It’s that time of year again where we reflect on the year that was and look to what next year is bringing us. It’s been an embarrassment of riches this year with so many great releases and tours to make this an extraordinarily great year for rock and metal. I say this every year but this is always one of my favourite articles to write as we get the chance to truly take in everything that’s happened as well as a final say on this year’s happening or simply a chance to mention it if we failed to mention it initially. I’ve always got this article in the back of my mind and there’s some entries here this year which bulldozed their way onto it (and for good reason) and it’s safe to say 2023 is another banner year for rock music.
Album of the Year
There was zero doubt about this taking the top spot at the end of last year when I heard it. Head and shoulders above everything in 2022 and 2023, it would have taken a monster to topple Anchor Lane’s second album, Call This a Reality? I couldn’t stop listening to it and I’d wager I listened to it a good fifty times to write the review and a year later I’m still not bored of it. It’s such an addictive listen. It faces down the real world whilst injecting metal, punk and grunge to create an alternative, and most importantly, modern sound. The trio are more comfortable in their skin than they’ve ever been, chemistry, proficiency and top class production make this an album I want to forget just so I can listen to it for the first time again.
Top Albums (in alphabetical order):
- The Answer – Sundowners. Going away for a few years did The Answer well and they came back with not only a strong offering but one so different than their contemporaries and indeed, all the bands they’ve influenced as Godfathers of the modern classic rock scene. They may as well have called it This is How It’s Done.
- Empire State Bastard – Rivers of Heresy. Right, who had members of Biffy Clyro to produce one of the filthiest albums of the year on their bingo card? It’s absolutely disgusting in the best possible way and an excellent reminder of why I love noise rock.
- Foo Fighters – But Here We Are. This is an album which shouldn’t exist. Dave Grohl and the rest of the Foos rallied on this to make an emotionally raw record and one which has me out in goosebumps every time I listen to it as I hear the anger and anguish in Grohl’s voice. It shouldn’t have taken Taylor Hawkins’ death for them to create one of their best albums but here we are.
- Mammoth WVH – Mammoth II. Wolfgang Van Halen had a good debut album in Mammoth. But the follow-up delivers on the potential which was hidden in the debut. Taking the Prince route and playing every instrument on the album allows for his vision to truly come to life as he delves into various sub-genres of rock.
- Margarita Witch Cult – Margarita Witch Cult. Fuzzy doomy heavy metal from the city where it all began. What’s not to love?
- Duff McKagan – Lighthouse. McKagan’s more sombre work when he’s not playing to tens of thousands of people with Guns N’ Roses continues to be captivating. Sonically, it’s a touch more sophisticated whilst retaining the singer-songwriter vibe with a more introspective feel.
- Queens of the Stone Age – In Times New Roman… Emerging from the shadows, Josh Homme and co. have taken half a dozen years between albums but the wait was worth it. Oozing class and their trademark swagger, it’s a reminder of how bloody good QotSA are.
- Rival Sons – Darkfighter. The first of two albums this year from Rival Sons. Whilst the second, Lightbringer, wasn’t bad, this was Rival Sons reminding people what a force they are to create their best album since Great Western Valkyrie whilst also rivalling it.
- The Rolling Stones – Hackney Diamonds. It’s not exactly Exile on Main St (nothing is) but after over six decades, the Stones can still turn in an incredible album that can rub shoulders with their best work. Powered by producer Andrew Watt’s golden touch, he’s helped them remain as relevant and vital as they were when they started. And that’s before we mention their miraculous age can still turn out energetic music which people half their age should envy.
- She Burns Red – Out of Darkness. Muscular alternative hard rock doesn’t get much better than this. The Lothian quartet have been on a tear this year and it’s all powered by this. It’s lean and doesn’t pull any punches, grabbing you by the scruff of the neck from the first note and doesn’t let go.
- Tigercub – The Perfume of Decay. It’s an album which flirts so closely with perfection. Every single second of this album has been meticulously crafted to ensure every last detail is there for a reason. As fuzz and indie combine, it’s filthy and pretty all at once.
- Zac and the New Men – Reinvent Me. Blurring the lines between alternative rock and art pop but still with some mature swagger (not the arrogance that young bands can fall into the trap of), it’s a debut album full of richness that older bands should envy.
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EPs of the Year
- Caustic Waves – Full Circle. Altrock and grungy tones aplenty on this half-dozen set of songs. As gritty sounds rub shoulders with bright, floating tones, it’s a great lesson in how to mix variety with consistency.
- Ghost – Phantomime. It’s another covers EP from Ghost and another eclectic collection with Television, Genesis, The Stranglers, Iron Maiden, and Tina Turner all receiving the Ghost treatment. All lovingly given the kudos they deserve whilst still sounding like a sermon from Ghost. They continue to be one of the best and most interesting bands around.
- Oli Brown & the Dead Collective – Prelude / Prologue. I couldn’t choose between these two EPs. Brown came back to music this year with some of the most powerful music I’ve heard in his new sound of cinematic and atmospheric rock whilst paying homage to previous exploits. These EPs act as two sides of the same coin, formed from spellbinding masterclasses in guitar playing and emotionally charged moments.
- Scouge – Scouge. This is a grungy as it gets without actually coming from the early 90s. The Yorkshire trio have a love of the genre without becoming parody or pastiche whilst also having something to say.
- THEIA – The Wet Die Young. Their continued venture down a more poppy and alternative sound suits the Lamley brothers. Heartfelt and humorous all at once whilst making rock music you can dance to with massive grooves
Songs of the Year
Specifically, these are songs which have been released as standalone efforts and don’t feature on this year’s releases but deserve to be highlighted alongside the bigger collections.
- BXRRELL – “Dare To”. The debut single from Sophie Burrell’s self-titled band showed that her new band is as much of a force as her own guitar playing is.
- Guns N’ Roses – “Perhaps”. Not quite “Hard Skool”’s force of kicking down the doors but the contemplative nature of it acts as a great side B (let’s forget about “Absurd” and “The General”). It sounds like it could have come from Use Your Illusions and picking up vocals from Axl Rose from 20+ years ago plays into the nostalgia.
- MuddiBrooke – “Cellar”. The first of two singles from the Derby trio this year. This saw them get a bit edgier than the Lunacy EP whilst tackling one of the nastiest types of people you can meet – narcissists.
- Tilly – “Best Breakup Ever”. The debut single from the Lichfield songstress shows an ability far beyond her years whilst throwing it back to late 00s pop punk and far better than most of the dreck that was around then.
- The Virginmarys – “Where Are You Now?” It’s been around for a couple of years but the lockdown song from the altrock duo is finally available to freely consume. Chock-full of anguish and power whilst extending a hand of solidarity, it’s coupled with a video which homages Planes, Trains and Automobiles with a dark twist to it.
Best Live Shows
- Anchor Lane – G2, Glasgow (28th January). Taking to the stage as conquerors and Call This a Reality? released the day prior, the boys blew every last bit of January blues away in one fell swoop. Hammering through the entirety of the new album, it’s a night remembered fondly and almost a year later, the best I’ve seen them (although their recent Huddersfield headliner is a definite contender for that spot).
- Black Star Riders – KK’s Steel Mill, Wolverhampton (18th February). Talk about victory laps. With a new album under their belts, Ricky Warwick and co. welcomed Scott Gorham back into the fold for one last run as they blasted through four albums of pure excellence. And there’s very few guitarists who are cooler than Mr Gorham. ‘Nuff said.
- Beth Hart – Symphony Hall, Birmingham (9th March). It’d been over six years since I last saw Beth Hart. Her voice is as mesmerising as ever and with her wearing her heart on her sleeve, she’ll put you through every emotion possible along with her.
- Lamb of God – O2 Academy, Birmingham (10th March). Hell of a whiplash from the previous night but it shows the spectrum of my musical interests. It was me finally catching the groove metal masters in a headline slot and a reminder of why I love filthy heavy metal.
- The Answer / Oli Brown and the Dead Collective – O2 Institute 2, Birmingham (17th March). It was great to see The Answer back at it with an excellent new album but add in the fact Oli Brown’s new band were undertaking their first tour, showing what they’ve been working on and Brown displaying an ever greater mastery of guitar.
- Hayseed Dixie / The Hot Damn! – KK’s Steel Mill, Wolverhampton (25th March). The weirdest combination ever but one that worked. The headliners will have you smiling with their bluegrass renditions of all your favourite songs and John Wheeler’s hilarious banter. Meanwhile the support is pure unadulterated pop rock to make you forget your inhibitions and effortlessly make you have a fun night.
- Ghost – Download 2023. More than likely Papa Emeritus IV’s final visit to the UK in a 70-minute non-stop tour de force. Whilst the perfect Ghost setlist is about three hours long at this point, they picked the best of the best and continue to be one of the tightest and most thrilling live bands around.
- Bruce Springsteen – Villa Park, Birmingham (16th June). Not just gig of the year but the best gig I’ve ever been to. It’s been a decade since I last saw The Boss and he’s only gotten better. Performing for three hours without stopping and playing hit after hit after hit without any fancy gimmicks, it was an absolute masterclass.
- The Virginmarys – Cinemac, Macclesfield (8th July). There’s so many shows I could cite this year – their support slot with Massive Wagons, Bradstock, Bathgate’s Dreadnought, supporting The Sisters of Mercy at the Barras to name a few. But it had to be this one. The second of two nights which saw ex-bassist Matt Rose return to the fold for these shows to celebrate ten years of King of Conflict. There was so much love in the room for this album and band who played together as if it had just been last week and not almost seven years ago. And this week, we do it all again in the same room for one last dance.
- Steelhouse 2023 (Friday / Saturday / Sunday) – It was great to be back up the mountain after five years away. Pretty much every band played a blinder such as The Karma Effect, Those Damn Crows have their moment and falling back in love with Black Stone Cherry. The weather ensured I got both sunburnt and soaked and I got to put faces to name of some of our lovely PRs.
- South of Salem – KK’s Steel Mill (3rd November). Three years on since reviewing the debut album, I finally saw the Bournemouth quintet three times (supporting W.A.S.P. upstairs and SOS Fest) and this was their best show. They’re on the verge of blowing up and it’s unlikely we’ll see them in such intimate spaces again.
- Queens of the Stone Age – Resorts World Arena, Birmingham (19th November). Another band that it’s taken a decade to see again. Riding high off an excellent new album, they remain one the tightest live band I’ve ever seen.
Best and Worst Thing That Happened
Usually these are separate categories but this year they’re linked to one another. And it’s the sheer volume of music. Specifically, all the good stuff we’ve been sent. When icons and heroes like Iggy Pop, Corey Taylor, Bowling For Soup, Avenged Sevenfold, Black Star Riders, Alice Cooper, Phil Campbell & the Bastard Sons, Black Stone Cherry, Blink-182 and Spiritbox have all put out great releases this year and they don’t feature here, then the rest must be doing something right to be even better.
However, this year, more than any other, we’ve been sent so much music, much of it great. And I’ve not had time to cover everything I would have liked to, simply because of the sheer volume we’ve had. It’s a great problem to have and for every album and EP I reviewed this year, there was another I simply didn’t have time for. And that includes bands I’ve been covering on this site since I’ve been here like Bad Touch and Bonafide (both excellent returns) or curiosities like Dolly Parton’s rock album (she does indeed know how to rock). There’s over 100,000 songs uploaded to streaming services a day across every genre you can think of and whilst rock and metal will only be a fraction of that, it’s still a lot to keep up with.
So, could we please have a quieter 2024?
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Looking Forward to 2024:
- Slash’s UK tour – I can’t wait for the man in the top hat to be back on UK shores with Myles Kennedy and the Conspirators as they finally treat the rest of the world to 4’s tracks as well as their rich back catalogue.
- The Virginmarys’ new album – They’ve been teasing it for a while now but a recent social media post shows it’s finally in the works.
- Ugly Kid Joe and The Virginmarys UK tour – It’s a match made in heaven.
- MuddiBrooke’s upcoming debut album. It’s been a great year for the trio and I can’t wait to hear what they’ve got up their sleeve
- South of Salem’s second album.
- The Hot Damn!’s debut album – The first tease in “Damn! Damn! Damn! Damn!” has whet the appetite. Sounding like no one else on the scene right now, it’s likely to be a breath of fresh, multi-coloured air.
- Foo Fighters – The highly anticipated return to the UK for the first time since the passing of Taylor Hawkins, it’s going to be a heady night.
- Festivals – After having done a full festival for the first time since before lockdown, it’s reignited my love of it, and I hope I can get to a few next year.
Thanks:
Now for the short but sweet list of people to thank (and it’s mainly in groups so I don’t forget an individual).
- Mosh – As always taking the top spot (he’d probably sack me if he was any lower). Constantly going above and beyond the call of duty, keeping the place running and going to bat for us when needed to.
- All of our PRs – They keep us out of trouble by sending us all the music we can get our hands on and then some! Plus they’re the ones who allow us access to bands so we can review and photograph shows as well as interviewing them.
- You, the reader – Whether you agree with our opinions or not, it’s because of people reading and thanking us for our effort that keeps us going. And to borrow a mantra of everyone’s favourite football manager: “Onward, forward.”
