As much as I like writing, I really dislike writing introduction paragraphs. They're so awkward!
I feel like this year has gone by so fast. I've had some stressful times (like trying to run the site while Browny was gallivanting in Europe without me), and some really nice times (like my boyfriend and I adopting a senior cat!). I also turned 30 and came to terms with not being in my 20s anymore, which I guess is fine. And I had to get a new passport photo taken, and we all know how terrible that can be. Gosh, what a year!
So! Let's get to my year of music. I've had a hard time listening to much new stuff, but luckily I'm exposed to a fair bit of it here, so some slipped through the gaps and into my brain. Enjoy.
TOP 10 RELEASES OF 2023
10. Foo Fighters – But Here We Are
9. Movements - RUCKUS!
8. Enter Shikari – A Kiss For The Whole World
7. Currents –The Death We Seek
6. alt. – ABEYANCE
5. Luca Brasi – The World Don’t Owe You Anything
4. PVRIS - Evergreen
3. Polaris - Fatalism
2. Spiritbox - The Fear Of Fear
1. Trophy Eyes – Suicide and Sunshine
TOP 5 SONGS OF 2023
I always find this category super hard, so I actually went back through a bunch of the WoS newsletters (which myself and Fake Ebony write together) to look at my songs of the week. It's too easy to just choose songs from my top albums of the year, so I deliberately chose not to. And here we are! Some of my favourite songs from the year.
5. Vilify - 'Dread Addict'
4. Caution:Thieves - 'Far From The Sun'
3. Vexed - 'Lay Down Your Flowers'
2. Novelists - 'Turn It Up'
1. Resolve - 'Older Days'
TOP MUSIC VIDEO OF 2023
The Plot In You with 'Forgotten'. It's weird.
BEST GIG YOU CAUGHT THIS YEAR?
Don Broco hands down. Oh my gosh, they are incredible live and I had waited so long to see them. The energy was insane, and they were just magnetic on stage. That is the most fun I've had at a gig in a long time.
FAVOURITE CONTRIBUTION YOU PRODUCED?
I really loved reviewing Trophy Eyes' new album, Suicide And Sunshine. There's something really special about hearing an album before it's out and realising it's going to take their fans and the Australian music scene by storm. Absolutely an incredible experience.
FAV NEW BAND/MUSICIAN DISCOVERED IN 2023?
Caution:Thieves. We premiered their new single 'Far From Sun' and it got stuck in my head. Can't wait to see what they release next.
NEXT BIG AUSSIE ACT TO WATCH IN 2024?
Vilify. I can honestly see them climbing the ladder to Aussie metal greatness in the future. But let's start with what they have in store for next year.
WHAT ARE YOU MOST LOOKING FORWARD TO IN 2024?
I think I'm looking forward to being a bit more creative and writing a bit more. I've been involved in WoS in different ways this year, and I haven't really had a lot of time to contribute to articles as much. So, I'm looking forward to getting my hands dirty with some more reviews and interviews and even an opinion piece or something.
Written by Ebony Story @ebonyrose.s
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