I Don't Hear A Single Albums Of The Year 2024 : 91-100

 

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 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.

91 Day Dreems - Day Dreems      IDHAS Review

92 The Duke Of Surl - Borneo      IDHAS Review

 

93 The Proctors - Snowdrops & Hot Air Balloons      IDHAS Review

94 The Duskwhales - Strawflower Lane      IDHAS Review

95 The Hard-Ons - I Like You A Lot Getting Older      IDHAS Review

96 The Successful Failures - Enemy Sublime      IDHAS Review

97 Radio75 - Screaming Out      IDHAS Review

98 Love Fiend - Handle With Care      IDHAS Review

99 Neon Bone - Eager To Please      IDHAS Review

100 Young Scum - Lighter Blue     IDHAS Review

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The Duskwhales - Strawflower Lane

 

Before Pop Rock became an all encompassing genre, the sound reflected a great 70s style big production that consisted of extensive vocal harmonies, giant arrangements, killer choruses and a general easy listening that edged towards Soft Rock.

The Duskwhales are a trio that offer up music that fits that description perfectly. Reminiscent of the great UK 70s albums, but also very West Coast Melodic Rock. One listen to the title track will tell you all you need to know about them, the arrangement is massive, the performance wonderful.

This is the sort of music that used to be laughed at by the cool kids, the same kids who adore it now and have "always" done so. Songs have the kitchen sink thrown at them and so are never drab, the instrument cupboard is raided which allows rich instrumentation including strings and Brass.

Instrumentally, the songs are splendid and rounded off by vocals that recorded and layered to perfection. The Duskwhales do smooth and mellow incredibly well, but songs are never twee. You will have already heard (You Only Love Me) When You're High on a recent Listening To This Week and that is maybe the jauntiest Pop on show here.

Vocally, the band remind me of City Boy without the rocky parts, but the trio also create a path of their own. Never really fashionable, but adored by album buyers, the genre has sadly been neglected for a good while and these three could very well lead a revival.

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

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