I Don't Hear A Single Albums Of The Year 2023 : 61-70

 

For the last few years We 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. 

Narrowing things down to this 100 has been really difficult. The countdown is posted in reverse batches of 10. For each album, a song is embedded from the album and a link is provided to the IDHAS Review where you can find further details and how to listen or buy the album.

61 The Lunar Laugh - In The Black      IDHAS Review

62 Cult Figures - Between Us And Heaven      IDHAS Review

63 Vanity Tapes - Hiatus      IDHAS Review

64 Sandra's Wedding - The Hopeful Boy Replacement Service      IDHAS Review

65 Star Collector - Attack, Sustain, Decay... Repeat     IDHAS Review

66 The Smivets - How We Fade   IDHAS Review

67 Stephen Lawrenson - Chants Of A Lifetime      IDHAS Review

68 Dropkick - The Wireless Revolution     IDHAS Review

69 Missilkid - Missilkid      IDHAS Review

70 Alex Lahey - The Answer Is Always Yes      IDHAS Review

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Cult Figures - Between Us And Heaven

 

I remember Cult Figures from the late 70s. I was 16, in my last year of school, with money in pocket from a part time job and an urge to surround myself in New Wave singles. Cult Figures released a couple of crackers that are in the loft somewhere and to be honest I had heard little since, but remember them fondly.

The band return after a long absence with their third album with an album marked by tragedy with the death of lead singer Gary Jones. The album is dedicated to him and there are some contributions here. The three original members are joined by vocalist Fraser Gillespie and additional guitarist, Steve May.

I'm ashamed to say that I missed 2021's Deritend, but I'm here now and the album is top notch, appearing on the excellent Gare Du Nord label. There are ventures into Pop Rock, but essentially this is great New Wave Guitar Pop.

As with all the best New Wave bands, there has to be a great rhythm section and Lee McFadden and Stuart Hilton are exactly that, locked as one. The songs carry the weight well and combine to offer up one of the stronger albums that you will hear this year.

Sitting Target has a wonderful Jangle inside the New Wave joy and the title track has a real 60s UK Beat Pop vibe. Unburdened is great Mop Pop and Devotion heads more towards 80s C86 Melodic Pop. Voice Of Reason has real pace and the rhythm section come even more into their own.

Rapide 40 Slideout is wonderfully frantic, but there are two outliers that reveal that the band can go in different directions. One False Move is slower and darker and a little more Indie Rock that what else is on show, there is a Richard Hawley feel to the song.

Then there is Never Take The Bus which mixes Post Punk and Psych with a talky almost Richard Jobson like. It is splendidly dark and chaotic and absolutely intriguing. Between Us And Heaven is a cracking listen and will certain make our Best Of Year 100. Well done all!

You can listen to and buy the album here. The album is available on CD, Vinyl and as a download.

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