The Best EPs and LPs of 2022
RHR – Linha de Ofício 93”
Buy / Stream Linha de Ofício 93” on Bandcamp
Label: Tijolo Records – Brooklyn
Ronerie Santos, aka RHR, injects the raw, hectic energy from São Paulo, Brazil into his releases.
On Na Captura, RHR transports listeners by sampling sounds of motorcycles over hard drums and loud horns.
RHR’s first solo EP, Nocturnal Fear, was released on Danny Daze’s Miami based label Omnidisc in 2019, after Danny Daze and RHR collaborated on the 2016 release Ginga EP. Make sure to check out the standout tracks 2303 & Valquiria from Nocturnal Fear.
Kim Anh – After Dark
Buy / Steam After Dark on Bandcamp
Label: Can U Not Talk
Kim Anh, founder of newly created Can U Not Talk records lays down sultry, seductive vocals over a pulsating beat complimented by crashing symbols on the EP’s title track After Dark. Anh’s storytelling sets her apart, setting the mood and guiding listeners on a journey through each one of her meticulously crafted songs.
Read more about Kim Anh on her website.
Natasha Bai – Transsib EP
Buy / Stream Transsib EP on Bandcamp
Label: Ransom Note Records – London
The emotions of pain, lust, hope & ecstasy are all felt within minutes on Your Kiss, as Natasha Bai whispers sweet nothings over a relentless yet gentle baseline.
Quoting here from the Bandcamp write up,“Your Kiss’ is inspired by unhappy love, which happens especially when you’re young.”
Kayroy – Internal Rhythm EP
Buy / Stream Internal Rhythm on Bandcamp
Label: Echocentric Records – Helsinki
On Liminality, Kayroy lets break beats compete with progressive spacy house, elegantly collapsing his ethereal rhythms back into head bobbing breaks.
Zap Saffron reminds me of the celebrated Jimmy Edgar Remix of Aden’s Whip, as the choppy lyrics and bouncy baseline induce pleasant flashbacks.
The title track, Internal Rhythm holds true to it’s name, with a consistent slow building rhythm complimented by didgeridoo-esque lows.
Kayroy currently boasts my favorite artist bio on Spotify, “World’s #1 superstar deejay.”
Axel Boman – Quest For Fire
Buy / Stream Quest For Fire on Bandcamp
Label: Studio Barnhus – Stockholm
On Stone Age Jazz, fluttering animal noises and harmonized chanting create an audio oasis, before being broken down to just the bassline and a nice cleansing rinse.
Roman Plumbing starts by showcasing the saxophone of Kristian Harborg, who strikes all kinds of sharp, minor notes for the first 3 minutes of the song. When the drums finally meet their anticipated entrance for the first time, they steal the spotlight before blending with that beautiful sax to close.
Aleksandir – Sacro / Momus
Buy / Stream Sacro / Momus on Bandcamp
Label: Aleksandir – London
Aleksandir’s songs are better described as epics than stories, as each musical journey leaves listeners with a sense of wonder. Sacro is as violently sharp as it is open and gentle. The contradicting sounds pair perfectly, arousing feelings of angst and peace.
The Best Individual Songs of 2022
Pleasurekraft – Umbilicis Universalis
Label- Kraftek – U.S.
I was an avid fan of Pleasurekraft’s early catalog, but honestly haven’t enjoyed their recent releases. This is different. I’ve never heard a Pleasurekraft song like it, but would love to hear more.
Anja Schneider – I Care For You
Buy / Stream I Care For You on Bandcamp
Label- Sous Music – Berlin
Like a lot of classics or anthems, this song doesn’t try and do too much. The repetitive, simple lyrics give the song that anthemic feel, magnified by the consistent dark beat that hooks you from the start.