Time for my traditional look back at my fave LPs from the year just ended. One of the strongest years for a while with many excellent titles missing out on the 50.

Is there more dream-pop, indie guitars, and EDM again? Let’s see.

Noting that there are trans men, trans women, and non-binary artists all featuring here, I send particular love with allyship to all in the beautiful LGBTQ community.

Happy New Year.

1 Hatchie - Liquorice

After topping my list in 2019 and 2022 would Hatchie’s 3rd album make it a hat-trick (hatch-trick)? You bet! The singles are sublime. I’m kind of reluctant to overstate the Cocteau Twins and Sundays comparisons but Only One Laughing is so reminiscent of both!

2 Antony Szmierek - Service Station At The End Of The Universe

Antony comes across as a likeable and infectious personality in interviews and on stage. His music reflects all of this. One of my most played albums of the year.

3 POLIÇA - Dreams Go

Nearly a decade from its live debut, the title track gets the studio recording I’ve been craving. My favourite song from my favourite band

4 Greentea Peng - TELL DEM IT’S SUNNY

5 Kae Tempest - Self Titled

An extraordinary album. All power and love to Kae.

6 swim school - Swim School

My fave debut of the year..

7 Baxter Dury - Allbarone

Indie-dance homages and a vocal delivery that unavoidably reminds me of his dad. Superb.

8 SPRINTS - All That Is Over

9 Wolf Alice - The Clearing

One of the best UK bands of all time. It’s been an exciting ride following them from the start.

10 Marie Davidson - City Of Clowns

11 Nxdia - I Promise No One’s Watching

Nxdia’s 30 minute set at Latitude blew me away. I didn’t know any of their songs beforehand and *every* *single* *one* hit like fully formed banger, including a Katy Perry cover! My fave discovery.