I Don't Hear A Single Albums Of The Year 2024 : 81-90

 

For the last eight 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. A reminder that only new albums are included among these 100.

Narrowing things down to this 100 has been really difficult. The 100 albums are 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.

81 Shenanygans - On Monte Verita      IDHAS Review

82 Mothboxer - Timelines      IDHAS Review

83 Lions Of The Interstate - Strange Empires      IDHAS Review

84 The Toms - Rock Paper Scissors      IDHAS Review

85 Bottlecap Mountain - Electric Love Spree     IDHAS Review

86 Them Elephants - Come Calling       IDHAS Review

87 Mountain Movers - Walking After Dark      IDHAS Review

88 Swiftumz - Simply The Best      IDHAS Review

89 Wesley Fuller - All Fuller No Filler      IDHAS Review

  

90 StoneDog - About Time     IDHAS Review

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Shenanygans - On Monte Verita

 

Swiss based, but including two Irish brothers, Shenanygans are a quartet that sound like days gone by, but often their own take on the genres and it has to be said that they are refreshing as this sort of material isn't as widespread as it once was,

Similar line ups all seem to want be King Lizard And The Lizard Wizard, as if that band don't release enough stuff under the own steam. On Monte Verita is very 60s and 70s, but beautifully performed and arranged.

They cover the likes of West Coast Rock, Psychedelic Rock, Pop Rock and a fair bit of Classic Rock. The harmonies really stand out and for that reason the 60s sounding material is their speciality. But they are not afraid to tread on many toes. 

The vocals are wonderfully gentle and clear. For instance, Where I've Been isn't a million miles away from Stealers Wheel. Brings Me Back Again is wonderfully Swinging Sixties and So Hard To Get By is very close to Country Rock.

Nothing Was Giving To You is ace Psych, yet Count On Me gets all Merseybeat and Over You goes drop out Hippie. All The Trippin' Around is very Beach Boys and highlights those splendid harmonies. Like Strangers could easily be one of those great 70s Pop Rock albums.

Songs are built on riffs and tasteful solos and there are some real hooks. Beautifully arranged, the album touches all bases, but it is those stellar harmonies that grab you most. On Monte Verita even edges into The Coral land, but it also stands up superbly on its own. One hell of a debut album.

You can listen to and buy the album here.

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