One of my many passions, besides brewing, is music. Something that always pairs well with beer. I’m always on the lookout for new music. New sounds, new songs, stuff a little out of the ordinary maybe. Drifting through Spotify’s genres, simply clicking though Youtube’s Up Next sidebar menu for things I don’t recognize, or stumbling on someone else post on Facebook. I’ll listen to almost anything once.
On my previous hobby-related blog (BigShoota.com), I did a yearly wrap-up of the new stuff I’ve found during the last year and what stuck with me in the form of “Randy’s Top 10 Music of XXXX”. This is a great way for me to share what I found interesting and to learn from others as well. I’m going to continue that here at Randy The Beer Man as the other site is now an archive of previous pursuits.
Now before I list anything, by “New!” I mean new to me, not new to the world, or finally breaking out into the mainstream. There’s a few in this list that are a couple years old, it’s just that I found them this year.
Without further ado (to those who might want to read on), here’s Randy’s Top 10 New Music Finds for 2018. (in no particular order)
For those interested in my previous lists, check here: http://www.bigshoota.com/category/top-ten-music/
Take My Chance – DOLL$BOX
I spent a lot of time this year exploring Japanese and Korean music, especially super technical and theatrical metal so bear with the first part of this years list. I featured Babymetal in 2014, the American debut of Kawaii metal, and thought it was awesome. Who knew there were similar(fish) bands, but where all of the performers were women (not simply Dragonforce fronted by young girls), and can play like a son-of-a-bitch?!
With DOLL$BOXX, I love the speed, precision, and voice work on this track, and every performer is featured at some point as well as being able to pick out every instrument at any time. This was the first of many finds in the genre of all-women speed metal bands out of Japan. Simply amazing work.
Side note: Many of these remind me of a lot of intro theme songs to 1980’s anime shows. I believe they’ve been doing this for a long time and we’re just not aware of it.
Yousei Teikoku – Astral Dogma
You like your metal fast, accurate, pixie-cute, with a lot of gothic steampunk theater? Well, I’ve got you covered here.
Band Maid – Real Existence
I know they’re wearing cutsie maid outfits, the schtick needed for the bands name I guess. Doesn’t take away from their amazing skills.
Arlequin – NoGoD
Fun, fast, and simply good, well-screamed metal.
Magnus Deus – Ghost in the Shell – Ultra Music Fest Edit
What can I say? I listen to most of my music thorough a decent pair of headphones and like it loud. This is such a cool ambient techno track with lots of bass that make me want to run through the Blade Runner universe. Neon, rain, and all.
That Handsome Devil – My Two-Fer for the year.
Reminds me of an early Tom Waits with a little less gravel in the throat. Most songs have that “always playing in a small club” feel. Easy to picture him with a half-full rocks glass of whiskey with a slightly crushed pack of Marlboro’s sticking out of a top shirt pocket. I love his rollercoaster vocals and blues vibe with an edge.
Rob the Prez-O-Dent
Damn Door
Goldishack Guerrillas – Bulldozer
Cool groovy, bouncy beat and sweet flow. I love the irony at the end of the song – and you’re welcome 🙂
Sabaton – Blood Of Bannockburn
Bag pipes, drums, and metal. And a dose of history to boot! Rolling, raucous tribute to the freedom of Scotland. It also seems like this is Sabaton’s calling – history themed metal.
Sofi Tukker – Batshit
Had to chase this one down after hearing it used as the background music for the new iWatch, though the that one’s titled “That’s It” – edited for TV of course. Super cool club romp with all usuals in tow – flighty female vocals, heavy dance beat, and a few good drops to drive ya on. Oh yeah, and a strange music video to go with it.
SKYND – Elisa Lam
Love me some spooky, creepy, ambient industrial techno aggression metal. Better that it’s based on the bizarre death of a college student in a hotel rooftop water tank? Sounds good to me.
Samsara- Tungevaag and Raaban
Yes, I’m a sucker for good old, Euro-techno EDM and this fits the bill nicely. Played this one a lot (at volume, or course) since finding it late in the year. Interesting how many Japanese/South Korean dance choreography studios use this one to show off their stuff.
