SYDNEY'S TOP TEN ALBUMS OF 2020

Do you ever start using a word ironically only to have it sneak its way into your vocabulary full-time? Me neither. Anyway, I will be referring to the absolute banger of the album as the bruh.
 
According to Spotify my top song of 2020 was Your Body Is The World by Mineral (2019). A close second: Not by Big Thief (2019)

Let’s get into it.

Lomelda - Hannah

Genre: Folk, Indie Rock

Hannah Read always leans heavily with vulnerability in her albums, and this one is no exception. Paired with her introspective lyrics, this record is as raw as it gets. Read’s voice cracks can only be compared to the likes of Owen Keeler. I can’t be the only one here who likes listening to sad songs when they’re already depressed? Hannah does that for me.

Bruh: Hannah Sun, Wonder

Phoebe Bridgers - Punisher 

Genre: Emo, Indie Rock 

This is an obvious one. It’s on everyone’s 2020 list and for good reason. The first time I heard Garden Song I felt like I was having a heart attack. Bridger’s voice is somehow both minimalistic and dramatic. 

Bruh: Garden Song

Touché Amoré - Lament

Genre: Post-Hardcore, Emo, Melodic-Hardcore 

Touché can seemingly do no wrong. Following their last album in 2016 (if you don’t count live or remastered albums, which I don’t), Lament is quickly becoming one of my favourite Touché albums. Andy Hull (of Manchester Orchestra and Right Away, Great Captain!) coming in hot at the 3 minute mark of Limelight was unexpectedly chilling with the combination of his voice and Jeremy Bolm singing the chorus on repeat in the background.

Bruh: Feign, A Broadcast, I’ll Be Your Host, Lament, Limelight 

Lianne La Havas - Lianne La Haves

Genre: Contemporary Soul

I first heard Lianne La Haves during a 4am Tiny Desk Concert spiral and have been obsessed ever since. This album is pure honey. (I'm not sure what that means either, but you’ll understand when you listen).

Bruh: Can’t Fight, Paper Thin 

PUP - This Place Sucks Ass 

Genre: Punk Rock, Pop-Punk

PUP is one of those consistently good bands. They’ve got a distinct sound that they don’t stray far from. This Place Sucks Ass is a step up from their 2019 album, Morbid Stuff. However, it doesn’t quite compare to their 2013 self-titled or 2016’s The Dream Is Over. There. I said it. 

Bruh: Rot

Svalbard - When I Die, Will I Get Better?

Genre: Melodic-hardcore, Screamo

    

Aggressive melodies paired with brutally honest lyrics that touch on mental illness, sexism, and above all else, solidarity in the face of misogyny and abuse. What more could you ask for?

Bruh: Silent Restraint 

Violent Soho - Everything Is A-OK 

Genre: Alternative Rock, Grunge

Bruh: Pick It Up Again, Slow Down Sonic

 

Fleet Foxes - Shore 

Genre: Indie Folk, Psychedelic Folk

Bruh: Can I Believe You  

METZ - Atlas Vending

Genre: Noise Rock, Post-punk, Punk Rock

Bruh: A Boat To Drown In, Hail Taxi

 

Land Of Talk - Indistinct Conversations

Genre: Indie Rock 

I ordered Indistinct Conversations after becoming obsessed with Land Of Talk's 2017 album, Life After Youth. Although Indistinct Conversations doesn’t quite measure up, the intensity of Elizabeth Powell’s voice is unparalleled which is why it’s featured in my top of 2020. +10 points for Canadian female, singer-songwriter. 

Bruh: Weight Of That Weekend