For the last few years I have compiled annual Best Of 's because these posts seem so popular and the aim of this Blog is to get exposure (and Sales) for the artists. A reminder that anything reviewed on I Don't Hear A Single is highly recommended.
This year, the standard has been the highest since I DHAS began six and a half years ago. Narrowing things down to this 100 as been really difficult. For each album, I've posted a song from it and a link to the IDHAS Review where you can find further details and how to listen or buy the album.
I think followers of IDHAS have worked out long ago that our remit is not just about crashing guitars. As we have progressed, it has become far more about a complete basket of tastes and we've been dying to tell you about Bigger and now that the debut album is out, that time is now.
Bigger are incredibly inventive. A quartet consisting of four from France, originating from all over the country and a magnetic Irish frontman in Kevin Twomey. The album was recorded in Dresden and Manchester and all of these cosmopolitan influences blend into one hell of an interesting album.
Positioning them isn't easy, there is a definite Indie feel to them, dark at times, but then the Pop will just spring out, particularly with Freaky Face which is very Liverpool 80s and the darker material edges at times towards the Bunnymen, another reference to the city.
I've seen references to Nick Cave and I have to say that I don't see that all thankfully. Cave is definitely one cup of tea is never enough, but two is one too many sort of way. The magnificent, broody, meandering closer, Brother, shows how diverse the band are. It is simply haunting.
Vampire Thirst is almost Vaudevillian, Infectious Joker is 60s Farfisa atmospheric with a hypnotic pop chorus. Even With Lies has that French feel, but masked in 60's UK Beat Pop. The title track is a massive soundscape that instrumentally is just perfect. There is so much going on in the song.
Special mention has to be made of The Game. Unlike the songs that surround it, it is a heartfelt ballad, beautifully sung and wonderfully melancholic. Then halfway through you get a surprisingly big chorus. It is an enthralling almost 7 minutes. The whole album is a revelation. The album may not be something you would listen to ordinarily, but I'd never lead you a bum steer. Les Myosotis is an absolute gem of an album.
You can buy the album and find out more about Bigger here. It is also available to listen to and buy everywhere.
