2022 has been another year of splendid music. There have been strong offerings from many kinds of artists from all kinds of genres. It has been a year of change in many ways; culturally, socially and economically. Music is a guiding light through a lot of the trials we have to face. Here is a selection of our favourite albums of 2022 that span a wide range of genres. Albums are listed in no particular order. We hope that you enjoy reading. Please let us know what your favourite albums of the year are in the comments below.
ITHACA – THEY FEAR US (HASSLE RECORDS)
On They Fear Us, Ithaca state that this is a band being unapologetically themselves; finding their voice and standing firmly by it. At 35 minutes long, this is a concise piece that doesn’t really give you time to breathe, such is the pummelling, breakneck nature of the record. The nine songs contained herein are stupendously huge. There are massive riffs, soaring solos, beautiful melodies, crushing rhythms, impassioned vocals and a whole host of other aspects sprinkled amongst. Check out the blistering video for Camera Eats First below.
Full review here.
BRET McKENZIE – SONGS WITHOUT JOKES (SUB POP)
Bret McKenzie makes the solo break away from hit comedies and film soundtracks with his first full-length long player; Songs Without Jokes. Throughout the album, you can hear influences far and wide. With the players all bringing different backgrounds to the songs it is obviously a deliciously mixed bag, but at the heart is McKenzie and the songs he wants to hear. Here For You has a little of Springsteen circa Tunnel Of Love (think One Step Up). That’s L.A. is wonderfully quirky and evokes sunshine and heat, however lyrically, the song deals with a seeming sadness and the hardships of the place. There is a definite Steely Dan feel here. Hopefully, Songs Without Jokes is not the last solo outing for Bret McKenzie; he is an incredibly talented chap who has so much to offer. We should cherish and treasure these songs and this artist…he is one of a kind.
Full review here.
MAZ O’CONNOR – WHAT I WANTED (RESTLESS HEAD MUSIC)
What I Wanted is a departure for Maz O’Connor in its stylings. It is always great to see brilliant artists take risks and push themselves without settling for the same old. Maz O’Connor pulls off the shift with aplomb. In Will Gardner she has a brilliant musical partner as his input and production alongside Maz help makes What I Wanted a vital album. Maz’s songs on What I Wanted are rooted in exploration; exploration of deserted cities, the challenges of consumerism, love, life, death, religion and plenty of stops in between. Maz explained more when she took us on a tour of What I Wanted…you can read more here.
Full review here.
NITEWORKS – A’GHRIAN (COMANN MUSIC)
Make no bones about it, Niteworks are a force majeure. This significant landmark in their career so far is the one that should shake off any lingering suspicion they ride on the shirttails of other and earlier marriages between folk and electronica. They are now truly pioneers and should be cherished as such.
Full review here.
TRISH CLOWES – A VIEW WITH A ROOM (GREENLEAF MUSIC)
There is so much to enjoy on this great album and to keep returning to, as new musical layers are discovered and explored, in these impressive compositions. The level of musicianship and shared intent, leads to a telepathic like interplay within the quartet, as they interpret each composition. Trish Clowes has thus delivered an exceptional album, which At The Barrier has no hesitation in recommending. We also caught Trish live in Glasgow this year (review here), and Trish also wrote in our Why I Love column, here.
Full review here.
ARÐ – TAKE UP MY BONES (PROPHECY RECORDINGS)
Arð is the solo project of Mark Deeks of Winterfylleth. Take Up My Bones has been noted as ‘monastic doom.’ This is the rich story of St. Cuthbert. There are so many facets of Take Up My Bones to unravel. It begs repeated listens and will undoubtedly be looked upon with high favour in years to come as a pivotal doom record. No stone has been left unturned in realising the vision of Arð with plenty of top-level musicians assisting Deeks in his execution of this quite magnificent album.
Full review here.
NATIVE HARROW – OLD KIND OF MAGIC (LOOSE MUSIC)
If your idea of a good time is a prolonged soak in a woozy bucolia, bathing in shimmery psych-folk of a pastoral bent, step right up, for that is what we have right here. Native Harrow, a duo transplanted from Pennylvania to Pevensey, have form, with this being a 5th long player, if the 2nd over here in Blighty. This is a somewhat special record. Turn down those dials, give it headspace and immerse yourself. It’ll be worth it.
Full review here.
GOAT – OH DEATH (ROCKET RECORDINGS)
GOAT continue their spiritual quest to transcend all realms on Oh Death; their fourth long player and first studio release in six years. Evoking the spirit of Hendrix in the guitar licks, early Funkadelic in the grooves and Captain Beefheart in the other-worldly spirit. This is a record that really hits the mark for psychedelia. It is exciting to see what comes from their live shows slated for 2023.
Full review here.
A.A. WILLIAMS – AS THE MOON RESTS (BELLA UNION)
A.A. Williams unleashes another behemoth of an album. The heights gained on the stunning Forever Blue have been gently nudged upward several notches. Nothing short of epic and inspirational. Songs from a hollow heart? Never thought of love as mighty? Maybe, but the impact of As The Moon Rests is overwhelming.
Full review here.
FRITILLARIES – FRITILLARIES (PEAR O’LEGS)
After several acclaimed singles, the West Country-based Fritillaries released their self-titled debut album, oozing with originality, musically entrancing and lyrically intriguing. This multi-instrumental and multi-talented duo created a musical treasure trove of intense and exquisite music. Their seeds of hope for a successful future have firmly been planted in this exceptional record.
Full review here.
MAGPIE ARC – GLAMOUR IN THE GREY (COLLECTIVE/PERSPECTIVE RECORDS)
In a year of very good releases, this end-of-year gem from Magpie Arc is one of the delights. Here’s hoping this unit has legs and can last, certainly into the next year and another summer of live shows. All busy in their own right, the front line all with active solo careers to nurture, let alone any number of other collaborations, it must be a logistic nightmare for Alex Hunter, also their manager, to keep held together. But, boy, is it worth it! And, final point: PLAY LOUD!
Full review here.
SAM SWEENEY – ESCAPE THAT! (HUDSON RECORDS)
Instrumental album of the year? Folk(y) album of the year? Escape That! ticks several boxes, especially after seeing Sam and his band perform some of the material at the Bellowhead gigs in November (live review here). Nothing less than a joyous explosion of tunes, written and inspired by various places and happenings from the recent past, plus the added bonus of Sam’s own pop sensibilities singing through. Great band too!
Full review here.
STEVE BAKER – TONIC (UBUNTU MUSIC)
Steve Baker is a truly remarkable artist, being a gifted multi-instrumentalist, as well as a music producer, composer, and orchestrator/arranger. He has composed for both television and radio, and Tonic is his first album as leader of the music. It is a significant and impressive work, involving a big band ensemble of exceptional musicians, and string orchestrations performed by the Hungarian Studio Orchestra conducted by Peter Illenyi. The compositions resonate with an epic and multi-layered musical delivery, that is both immersive and engaging.
Full review here.
WARDRUNA – FIRST FLIGHT OF THE WHITE RAVEN (MUSIC FOR NATIONS)
A no-brainer of a choice after seeing Wardruna Live at Manchester Albert Hall in March which was one of our gigs of the year. Bringing the ancient into the twenty-first century, Wardruna strikes a blow for tradition. Their live experience is something to behold and one that we wholeheartedly encourage you to take, if you get the chance. If not, just play this.
Full review here
THE BLACKHEART ORCHESTRA – HOTEL UTOPIA (CEANDAR RECORDS)
Another sublime effort from Rick and Chrissy where the challenge for anyone is to find your own personal connection in at least one of the songs – songs that ponder the journey into the great unknown, where you may catch a glimpse of what might lie on the other side. With The Blackheart Orchestra holding your hand and Hotel Utopia on the turntable, it’s not a bad way to check out.
Full review here.
MASSIVE WAGONS – TRIGGERED! (EARACHE RECORDS)
A proper band of down-to-earth and decent blokes (from the North) who know how to write a Heavy Rock tune or two. Wearing their hearts on their sleeves with passion and pride. Simple songs and simple messages delivered with a panache that sees Massive Wagons take the rostrum as an unpretentious band of the people. Yes, there’s the raw edge, punky even in some of the breakneck tempos, that they were aiming for and some serious messages at the core that they’re in a position now to shout about – but not in a Bono sort of way. They’d probably say they have no time for any of that sh*t – just being proud of who and what they are. God save Massive Wagons and all who sail in her!
Full review here
MS AMY BIRKS – IN OUR SOULS (SELF-RELEASED)
In Our Souls is simply a gorgeous album. The genius of it all is how not a note is wasted as the development of Ms Amy Birks shines through yet retains her unique style and exceptional songcraft. This sublime sophomore album heads into darker yet beautifully seductive territory. It was also an honour to have Amy write in our Why I Love column here.
Full review here
SERENA FERRARA & SIMONE MOR – KEMANA (VIBRA)
An album that continues to resonate with me, ever since I described it, back in March, as “A musical voyage that transcends multiple cultures and frontiers and which blends the sounds, traditions and stories that it picks up along the way.” A truly superlative piece of work that takes jazz, flamenco, raga, Mediterranean folk influences and much, much more and cooks them into what is, unquestionably, the most satisfying and engaging album I’ve heard in a long time. I’ve played Kemana at least once a week since I first heard it and, something tells me, I’ll be doing that for a long time to come. (John B)
Full review here.
DARKEST ERA (CANDLELIGHT RECORDS)
After so long, the magic still works in amongst Darkest Era. Wither On The Vine is a welcome reminder of a splendid band, but also of the fact that time and rest can bring fresh perspective and vigour. Hopefully, we won’t have to wait so long before the band reconvene and continue to produce more great music. This one is nearly a decade in the making/waiting…it is absolutely worth the wait.
The band also joined us as they took us through the tracks on Wither On The Vine, one by one, here.
Full review here.
YETII – LIVE AT THE GREENBANK (SELF RELEASED)
Live at The Greenbank is an album that flows out of a three year long monthly residency at the Greenbank venue in Bristol, by a trio of excellent musicians called Yetii. The trio comprises of Alex Veitch on piano, Ashley John Long on bass, and Alex Goodyear on drums. Alex Veitch’s compositions and arrangements are beautifully put together and paced, and highly evocative in the palette of emotions and thoughts they can generate in the listener. The trio has an intuitive and free-flowing approach to their playing, which creates an incredible platform for their constantly inventive and nuanced improvisations. This is music that becomes like a friend as you journey with the trio through contrasting moods, textures, and tonal colours.
Full review here.
ERIC GALES – CROWN (PROVOQUE / MASCOT LABEL GROUP)
The latest album from Eric Gales, produced by Joe Bonamassa and Josh Smith, put him back at the top of the blues tree with a wonderful blend of soulful, funky, rocky blues. Joe Bonamassa claims Eric Gales to be, “one of the best, if not the best in the world.” With that, you need to sit down and listen to this rejuvenated bluesman.
Full review here.
VOID OF LIGHT – VOID OF LIGHT (SELF RELEASED)
Void Of Light is a six-piece post-metal band from Glasgow. With a three guitarist, bass, drums, and vocals set up, they create a unique take on the post-metal genre, on their self-titled debut album. The band cites their main musical influences as including Cult Of Luna, Neurosis, and ISIS. While these influences come through on the album, this is also a band with their own definite sound, which sonically offers an immersive listening experience.
Full review here.
MAVIS STAPLES & LEVON HELM – CARRY ME HOME (ANTI-RECORDS)
A worthy addition to the At The Barrier list of our favourite live albums of all time. Recorded at one of Levon’s last Midnight Rambles at his home/studio in Woodstock NY, Carry Me Home is an album that has everything – reworkings of familiar songs, an eclectic setlist, true, deep passion and, finally, the heartbreaking poignancy of a final performance from two long-term friends. Mavis described her final parting with Levon thus: “We hugged and hugged and hugged. I just held onto him. I didn’t know it’d be the last time, but in my heart and mind, Levon will always be with me because I take him everywhere I go. Yes indeed. I can see him right now. And, some sweet day, we’ll be together again.” And the pair performance of Levon’s signature, The Weight, is sublime, with Levon lifting himself for one final lead vocal. Even if we did mistake the tuba solo for a trombone in the review…
Full review here.
THE LITTLE UNSAID – FABLE (CARBON MOON RECORDS)
Gratitude and joy are what you will have in abundance when you listen to the music of The Little Unsaid. Their unique music will expand your listening experience. On Fable, the alluring new album, the South London based 4-piece encourage us to stay positive and be adaptable in troubled times.
Full review here.
MACHINE HEAD – ØF KINGDØM & CRØWN (NUCLEAR BLAST X IMPERIUM)
ØF KINGDØM AND CRØWN will be a talked about Machine Head record for many a year. It is up there with their finest works. It will rightfully be mentioned alongside Burn My Eyes, The Blackening and Unto The Locust. Form is temporary, but class is permanent; Machine Head bleed class on ØF KINGDØM AND CRØWN. There are so many massive moments contained in this record that it is hard to contain such a blistering album.
Full review here.
BARBARA – MILDLY ENTERTAINING (SELF-RELEASED)
Album or EP? Does it matter? Whatever you might want to call it, Mildly Entertaining – the debut collection from Brighton band Barbara brought a welcome dose of English whimsy to a jaded nation when it emerged, fully formed, back in April. At The Barrier have since become huge fans of the dynamic duo – John and Henry Tydeman – and we’re predicting big things for them in 2023. If you’re a fan of 10cc, Stackridge, Sparks or, most particularly, The Divine Comedy, then you’ll love Barbara, and our advice is get on board the Barbara bus NOW, before it leaves you behind. Rainy Days in June; A Perishing of Cherished Things; Don’t Send Me Messages; These New Communications, BRB – they’re all fantastic songs, guaranteed to leave even the most jaded listener breathless with delight. Fantastic live and a little bird tells me there’ll be more to come very shortly…
Full review here.
LOUDON WAINWRIGHT III – LIFETIME (PROPER RECORDS)
Loudon Wainwright III – Westchester County’s master satirist – confronts the realities of old age on this, his 30th album of original material. As well as the pleasures and perils of ageing, personal reflections, lockdown experiences, the security of relationships and, of course, familial dysfunctionality all get a look in, in the sharp, witty, honest, bittersweet language that is LWIII’s signature style. His voice might be cracking a little nowadays – after all; in five years he’ll be 80 – but the messages are as strong as ever.
Full review here.
AARON JONES & RACHEL WALKER – DESPITE THE WIND AND RAIN (Ròs Dearg)
An album that really made us sit up and notice. We expected it to be good, but not this good; the duo having seemingly swiftly melded into a tight pairing, bolstering hopes for future collaborations and, hopefully, some gigs. Get Duncan Lyall and the string section on board and on the road and they’ll raise a few eyebrows. Unsurprisingly, Celtic Connections have snapped them up for just that, on the first of February next year. The packaging is handsome, with detailed blurbs on each of the songs and the characters mentioned, with tremendous artwork for every track, all specially commissioned for this project, lovingly made by Walker’s Lochaber fellow resident, Ali Berardelli. The video still below shows the quality and standard of her illustrative skills.
Full review here.
RUSTY SHACKLE – UNDER A BLOODSHOT MOON (SELF-RELEASED)
The joyous, incendiary, rock-solid fifth album from Caldicot’s folk-rockers, Rusty Shackle. The band channel Bruce Springsteen, Arcade Fire, The Decemberists and, particularly, Seth Lakeman with their heady concoctions of Celtic folk, mixed with classic rock, and it works a treat. Rusty Shackle can jig and rock with equal abandon as songs like album opener The Devil’s Pulpit and Love is the Answer; they can also contemplate and charm when they turn to quieter numbers like Lost in Tokyo and Ghost. If you’ve not tuned in to Rusty Shackle yet, you’re missing something very special.
Full review here.
LONG DISTANCE CALLING – ERASER (E.A.R. MUSIC)
Eraser saw the unique German progressive band, Long Distance Calling, release a new album highlighting the human abuse of the environment through their original soundscapes. Eraser is another masterful album that follows up their previous effort; How Do We Want To Live? The band will be on tour in 2023; if you get the chance to see them, don’t pass it up. Eraser is another amazing addition to an already brilliant canon of music.
Full review here.
OYSTERBAND – READ THE SKY (RUNNING MAN)
Oysterband broke their 8-year drought of wholly new material with a joyous deluge. At a minute under 40, this assured set shows indeed that the Oysterband’s time is, assuredly, still now. They’ve never been away, but welcome back! We also caught the band live in May of 2022. You can read our review and view our gallery here.
Full review here.
ELEPHANT SESSIONS – FOR THE NIGHT (SELF-RELEASED)
Feisty neo-trad warriors, Elephant Sessions, stamped an indelible mark on their state-of-the-art highlands fusion. When Elephant Sessions kicked off their headlining gig at this year’s Skye Live it was plain to see and hear quite how much thought and effort had gone into this project, translating the band from amiable festival stalwarts, peddling a decent folk rock brew of trad, tinged with the odd dabble of gaelictronica, into something a whole lot more powerful. Suddenly, the audience was witnessing a behemoth, bursting through the chrysalis of expectation.
Full review here.
DARKHER – THE BURIED STORM (PROPHECY RECORDINGS)
DARKHER really do create a sense of unease and mystery on their second LP, The Buried Storm. The follow-up to 2016’s Realms is, put plainly, a phenomenal piece of work. Jayn Maiven aka DARKHER crafted an album that is enthralling, cinematic and mesmerising. Give yourself to The Buried Storm and let it ensnare you.
Full review here.
AYNSLEY LISTER – ALONG FOR THE RIDE (STRAIGHT TALKIN’ RECORDS)
There is not a weak track among the 13 on Along For The Ride. A wide range of themes cover things from the expected romantic themes as in Wait For Me, to social issues in The World is Failing and interestingly songs based on TV drama Killing Eve (Eve parts 1 and 2). As expected, stunning solos and powerful riffs are plentiful but the quality and variety of the song composition is also a strong point.
Full review here.
TALLIES – PATINA (HAND DRAWN DRACULA / BELLA UNION)
Plucky Canadians, Tallies, re-invent the 80’s in a glittering jangle of joy. We loved seeing them on tour this year. Their songs are bright, lively and full of sunshine. Tallies came about as singer and guitarist Sarah Cogan and guitarist Dylan Franklin, drawn together by their love of the music of the 80s and 90s, especially that produced here in the UK, the janglier the better, lashings of echo, reverb max on the drums and ethereal vocals. The Smiths, Aztec Camera, definitely Altered Images, yes please, and all the way onward into the idiosyncratic charm of the Cocteau Twins and their ilk. Especially their ilk. Logan had the voice, Franklin the gossamer guitar tones, so, when joined by the gargantuan drums of Cian O’Neill, they had a plan and lift-off. An eponymous debut release caught the ears of no less than Simon Raymonde, he of the Cocteau Twins and part also of the equally inspiring This Mortal Coil project. A man with, now, handily, both a record label, Bella Union, and track record in finding and releasing worthwhile new music. A hero and then their label boss! Another band who gave a memorable live experience this year.
Full review here.
ARCH ENEMY – DECEIVERS (CENTURY MEDIA)
Deceivers is one of many heavy metal highlights of 2022. Notable nods go to Ghost, Machine Head, Soulfly and Amon Amarth…however, Arch Enemy might well be in the form of their lives and Deceivers is a monster of an album. Their live show this year was a step up and alongside Behemoth and Carcass, provided a real highlight of the touring calendar. Read our live review and view our stunning live gallery here.
Full review here.
SELECT REISSUES OF THE YEAR
BILL NELSONS RED NOISE – SOUND ON SOUND (CHERRY RED / ESOTERIC)
Cherry Red/Esoteric did an exceptional job in rebooting the Be Bop Deluxe catalogue. Apt that they should run with the story that follows the release of the album Drastic Plastic and tour, as Bill Nelson disbanded Be Bop Deluxe to reinvent himself with Red Noise. The 1974-1978 BBD output acted as a launch pad for what would become an increasingly broad solo career for Nelson. Aware of the emergence of the New Wave artists and out of a desire to continually evolve, he announced the formation of Red Noise. Another project, this one even more short-lived, another sign that Bill Nelson wasn’t the type of man to hang around in one place or space for very long. “A new start and a new direction,” was the call.
Full Review here.
MAN – LIFE ON THE ROAD, ON AIR 1972 – 1983 (CHERRY RED / ESOTERIC)
Man formed in 1968 in Wales, and initially brought together, band members from the Bystanders from Merthyr Tydfil, including guitarist Micky Jones and keyboards player Clive John, with from another band, the Dream from Swansea, guitarist Deke Leonard. Their music developed in a new direction, incorporating aspects of progressive and psychedelic rock, with improvisation at its core, and inspired by the emerging American west coast sound, pioneered by bands like the Jefferson Airplane, Quicksilver Messenger Service and the Grateful Dead.
This exemplary CD/DVD box set, released by Esoteric Recordings and Cherry Red Records, brings together the surviving UK radio and television sessions and concerts recorded for the BBC, together with the film of the Farewell At The Roundhouse show in 1976.
Full review here.
THE MOTHERS 1971 – SUPER DELUXE EDITION (ZAPPA RECORDS / UME)
For the many dedicated Zappaphiles around us, the past 12 months or so have been a reissue revelation. Frank’s son, Ahmet, along with Zappa Vaultmeister, Joe Travers, have been at the vanguard of a Zappa Records/UMe charge that started back in November 2021 with a heavily-extended rework of The Mothers’ 200 Motels movie and soundtrack project and continues to this day with a lovingly-compiled reassessment of Frank’s 1972 albums, Waka/Jawaka and The Grand Wazoo – due to hit the racks any day now. In between, we’ve had a couple of wonderful, extensive live compendiums – a collection of live shows recorded in an around Erie, Pennsylvania, between 1974 and 1976 and, my favourite of all, this super-deluxe box set of The Mothers’ live activities during that momentous year, 1971.
The 1971 collection mops up every single note played during the four concerts that closed New York’s iconic Fillmore East Auditorium back in June 1971 (extracts of which were taken to compile that year’s Mothers – Fillmore East – June 1971: one of this writer’s all-time favourite LIVE albums), includes the first official recording of Frank’s life-changing show at London’s Rainbow Theatre in December 1971 (when Frank was [pushed from the stage by a crazes fan, sustaining serious injuries) and, to complete the picture, extracts from shows at Harrisburg and Scranton PA, recorded during the same tour. There’s even an extended cameo appearance from John & Yoko!
Full review here.
MARILLION – HOLIDAYS IN EDEN (PARLOPHONE)
In his excellent essay that’s all part and parcel of the repackaging/remastering process, Rich Wilson quite rightly refers to Holidays In Eden as the second ‘difficult second album’ for Marillion. Like Fugazi from the so-called ‘Fish era’, Holidays In Eden (the second album of the ‘Hogarth era’) found a band struggling to recapture the spark after their joyous and deceptively effortless return with Season’s End. The album title clearly sees tongue planted firmly in cheek. The arduous process of writing and recording is thoroughly explored in the excellent documentary as the four members and the new singer attempt to meet in the middle and find common ground when it comes to starting with a blank page. Containing a fabulous new mix, a huge live show and a shedload of period tracks, another wonderful deep dive into the early-ish days of Marillion.
Full review here.
RUSH – MOVING PICTURES (UMC / MERCURY)
The Holy Triumvirate got the 40th-anniversary treatment for their iconic early 80’s album, Moving Pictures. An album widely recognised as the apex of their career, it came eleased in a wide variety of formats including a wallet-busting super deluxe set complete with red Barchetta dinky car. The album contains some of Rush’s most recognisable and signature pieces including YYZ, Red Barchetta, Limelight and Tom Sawyer. Within the set is a live show entitled Live In YYZ from Toronto in March of 1981. A brilliant addition to any collector’s horde.
Full review here.
We hope that you have enjoyed reading our look back into 2022. Obviously, this is only a snapshot of a year that has given so much musically. On our pages, you will find a whole range of reviews and gigs that we offer our take on.
If you would like to keep up with At The Barrier, you can like us on Facebook here, follow us on Twitter here, and follow us on Instagram here. We really appreciate all your support.
