Hey you! I see that you’re looking for more song suggestions?
In my last song suggestion article, I covered three alternative songs released in 2023 that should be on your playlist. Today, we are shaking things up, my friend.
I won’t lie to you, I listen to a ton of music, which means there are probably bound to be at least a few bands and artists that I listen to that are, well, weird. But I think that’s a good thing!
Some of the weirder, more left field music that I have checked out has been some of the coolest, best music that I’ve ever heard.
Sometimes you just have to open up your mind a little bit. There is some crazy good music out there that you don’t know about. You might not initially think its for you, but the next thing you know you’re on an unbelievable journey that sticks with you once it ends.
It’s something that has happened to me more times than I can count, and it’s always a cool experience. I want you to have that same experience, and these are some songs that I think could help you with that,
Let’s get weird!
Concrete Over Water – Jockstrap
We’re starting off with a song that I’ve only recently found a new appreciation for.
In case you don’t know, Jockstrap is comprised of two musicians. Them being Taylor Skye, the man behind most of the production, and Georgia Ellery, who’s bright, youthful vocals can turn Jockstrap’s borderline off-putting sound into something so elegant and beautiful at the flip of a switch.
Jockstrap’s debut full-length album, I Love You Jennifer B, was one of the most out there, boundary pushing records released in 2022. The album had many highlights, but Concrete Over Water is my personal favourite.
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I think this is a smart choice on my end, as there are some really interesting production choices on this album that may seem way too weird for some, so this is one that might be easier for new listeners to ease themselves into.
This is an elegant art-pop ballad filled with luscious production and chillingly beautiful vocals. The song’s chorus then transitions into an electronic burst. The keys and synths are flying, with some string elements in the mix as well.
If you’re up for it, I’d highly recommend checking out their performance of this track at Mercury Prize 2023. It was that performance that made me appreciate this song even more. Georgia’s vocals sound even better live than in the studio recording. A truly stunning performance.
Like I said, Concrete Over Water should help ease you in to this band. A stunning art-pop song from front to back.
Crossburner- The Dillinger Escape Plan
Get ready to bang your head in odd time signatures, because this one is an all out mathcore masterpiece.
The Dillinger Escape Plan were one of the best bands that metal has ever seen. Their crazy fusions of math rock and metalcore, combined with their notorious reputation for putting on the wildest live shows, made for them to become one of the most beloved bands in the underground metal scene.
Notice how I’m using past tense? Yeah, unfortunately Dillinger parted ways in December, 2017, and was apparently due to creative differences within the group.
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Dillinger’s fifth studio album, One Of Us Is The Killer, was released in 2013 and was one of the band’s most critically acclaimed records, with fans still citing it as one of the group’s best.
For me, it’s my personal favourite Dillinger record. It’s just so consistent, I don’t think there’s a single dud on the entire record.
Crossburner is probably my personal favourite track from the album. I think this is the best one to listen to get a sense of the multiple directions that the band can pull you into. One moment Greg Puciato is unleashing the most ungodly screams you can imagine, followed by him taking a cleaner, quieter, and almost sinister vocal style. The band can change dynamics and pacing so effortlessly, and it’s part of the reason as to why they’re so great.
This track is a bit of a slow burner compared to most of the band’s catalogue, but that all changes after the second chorus.
The mathcore elements of their sound really come alive in the second leg of the track. The progressions in this bridge section are incredible, and flow together so seamlessly without sounding jumbled or out of control.
The amount of music theory knowledge one must know in order to sound like they know absolutely nothing about it is an underrated skillset.
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The Dillinger Escape Plan were one of the greats in the genre. On one hand, it really is unfortunate that they parted ways a few years ago, but a more positive outlook could be that their discography didn’t leave fans with any duds. Short, sweet, consistent, and chaotic, this band was something special, and Crossburner might just be their magnum opus. A brilliant metal song that’ll leave you in a constant state of anticipation.
Before we continue, I thought I’d shout out some other songs by artists that I think are worth checking out.
Stereo Colour Cloud (Shaman’s Dream) – Sampha
Sampha’s latest record is one of the more unique listens of 2023. This song is what kicks off the album and is a perfect tone setter.
Sugar/Tsu – Black Midi
Black Midi are one of the best bands of the decade so far. The aforementioned Sugar/Tsu is maybe the best example of what they’re all about.
Thunder – Maruja
Maruja are an up and coming post-rock outfit that has shown a lot of promise. Thunder is their most intense track, while also showcasing some of the more luscious passages the band is capable of pulling off.
Dream Genie – Lightning Bolt
Lightning Bolt are legends in the noise rock sphere. Dream Genie is one of the loudest songs I have ever heard, even though it’s mainly just bass, vocals, and drums.
Dancer – IDLES, LCD Soundsystem
This is the newest song from UK punk band, IDLES, and features LCD Soundsystem providing some instrumental flare.
IDLES are one of the best punk bands in music right now, and LCD Soundsystem has garnered a reputation as one of the best dance/electronic punk acts of all time. Them fusing their powers together for one track was unexpected, but oh, so amazing in every facet.
For a band that’s all about fun, positivity, and loving yourself, Dancer might be the IDLES’ best in terms of just making you feel good. The song encourages the listener to move, and they make it pretty much impossible to not.
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The surf rock guitars, the thick, distorted bass tone, LCD Soundsystem’s production choices, and Joseph Talbot’s gruff, raspy vocal style make this an absolute banger, and one of the best songs of 2023.
IDLES are releasing their fifth studio record, TANGK, this February. If I were you, this would be one to listen to once it’s out, as IDLES have been uber consistent for the past half-decade or so.
If Dancer is any indicator as for what’s to come for the band, then this is an exciting new direction. Regardless, the album is by IDLES, meaning it’ll probably be fire no matter what.