Best Releases of 2023
written by Xin, Jan 2024
2023 年是喜欢黑暗和重型电子乐的一年，喜欢像钢筋水泥一样的声音和急促的节奏，但也不能只是傻里傻气的鼓点，因此发现了几张做了有趣的风格融合的专辑。下半年则因为工作的关系，偶然发现了两张比较欢乐、轻快的专辑。
真的列出我在 2023 年最喜欢的这 5 张后发现，似乎有的比较 easy listening，但听音乐而已，又不是做研究，自己喜欢就好。
如果一定要给它们找一个主题的话，大概还是“融合“和“可以跳“，还有引起情感共鸣。噢，而且它们都是在 2023 年发行的，听的旧唱片就不写了。
真的列出我在 2023 年最喜欢的这 5 张后发现，似乎有的比较 easy listening，但听音乐而已，又不是做研究，自己喜欢就好。
如果一定要给它们找一个主题的话，大概还是“融合“和“可以跳“，还有引起情感共鸣。噢，而且它们都是在 2023 年发行的，听的旧唱片就不写了。
My 2023 was a year of dark and heavy electronic music. Have been very obsessed with speedy rhythms, and sounds that make me see and smell steel concrete, that I discovered several albums had interestingly blended different genres including gabber, african music and trance.
I also found two joyful and light albums bringing groove and relaxing vibes, which I would put into the "easy listening" category - I used to be concerned about it but now I'm not, when writing about the music I like, I want to be honest about the fact that I did enjoy them.
One thing in common among these 5 releases is all of them were out in the year 2023. If I had to find a theme for them, I would choose the labels "fusion", "danceable" or "emotionally relatable".
ULTRAKUNST
artist: Brutalismus 3000
release date: 07.04.2023
genre: electronic, gabber, hardcore, techno, post-punk
夏天已经介绍过的德国两人组，《ULTRAKUNST》无疑是我在 2023 最喜欢的发行之一。
很多人都说 B3000 和 Crystal Castles 很像，但我觉得 B3000 还要更粗野一些。这可能来自他们简单粗暴的鼓点（gabber & post punk) 和主唱 Victoria 歇斯底里的声音，坦白说这种粗野可能正是我需要的，因为生活在伦敦这样的城市，我总时不时想要揍谁一拳。
我一直有这样的疑问，如果声音本身已经让你有足够的共鸣，歌词究竟还有那么重要吗？
B3000 常被诟病歌词简短和重复，但他们的歌词依然会提及社会问题，比如在“Good Girl“里写的“好女孩指南”就探讨了女性问题。
最重要的是，每一次听 B3000 的音乐，我都可以想象在他们的 party 可以跳得多么尽兴，我想这已经足以让它成为我的年度最佳之一。以及，呜呼～ 2.9 他们就要在伦敦演出了！
很多人都说 B3000 和 Crystal Castles 很像，但我觉得 B3000 还要更粗野一些。这可能来自他们简单粗暴的鼓点（gabber & post punk) 和主唱 Victoria 歇斯底里的声音，坦白说这种粗野可能正是我需要的，因为生活在伦敦这样的城市，我总时不时想要揍谁一拳。
我一直有这样的疑问，如果声音本身已经让你有足够的共鸣，歌词究竟还有那么重要吗？
B3000 常被诟病歌词简短和重复，但他们的歌词依然会提及社会问题，比如在“Good Girl“里写的“好女孩指南”就探讨了女性问题。
最重要的是，每一次听 B3000 的音乐，我都可以想象在他们的 party 可以跳得多么尽兴，我想这已经足以让它成为我的年度最佳之一。以及，呜呼～ 2.9 他们就要在伦敦演出了！
ULTRAKUNST has been the album I repeated pretty often since summer, and I definitely love the visuals of the Berlin duo Brutalismus 3000 as well.
B3000 was compared to Crystal Castles a lot in music reviews, but I think B3000 is a bit more brutal and rougher. This may come from their repeating and rough drum beats (gabber & post punk) and the hysterical voice of Victoria. Frankly speaking, this might be exactly what I need when living in a city like London - I always want to punch someone in the face from time to time.
And I have always had this question, if the sound itself resonates enough with you, are the lyrics still that important?
B3000 was also criticized for its short and repetitive lyrics, but they did write out their opinions on social issues. Taking "Good Girl" for example, it provided the "perfect" "guidance of being a good girl" in a patriarchal world. I’m looking forward to hearing & seeing what they will discuss in their future works.
Most importantly, every time I listen to B3000's music, I can imagine how much I would enjoy dancing at their parties, and that's enough to make it one of my top albums of the year.
Plus, woohoo~ they are coming to London in Feb!
B3000 was compared to Crystal Castles a lot in music reviews, but I think B3000 is a bit more brutal and rougher. This may come from their repeating and rough drum beats (gabber & post punk) and the hysterical voice of Victoria. Frankly speaking, this might be exactly what I need when living in a city like London - I always want to punch someone in the face from time to time.
And I have always had this question, if the sound itself resonates enough with you, are the lyrics still that important?
B3000 was also criticized for its short and repetitive lyrics, but they did write out their opinions on social issues. Taking "Good Girl" for example, it provided the "perfect" "guidance of being a good girl" in a patriarchal world. I’m looking forward to hearing & seeing what they will discuss in their future works.
Most importantly, every time I listen to B3000's music, I can imagine how much I would enjoy dancing at their parties, and that's enough to make it one of my top albums of the year.
Plus, woohoo~ they are coming to London in Feb!
Source Of Denial
artist: Nihiloxica
release date: 29.09.2023
genre：african music, experimental, techno
看到 Nihiloxica 的封面就已经想要点开听了，结果它果然让我惊喜。
如 Nihiloxica（http://nihiloxica.com）所介绍，人们总是把乌干达音乐和欢乐的氛围联系在一起，但这个现场项目（Live Project）在做的是将乌干达古老的布干达鼓乐传统和当代 techno 相结合，去呈现来自地下世界的黑暗声音。
请务必去听 “Asidi” 和 “Preloya”。一直很喜欢非洲鼓厚重的声音，“Asidi” 里将非洲鼓和电子鼓机（以及合成器？）结合，声音的层次就像不断拍打的波浪，而急促的节奏就像在看一场惊险无比的犯罪电影。“Preloya”里则加入了 bleep techno，前半段让我不自觉想起 YMO（我觉得他们也会喜欢 Nihiloxica），歌曲的后半段有听起来像是来自教堂的钟声，这让这个项目在文化上的融合变得更加有趣了。
Nihiloxica 不只是一个乐队，也是乌干达本地的一个文化项目，它给当地的年轻人提供了新的出路。虽然从创建以来，他们已经活跃在不少音乐节，但是在制作人 Spooky-J 和声音工程师 pg 的协助下，才得以录制和发行了这张绝妙的专辑。
如 Nihiloxica（http://nihiloxica.com）所介绍，人们总是把乌干达音乐和欢乐的氛围联系在一起，但这个现场项目（Live Project）在做的是将乌干达古老的布干达鼓乐传统和当代 techno 相结合，去呈现来自地下世界的黑暗声音。
请务必去听 “Asidi” 和 “Preloya”。一直很喜欢非洲鼓厚重的声音，“Asidi” 里将非洲鼓和电子鼓机（以及合成器？）结合，声音的层次就像不断拍打的波浪，而急促的节奏就像在看一场惊险无比的犯罪电影。“Preloya”里则加入了 bleep techno，前半段让我不自觉想起 YMO（我觉得他们也会喜欢 Nihiloxica），歌曲的后半段有听起来像是来自教堂的钟声，这让这个项目在文化上的融合变得更加有趣了。
Nihiloxica 不只是一个乐队，也是乌干达本地的一个文化项目，它给当地的年轻人提供了新的出路。虽然从创建以来，他们已经活跃在不少音乐节，但是在制作人 Spooky-J 和声音工程师 pg 的协助下，才得以录制和发行了这张绝妙的专辑。
When I saw the cover of Nihiloxica, I already wanted to listen to it, and it surprised me.
As introduced by Nihiloxica (http://nihiloxica.com), people always associate Ugandan music with a happy atmosphere, but what this live project is doing is combining the traditional Buganda drum with contemporary techno and dark sounds from the underground world.
Be sure to listen to “Asidi” and “Preloya”. I have always liked the thick sound of African drums. "Asidi" blended African drums with electronic drum machines (and synthesizers?), the layers of sound are like constantly beating waves, and the rapid rhythm makes me feel like watching a thrilling scene in a crime movie.
"Preloya" has bleep techno added to it. The first half reminded me of YMO (I think they would also like Nihiloxica), and there was a sound like church bells throughout the track, which made this project more interesting and brought it further than just a music piece.
Nihiloxica is not only a band, but also a local cultural project in Uganda, which provides new outlets for local young people. Although they have been active at quite a few festivals since their inception, it was only with the assistance of producer Spooky-J and sound engineer pg that they were able to record and release this stunning album.
As introduced by Nihiloxica (http://nihiloxica.com), people always associate Ugandan music with a happy atmosphere, but what this live project is doing is combining the traditional Buganda drum with contemporary techno and dark sounds from the underground world.
Be sure to listen to “Asidi” and “Preloya”. I have always liked the thick sound of African drums. "Asidi" blended African drums with electronic drum machines (and synthesizers?), the layers of sound are like constantly beating waves, and the rapid rhythm makes me feel like watching a thrilling scene in a crime movie.
"Preloya" has bleep techno added to it. The first half reminded me of YMO (I think they would also like Nihiloxica), and there was a sound like church bells throughout the track, which made this project more interesting and brought it further than just a music piece.
Nihiloxica is not only a band, but also a local cultural project in Uganda, which provides new outlets for local young people. Although they have been active at quite a few festivals since their inception, it was only with the assistance of producer Spooky-J and sound engineer pg that they were able to record and release this stunning album.
To the God Named Dream
artist: Nathan Micayrelease date：04.08.2023
genre：electronic, techno, trance, space, IDM, ambient
Nathan Micay 的这张专辑是你在太空流浪时的背景音乐。
《To The God Named Dream》的封面上有一只捅破纸的爪子，但是在第一眼看到这张专辑封面时，我以为是一艘宇宙飞船，而这整张专辑恰好就像是在太空流浪时会听到的音乐。每首歌的变化又像是跟着这艘飞船体验 10 段不同的太空探险与情绪起伏（最后一首是告别）。我最喜欢的“If Wishes Were Fishes We'd All Cast Nets”，像极了做好准备开启一场冒险的少年耳机里在播放的音乐。
Nathan Micay 是学古典音乐和民族音乐出身的，但在迷上英国跳舞音乐后，开始尝试制作电子乐。在他的音乐里，你会听到旋律和有空间感的声音相结合，有 trance、techno、IDM， 也有 ambient，这张专辑也不例外。这样的声音组合让我忍不住想到拥有人类情感的机器人。
专辑里贯穿的金属一般利落的声音，就像机器人的躯壳；而旋律和标题透露了来自人类的感性。
《To The God Named Dream》的封面上有一只捅破纸的爪子，但是在第一眼看到这张专辑封面时，我以为是一艘宇宙飞船，而这整张专辑恰好就像是在太空流浪时会听到的音乐。每首歌的变化又像是跟着这艘飞船体验 10 段不同的太空探险与情绪起伏（最后一首是告别）。我最喜欢的“If Wishes Were Fishes We'd All Cast Nets”，像极了做好准备开启一场冒险的少年耳机里在播放的音乐。
Nathan Micay 是学古典音乐和民族音乐出身的，但在迷上英国跳舞音乐后，开始尝试制作电子乐。在他的音乐里，你会听到旋律和有空间感的声音相结合，有 trance、techno、IDM， 也有 ambient，这张专辑也不例外。这样的声音组合让我忍不住想到拥有人类情感的机器人。
专辑里贯穿的金属一般利落的声音，就像机器人的躯壳；而旋律和标题透露了来自人类的感性。
This album by Nathan Micay is your soundtrack while wandering in the universe.
The cover of To The God Named Dream has a claw piercing the paper, but when I first saw the album cover, I thought it was a spaceship, and this whole album just happens to be like what you will hear when wandering in space.
The changes of each song are like experiencing 10 different adventures and emotional ups and downs with this ship (the last song is a farewell). My favorite "If Wishes Were Fishes We'd All Cast Nets" is exactly the music playing in the headphones of a teenager who's ready for their adventure.
Nathan Micay has a background in classical music and folk music, he then got fascinated by British dance music and began to make electronic music. In his works, you will hear a mix of bright melodies and spatial sounds, including trance, techno, IDM, and ambient - it makes me think of robots with human emotions, just like Klara in Kazuo Ishiguro's Klara And The Sun.
The metal-like sound throughout the album is like the body of a robot; while the melody and titles of this album reveal human sensibility.
The cover of To The God Named Dream has a claw piercing the paper, but when I first saw the album cover, I thought it was a spaceship, and this whole album just happens to be like what you will hear when wandering in space.
The changes of each song are like experiencing 10 different adventures and emotional ups and downs with this ship (the last song is a farewell). My favorite "If Wishes Were Fishes We'd All Cast Nets" is exactly the music playing in the headphones of a teenager who's ready for their adventure.
Nathan Micay has a background in classical music and folk music, he then got fascinated by British dance music and began to make electronic music. In his works, you will hear a mix of bright melodies and spatial sounds, including trance, techno, IDM, and ambient - it makes me think of robots with human emotions, just like Klara in Kazuo Ishiguro's Klara And The Sun.
The metal-like sound throughout the album is like the body of a robot; while the melody and titles of this album reveal human sensibility.
VOCALNO
artist: JUNGLE
release date：11.08.2023
genre：dance music, soul, funk, pop
release date：11.08.2023
genre：dance music, soul, funk, pop
《VOLCANO》就完全是欢乐舞曲卦的了。这张来自伦敦二人组 Jungle 的第四张专辑（在英国）似乎并没有得到很高的评价，但在思考这一年听过的专辑时，《VOCALNO》立即跳进我的脑海。
我猜想是因为它的整体性，一种乐观和雀跃的情绪贯穿整张专辑。从头听到尾，没有想要切歌或停止的时候，不知不觉中一张专辑就听完了。
而且它适合在任何时间地点播放，会让你随之舞动或者打起响指，rap 的铺垫和副歌的进入都在恰好的时间点（"I've been in love"）。
况且，谁能拒绝总是带来 good vibes 的放克和跳舞音乐？
我猜想是因为它的整体性，一种乐观和雀跃的情绪贯穿整张专辑。从头听到尾，没有想要切歌或停止的时候，不知不觉中一张专辑就听完了。
而且它适合在任何时间地点播放，会让你随之舞动或者打起响指，rap 的铺垫和副歌的进入都在恰好的时间点（"I've been in love"）。
况且，谁能拒绝总是带来 good vibes 的放克和跳舞音乐？
VOLCANO is about joyful dance music. This fourth album from London duo Jungle doesn't seem to be highly rated (in the UK), but when reflecting on the albums I've listened to this year, VOCALNO immediately jumps into my mind.
I guess it's because of its wholeness, a sense of optimism and exuberance that runs through the album. From beginning to end, without wanting to cut any song or stop, an album is finished unconsciously.
And it can be played anywhere and anytime, making you dance or snap your fingers, with the rap setting and the chorus entering at exactly the right time ("I've Been In Love").
Besides, who can resist the funk and dance music that always brings good vibes?
I guess it's because of its wholeness, a sense of optimism and exuberance that runs through the album. From beginning to end, without wanting to cut any song or stop, an album is finished unconsciously.
And it can be played anywhere and anytime, making you dance or snap your fingers, with the rap setting and the chorus entering at exactly the right time ("I've Been In Love").
Besides, who can resist the funk and dance music that always brings good vibes?
jazz is for ordinary people
artist: berlioz
release date: 23.06.2023
genre: jazz, deep house
发现《jazz is for ordinary people》十分偶然。我是先听到单曲“nyc 1940”被吸引后才点开 berlioz 的这张新 EP，发现他在 spotify 和 tiktok 都已经大受欢迎。
虽然它大概会被划到 easy listening 那一区， “hot house”里轻快的节奏(deep house) 和充满现代感的萨克斯风十分引人入胜，这种结合让它变得更容易理解和欣赏（或许也变得更具争议性），也呼应了标题的主张“jazz is for ordinary people”。
在 berlioz 的音乐里，jazz 和 house 两种风格的融合是和谐而自然的，不管是在咖啡厅或小酒馆这样的环境播放，还是在坐公交的路上听，都会被它循序渐进的节奏和旋律所带来的轻松和舒适所感染。
虽然它大概会被划到 easy listening 那一区， “hot house”里轻快的节奏(deep house) 和充满现代感的萨克斯风十分引人入胜，这种结合让它变得更容易理解和欣赏（或许也变得更具争议性），也呼应了标题的主张“jazz is for ordinary people”。
在 berlioz 的音乐里，jazz 和 house 两种风格的融合是和谐而自然的，不管是在咖啡厅或小酒馆这样的环境播放，还是在坐公交的路上听，都会被它循序渐进的节奏和旋律所带来的轻松和舒适所感染。
I found jazz is for ordinary people by accident. I was intrigued by the single "nyc 1940" before clicking on berlioz's new EP and discovered that he was already a hit on both spotify and tiktok.
It would probably be in the easy-listening category. The buoyant deep house rhythm and modern saxophone in "hot house" are fascinating, they make it easy to understand and enjoy the beauty of jazz and house (and perhaps also make it controversial).
In berlioz's music, the fusion of the two genres is harmonious and natural, whether it is played in the environment of cafes or bistros, or listened to on the bus, you will be unconsciously immersed in the ease and comfort it brings.
It would probably be in the easy-listening category. The buoyant deep house rhythm and modern saxophone in "hot house" are fascinating, they make it easy to understand and enjoy the beauty of jazz and house (and perhaps also make it controversial).
In berlioz's music, the fusion of the two genres is harmonious and natural, whether it is played in the environment of cafes or bistros, or listened to on the bus, you will be unconsciously immersed in the ease and comfort it brings.