FTY Favorite Albums of 2023: Emma’s Picks
by Emma SPEICHER
Hey, I’m Emma!
I started working with Free the Youth in 2023 but have been involved for a while. At the moment, I’m tackling the FTY Blog as the Editor in Chief and designing the website, doing exclusive interviews with bands like Charity Kiss, Mom Cars, Trash Day, and Bonesio (to name a few), as well as professionals in the industry like Trevor Castillo. I also book bands and organize shows! I’m originally from good ol’ Reno, NV and am based out of Santa Cruz, CA for the time being. I’m a huge supporter of local and indie music but I’m definitely a genre-naut. Looking forward to sharing some of my top picks.
These are some of my favorite albums that came out in 2023, hope you give ‘em a listen…
Walls That Sweat - The Snares
Crunchy pUNCHY Psych Rock
Do you remember the first local house show you ever attended? Well, this album is a nostalgic replication of that first unforgettable summer house show that you can’t seem to forget. The Snares are a Sacramento-based psych-rock band with Walls that Sweat being their debut album. Walls that Sweat is a culmination of unique, upbeat, and powerful pulses that are highly energetic and dance-able, with catchy riffs that are bound to get stuck in your head for weeks. Definitely keep your ears peeled for this band, you’ll have bragging rights when they blow up. If you’re chasing that certain head high of house shows, then Walls that Sweat is your fix.
STANDOUT songs:
Kids on Drugs
we ARE vagrants
two ships
Dumb Luck
oNE wAYNE G - Mac DEmarco
The Ultimate beach chiller album
This album does not nearly get enough recognition or praise. Mac DeMarco has bestowed upon the indie scene 199 unreleased masterpieces, many of which are instrumental and lo-fi. DeMarco introduces an experimental sound of twinkling keys and acoustics that are married with new age techno rhythms and wonderfully hollow bass lines. This album feels like lounging in the summer sun on the beach, each song so excitingly unique and masterful in its composition, inviting the listener to fall back into the tune. Perfect for late night unwinding, writing cram sessions, and embracing beauty in the mundane, this album is a paragon. Mac DeMarco once again proves that he is one of the best artists of this generation, not just as a lyricist but also a composer.
Standout Songs:
20190724
20191009 i like her
20180924
20200819 She Get the Gold StAR
The Land is Inhospitable and so Are We - Mitski
I Would be Lying if I Said didn’t Cry to this
I first listened to this album laying on a lounge chair next to a public pool, and honestly, this album brought tears to my eyes. Mitski, the lyrical mastermind that she is, in an interview for Genius, explained My Love Mine All Mine is about the personal possession of one’s love and its everlasting resonance, which particularly resonated with me. Mitski’s personal and melodic ballads are complimented by acoustic and soft piano spells, shaping The Land is Inhospitable and So Are We into one of Mitski’s best albums. This album is emotional and raw, truly encompassing what music and lyrical composition ought to be as a personal expression. If you’ve never tried listening to Mitski, this is an essential album to begin with.
Standout Songs
My Love Mine all Mine
Heaven
Star
Thee Sacred Souls on Audiotree Live - Thee Sacred Souls
Cup o’ Soul
When I was writing my thesis for one of my Bachelor’s degrees, I sat in a chair listening to this album on repeat, I listened to the Audiotree live album 72 times from start to finish. Naturally, I fell in love. Now I’ve somehow conditioned myself to only be able to focus when this specific album is playing. There’s something about Thee Sacred Souls that’s refreshing, like the first sip of water on a hot day. The smooth, soulful voice of singer Josh Lane is all the more impressive when you remember that the set is live. There is no denying the talent and versatility of Thee Sacred Souls and it is absolutely a must listen for all audiences.
Standout Songs:
Future Lover - Audiotree Live Version
weak FOR your lOVE - Audiotree Live Version
eASIER sAID THAN doNE Audiotree Live Version
honorable Mentions… Including Singles because i CAN…
Top Pick:
Victor Riley’s a Coward -
Charity Kiss
Cowpoke Rock n’ Roll
This album (technically an EP, but I make the rules around here), is a masterpiece. Not only was it one of my top Spotify albums this year, but it is one of my personal favorites of all time. Pat Hansen’s voice is truly outstanding, from measured belting bridges to tender choruses, he brings a western twang to rock and roll that hasn’t been seen before. Cole Hendriks’ expert guitar trills and background vocals are thoughtfully constructed and perfectly complimentary to Hansen’s lead. The crisp basslines from Cooper Conway perfectly balance and extenuate the upbeat bridges, and mellow the calmer tunes on the EP. Nate Drum truly brings everything together, offering a complex and impressive variation on the drums, it’s clear that they were meant to play together. Charity Kiss’ EP perfectly personifies high desert wave and presents a never before seen idiosyncratic style.
Standout Songs:
Destination Double Bridge
Ur Birthday
Roll over Ben Stiller
Mind of a Criminal
