The Groove Garden: Top Tunes of ‘23: Jan-March
Words by Xavier Farrow-Francis (he/she/they)
1. Radical Romantics by Fever Ray
Karin Dreijer has been the master of freakishness since the early 2000s. Their third Fever Ray album transcends this famously alien catalog by approaching things this time with a remarkably human charge. Karin is longing for connection, lusting for it, and they’ve found the perfect outlet on Radical Romantics. The album is filled with trippy, slimy, ready-for-the-club songs of queer desire and fierce paternal protection, with a few cutesy-yet-peculiar art pop cuts sprinkled in for good measure. The former Knife member just continues to prove they are one of electronic music’s most poignant figures across the LP’s runtime.
Listen if you like: Björk, Zola Jesus, Kelly Lee Owens, Jenny Hval.
Genres: art pop, indietronica, glitch pop, darkwave.
2. Raven by Kelela
Born out of feelings of isolation as a black femme in dance music, Kelela’s long awaited sophomore album is a deeply atmospheric and hypnotic listen. Featuring lush synth beds and soaking wet vocal runs, it sounds as though you submerged a bunch of club records in the depths of the ocean. Thematically, Raven’s tranquil and aquatic palette serves as an encompassing backdrop for restoration and liberation… Identifying one’s adversities, and not only becoming one with them, but smashing them with a hydrated mind too.
Listen if you like: Solange, Sevdaliza, FKA twigs, ABRA.
Genres: electro-R&B, dance, ambient pop.
3. UGLY by slowthai
‘U GOTTA LOVE YOURSELF’ is the mission statement for slowthai’s third studio effort. It’s a surprising turn into post-punk and man, this may be one of the most important hip-hop records we’ve seen in a while. As slowthai grapples with male fragility, vulnerability, and mental health across UGLY, it’s hard not to think about how new of an experience this album is for rap music. Oftentimes it’s agonising to listen to, but hearing a man express his raw emotions like this is both powerful and touching.
Listen if you like: Fontaines D.C., King Krule, Elliott Smith, IDLES.
Genres: conscious rap, post-punk, experimental hip-hop.
4. Heavy Heavy by Young Fathers
This record has such an incredibly unique palette, pulling from the musical makings of West Africa to create songs that are so full, passionate, and alive. Young Fathers have created an album full of triumphant crescendos, culminating in a listening experience that leaves you feeling inspired and happy inside. It feels like being human, pushing through all the shit with a strong mind and keeping on.
Listen if you like: Algiers, billy woods, U.S. Girls.
Genres: post-industrial pop, West African music, spirituals.
5. Girl in the Half Pearl by Liv.e
Chaotic, sprawling, complex: the innermost thoughts of a queer black woman navigating herself and her place in this world. Utilising an absurdly dense arsenal of sounds to soundtrack her longing and introspection, Girl in the Half Pearl is a lavish and jarring avant-R&B record that paints Liv.e as a dynamically creative artist. Its sharp turns can be disorienting at first, but embracing the erraticness is extremely rewarding.
Listen if you like: Pink Siifu, MIKE, Little Simz.
Genres: experimental R&B, neo-soul, art pop, hypnagogic pop.