Music Liberation

ALBUMS OF THE MONTH: MARCH, APRIL, AND MAY 2026

noreply@blogger.com (Jon Sidwell) — Tue, 19 May 2026 12:45:15 +0000

Catching up with some great albums from March - May 2026.

Station Model Violence 'Station Model Violence' (Static Shock Records)

The debut self-titled album from Australian post-punk four piece, Station Model Violence. Fuzzy guitars and a repetitive tempo drive most of the songs on this 10 track album, available via Static Shock Records.

Chalk 'Crystalpunk' (Alter Music)

Hey Colossus 'Heaven Was Wild' (Wrong Speed Records)

Nathan Fake 'Evaporator' (InFine)

Armed For Apocalypse 'The Earth Is Breathing Beneath Me' (Church Road Records)

ALBUMS OF THE MONTH: JANUARY AND FEBRUARY 2026

noreply@blogger.com (Jon Sidwell) — Tue, 10 Mar 2026 13:59:00 +0000

It's been a solid start to 2026 so far with some interesting albums coming out, here's a few recommended by Music Liberation.

Shaking Hand 'Shaking Hand' (Melodic)

Debut self titled album from Shaking Hand, a trio from Manchester. The 7 track album is led by sprawling guitars aplenty, taking reference from a wide range of rock bands across several era's whilst maintaining a clear future thinking direction of their own.

Courtney Marie Andrews 'Valentine' (Loose Future)

Valentine is the ninth studio album from Courtney Marie Andrews, a singer-songwriter from Phoenix, Arizona. Co-produced by Jerry Bernhardt, the 10 track album is perhaps her most open yet, with bold arrangements and an emphasis on the recording straight to tape.

Ulrika Spacek 'EXPO' (Full Time Hobby)

Recorded between London and Stockholm, Expo is the latest album from Reading 5-piece experimental rock band Ulrika Spacek.

PVA 'No More Like This' (It's All For Fun)

London based electronic trio PVA follow up their 2022 debut 'Blush' with 'No More Like This' - an exciting blend of synth pop and rave ready beats.

Winged Wheel 'Desert So Green' (12XU)

Experimental psych rock US supergroup Winged Wheel.

MUSIC LIBERATION : TOP 10 ALBUMS OF 2025

noreply@blogger.com (Jon Sidwell) — Wed, 31 Dec 2025 14:57:00 +0000

Here’s the top 10 albums from Music Liberation in 2025:

1. Moreish Idols 'All In The Game' (Speedy Wunderground / PIAS)

'All In The Game' is the debut album from Moreish Idols, a five piece from Falmouth in Cornwall. The 11 track record was produced by Dan Carey and is available via Speedy Wunderground, it showcases the bands varied style from post-punk, jazz, and psych-pop.

2. //LESS 'Crawl in the Blur' (A Tant Rever Du Roi)

Debut album from noise-rock, post-punk french band ///LESS available via A Tant Rever Du Roi.

3. The Belair Lips Bombs - 'Again' (Third Man Records)

Again is the 2nd album from The Belair Lip Bombs from Melbourne, Australia, a power pop indie rock band.

4. Bloodsports - 'Anything Can Be A Hammer' (Good English Records)

Bloodsports are a New York based noise rock four piece with a melodic flair. Anything Can Be A Hammer is their debut album available through Good English Records, it was recorded in Brooklyn at Studio G.

5. Abdomen ‘Yes I Don’t Know’ (FatCat)

‘Yes I Don’t Know’ is the debut album from Netherlands versatile rock trio Abdomen, available through FatCat Records. The 12 track album lurches from volatile tracks to ones which are more groove led. It’s a captivating listen.

6. Sophie Jamieson ‘I Still Want To Share’(Bella Union)

The 2nd album from London based singer songwriter Sophie Jamieson, whom we’ve been fans of since 2013 when we crowned ‘Where’as our EP of the year. ‘I Still Want To Share’ is Sophie’s boldest album yet, collaborated yet still fiercely independent, a delicate collection of intricate songs which cleverly weave around the emotions of living.

7. Flora Hibberd ‘Swirl’ (22Twenty)

'Swirl' is the debut album from Paris based British artist Flora Hibberd. A comprehensive listen taking in many styles, the multi-instrumentalist pulls everything together in a pleasant, compact style.

8. bdrmm ‘Microtonic’ (Rock Action)

The third album from Hull’s shoegaze come electronica inspired quartet, bdrmm. The 10 track album seems like their most complete so far, taking the best of their washed out guitar bits from their previous two albums and melding them with a more dance focused direction.

9. Chartreuse - 'Bless You & Be Well' (Communion Group)

Chartreuse are a quartet from the West Midlands and Bless You & Be Well is the band's follow up to their debut 'Morning Ritual' in 2023.

10. Horsegirl ‘Phonetics On and On’(Matador)

Produced by Cate Le Bon, ‘Phonetics On and On’ is the addictive 2nd album from the New York trio Horsegirl.

ALBUMS OF THE MONTH: AUGUST - OCTOBER 2025

noreply@blogger.com (Jon Sidwell) — Tue, 11 Nov 2025 14:02:00 +0000

Here's another selection of recommended albums from the past few months.

Bloodsports - 'Anything Can Be A Hammer' (Good English Records)

Bloodsports are a New York based noise rock four piece with a melodic flair. Anything Can Be A Hammer is their debut album available through Good English Records, it was recorded in Brooklyn at Studio G.

Ganser - 'Animal Hospital' (felte)

Animal Hospital is the most recent album from Chicago art-punk trio Ganser. The album was recorded at Jamdek Studios with their longtime collaborater Angus Andrew from Liars.

Big Thief - 'Double Infinity' (4AD)

Double Infinity is the sixth album from Big Thief, out via 4AD. It was recorded live with minimal overdubs and produced by Dom Monks.

Chartreuse - 'Bless You & Be Well' (Communion Group)

Chartreuse are a quartet from the West Midlands and Bless You & Be Well is the band's follow up to their debut 'Morning Ritual' in 2023.

Row Of Ashes - 'Tide Into Ruin' (Road To Masochist)

Tide Into Ruin is the latest album from Row Of Ashes, available via Road To Masochist. The album is a blend of hardcore metal with sludge and noise rock.

C.Y.M - 'C.Y.M' (Roma Recordings)

C.Y.M is a combination of Vampire Weekend's Chris Baio and Fort Romeau (Mike Greene) with the self titled debut album on Roma Recordings.

Auntie Flo - 'Birds Of Paradise' (A State Of Flo)

Auntie Flo is electronic artist Brian d'Souza, and Birds Of Paradise is his latest album. The record blends Afro-latin beats with more conventional 4/4 patterns.

The Belair Lips Bombs - 'Again' (Third Man Records)

Again is the 2nd album from The Belair Lip Bombs from Melbourne, Australia, a power pop indie rock band.

ALBUMS OF THE MONTH: MARCH - JULY 2025

noreply@blogger.com (Jon Sidwell) — Wed, 13 Aug 2025 12:49:00 +0000

Here’s the latest round up of recommended albums, this time between March and July 2025.

Moreish Idols 'All In The Game' (Speedy Wunderground / PIAS)

Σtella 'Adagio' (Sub Pop Records)

Greek artist Σtella follows up her 2022 Sub Pop debut 'Up And Away' with 'Adagio'. Her fifth record is a more personal offering than her previous work, and is the first to contain some tracks sung in her native greek language. The album is a light, airy, and soothing listena across the short 27 minutes.

Tunic 'A Harmony of Loss Has Been Sung'(Midwest Debris)

'A Harmony of Loss Has Been Sung' is the fourth album from Canadian noise rock band Tunic. Six songs that are uncompromisingly raw, but eloquentley put together.

Emma-Jean Thackray 'Weirdo'(Brownswood Music)

The 2nd album from Emma-Jean Thackray, 'Weirdo' is a collection of 19 upbeat jazz and funk tracks, available via Giles Peterson's record label Brownswood Recordings and Parlaphone Records.

Model/Actriz 'Pirouette' (True Panther Records / Dirty Hit)

Brooklyn quartet return with their 2nd album 'Pirouette' through True Panther Records and Dirty Hit. A swirling album of post-punk energy and electronic leanings with the vocals from Cole Haden taking cente stage.

Viagra Boys 'viagr aboys' (Shrimptech Enterprises)

Another chaotic album from Viagra Boys, 'viagr aboys' is their fourth studio record and continues to highlight their social and political views with an at times absurd hilarity.

Preoccupations 'Ill at ease' (To Born Losers Records)

'Ill At Ease' is the fifth album from Canadian post-punk band Preoccupations. A lighter sound sonically than previous offerings, the album still contains lyrics dealing with a prophesized end of the world.

Billy Nomates 'Metalhorse' (Invada Records)

'Metalhorse' is the third album from Billy Nomates. It's a more wholesome, complete record to previous albums, focusing on tracks that fuse a punk ethos with more pop and folk sounds.

Beef 'Doing Everything You Could' (Beef Records)

Beef are an all female hardcore punk band from Philadephia, 'Doing Everything You Could' is a punchy, vocal driven collection of tracks full of energy and direction.

//LESS 'Crawl in the Blur' (A Tant Rever Du Roi)

Debut album from noise-rock, post-punk french band ///LESS available via A Tant Rever Du Roi.

ALBUMS OF THE MONTH: JANUARY AND FEBRUARY 2025

noreply@blogger.com (Jon Sidwell) — Wed, 05 Mar 2025 18:41:00 +0000

Here’s the first round up of great albums released so far in 2025, these are from January and February.

Abdomen ‘Yes I Don’t Know’ (FatCat)

Sophie Jamieson ‘I Still Want To Share’ (Bella Union)

The 2nd album from London based singer songwriter Sophie Jamieson, whom we’ve been fans of since 2013 when we crowned ‘Where’as our EP of the year. ‘I Still Want To Share’ is Sophie’s boldest album yet, collaborated yet still fiercely independent, a delicate collection of intricate songs which cleverly weave around the emotions of living.

Flora Hibberd ‘Swirl’ (22Twenty)

'Swirl' is the debut album from Paris based British artist Flora Hibberd. A comprehensive listen taking in many styles, the multi-instrumentalist pulls everything together in a pleasant, compact style.

Horsegirl ‘Phonetics On and On’ (Matador)

Produced by Cate Le Bon, ‘Phonetics On and On’ is the addictive 2nd album from the New York trio Horsegirl.

FACS ‘Wish Defense’ (FACS)

‘Wish Defense’ is the 6th album from post punk band FACS, and it was the final album to be produced by the late great Steve Albini.

bdrm ‘Microtonic’ (Rock Action)

The third album from Hull’s shoegaze come electronica inspired quartet, bdrm. The 10 track album seems like their most complete so far, taking the best of their washed out guitar bits from their previous two albums and melding them with a more dance focused direction.

Deep Sea Diver ‘Billboard Heart’ (Sub Pop)

We’ve been fans of Deep Sea Diver since we loved their 2nd album Secrets back in 2016. Now they’re back with their fourth album ‘Billboard Heart’ and we’ve fallen in love again! There’s guitar riffs and solos aplenty, which combines perfectly with the intensity and range of Jessica Dobson’s vocals.

GLASTONBURY FESTIVAL: EMERGING TALENT COMPETITION 2025

noreply@blogger.com (Jon Sidwell) — Tue, 21 Jan 2025 10:26:00 +0000

It's one of our favourite times of the year for Music Liberation as we gear up for another year of the Glastonbury Emerging Talent Competition! The details behind the 2025 competition can be found over on the Glastonbury website with the key information being:

Acts from any musical genre can enter the 2025 competition FOR ONE WEEK ONLY using the form at glastonburyfestivals.co.uk from 9am Monday 27th January until 5pm Monday 3rd February 2025.

We're really excited for this years comp and can't wait to get cracking on hearing all the interesting acts that we hope will be entering! Get involved!

MUSIC LIBERATION : TOP 10 ALBUMS OF 2024

noreply@blogger.com (Jon Sidwell) — Tue, 31 Dec 2024 15:24:00 +0000

Here's the top 10 Albums for Music Liberation in 2024:

1. Been Stellar ‘Scream From New York, NJ’ (Dirty Hit)

Debut album from a 5 piece coming out of New York, Been Stellar are lazily compared with The Strokes but can potentially offer much more than that.

2. Bodega - 'Our Brand Could Be Yr Life' (Chrysalis Records)

3. Big Special - 'Postindustrial Hometown Blues (SO Recordings / Silva Screen Records)

4. Humanist 'On The Edge Of A Lost And Lonely World' (Bella Union)

Humanist is the project of Rob Marshall, who brings together a collection of vocalists to work with his stylish brand of New Wave.

5. Font 'Strange Burden' (Acrophase Records

Excuberant quintet from Austin, Texas, blending post-punk, neo-jazz, and synth pop.

6. King Hannah ‘Big Swimmer’ (City Slang)

The 2nd album from the Liverpudlian duo of Hannah Merrick and Craig Whittle, 11 tracks of part stripped back folk, part fuzzy noise rock, with the title track featuring Sharon Van Etten

7. Katy J Pearson ‘Someday, Now’ (Heavenly)

Album number three from Katy J Pearson, another fine collection of indie pop songs.

8. Fat Dog ‘Woof.’ (Domino)

'Woof' is the debut album from electro punks Fat Dog, a London based 5-piece.

9. Omni - 'Souvenir' (Sub Pop)

Souvenir is the fourth album from Atlanta post punk group Omni. Whilst the album is short at just over half an hour in length, it's still a complete body of work with the band having a driven almost mechanical precision.

10. Marika Hackman - 'Big Sigh' (Chrysalis Records)

We first covered Marika Hackman back in 2012 and have been following her progress ever since. After experimenting a little on her previous two albums, Big Sigh is a return to her trusted folk led indie pop.

ALBUMS OF THE MONTH: AUGUST AND SEPTEMBER 2024

noreply@blogger.com (Jon Sidwell) — Thu, 24 Oct 2024 12:51:00 +0000

Here’s the latest list of albums recommended by Music Liberation, these are from August and September 2024.

DEADLETTER ‘Hysterical Strength’ (To So Recordings)

Hysterical Strength is the debut album from Yorkshire's Deadletter.

Fat Dog ‘Woof.’ (Domino)

'Woof' is the debut album from electro punks Fat Dog, a London based 5-piece.

The Waeve ‘City Lights’ (Transgressive)

Second album from The Waeve, the duo of Rose Dougall and Graham Coxon.

Katy J Pearson ‘Someday, Now’ (Heavenly)

Album number three from Katy J Pearson, another fine collection of indie pop songs.

ALBUMS OF THE MONTH: JUNE AND JULY 2024

noreply@blogger.com (Jon Sidwell) — Thu, 08 Aug 2024 13:15:00 +0000

Here’s a bunch of great records discovered in June and July 2024.

King Hannah ‘Big Swimmer’ (City Slang)

The 2nd album from the Liverpudlian duo of Hannah Merrick and Craig Whittle, 11 tracks of part stripped back folk, part fuzzy noise rock, with the title track featuring Sharon Van Etten.

Been Stellar ‘Scream From New York, NJ’ (Dirty Hit)

Debut album from a 5 piece coming out of New York, Been Stellar are lazily compared with The Strokes but can potentially offer much more than that.

Humanist 'On The Edge Of A Lost And Lonely World' (Bella Union)

Humanist is the project of Rob Marshall, who brings together a collection of vocalists to work with his stylish brand of New Wave.

Robber Robber 'Wild Guess' (Robber Robber)

An exciting four-piece from Vermount, Canada - Wild Guess is their debut album containing 9 songs of expansive beat driven and fuzzy rock.

Font 'Strange Burden' (Acrophase Records

Excuberant quintet from Austin, Texas, blending post-punk, neo-jazz, and synth pop.

ALBUMS OF THE MONTH: MARCH, APRIL, MAY 2024

noreply@blogger.com (Jon Sidwell) — Sun, 02 Jun 2024 19:51:00 +0000

Here's the latest update of new recommended albums, covering March, April, and May 2024.

Bodega - 'Our Brand Could Be Yr Life' (Chrysalis Records)

Corridor - 'Mimi' (Sub Pop)

Big Special - 'Postindustrial Hometown Blues (SO Recordings / Silva Screen Records)

Metz - 'Up On Gravity Hill' (Sub Pop)

Parra For Cuva - 'Mimose' (Parra For Cuva)

Oceanvs Orientalis - 'Portrait Of The Obscure' (Crosstown Rebels)

ALBUMS OF THE MONTH: JANUARY AND FEBRUARY 2024

noreply@blogger.com (Jon Sidwell) — Sun, 10 Mar 2024 13:54:00 +0000

Here's some excellent albums that came out in January and February 2024, there's a few new artists and there's those that we've covered before, check out the links to find out more about them!

Yin Yin - 'Mount Matsu' (Glitterbeat Records)

Yin Yin are a Dutch quartet displaying a fantastic mix of styles here, from psychedelic folk to bouncy disco, effortlessly blending guitars with beats.

Slift - 'Ilion' (Sub Pop)

Ilion is the third album from French trio Slift, an 8 track LP coming in at almost 80 minutes, during which they play out their heavy riffs and prog sequences, which at times is quite hypnotic.

meth - 'Shame' (Prosthetic Records)

This is not a record for those faint of heart, with bludgeoning doom and black metal guitars and guttural vocals, these 7 songs provide a dark and unrelenting listen.

Omni - 'Souvenir' (Sub Pop)

Marika Hackman - 'Big Sigh' (Chrysalis Records)

Bassolino - 'Citta Futura' EP (Jakarta Records)

A funky, latin inspired 6-track EP from Bassolino, containing bouncy horn sections, cosmic synths, intricate guitars, and gentle piano.

GLASTONBURY FESTIVAL: EMERGING TALENT COMPETITION 2024

noreply@blogger.com (Jon Sidwell) — Tue, 23 Jan 2024 14:24:00 +0000

Music Liberation is proud to once again be supporting the Glastonbury Festival Emerging Talent Competition, with the details for 2024 having just been announced!

The competition gives new UK and Ireland-based acts of any musical genre the chance to compete for a slot on one of the main stages at this year’s Festival.

The winners of the free-to-enter competition will also be awarded a £5,000 Talent Development prize from PRS Foundation to help take their songwriting and performing to the next level. Two runners-up will also each be awarded a £2,500 PRS Foundation Talent Development prize.

Acts from any musical genre can enter the 2024 competition FOR ONE WEEK ONLY using the form at glastonburyfestivals.co.uk from 9am Monday 29th January until 5pm Monday 5th February 2024. The Festival is committed to diversity and inclusivity and we welcome entries from disabled artists, who we will support to ensure they are not disadvantaged by the process.

Once the entries are in, a panel of 30 of the UK’s best music writers will help compile a longlist of 90 acts. The longlist will then be narrowed down to a shortlist of eight artists by judges including Glastonbury organisers Michael and Emily Eavis, before the live finals in Pilton decide the winning act.

Glastonbury co-organiser Emily Eavis said: “At a time when it’s not always easy for acts to get their foot on the ladder, we’re really happy to be able to offer this opportunity for rising artists. So many amazing acts have been showcased by the Emerging Talent Competition over the years – and, as with the Festival, we welcome artists from all musical genres. I’m really excited to hear what 2024’s entries bring. It’s free to enter, so it definitely can’t hurt to give it a go!”

Michelle Escoffery, President of the PRS Members’ Council, said: “Our continued partnership with Glastonbury Festival and our charity arm PRS Foundation aims to discover and champion the trailblazing homegrown talent we have in the UK and Ireland. The Emerging Talent Competition provides an exciting and unique platform for artists and bands to gain major exposure with new audiences and industry leaders, as well as the opportunity to win talent development prize money to elevate their music careers. If you’ve ever dreamed of performing at this iconic festival, now is the time. Submit your song and good luck!”

Joe Frankland, CEO, PRS Foundation said: “We’re delighted to be continuing to partner with our friends at Glastonbury Festival and PRS for Music on this fantastic opportunity for music creators to perform at the legendary Glastonbury Festival, as well as receiving vital funding support to develop their careers. The huge amount of talent this competition unearths each year is incredible – demonstrating the wealth of exciting artists coming through across the UK. We are very much looking forward to seeing which talented artists apply this year.””

The winner of the 2023 competition was the Guinea-born, Cardiff-based musician N’famady Kouyaté, who says of his experience: “Winning Glastonbury’s Emerging Talent Competition was amazing and has opened loads of doors for me. It gave me and the band a chance to perform on an amazing stage at an incredible festival. Winning also meant that I could take the next steps to further my career. If you think you’re ready to take the next steps too, I highly suggest you enter this year’s contest!”

Other recent Emerging Talent Competition finalists include Scottish singer-songwriter Lewis McLaughlin in 2022, 2020 lockdown winner R.A.E; 2019 winner Marie White, who later signed with Decca Records and Universal Publishing; rapper Flohio who won the prestigious Music Moves Europe Talent Award in 2020; R&B singer Izzy Bizu (a 2016 BRITs Critics’ Choice nominee and winner of the 2016 BBC Music Introducing Award); and singer-songwriter Declan McKenna, who won ETC 2015 and subsequently signed with Columbia and has released two successful albums. The 2017 ETC winner was singer Josh Barry, who has since toured with Rag’n’Bone Man and Gorgon City. Meanwhile, 2016 winners She Drew The Gun have received considerable acclaim for their politically-inspired psych-pop.

MUSIC LIBERATION - TOP 10 ALBUMS OF 2023

noreply@blogger.com (Jon Sidwell) — Sun, 31 Dec 2023 14:46:00 +0000

Another year rolls by on Music Liberation, here’s the top 10 albums from 2023.

Rozi Plain ‘Prize’ (Memphis Industries)
Zulu ‘A New Tomorrow’ (Flatspot Records)
Skinny Pelembe ‘Hardly The Same Snake’ (Partisan Records)
Slowe ‘Where The Mind Wanders’ (Tru Thoughts)
Mandy, Indiana ‘I’ve Seen A Way’ (Fire Talk)
Jonah Yano ‘Portrait Of A Dog’ (Innovative Leisure)
Tour-Maubourg ‘Space Of Silence’ (Pont Neuf Records)
Cloth ‘Secret Measure’ (Rock Action Records)
Bayonne ‘Temporary Time’ (Nettwork)
Pedro Ricardo ‘Soprem Bons Ventos’ (Soundway Records)

ALBUMS OF THE MONTH: JUNE, JULY, and AUGUST 2023

noreply@blogger.com (Jon Sidwell) — Fri, 15 Sep 2023 07:53:00 +0000

The past few months have flown by! Fortunately there’s been some excellent new albums to keep us all going, here’s a few that Music Liberation recommends:

ARTIST: Bayonne

ALBUM: Temporary Time

LABEL: Nettwork Music Group

GENRE: Indie Pop

ARTIST: Keaton Henson

ALBUM: House Party

LABEL: Play It Again Sam

GENRE: Folk

ARTIST: bar italia

ALBUM: Tracy Denim

LABEL: Matador Records

GENRE: Alternative Pop

ARTIST: Demons

ALBUM: Under The Western Heel

LABEL: Knife Hits Records

GENRE: Alternative Rock

ARTIST: Slowe

ALBUM: Where The Mind Wanders

LABEL: Tru Thoughts

GENRE: Neo Soul

ARTIST: Puma Blue

ALBUM: Holy Waters

LABEL: Blue Flowers

GENRE: Alternative Pop

ARTIST: The Gorge

ALBUM: Mechanical Fiction

LABEL: Pelagic Records

GENRE: Metal

ARTIST: Bonny Doon

ALBUM: Let There Be Music

LABEL: Anti Records

GENRE: Alternative Rock/Pop

ALBUMS OF THE MONTH: MARCH, APRIL, and MAY 2023

noreply@blogger.com (Jon Sidwell) — Sun, 11 Jun 2023 19:58:00 +0000

Here's some recommended albums from the past few months, go stream or buy the physical format, support the labels, and enjoy!!

ARTIST: Zulu

ALBUM: A New Tomorrow

LABEL: Flatspot Records

GENRE: Hardcore Metal

LA group with a fresh take on Hardcore metal/punk, it's loud, fast, has reggae and soul samples, and a strong identity an theme throughout.

ARTIST: The Bloodstreams

ALBUM: How To Be A God

LABEL: The Bloodstrems

GENRE: Alternative Rock

South London alternative rockers with the panache of 60's psychedelia and 80's theatrics.

ARTIST: Cloth

ALBUM: Secret Measure

LABEL: Rock Action Records

GENRE: Alternative Rock

Glasgow duo's 2nd album, crossing rock with pop.

ARTIST: Skinny Pelembe

ALBUM: Hardly The Same Snake

LABEL: Partisan Records

GENRE: Jazz/Rock/Funk

With a wide range of styles on offer, Skinny Pelembe from Doncaster exudes confidence.

ARTIST: Mandy, Indiana

ALBUM: I've Seen A Way

LABEL: Fire Talk

GENRE: Electronic/Rock

The debut album from Mandy, Indiana - a chaotic affair ranging from club electronica to scruffy rock and everything in between.

ARTIST: Tinariwen

ALBUM: Amatssou

LABEL: Wedge

GENRE: Worldwide

Latest album from Tinariwen recorded across the globe, praising the spirit of melody in all forms.

ARTIST: Sunrot

ALBUM: The Unfailing Rope

LABEL: Prosthetic Records

GENRE: Metal

Bleak, bleak, bleak. Love it.

ALBUMS OF THE MONTH: FEBRUARY 2023

noreply@blogger.com (Jon Sidwell) — Sun, 26 Feb 2023 22:04:00 +0000

Here's a list of albums that we highly approve of from February 2023.

ARTIST: Waeys

ALBUM: Repetition

LABEL: Critical Music

GENRE: Electronica

Repetition is the debut mini album from Caspa Van Wijngaarden aka Waeys, it is a kaleidoscope of Electronica, from Drum and Bass to House.

Repetition by Waeys

ARTIST: The Waeve

ALBUM: The Waeve

LABEL: Transgressive

GENRE: Alternative

Debut album The Waeve, a collaboration between Graham Coxon and Rose Elinor Dougall.

The Waeve by The Waeve

ARTIST: Tour-Maubourg

ALBUM: Spaces Of Silence

LABEL: Pont Neuf Records

GENRE: Electronica

A clever and broad mix of Jazz and Electronica, Spaces Of Silence is the latest album from Belgium's Tour Maubourg.

Spaces of Silence by Tour-Maubourg

ARTIST: Pedro Ricardo

ALBUM: Soprem Bons Ventos

LABEL: Soundway Records

GENRE: Electronica

Soprem Bons Ventos is the debut album from the Portuguese multi-instrumentalist, producer and DJ, Pedro Ricardo.

Soprem Bons Ventos by Pedro Ricardo

ALBUMS OF THE MONTH: JANUARY 2023

noreply@blogger.com (Jon Sidwell) — Sun, 29 Jan 2023 11:55:00 +0000

Here's a list of albums that we highly approve of from January 2023.

ARTIST: Meg Baird

ALBUM: Furling

LABEL: Drag City

GENRE: Singer/Songwriter

Furling is the latest solo album from New Jersey's Meg Baird, who's appeared in bands such as Espers, Watery Love, and Heron Oblivion.

Furling by Meg Baird

ARTIST: Jonah Yano

ALBUM: Portrait Of A Dog

LABEL: Innovative Leisure

GENRE: Jazz

Portrait Of A Dog is the sophomore album from Jonah Yano, a Hiroshima born Montreal based artist who regularly collaborates with BADBADNOTGOOD.

portrait of a dog by Jonah Yano

ARTIST: Rozi Plain

ALBUM: Prize

LABEL: Memphis Industries

GENRE: Folk

The fifth album from Bristol's Rozi Plain, titled Prize and available through Memphis Industries. The 10 track record carefully blends folk and jazz elements.

Prize by Rozi Plain

ARTIST: Grief Symposium

ALBUM: ...In The Absence Of Light

LABEL: Church Road Records

GENRE: Doom/Black Metal

The debut album from Grief Symposium, a four piece from East Anglia, which is dark, bleak, and all consuming from start to finish.

...In The Absence Of Light by Grief Symposium

ARTIST: Sophie Jamieson

ALBUM: Choosing

LABEL: Bella Union

GENRE Singer/Songwriter

This one actually came out at the end of last year but we wanted to highlight Choosing, the long awaited debut album from Sophie Jamieson, since we've been following her progress since 2013.

Choosing by Sophie Jamieson

GLASTONBURY FESTIVAL : EMERGING TALENT COMPETITION 2023

noreply@blogger.com (Jon Sidwell) — Tue, 24 Jan 2023 20:59:00 +0000

It's one of our favourite times of the year as we get to help announce this years Glastonbury Festival Emerging Talent Competition! The competition gives new UK and Ireland-based acts of any musical genre the chance to compete for a slot on one of the main stages at this year’s Festival.

Music Liberation has supported and helped judge this fantastic competition since 2011 and this years competition is set to be another fantastic opportunity for an up and coming artist to perform at the best music festival there is!

Acts can enter the 2023 competition FOR ONE WEEK ONLY using the form which will be available on the official Glastonbury website from 9am Monday 30th January until 5pm Monday 6th February 2023.

Follow the Festival on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

MUSIC LIBERATION - TOP 10 ALBUMS OF 2022

noreply@blogger.com (Jon Sidwell) — Wed, 28 Dec 2022 16:29:00 +0000

2022 saw the world start to return to something a little more familiar after a couple of strange years, and it felt like the music that came through only helped to push that through.

My now 1-year old son has made staying on top of new releases slightly harder, but it still remains a very rewarding journey and I believe the Top 10 on Music Liberation this year is as strong as ever!

1. Just Mustard - 'Heart Under' (Partisan Records)

2. Bodega - 'Broken Equipment' (What's Your Rupture)

3. Babeheaven - 'Sink Into Me' (Believe)

4. Tvivler - 'Kilogram' (Fysisk Format)

5. Life - 'North East Coastal Town' (Afghan Moon/Liquid Label)

6. TV Priest - 'My Other People' (Sub Pop)

7. Σtella - 'Up And Away' (Sub Pop)

8. Disorientations - 'Memory Lanes' (Pias)

9. Silverbacks - 'Archive Material' (Full Time Hobby)

10. Adwaith - 'Bato Mato' (Libertino Records)

ALBUM OF THE WEEK CATCH UP - AUGUST AND SEPTEMBER 2022

noreply@blogger.com (Jon Sidwell) — Tue, 11 Oct 2022 13:05:00 +0000

ARTIST: ΣTELLA & REDINHO

ALBUM: UP AND AWAY

LABEL: SUB POP

GENRE: POP/FOLK

ARTIST: LIFE

ALBUM: NORTH EAST COASTAL TOWN
LABEL: AFGHAN MOON/LIQUID LABEL

GENRE: ALTERNATIVE POST/PUNK

ARTIST: BASTIONS

ALBUM: MAJESTIC DESOLATION

LABEL: CHURCH ROAD RECORDS

GENRE: METAL

ARTIST: SEB WILDBLOOD

ALBUM: DO YOU FEEL IT TOO?

LABEL: ALL MY THOUGHTS

GENRE: ELECTRONICA

ALBUM OF THE WEEK CATCH UP - APRIL, MAY, JUNE, AND JULY 2022

noreply@blogger.com (Jon Sidwell) — Wed, 27 Jul 2022 16:14:00 +0000

Who knew that having a baby could impact upon your life so much? Well I certainly do now!!

Nevertheless, and thankfully so, the music doesn't stop for anything, so here's a catch up on some excellent albums that came out during the past few months.

ARTIST: P.E.

ALBUM: The Leather Lemon

LABEL: Wharf Cat Records

GENRE: Alternative Pop

ARTIST: Villager

ALBUM: Frontier

LABEL: MCMXCV

GENRE: Electronic

ARTIST: Just Mustard

ALBUM: Heart Under

LABEL: Partisan Records

GENRE: Alternative

ARTIST: HAAi

ALBUM: Baby, We're Ascending

LABEL: Mute Records

GENRE: Electronic

ARTIST: Tvivler

ALBUM: Kilogram

LABEL: Fysisk Format

GENRE: Hardcore

ARTIST: TV Priest

ALBUM: My Other People

LABEL: Sub Pop

GENRE: Alternative Punk

ARTIST: Adwaith

ALBUM: Bato Mato

LABEL: Libertino Records

GENRE: Alternative Pop

ARTIST: Katy J Pearson

ALBUM: Sound of the Morning

LABEL: Heavenly Recordings

GENRE: Pop

ARTIST: Party Dozen

ALBUM: The Real Work

LABEL: Temporary Residence

GENRE: Alternative

ALBUM OF THE WEEK: BABEHEAVEN - SINK INTO ME

noreply@blogger.com (Jon Sidwell) — Thu, 24 Mar 2022 13:40:00 +0000

ARTIST: BABEHEAVEN

ALBUM: SINK INTO ME

LABEL: BELIEVE

‘Sink Into Me’ is the new album from London’s Babeheaven, following up on the 2020 debut ‘Home For Now’.

The new record, which is available through Believe Music, has 10 tracks over which the duo (Nancy Anderson and James Travis) blend RnB with moments of jazz, pop, and psych rock.

Babeheaven · Sink Into Me

ALBUM OF THE WEEK: BODEGA - BROKEN EQUIPMENT

noreply@blogger.com (Jon Sidwell) — Wed, 16 Mar 2022 15:56:00 +0000

ARTIST: BODEGA

ALBUM: BROKEN EQUIPMENT

LABEL: WHAT'S YOUR RUPTURE?

'Broken Equipment' is the 2nd album from New York post punkers Bodega, following up on their 2018 debut 'Endless Scroll'.

The new 12-track record is available through the What's Your Rupture label, and is produced by the band's own Ben Hozie and their live sound mixer Bobby Lewis.

Broken Equipment by BODEGA

ALBUM OF THE WEEK: DISORIENTATIONS - MEMORY LANES

noreply@blogger.com (Jon Sidwell) — Tue, 08 Mar 2022 17:20:00 +0000

ARTIST: DISORIENTATIONS

ALBUM: MEMORY LANES

LABEL: PIAS RECORDINGS

'Memory Lanes' is the debut album from Disorientations, a post punk three piece from Belgium.

Disorientations · Wandering