Pitchfork's Overlooked Records of 2013 Pt 1

Pitchfork recently posted their choices for the overlooked records of 2013 so far. These are records that they've deemed to be of high quality, but have flown under the radar of hype and the public consciousness. In real terms, they tend to be curiosities and genre straddlers. They're all interesting pieces of art that aren't necessarily accessible, repeatable, or even particularly listenable.

Here's what I thought of the first half of them:

Aye Nako
Unleash Yourself
**

Aye Nako are a 4-piece from Brooklyn. Unleash Yourself is their debut full-length record.

This is a discordant, at times powerful pop punk record. While not too my taste, there are several strong tracks exploring concepts of youth and budding adulthood.

♫ Molasses (Soundcloud)

Classixx
Hanging Gardens

***

Classixx are a production and DJ duo, working out of Los Angeles. Hanging Gardens is their debut full-length record.

This is a bright and breezy dance-pop record with some excellent potential singles. Appearances from the likes of Pat Grossi (Active Child) provide excellent enhancements.

♫ Holding On (Youtube)

Colin Stetson
New History Warfare Vol. 3: To See More Light
***

From Ann Arbor, Michigan, Colin Stetson is a bass saxopohonist who has performed and toured with artists such as Arcade Fire and Bon Iver. This is his third solo album.

This is a unique and challenging record, featuring Justin Vernon. There's lots to discover over multiple listens.

♫ In Mirrors + And In Truth (Youtube)

Doldrums
Lesser Evil
**

Airick Woodhead as Doldrums hails from Montreal and the same the scene as Grimes. Lesser Evil is the 23 year old's debut album.

Lesser Evil is a pop/noise record that, while an interesting addition to the Montreal electro scene, often fails to punch a melody through its own din.

♫ She Is The Wave (Youtube)

Inc.
no world
****

Inc. are brothers Andrew and Daniel Aged and are based in LA. no world is their second record.

This is a brilliant chill-R&B album and one of the highlights of the list. Inc. are on 4AD with How To Dress Well, but they manage to find more actual tunes than their excellent label mates.

♫ 5 days (Youtube)

Jagwar Ma
Howlin
***

Jagwar Ma are an Australian three-piece. Howlin is their debut album.

There's no doubt this is a great pop record and deserving of its success. It pulls together a lot of what has been in vogue the past few years, including psychedelia, bass and balearic.

♫ The Throw (Youtube)

KEN mode
Entrench
***

From Winnipeg, Canada, KEN mode have been around for a few years. Entrench is their 5th studio album.

Despite my initial trepidation, this is a very rewarding listen. Post-hardcore, punk and metal tropes generate a lot of noise, but some brilliant technical musicianship and satisfying melodic math-rock sections shine through.

♫ Counter Culture Complex (Youtube)

Kevin Gates
The Luca Brasi Story
***

Kevin Gates has been releasing mixtapes since 2007. The Luca Brasi Story is the latest from the Louisiana Rapper.

This is a hip hop album with smart and witty lyrics that display a notable intensity and emotional openness. A bit lacking in depth on the beats for my taste, but that’s not really what this record is about.

♫ Paper Chasers (Youtube)