We did it (sort of)! Ear Coffee survived it's first full year, and there were only a half dozen or so hiatuses of varying lengths. As the hell-year known as 2018 is closing, we (as undoubtedly professional music critics) are yet again forced by the will of God to make lists of the music we liked. There were a lot of great local albums that were released this year that we did not cover for this list, but that doesn't mean they aren't worth listening to. Please enjoy the following selection of Wes and Joe's favorite local records of 2018. Check out our podcast episode covering many of these releases too - link at the bottom of the article!
It's rare for something released in January to sound as fresh as it first did at the end of the year. This single from the Dead Century has stayed true as some of the best material from the year. The band showcased all of their talents on both sides of the single. "One More Year" is the more expansive song, providing a heartland rock-inspired take on the band's sound. The guitars ricochet around while Nick Check weaves a classic tale of patience and romance. It builds to a heart-on-sleeve tremolo guitar solo that powers the song to its climax. The B-side, "Molly," while no less energetic, showcases the band's slower side. Driven by a restless acoustic guitar line, it minimizes the band so the lyrics can stay at the forefront. The production on both tracks is more full-fledged than on last year's solid Nevada Sun EP and it amplifies everything the band does. - Wes
Recommended for: loners, fans of the War on Drugs.
Looking for a Painful Death, the fiery debut from Tongue Party, is the album that punks across the Great White North needed. The band expands on the sound they cultivated on their previous two EPs with guitar and bass blending together to create a slurry of noise that almost demands to be listened to at deafening volumes. They blend together elements of noise, thrash and punk music into cohesive and yet dynamic performances. Clocking in at just a hair over 20 minutes, the nine tracks on this debut record do not leave you feeling shortchanged. - Joe
Recommended for: people who love the early Metz releases, Big Black, Gay Witch Abortion.
When Ear Coffee talked with Calvin Heights in July, Brett Carey and Jordan Wipf hinted at the end of the band. They were moving onto their next stages in their personal and creative lives, and Talented Sun is the best way close this chapter. Those feelings of change have left marks all over this record, whether they are welcome or not. A plodding downbeat found throughout the album creates a feeling that you need to keep up or be left behind. Talented Sun is also the only of the Calvin Heights records to feature creative input from both Carey and Wipf. Where 2017's Worst Calligraphy had a nebulous and raw undercurrent, Talented Sun takes that energy and puts in a bottle. This record is the perfect entrance into the catalog of this band's music. It still has all the aggression and chaos found on the older material, but also features hooks and melodies that you can find yourself humming long after the album finishes. - Joe
Recommended for: fans of Grinderman, Deerhunter.
Stone Arch Isles - Kingdoms EP
This EP was the sun-drenched folk release we deserved this year. The group quietly embody an optimism that was much needed and the full range of this belief was displayed on Kingdoms. Boasting three vocalists, each track weaves in and out of the listener's consciousness with grandiose harmonies and devoted performances. While the instrumental aspect of the songs can feel subdued, the varied and unique performances provide a beautiful diving board from which the lyrics and melodies can spring. - Wes
Recommended for: fans of Fleet Foxes and early Dirty Projectors, people that like happiness.
Murf is the best Robocop themed hardcore band you will ever hear. Listening to Murf in the morning gives the listener effects similar to having a cup of coffee or doing meth. - Joe
Recommended for: fans of Tongue Party, Metz, Iron Reagan, Getting Stabbed, EyeHateGod.
Minneapolis has a funky legacy, mostly due to the immortal Prince. His shadow hangs over virtually any pop music made by local bands. Fortunately, that's almost always a good thing. Early Eyes have an incredible sense of melody that they completely uncork on their second EP of the year. The hints of soul and funk that tinge the indie pop sound they cultivate are delightfully tasteful. There isn't a second where the band sounds out of sync. Each perfect turn and unexpected chord add up to one of the catchiest and most danceable records of the year. - Wes
Recommended for: fans of Prince, Hot Fuss-era The Killers, Foster the People; people that don't need an excuse to dance.
I'll let my review do most of the talking. Scrunchies released one of the most engaging and consistent punk albums of 2018 and you'd be doing yourself a disservice by missing out on it.
Recommended for: punks, anyone with ears.
Just over two years ago the three members of Gully Boys did not know how to play their respective instruments. The act of learning an instrument well enough to make rock records is a play straight out of the punk and DIY book; however, Kaytee Callahan, Natalie Kelmond, and Nadirah McGill would vigorously deny being labeled as punk. Instead, Not So Brave is a collection of sunny emo tunes. Much like other alternative bands with pop sentiments, Gully Boys takes the sadder moments in one's life and turns them into something you can bop along to. - Joe
Recommended for: Charly Bliss, Skating Polly, Goat Girl, Hole.
Honorable Mentions
- Dreams We've Had - Dear Friend, The World is Still Beautiful EP, various singles
- Spelt Melk Collective - Title Redacted
- Why Not - Spring Cleaning, "Ready 4 the World" single
- Juniper Douglas - Error to Introspection
- Atomic Cafe - Further EP
- Kate Malanaphy - In and Under EP
- Miloe - Miloe EP, "Space and Time" single
- The Clean Tramps - "Oxygen Thief," "Poison," "Inbetweeners," "Night Chats," and "Little Offenders"
- Double Grave - Empty Hands
- Jed LaPlant - I'll See You Again
- Twin Lakes - Stag
- The Foreingtry - 11 20 & The Dennis Album
- Another Heaven - For Ever For Ever For Ever For Ever For Ever
- Alexander Natalie Band - How Much Could You Ask of Me
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