Last year I looked back to acknowledge on some records I completely missed from the prior year. I usually miss out on a few records during the release year and find them in the following year(s). I completely missed on Pinegrove’s debut album in 2016 which could have made my top 10 list.
Decided to bring this exercise back to see if I totally screwed up last year. Overall, 2017’s top 10 holds up incredibly well. One of the strongest years in the decade and no other records looking back would impeach it now. That’s not to say there were a few solid efforts I was late on last year.
Hundredth’s fourth album Rare caught everyone by surprise. I completely dismissed them as another blah melodic hardcore band when I saw them at The Che Cafe in 2012. They shifted entirely into shoegaze and noise rock, breaking from denomination. Influences like Ride to modern bands like Nothing clearly inveigled their venture. While Hundredth aren’t changing post-rock in any way their evolution was completely unpredictable.
Other post-hardcore bands have tried playing with these styles but never a complete overhauling immersion like this. Rare feels like a band finding its true self. Undoubtedly an asomatous experience for them as they released a remix album and B-Side singles. This is the only album that could have possibly broken into my top 10. I only realized that recently. Still bummed they played the same night as Julien Baker last December.
Polyphia came off initially to me as one of those trust fund kid bands. Out of the gate had new gear and quality production. Despised them and others like them when I was in a band. Usually derided those bands but when I heard “40oz” on my old producer’s Instagram story I had to change my mind.
Irresistible hooks and grooving melodies, there’s a little funk, a little djent, mixed with their chill programmed vibes. I went back to hear their back catalog but The Most Hated EP stands apart. It’s Polyphia when I hear it. PAst projects sound like the rest of the prog instrumental pack, e.g. Chon. Very replayable EP too, always important for me, with tracks like “Goose” to vibe with driving around on a beautiful day.
Joey Bada$$ put on one of my favorite shows this year bringing Buddy along on tour. He completely assailed the stage and owned the crowd. Maybe I should have done my homework on Buddy. The environment you grow up in will play an indelible role for any artist. Growing up in Compton and LA County gave Buddy my favorite kinds of hip hop influences.
Less songs equals a better product as I’ve theorized. Magnolia packs no empty calories demonstrating Buddy’s talent and versatility. “Type of Shit” is clearly the radio song/hit yet “Who Shot 2 Tall” and “Last Time” cipher his social consciousness. Made sense Joey brought him on tour. When “That Much” kicked off live the energy in the audience rose to another level. Joey was superb. Buddy your bones moving.
Disaesthetic 