By Grant Golden
November 30, 2023
Magic Al (Hillsborough)
Good Grief (Sleepy Cat Records)
Good Grief is a remarkably powerful and poignant record from esteemed producer and multi-instrumentalist Alex Bingham. Alongside a cast of star-studded collaborators like Amelia Meath (Sylvan Esso), Joseph Terrell (Mipso), Taylor Meier (CAAMP), and more, Bingham digs into the depths of grief after a string of difficult losses in 2022. Good Grief is a record full of infectious grooves and catchy melodies, exploring the juxtaposition of mourning a loved one while the world keeps spinning. Opening track “Cryin’ At The Party” encapsulates much of the record’s vibe, as Bingham sings of “missing my friend with my friends,” atop an effervescent blend of electronics and organic instrumentation. Records like Good Grief are rare, it’s a short outing (clocking just under 30 minutes) but one that beckons repeated listens. Do yourself a favor and lose yourself in this one.
Pat Junior (Raleigh)
Grill Talk
Pat Junior is one of the state’s most consistent creators. Whether it’s his unparalleled lyricism or his Grammy-nominated production work, Junior is a beacon of what many independent artists strive to achieve in music. Grill Talk may be presented as a mixtape, but it’s also his finest work to date. Tracks like “BOUNDARIES.,” “Black Gold,” and “holster.” display Junior’s refined approach to his music, in both diction and production, every beat and syllable coincides in a way that scratches a musical itch. Junior preaches the benefits of therapy and mental health, expressing his thoughts on topics like protecting your peace, setting emotional boundaries, and shining your light brightly with authenticity. With top-notch production, complex rhyme schemes and uplifting lyrics, you’d be hard pressed to find a more cohesive and polished release this year than Grill Talk.
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The Mountain Goats (Durham)
Jenny From Thebes (Merge Records)
John Darnielle’s work with The Mountain Goats has spanned thirty years now, and his brilliant storytelling has only continued to blossom along the way. Longtime fans that follow Darnielle’s work instantly perk up at the mention of “Jenny” and her yellow Kawasaki, first introduced in 2002’s All Hail West Texas. So Jenny From Thebes feels like a fond reunion. While the album fleshes out a mysterious figure in Darnielle’s songwriting narrative, it also marks one of the band’s most ambitious musical outings. Each track forays into slightly different genres, thanks in part to Matt Douglas’ robust horn and string arrangements, but Darnielle’s boundlessly creative songwriting remains the triumphant spark at the core of these tunes. Whether you’re a longtime fan of The Mountain Goats or a newcomer to Darnielle’s deep lore, Jenny From Thebes is packed with enough hard-hitting storytelling to hook in any listener.
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Aarik Duncan (Raleigh)
I Like Myself
Aarik Duncan has made a name for himself as a member of one of the Triangle’s most prolific live acts, NiiTO, known for their genre-bending, soulful sounds. I Like Myself finds Duncan striking out on his own and leaning heavier into the world of modern pop and R&B with unsurprisingly excellent results. Duncan’s voice takes center stage on a record that’s full of incredible production work. There’s crisp bass, snappy percussion, and shimmery guitars, but it’s hard to overshadow the vibrato-laden vocals so full of passion. Album opener “LoNeR” is an unapologetic ode to solitude, “RunAway” could serve as a lesson in how to build harmony, and tracks like “PSYCHOsis” and “FoUNd” boast melodies that linger in your ears for days. Duncan’s solo work is just as impressive as his work with NiiTO, but adds a refreshing new flavor to the mix, flexing his already spectacular set of musical abilities.
Little Brother (Durham)
“Wish Me Well” / “Glory Glory”
While 2023 marks the 20th anniversary of Little Brother’s debut album The Listening, releases like “Wish Me Well” and “Glory Glory” prove that Phonte and Rapper Big Pooh are as fresh as the days they burst onto the scene. Rapping atop funk and soul inspired beats from Deonis Cook and Conductor Williams, Phonte and Pooh perform lyrical acrobatics that nod to their longstanding underdog ethos. Little Brother is a group that’s been perpetually ahead of their time, and the pair waste no time in dazzling listeners on “Wish Me Well,” kicking off the head-spinning two-track outing with densely packed wordplay and clever punchlines. “Wish me well or call me Ishmael,” Phonte raps. “Croquettes and grits, ni**a, this is that fish scale” / “This is that dispelled, rumor that we not active,” ‘Te continues. We can only hope the pair of singles are a sign of more to come, especially following the release of their compelling new documentary, May the Lord Watch.
Distracted Eyes (Charlotte)
Enjoy (Self Aware Records)
A melding of disparate musical minds, Distracted Eyes finds Mary Grace McKusick of poppy post-punk outfit Petrov collaborating with songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist Te’Jani, crafting a refreshing new sound. Inspired by horror video game soundtracks like Resident Evil and Silent Hill, Distracted Eyes paints haunting imagery with an industrial art-rock hue. McKusick’s soaring vocals sit atop rattling synth lines and distorted guitar riffs all coming together through the rich textural depth of Te’Jani’s production. Enjoy displays equal parts Nine Inch Nails and Portishead as tracks like “Change” bring snarling guitar lines intermeshed with tinkling synths and entrancing vocals. Enjoy is a brief but compelling display of the joys of collaboration between artists of varying genres, and the invigorating output that comes with experimentation.
Truth Club (Raleigh)
Running From The Chase
From the onset of Truth Club, they’ve been one of the brightest stars of the North Carolina indie scene, and Running From The Chase only further cements their place as torchbearers for the state’s beloved indie rock community. Vocalist Travis Harrington’s lyricism is the hook that draws the listener in, but the shadowy, frenetic nature of their instrumentation and arrangements keeps you coming back for more. Tracks like “77x” and “Suffer Debt” bring a sense of controlled chaos with frequent sonic shifts between serene guitar lines and crunchy riffs. Truth Club marries the aggressive with the emotive in a way that grasps your attention and doesn’t let go until the last notes.
It’s Snakes (Charlotte)
Yes
A band full of longstanding members of the Charlotte music community and recent North Carolina Music Hall of Fame inductees, It’s Snakes is a truly amalgamous rock band. Propelled by Hope Nicholls’ dual duties on drums and vocals, It’s Snakes is a ramshackle mix of garage rock, surf rock and rockabilly with a punk sensibility about them. Yes is the band’s fourth full-length release, composed of rock songs packed with charisma and character. Opening track “Garaji Maharaji” oozes with swagger and careens along with fuzzy guitar riffs and driving rhythms, while “Blue Monte Carlo” bounces with bubbly synth lines and a devil may care nonchalance. Yes is a fun and easy listen, capable of bringing bright, summery vibes while maintaining an edge of rock ‘n’ roll attitude.
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Hammer No More The Fingers (Durham)
Silver Zebra
Silver Zebra marks the first new release for Hammer No More The Fingers in 11 years, but you wouldn’t be able to tell that. Silver Zebra is full of the same wit and tenacity the trio displayed on their beloved records Looking For Bruce (2009) and Black Shark (2011). Clocking in at a brief 22 minutes, the band brings short, frenzied bursts of energy that slowly fade into the next adventurous affair. Tracks like “Ona” and “Afterlife” showcase the dynamic melodies and angular guitar riffs that longtime fans have come to love. Silver Zebra finds Hammer No More The Fingers showcasing the same breezy brilliance that led them to local stardom, with a touch more refinement. Whether or not there’s more work to come remains to be seen, but Silver Zebra stands alone as a release worthy of rejoicing, like a warm embrace from a long-lost friend.
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Cyanca (Charlotte)
Late 2 the Party
Cyanca has become an anchor of Charlotte’s music scene, and her work on Late 2 the Party serves as a statement piece for those not yet on board– hop on or get left behind. Late 2 the Party is a collection of both new tracks and previously released standouts, showcasing Cyanca’s breadth as an artist. “Idk” displays an intense vulnerability, displaying anxiety and uncertainty in pursuing her artistry, but it’s immediately juxtaposed with the braggadocio of “Pb&J,” rapping about messages left on read, focusing on her own vibes and not needing anyone else’s “two cents.” Blending sultry and smooth neo-soul tunes with bass-heavy bangers like “Late 2 the Party” and “Badazz” (featuring Deniro Farrar), Cyanca is flexing for the fans on Late 2 the Party. Whether you’ve been privy or just tuning in, it’s clear that Cyanca is full of limitless potential.
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Tanajah (Raleigh)
What If Dreams Came True
“This gon’ be that heat that make your head bop,” raps Tanajah in the opening lines of What If Dreams Came True, and the six-track release does exactly that. Tanajah has built a reputation as a purveyor of positivity, and What If Dreams Came True is a brief but beautiful outing that explores Tanajah’s ambition while expanding on her sound and subject matter. “Head Bop” serves as a soulful intro to the record, while singles “V.I.B.E” and “Golden” showcase Tanajah’s trademark confidence and infectious flow. Tracks like “Give It To Me” display a new style for the burgeoning artist, showcasing a more crass vibe with a simplistic, dance-y Missy Elliot-inspired sheen. What If Dreams Came True is full of everything that fans may already love about Tanajah, but serves as a great intro for new listeners.
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Dollar Signs (Charlotte)
Legend Tripping (Self Aware Records)
Charlotte punk-rockers Dollar Signs have built a steady national following thanks to a long string of fantastic records, but Legend Tripping brings them back to their DIY roots after recent releases on Pure Noise Records. This crowd-funded record is one of their most ambitious outings to date, but it stays in line with Dollar Signs’ aversion to skirting expectations. Legend Tripping is the band’s love letter to Southern living and the dichotomy that comes with pride for a sometimes problematic region. Tracks like the anthemic, horn-filled “Bless Your Heart” and “Patterson-Gimlin” encapsulate the album’s theme, but Legend Tripping is filled with the same level of nuance and replay ability that we’ve come to love and expect from Dollar Signs.
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Nance (Raleigh)
everydaydream
While it’s been five years since Nance’s last full-length project, there’s been a slew of singles and collaborations that help to track the Raleigh-based rapper’s growth through the years. everydaydream finds Nance rapping over a blend of dreamy, lilting soundscapes and refined tracks with features from acts like 3amsound, AZUL, Skizzy Mars, and more. Nance crafts catchy, accessible tunes that are both vulnerable and ambitious, ranging from therapeutic tracks like “inside” and “hope in time” to swaggering songs like “watch out!” Nance’s energy and positivity permeates through the speakers, whether he’s digging deep into his emotions or taking a moment to celebrate his success, it’s hard not to cheer on from the sidelines.
Deion Reverie (Charlotte)
[inaudible applause]
It’s difficult to find local releases with as much polish as [inaudible applause]. Deion Reverie has crafted an enigmatic record that seems to have only scratched the surface of his artistic vision, but still serves as an incredibly enriching listen. [inaudible applause] is built on hazy, wilting ambiance, washed in reverb but still filled with vigor and direction. Reverie uses vocal effects to help modulate his voice, giving it an instrumental effect and further fleshing out the already lush arrangements. Tracks like “Giving Me Hope,” “Sleepless” and “Oh Love” showcase the range of Reverie’s work on [inaudible applause], taking aural inspiration from modern pop, R&B, and dance music while pivoting between melodic and rapped verses. [inaudible applause] is a fantastic record that positions Reverie as one of the state’s most gifted alternative R&B songwriters.
MJ Lenderman and The Wind (Asheville)
Live and Loose (ANTI- Records)
MJ Lenderman’s stock just keeps rising as each day passes, whether it be through his work as the guitarist of Asheville’s Wednesday or his own solo outings, Lenderman and crew bring a captivating energy that stands front and center for his recently released live album, Live and Loose. Reimagining a series of tracks from Lenderman’s solo releases like Boat Songs and Ghost of Your Guitar Solo, this live outing takes previously subdued affairs and turns them into ripping and reeling adventures. Tracks like ”Live Jack,” “Knockin” and “Toontown” showcase his versatility, and as a whole, Live and Loose finds Lenderman and his bandmates meandering into an amorphous blend of shaky indie rock and honky-tonk ready country jams.
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Listen to our official NC Release Radar Spotify playlist featuring our favorite North Carolina releases in 2023.
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