2023 was an exciting year for music for us at ALTESCAPE within both the Birmingham scene and the wider world of underground music. With so many releases, it’s easy for many projects to slip under the radar; so, this article aims to point you in the direction of some releases we have been enjoying that you may have missed.
are we there yet? - pip
Back in March, this local experimental indie band released their debut EP, celebrating with a release gig. The EP shows the songwriting talents of pip in full force, complete with surprising progressive turns, heartfelt lyricism, and impressive instrumentation. pip are likely to be a band to look out for in the future, especially for people close to the Birmingham indie scene as they represent an off-kilter approach to indie music not heard in many other places.
RPG- Me Lost Me
Newcastle freak folk artist Jayne Dent, AKA Me Lost Me, released her most layered and luscious album this year which conceptually deals with looking at the world as if it were a video game. This gives the album a unique opportunity to deal with songwriting and storytelling from a surprisingly detached yet immersive perspective as is the case on tracks such as ‘Eye Witness’. Her deeply nuanced approach to electronic instrumentation and vocal layering makes this album an entrancing and deeply addictive experience.
We’ll Burn That Bridge When We Get to It- Good Cop and People Look Like Dogs
This split from anarcho-punk outfits Good Cop and People Look Like Dogs is a brutal, incisive, and witty release. The bands draw on crust punk and hardcore influences to create a harsh, crushing atmosphere, bordering on the edge of harsh noise due to these huge walls of noise. Make sure you check them out live in the UK the next time you can.
Broken Circle- Zyggurat
This electronic tinged jazz improv release is a hypnotic experience that feels deeply immersive. The blending of these styles is a unique approach that swells and builds in a highly satisfying glitchy bliss. If you are a fan of atmospheric jazz and electronic music, this is a project you should keep your eye on.
Several Songs About Fire - A. Savage
Parquet Courts co-frontperson Andrew Savage released his second solo album which is a meditative lyrical exploration of belonging, leaving, and growing older. It’s a deeply sobering experience with some of the most incredible lyricism of the year. Instrumentally, it jumps between country twang, singer songwriter, folk, and 90s style alternative rock just to name a few, which all combines in a listening experience you keep coming back to.
Western Cum - Cory Hanson
This album is in love with the sounds of classic rock acts from the 70s but brings them to life in a new revivalist approach similar to 3D Country by Geese which was also released this year. This psychedelic approach to the classic rock style brings a refreshing sound with its riffy leads and headbanging highs, as well as it’s more somber or low-key moments.
PUBLIC ENEMY - SPEW
Everything is perfect records’ Tony Bontana has come through with a hardcore highlight sporting shouty and catchy lead vocals, oppressive rhythms, and loud brutal aesthetics. This Birmingham based project has been playing multiple gigs in the city, so don’t miss your opportunity to see them live in the new year.
The Wrong Side of the Bed - Blasphemous Basement
The zany and ever prolific underground band Blasphemous Basement released their self-described Punk record, dropping in December after a long album filled year for the band. This album is crushing, groovy, and highly energetic, featuring incredible drumming and impressive clipped vocals. Lyrically, the band are incredibly off the wall and comedic in nature, making this odd combination one that I have been unable to stop coming back to since it released.
Many Tiny Boxes - Many Tiny Boxes
Many Tiny Boxes is an art/noise pop project that released one of the catchiest but harrowing albums of the year. It’s an honest depiction of mental health issues regarding death, grief, and paranoia which utilises abrasive and harsh musicality to represent them. Whether it’s the heart wrenching soft moments, or the pumping highly energetic bangers such as Down The Pit, this album covers a lot of ground and executes it incredibly effectively. It’s a deeply unique and personal album which you wouldn’t want to miss.
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