Twenty Below Music 5x5

Moving away from our usual format of quarterly gig reviews we wanted to celebrate some of the albums we’ve been enjoying this time around. So, we’re calling this 5x5. Our five favourite shows this year accompanied by our favourite records. It’s a term which originates from military communications where signals were rated on a scale of 1-5 with “five by five” meaning loud and clear, feels apt.

Luke’s picks

Albums

Ela Minus ‘DIA’ (Domino)

This record really crept up on me, it’s melodies slowly finding their way under my skin. I was fascinated to learn that Ela began her musical journey in punk bands and you can feel that biting grit and determination in each of these songs. It’s moody, brooding, slow burning electronica brings to mind ‘Homogenic’ era Bjork. The live show was killer too, recommended.

Turnstile ’NEVER ENOUGH’ (Roadrunner)

Does exactly what GLOW ON did so supremely once again and I’m here for it. Expertly crafted, packed with ideas and textures, genre hopping, they are everything I want a modern band to be. Look Out For Me is the stand out track and heartbeat of the album which inside it’s near seven minutes is a whole beautiful journey in itself culminating in a jersey beat outro. Stunning.

Blood Orange ‘Essex Honey’ (RCA)

This only came out last week but feels like another classic from Dev. As expected, he calls on some of his esteemed musical pals such as Caroline Polachek, Tirzah and Daniel Caesar to add vocals. It’s a collage of music which pays homage to his home county of Essex through various different genre lenses. 'Vivid Light' might be a bit of a Hynes all timer perfectly encapsulating and distilling the world of Blood Orange.

Westside Gunn ‘HEELS HAVE EYES 2’ (Griselda Records)

East Coat rapper Alvin Worthy AKA Westside Gunn returns with a record packed with his trademark soulful, sample heavy production and it’s another hit. I love that his records transport me to a 90s era of hip-hop yet still feel very current. Released on Griselda, this is a label that don’t miss if you’re in to the old school boom bap feel. None maybe showcase this better than single ’The Lovure’ which features Joey Bada$$ and Statik Selektah among others and is no doubt one of my singles of the year.

Alex G ‘Headlights’ (RCA)

My boys major label debut. Fans were probably rightly concerned that he may of had his bedroom roots diminished by "the man" but no, this sounds like an Alex G record with just as many weird left turns as ever. Highlights for me would be the excellent mandolin driven lead single ‘Afterlife’ the melancholy ‘Spinning’ and the MOR opener ‘June Guitar’ that’s “something that you learn from falling down" lyric sticks on me like super glue. Long live Sandy Alex G.

Gigs

Tyler Ballgame - The Social

Think Roy Orbison performed by Meat Loaf with a tight 70s Laurel Canyon backing band. Tyler Ballgame have a knack for timeless songwriting with every track feeling familiar and choruses that take flight just as you’d hope, Rough Trade have signed a winner. The debut album is due next spring and there is a sold out show at The Lexington next week for those lucky enough to get tickets.

Turnstile - Victoria Park

The most artful and progressive rock band in the world today playing their biggest ever headline set in the rain, complete with flautist and a Dev Hynes guest spot and boy did they nail it. I love this band so much. Also no notes. Seeing them twice more in L.A. and London before the year is out because I simply must.

Sabrina Carpenter - The O2

Today’s greatest pop star? In my opinion yes, or at least in that moment six ciders deep on a Sunday at 8pm anyway. This was a perfect pop show and the Barbie-like dolls house house stage set and infomercial interludes all just chefs kiss. Weirdest part of the night was a cover of Dexy’s Midnight Runners ‘Come on Eileen’ making the whole thing feel like a fever dream. Did I just imagine all this?

Angel Du$t - All Ages Records

This pop up show outside Camdens iconic All Ages Records was only announced a day prior. It was a baking hot afternoon and hundreds turned out for this furious 30 minute smash and grab set. Kids crowd surfing in the streets? Tick. Locals watching from flat balconies? Tick. Camden allowing it to Camden? Tick. I just love how this band blends hardcore with melodic indie jangle a la The Lemonheads.

Oasis - Wembley Stadium

Triumphant return, no notes. Biggest surprise of the night was ‘Little by Little’ I never really cared for it but that chorus with 80,000 people singing along hit like crack. Half the World Away was also extremely effecting but the highlight was ’Slide Away’. They sounded tighter than ever with Joey Waronker on drums who adds Oasis to a list including R.E.M, Elliott Smith and Beck that he’s drummed for. Wild. I inevitably went a bit hard and was still knocking around Wembles at 2am.

Imogen’s picks

Albums

Water From Your Eyes ‘It’s a Beautiful Place’ (Matador)

I LOVE this band. Because every time they put something out it’s a weird side-step, and always brilliant. This record is no different. It’s got monster guitar riffs, weird time signatures and singer Rachel’s deadpan vocals delivering random poetry. Total chaos from track to track but always with a groove or a pattern to make sure your brain doesn’t totally explode.

Oklou ‘Choke Enough’ (Because)

An otherworldly, fever dream of a record. Co-produced by A.G Cook, Danny L Harle and Casey MQ, it’s a hazy electronica pop blend with a strong Y2K nostalgia which makes me very happy. It’s low muffled drones and bubbly synths, lots of space, and the occasional random classical instrument - one of my favourite moments is the trumpet in ‘ict’. It’s a good one for escapism.

Matthew Herbert, Herbert, Momoko Gill ‘Clay’ (Strut Records)

I wasn’t familiar with any of these 3 artists before but when I heard it, sounded a bit like Tirzah and I was instantly hooked. From start to finish it’s like a meditation. Each track is stripped back but with a very pleasing mix of organic and electronic textures and skippy rhythms, and Momoko’s vocals have a lovely understated soulfulness and warmth.

Nourished by Time ‘The Passionate Ones’ (XL)

This is the Baltimore artist’s second album and it is a stunner. Broadly R&B, but with 80s production and some experimental twists and turns. There’s bounce and playfulness but at the same time pain and passion, true to its title. He has a crazy unique vocal - it kind of sounds like he’s throwing the lines at you in a stream of consciousness - but those lyrics are powerful stuff.

Erika de Casier ‘Lifetime’ (Independent Jeep Music)

This record is sweet and gooey and soooo 90s - again I’m here for the nostalgia. You’ll hear Enigma, and Madonna… It’s a delicious blend of trip hop and R&B, its swelling synths and bassy drums. And she’s kind of singing about nothing - but it works with the hazy atmosphere of the sounds.

Gigs

Greg Freeman - The Lexington

Wasn’t sure what to expect from this newbie slacker rock/country boy, but this was such a tight show. I was so transfixed by his guitar playing and vocals, and the saxophonist letting it absolutely rip. Just SO good, and gosh his chat was so adorably awkward. I’m excited to see what’s next for our Greg.

Confidence Man - Primavera

Just one of the most fun, camp, sexy, silly shows ever. They undoubtedly have absolute bops, but woweee their choreography to every second of every song is the main event. A must see, for anyone who likes to partake in good times.

Jacob Alon - Earth

Their music is some of the most pure and beautiful folk. Sat on the floor at eartH shortly after the release of their debut album, each song so heart wrenching and uplifting at the same time. One of those where you feel privileged to be there.

Oklou - Heaven

She was heavily pregnant, wielding a torch and wearing a mirrored headdress that cast mad reflections over the ceiling. The synths sounded amazing and I felt kind of like I was on the moon for a couple of hours. No notes.

Father John Misty - Royal Albert Hall

That man is quite the story teller, and he delivers his songs with outrageous style. It could almost be described as theatre, backed by his incredible 8 (I think) piece band. Put simply, a class act.