OK, so as you many have caught on at this point, these guest lists are often just from bands that I really enjoyed from the year in which we run them. I'm not ashamed of that, I think it makes for a really good variety and, most of all, makes these posts fun for me to write. When looking back at 2024 then, Overhead, The Albatross were a natural candidate for me to reach out. Not only had I, back in 2024, waiting for years for a new release from them but the album that did end up coming out, I Leave You This, exceeded my every expectation. I've written about it plenty so I won't bore you again but the most important takeaway which will be relevant to this list is how eclectic and surprising that release was.
Which maybe should have prepared for their guest list but, for some reason, it didn't. Regardless of me being prepared for it, Overhead, The Albatross' list contains mainly albums that I've never even heard of, let alone listened to. Which makes for the best kind of list because I get to discover it alongside you. See how I tied that to the opening of this post? I'm sleek like that. Anyway, check out this absolutely fascinating list and, of course, don't forget to listen to the equally fascinating I Leave You This.
“Starfire” - Darko US
Drummer of Emmure and the singer of Chelsea Grin, get together to give you an experimental deathcore album. This album rattles through genres and styles so beautifully and seamlessly that it leaves you laughing at the sheer madness of the whole thing. It’s a full body experience and one that they have done so tastefully that it never feels out of place, with techno beats and post rock builds, sounds of people orgasming, choral parts and acoustic guitar and all the time being true to their deathcore roots.
“In Waves” - Jamie xx
Another album that bobs and weaves through the electronic genres. At times it’s like you’re listening to the radio and someone is changing the stations, or you're just inside the mind of someone with ADHD. Jamie rifles and blends electronic genres seamlessly, with an expertise that suggests that he is literally made of dance music. This feels like a nostalgic trip into his psyche. It’s great driving music and kept me company on many a long journey.
"Three" by Four Tet
Four Tet’s Three feels like it was made just for me, to remind me that I don't need to have a million layers of instruments in every song! The way it blends organic sounds with electronic textures is both soothing and stimulating. Each track pulls me into its world, with melodies that feel intimate and rhythms that surprise me every time. It’s music that grows with every listen—layered, emotional, and completely mesmerising. It continues to put me in a meditative state, I'm envious of it's simplicity. My stand-out track is "Storm Crystals".
"There Must Be Something" by Acloudyskye
Acloudyskye's There Must Be Something feels like a journey through emotion and memory. The production is stunning—delicate pianos and strings blend effortlessly with glitchy beats, creating something both intimate and expansive. Each track feels carefully built, with every sound adding to the story. It gives me throwback vibes to my emo days, but reworked in a completely new way sonically. The track Fossils reminds me of my early days writing music with Overhead The Albatross, feeling so alive, excited and briming with that youthful energy. My stand-out track is "Depths".
“Fine Art” by Kneecap
Last year, Fine Art by the Irish language rap trio Kneecap drew me back into their music in a big way. After a long pause, I decided to save my first listen of this album for a late-night drive back from a gig. The intro track, "3CAG," features Radie Peat from Lankum, one of my favorite singers. Coupled with DJ Proví production, it took the experience to a whole new level. I remember it hitting me like a ton of bricks—instant goosebumps and a rush of energy. The following four or five tracks transformed me from feeling tired and cold, just wanting to get home, tobuzzing and bopping along. By the third listen, I found myself screaming along at the top of my lungs.
One of my favorite tracks is "Better Way to Live" featuring Grian Chatten from Fontaines DC. It’s driven by a delicious funky bassline that resonates with my bass-playing heart, making it my default sound check bassline.
“songs for the deceased" by Meryl Streak
I first heard electro-punk artist Meryl Streak in an interview a few years ago. At the end of the discussion, they played his track "If This Is Life." Much of the conversation centered around the current state of housing in Ireland, highlighting how many people are priced out of the housing market and how others struggle to afford rent in most areas of the country. "Songs for Deceased" powerfully captures the rage and frustration felt by many regarding housing and the broader social issues plaguing Irish Society. It's been my go to record when I'm angry and fed up with the state of things.
“Reich:six pianos” - Leon Weder
Another album I listen to on a late-night drive back from a gig. Luke recommended it to me just as I was getting into the car. I had been a fan of Steve Reich's music, but I hadn't engaged with that kind of classical/minimalist genre for a while. Although I had come across remixes of his work before, Leon Weder's reworking of "Six Pianos" not only breathed new life into this music for me but also reminded me of why I love it so much.
The beautiful blend of the original piano composition with contemporary production created one of those perfect moments when the music was exactly what I needed for where my head was at the time.
“Cure” - Erra
Metal band Erra’s fifth album. Crushingly heavy mixed with the beautifully melodic. Lovely breakdowns singing and heft. Gorgeous shimmering guitar riffs mixed in with some sexy tapping. The screaming reminds me of an old Irish metal band Red Enemy, unfortunately they don’t play anymore. Spent many a night with my housemate getting stuck into this drinking lots of vodka and head banging.
“Your Life is Over” - Bicurious
Dublin duo released another absolute belter last year. More riffs, singing and chanting. Amazing how hefty the two piece can be. Great melodies and riffs and catchy vocal hooks, what more do you want. “Post Rock” but they are a blend of math rock, grunge and poppunk, with influences of ASWIFA in there. Fun and great live.
“MO LÉAN” - RÓIS
Another Irish artist that’s just come onto my radar. Absolutely incredible haunting voice that is filled with Irish tradition and pain. Has the Fever Ray style attachment to the past. Mixed with incredible electronics, synths and jazzy vocal harmonies. A dreamlike quality to the music that allows you to travel through time. Another member of the contemporary artists in Ireland who are reinterpreting traditional Irish music, a glorious album!