Flying Out Staff Albums of The Year 2024 (So Far)
Our appreciation for the eclectic masterworks of 2024, so far, is bursting at the seams and we're only half way through the year! Glorious debuts, vital returns and new leftfield favourites, today we hand over the baton to each team-member here at Flying Out to celebrate a selection of impressive releases from the year thus far.
Featuring the likes of Hannah Everingham, Waxahatchee, Mount Kimbie, Repairs, Norah Jones, Jessica Pratt and more, we've all been busy digging into some of the best new music out in 2024. Now to get ready for the next lot of gems set for the rest of the year.
_____________________________________________________________
Hunter
musclecars - Sugar Honey Iced Tea!
Brandon Weems and Craig Handfield prove they are more than just house music DJs on their debut album. Tackling themes of joy and intimacy, to loss, existential dread and the certainty of death, all while laying down some of the strongest rhythms of 2024. The dancefloor hasn't seen profoundness like this before.
Nourished By Time - Catching Chickens EP
Stretching the favourite albums tag by picking out the latest EP from Nourished By Time. These 5 tracks pack more weight than most of the full-lengths released this year. I still haven't quite put my finger on exactly what draws me back to Marcus Brown's work, but I'll keep listening intently until I do.
Mount Kimbie - The Sunset Violent
Sinking my teeth deeper and deeper into this airtight album almost every day. A perfect combination of all Mount Kimbie staple sounds, indie, electronica, shoegaze and more paired with the new-age post-punk elements which are brought even further into focus than they were on Love What Survives.
_____________________________________________________________
Matthew
Hannah Everingham - Siempre Tiene Flores
Mellow but urgent, with great lyrics to match. This second album from the Ōtautahi singer songwriter has been on constant play.
Glass Beams - Mahal
Technically an EP, but you will easily end up listening to it twice on repeat - somehow weaving a strands of psychedelia, Bollywood, blues and DIY electronics into some form of hypnotic hybrid.
Lucien Johnson - Ancient Relics
Another spiritual jazz gem from Wellington saxophonist Lucien Johnson's - seemingly perfect for any situation.
_____________________________________________________________
Lucia
Repairs - Disappointing Sequel
The only disappointing thing about Repairs’ second album is the damage I would do to my ears if I listened to it as loudly as I wanted to. To listen to Repairs is to be hooked up to an IV plugged directly into a distortion pedal. HJe . Listening to Disappointing Sequel this past month has been the catharsis required for 2024.
Waxahatchee - Tigers Blood
We know I love alternative country and Waxahatchee’s latest record is no exception. Katie Crutchfield addresses the lingering ghosts of her past with a cathartic sense of epiphany and acceptance all the while paired with perfect twangy yet sweet guitar. Revelations on love and life in a Southern accent was exactly what I needed for 2024 and the duet with MJ Lenderman is just the perfect cherry on top.
Norah Jones - Visions
There is something so familiar and nostalgic sounding about this album; Jones’ voice is soulful and raw but goes down so smoothly and the retro instrumentations shared with Leon Michels (El Michels Affair) completely envelop you. This record feels like red wine and I can’t explain that comparison, you just have to listen!
_____________________________________________________________
Liam
Nia Archives - Silence Is Loud
If you told me in December that in 2024, a jungle/drum and bass album would be not just in my top 3 of the year so far, but in pole position… I'd call myself a hypocrite before throwing a bucket of ice water into my face.
Mount Kimbie - The Sunset Violent
Mount Kimbie are back on top form with the addition of two new members. Thank God for that.
Mildlife - Chorus
Bangin album. Air meets Surprise Chef meets badbadnotgood meets tinges of Kraftwerk. Love it. Good for any mood and the track ‘Musica’ gets me on my feet everytime.
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
Sophie
Fabiana Palladino - Fabiana Palladino
One of the most confident debut’s I’ve heard in some time. Her love of 80’s synths shines through a very weird modern lens. And the songwriting is stunning
Chanel Beads - Your Day Will Come
Consistently inventive production choices, really strong songwriting. It’s just really really dreamy and weird and sounds unlike anything else.
Jessica Pratt - Here In The Pitch
Jessica Pratt has a sound all of her own. Sparse tracking - mostly acoustic guitar and vocals sometimes with a pinch of bass or piano. The production gives it a dreamy and dark vibe. Think David Lynch on folk.
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
Max
Nuclear Tomb - Terror Labyrinthian
Despite the cheery title, this is an unforgiving and constant stream of deathy thrash-metal. Unpretentious, straight to the point and mixed like they’re chasing after you.
Squarepusher - Dostrotime
Living legend cutting things up in all places. Drum and bass Influenced by speed in all forms.
Hemotoxin - When Time Becomes Loss
Technical thrash/black metal that is completely classic and faultless. It doesn’t need to do anything new because it's doing everything fast.
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________