'Not the Actual Events', which was probably their most abrasive, most metal release since the 'Broken' mini-album. Personally, I was into it, but my favorite NIN EP was without a doubt this EP. It is abrasive and experimental, while maintaining the "poppy" elements of their 2013 'Hesitation Marks'. From lead single "Less Than" (which was a minor radio hit in Alternative radios) to the William Basinski-esque loop on the ending of "The Background World", this might be one of the best things Reznor ever made (in my opinion, at least) and proves that Nine Inch Nails still have a lot to give.

 

Highlights: "The Background World", "Less Than"

 

 

#05. ‘When I Was Young’ by MØ (Electropop/Art Pop)

 

I was personally surprised by this EP. While I never really lost faith in MØ, after her singles I thought she'd make something that would be completely radio-oriented pop. I guess I was wrong and I'm thankful for it! The surprise-released 'When I Was Young' EP back to her debut album 'No Mythologies to Follow' but still feels a little more accessible and playful. While "Roots" and "Run Away" are both gorgeous Dirty Projectors-esque art-pop ballads, the title track and "Linking with You" have more colorful dancehall vibes. But the EP's strongest tracks are "Turn My Heart to Stone" and "BB", both career highlights. This might be my favorite release of hers, and I'm definitely down to hear more of this stuff.

 

Highlights: "BB", "Turn My Heart to Stone"

 

 

#02. ‘Steroids (Crouching Tiger Hidden Gabber Megamix)’ by Death Grips(Industrial Hip Hop)

 

I think this kind of represents my entire relationship with Death Grips:

 

https://twitter.com/iamvulnicura/status/866813534566481922

 

And this… release sounds like Government Plates + NOTM + gabber music. What’s not to love?

 

Highlights: uh… the whole thing?

 

 

#03. '13' by Denzel Curry (Trap Rap/Hardcore Hip Hop)

 

This is what rap music in the charts should sound like... in my opinion at least. '13' (Denzel Curry's first EP on a major label) is fun as hell, but still has extremely unusual yet accessible production and beats. Also, Denzel really kills it with his flow and lyricism, not being afraid to get political or serious but not afraid to have fun either. It also has excellent features from underrated rap hero Lil Ugly Mane and Ronny J. Probably one of the best rap releases of the year.

 

Highlights: "Hate Government", "Zeltron 6 Billion" (feat. Lil Ugly Mane)

 

 

#02. 'EP2' by Yaeji (Ambient House/Ambient Pop)

 

I'm probably going to say this several times, but, 2018 is going to be the year of Yaeji, and this is the perfect proof of that. Her production, fusing ambient music, deep house and trap, is immaculate, and so are the hooks found in this album. The way in which she alternates lines in Korean and English on "Drink I'm Sippin On" and "Raingurl" is something I have never heard before, same thing with the way in which she does it, full of attitude and passion. It also has the second best Drake cover released this year (the best is the Paramore one,) so you know, you must check this out if you do not want to miss something completely new.

 

Highlights: "Passionfruit", "Drink I'm Sippin On"

 

 

#01. 'RINA' by Rina Sawayama (Electropop/Contemporary R&B/Art Pop)

 

I have rooted for Rina Sawayama ever since I heard "Cyber Stockholm Syndrome". And with this EP she certainly did not dissapoint.

 

'RINA' is probably one of the most innovative pop releases since Charli XCX's 'Vroom Vroom' EP. The way in which she explores themes of loneliness in the modern age, the Internet, identity, depression and loss of love are really personal, but still playful enough to engage the listener. The production, handled by Clarence Clarity, is also very reminiscent of late-90's/early-00's pop (like Britney, N'Sync or Kelis) and modern J-pop (like Perfume or Utada), but also feels noisy in a Sleigh Bells-like way.

 

Rina Sawayama is one of the most exciting new artists to emerge in the last few years, and we will be definitely hearing more of her soon.

 

Highlights: "10-20-40", "Cyber Stockholm Syndrome"

 

SPECIAL MENTIONS TO:

 

Hannah Diamond - 'Soon I Won't See You At All' - maybe I'll put it on my 2018 list unless she decides to rihlease 'Reflections'! What a way to **** up my list girl!

BC Unidos - 'Bicycle' - I'm dumb as hell for forgetting this EP that had both CHARLI and CARLY in it. But the other tracks are kinda meh so idk.

Bad Gyal - 'Slow Wine' - Technically not from 2017, technically not an EP but like... she kinda did that.

Yaeji - 'EP' - I prefer 'EP2' by far but this has some good ass bops too!

Aly & AJ - 'Ten Years' - It's nice! Even if only 2 out of 4 tracks are actually good.

 

[Samson]

YESSSSS @ EP2!! drink i'm sippin on is an anthem and raingurl makes me want to throw a party tbh. both slammers. the passionfruit cover is cute

[Tom Vercetti]

Haven't heard MO's but that top 4 is excellent. I wish I liked Add Violence more than I did. 

 

Palm & Croation were also good. 

[Dom]

mo's ep is  THAT EP, glad you saw the light. honestly , TRF.

[madonnas]

Wish I liked the Mo EP more.  The first song was really good, a better Bjork song than all of Utopia!

Love the #1 and #2, obvi.

 

[TRF.]

1 hour ago, Tom Vercetti said:

Haven't heard MO's but that top 4 is excellent. I wish I liked Add Violence more than I did. 

 

Palm & Croation were also good. 

you need to hear that!!! it snatches

 

1 hour ago, Dom said:

mo's ep is  THAT EP, glad you saw the light. honestly , TRF.

she's THAT girl

 

 

 

3 hours ago, madonnas said:

Wish I liked the Mo EP more.  The first song was really good, a better Bjork song than all of Utopia!

Love the #1 and #2, obvi.

 

[Topmaster 2]

Tengo que escuchar a esa Rina  

[theblackestday]

EP2 and Steroids  

[MP2K]

based on descriptions I think I'm interested in seeing what's RINA is giving. Denzel Curry as well.

[Lazuli]

Didn't really enjoy MO's EP as much as I'd hope for  

RINA  

[Remmy]

Quote

Aly & AJ - 'Ten Years' - It's nice! Even if only 2 out of 4 tracks are actually good.

Was looking for this one. At least it got a shoutout

But YIKES at that wrong opinion! The Distance is the weakest track and even that is great.

[Phoenixstar]

The fact that I only knew the MO one :toofunny:

Cute graphic tho

[TRF.]

Pop 2 by Charli XCX available on iTunes and streaming services!

[Staryu]

yas queen Rina  

[mxtthewdelrey]

RINA, I bow down to thee   

Legend Hannah Diamond 

MØ's EP was hit and miss. Couldn't get into Yaeji

[Wicked]

The top 4 is flawless. I need to listen to this Aly & AJ joint

[ARTPØP]

Yassss MØ's EP is amazing!!!! 

[Unoriginal]

WIWY, EP2 and RINA  

[Red]

I liked Add Violence, though, outside of "Less Than", it didn't really stick with me.

 

RINA...insert "I'm going to regret missing that EP" here.

[TRF.]

full EP list:

 

[Dom]

HONESTLY

 

TERIFFIC LIST

EXCEPT FOR  SOME HICCUPS.