Keep Cardiff Live Social Media Manager and Live Act Reviewer Estelle Trowill Selects Her Top Artists of 2023
Image Copyright TC Photography
MY TOP 23* SONGS & ARTISTS OF 2023
So much great music came from this year so narrowing it down to the top 23 songs proved to be a delightful challenge. In an effort to ensure a fair representation! I have curated this list with a one-song-per-artist approach, aiming to showcase the incredible array of new sounds that have left a mark on me in 2023.
23. KISSIN’ BOOTH - JACOB SLATER - RELEASED 22/05
The ‘Wunderhorse’ frontman, Jacob Slater made his solo debut this year with ‘Pinky, I Love You’ and fans were not disappointed. ‘Kissin’ Booth’ has an authentic soft acoustic sound with picturesque lyrics and with Jacob completely setting himself apart from his work with Wunderhorse.
While we await a tour from Jacob for ‘Pinky, I Love You’, Wunderhorse have announced they have almost finished mixing their new record!
22. KULTURE - CHAPPAQUA WRESTLING - RELEASED 14/04
From their debut album ‘Plus Ultra’, Kulture has a political feel to it ‘They only want your culture when they need you’, with heavy guitars and soft vocals, this song comes in short at 2:39 but sweet and is a standout on the album.
Gaining 2 million streams on ‘Plus Ultra’ in just over 2 months, it’s fair to say their album went down well with fans. With their UK tour coming to a close late December, they’ll be back out for an Independent Venue Week tour early 2024.
21. CHANGING MY MIND AGAIN - FEET - RELEASED 10/02
‘Changing My Mind Again’, is the only release to come from Feet this year and what a song it is. With self-aware lyrics and a fast paced delivery, although more punchier, this song goes hand in hand with their 2022 release ‘Can’t Get In’.
This year they’ve played Truck Festival, Live at Leeds in the city, The Great Escape to name a few and they’ve also supported Inhaler on tour.
20. TO RAGE - DAUGHTER - RELEASED 07/04
‘To Rage’ comes from Daughters fourth album ‘Stereo Mind Game’ - one of Rough Trade’s top albums of 2023. The song alternates between waves of dreamy folk guitar, alt-pop sample raindrops and soft vocals. ‘To Rage’ has a winter feel to it.
In conversation with Steve Lamacq, Daughter confirmed there'd be no tour for Stereo Mind Game.
19. UNDERGROWTH - SQUID - RELEASED 18/04
Undergrowth was the second single to be released from Squid’s second album ‘O Monolith’. Featuring a strong introduction, crisp production and Squid’s on brand witty interesting lyrics, this is an engaging listen. I came across Squid by listening to ‘Houseplants’ before their album was released and became even more interested in them upon my first listen of the full ‘O Monolith’ album. They’ve had a successful year touring not only the UK but the EU, North America and Asia too.
18. JUST TO KEEP YOU SATISFIED - INHALER - RELEASED 17/02
From their second album ‘Cuts & Bruises’, ‘Just To Keep You Satisfied’ may not have been released as a single however, placed as first on the album, it sets the pace for the rest of ‘Cuts & Bruises’.
Even with their successful tour this year, Inhaler are another act who have also supported some Indie greats this year, being the support act for Arctic Monkeys on the EU leg of their tour and also Sam Fender at St James Park.
17. CONCEITED - LOLA YOUNG - RELEASED 29/09
‘Conceited’ consists of a prominent rhythmic bassline and a captivating chorus.
Upon my first listen, the strong vocals and powerful delivery on ‘Conceited’ reminded me of Remi Wolf, who I love. After looking further into the track, I found it was produced by Solomonophonic who is mainly associated with Remi Wolf!
Having recently come across Lola, I have not yet explored her complete discography. However, judging by this track, I am eagerly anticipating what I’m yet to discover.
16. TALK - CIEL - RELEASED 14/09
Fans of 90’s rock are sure to be fans of CIEL. The UK-based band released their EP ‘Rather Be Alone’ in late November, with 4 compelling tracks, ‘Talk’ in my opinion is a standout. With each member of the band being from a different country, CIEL brings a range of sounds to their music.
With a UK and France tour early next year, I’m excited to see what's to come from CIEL next year.
15. THE WORLD’S BIGGEST PAVING SLAB - ENGLISH TEACHER - RELEASED 10/08
Their first release of the year for English Teacher, ‘The World’s Biggest Paving Slab’ went down a treat. Full of energy and heavy guitars, this song has a slight edge to it compared to previous releases from English Teacher, although still features the same poetic style and Lily Fontaines’ rich appealing vocals.
English Teacher are taking new music by storm, becoming the Independent Venue Week Ambassadors for 2024, it seems that 2024 will be just as big as 2023 was for the Leeds based band.
14. CHEW - BUZZARD BUZZARD BUZZARD - RELEASED 22/03
Chew is the second release from Buzzard Buzzard Buzzard this year and it’s nothing short of brilliant. Seemingly taking a more hard hitting approach compared to the rest of their discography while featuring similar elements from their 2022 album ‘Backhand Deals’ but with a more explosive feel.
With a successful tour in May/June this year, Buzzard Buzzard Buzzard are back on the road for another tour in March 2024.
13. TRUST EXERCISES - EASY LIFE - RELEASED 13/10
‘Trust Exercises’ is Easy Life’s last release under the ‘Easy Life’ brand due to legal challenges with EasyJet and it’s a heartfelt, fitting note to leave on. With a nostalgic touch, this song delves into themes of treating others with respect and surrounding yourself with good people. Writing in their instagram caption “We were always waiting for the right moment to drop this song but it never felt right and new material always got priority.” This is possibly my favourite release from Easy Life and I look forward to whatever they go on to do next.
12. BOGUS OPERANDI - THE HIVES - RELEASED 11/08
‘The Death Of Randy Fitzsimmons’ was a compelling comeback from The Hives, marking the first studio release in over 11 years. Known for their energetic and raw sound and a garage rock revival style, Bogus Operandi is no different.
Supporting Arctic Monkeys on their UK Tour this summer, The Hives made a great impact on AM fans, with their memorable suits and hard hitting performance, it is fair to say they have still got it! A strong comeback from the Swedish band.
11. KNOW BETTER - SIR CHLOE - RELEASED 19/05
From their second album, ‘I Am The Dog’, Know Better mixes Indie Rock and Pop. Featuring Dana Footes strong vocals and catchy lyrics, this is a song you can’t help but sing along to.
Coming off of a successful tour this past summer, Sir Chloe are back out on tour in the US March 2024.
10. FAIRLIES - GRIAN CHATTEN - RELEASED 04/05
Fairlies was the second single released by Grian Chatten, frontman of Fontaines D.C., for his debut solo album ‘Chaos For The Fly’. Fairlies is a beautifully poetic folk-rock song and is a different sound to anything released by Fontaines. Not only a great single but another great album from this year.
9. YOU FIRST (RE: REMI WOLF) - PARAMORE FEAT. REMI WOLF - RELEASED 06/10
‘Re: This Is Why’, is a remix album of ‘This Is Why’ with collaborations from a whole host of great artists. Putting the remix over a ‘This Is Why’ original could be seen as a crime by Paramore fans, but this remix/cover takes a completely different approach to anything on the original album. Combining Remi’s funky pop sound with Paramore’s edginess makes this the best track on ‘Re: This Is Why’. I have been a huge fan of Remi for years, her witty lyrics and interesting lyrical performance makes her a standout star in the bedroom pop genre. Not to mention, I am a big fan of the original album ‘This Is Why’.
8. RUNAWAY GIRL - HALF HAPPY - RELEASED 19/01
Half Happy, another Cardiff based band and 2023 Welsh Music Prize - Triskel Award winners are another act on the rise. If you love guitar music, you’re sure to love Half Happy. ‘Runway Girl’ immediately garnered attention from ‘BBC Introducing, Adam Walton’ and it is not surprising why. Featuring luscious vocals and dreamy guitar lines, ‘Runway Girl’ quickly cemented itself as one of my top songs this year.
Half Happy will be playing with Banshi and The Secret Jesus Factory (another two great acts) for Sŵn Warmers on the 13th of January at Clwb Ifor Bach. Making this another gig not to miss.
7. IS THIS LOVE? - PIP BLOM FEAT. ALEX KAPRANOS - RELEASED 31/05
‘Is This Love?’ was the second single to be released from Pip Blom’s third album, ‘Bobbie’ combining Indie Rock with an Electric feel. Less Rock than their previous releases, the sound on ‘Is This Love?’ gives Pip Blom a new edge.
Another act to have played many festivals this year, including the Friday at Tramshed for Sŵn Festival. I have had the chance to see Pip Blom twice this year and they did not disappoint. They go on tour early next year in 2024.
6. ANGEL - NEWDAD - RELEASED 13/09
The Irish alt/rock collective NewDad have released 5 great songs this year and ‘Angel’ is a notable favourite. With the lead vocalist Julie’s lullaby-infused vocals and mesmerising guitar riffs, this track has a soft yet edgy feel.
Their debut album ‘Madra’, is set for release on the 26th of January and they go on tour in early 2024, I am sure we will be seeing more of NewDad next year.
5. MY LADY OF MERCY - THE LAST DINNER PARTY - RELEASED 09/10
Brit Awards ‘Rising Star’ of 2023, The Last Dinner Party have had an exciting year. ‘My Lady Of Mercy', was the third release, but not final release, from The Last Dinner Party this year. With biblical references, strong vocals, and a gothic rock feel, The Last Dinner Party bring a different sound to new Indie music.
With their debut album coming out on the 2nd of February and their upcoming tour, it seems The Last Dinner Party are going to be just as busy in 2024 as they were in 2023.
4. I WANT TO BE YOU - LIME GARDEN - RELEASED 15/11
With dreamy melodies and introspective lyrics, this track accompanies Lime Gardens other singles from this year perfectly. With their debut album ‘One More Thing’ soon to be released on the 16th of February, the singles from this year have left fans excited for 2024.
Although, I did not get the chance to see Lime Garden at Oporto Bar in Live at Leeds due to the venue being at capacity with people queuing to get into the stage area, all the way to the end of their set. What I heard from outside the venue has left me eagerly anticipating their tour in March.
3. ROCKET DUSTBIN - THE FAMILY BATTENBERG - RELEASED 21/11
The Family Battenberg has a unique psychedelic sound with a blend of 70’s rock and roll. ‘Rocket Dustbin' is the third release from The Family Battenberg this year, with the previous two being just as impressive as this one. Leaving a lasting impression with its energetic and innovative sound, this track has already had rave reviews and it’s not surprising why.
The Family Battenberg are already making waves on the Cardiff scene, having their first headline gig at Clwb Ifor Bach in December, performing at Sŵn Festival in October and supporting many great artists, they are truly one to watch. Not only are they exciting on record, but they are truly such great live performers too.
2. MEDITATE - BOMBAY BICYCLE CLUB FEAT. NILÜFER YANYA - RELEASED 20/10
From their 7th album, ‘My Big Day', energised with vibrant layers and a memorable chorus, ‘Meditate’ stands out as the album's dynamic, high-energy track. Bombay Bicycle Club constantly reinvents their sound with each album, adding a fresh twist to their musical repertoire and ‘My Big Day’ is no different. This album is my favourite release from Bombay to date, a truly unskippable album.
Bombay Bicycle club will be coming to The Great Hall, Cardiff on February 18th 2024 and I am sure they will be impressive!
1. MUSIC STUFF & MADEMOISELLE - CVC - RELEASED 13/01
With ‘Get Real’ also being my favourite album from this year, choosing just one song was too difficult, that is why both Music Stuff and Mademoiselle are tied at first place.
David Bassey introduces ‘Music Stuff’ at Union Pool, Brooklyn NYC with “This is my favourite song, by any band” and I relate. The crowd at their December show in Tramshed, Cardiff could not resist dancing and singing along to this song, making it a definite fan favourite.
Mademoiselle captives the term feel-good. With upbeat drums and the band's outstanding harmonies, this song brings an invigorating energy. After streaming ‘Get Real’ too many times than I'd like to admit, it’s fair to say I highly recommend listening to the whole album. A truly remarkable debut from ‘The Church Village Collective’
Full List:
Music Stuff - CVC
Mademoiselle - CVC
Meditate - Bombay Bicycle Club feat. Nilüfer Yanya
Rocket Dustbin - The Family Battenberg
I Want To Be You - Lime Garden
My Lady Of Mercy - The Last Dinner Party
Angel - NewDad
Is This Love? - Pip Blom
Runaway Girl - Half Happy
You First (Re: Remi Wolf) - Paramore feat. Remi Wolf
Fairlies - Grian Chatten
Know Better - Sir Chloe
Bogus Operandi - The Hives
Trust Exercises - Easy Life
Chew - Buzzard Buzzard Buzzard
The World’s Biggest Paving Slab - English Teacher
Talk - Ciel
Conceited - Lola Young
Just To Keep You Satisfied - Inhaler
Undergrowth - Squid
To Rage - Daughter
Changing My Mind Again - Feet
Kulture - Chappaqua Wrestling
Kissin’ Booth - Jacob Slater
* 24…
Since my 'Top 23' list doesn't capture the wealth of talent from South Wales, I'd like to highlight some local releases from this year that might have slipped under your radar:
Cardiff based ‘Chroma’ hit us with their fantastic debut album ‘Ask For Angela’.
Merthyr based ‘The Brass Bambees’ released both ‘On With The Show’ and ‘Modern Casanova’.
Swansea based ‘Mercer’ released ‘Kerosene’.
Cardiff based ‘Slate’ also debuted with their first two singles ‘St Agatha’ and ‘Tabernacl’.
Swansea based ‘Monet’ released ‘You Need To Tell Worse Lies Man’ and ‘Albasore’.
Cardiff based ‘Waterpistol’ debuted with ‘Living In A Dream’.
Port Talbot based ‘The Shunkos’ released their self titled EP.
Valleys based ‘Local Rainbow’ released ‘19’, ‘Boys In Bands’ and ‘Wasn’t Gonna Be Me’.
Cardiff based ‘Mantis’ debuted with their first single ‘Magnolia’.
Cardiff/London based ‘Platoon’ debuted with ‘Your Eyes’.
‘Nova Scotia’, another Cardiff based band, put out both ‘Pretty Lies’ and ‘Wire Mother’. ‘Basic State’, also Cardiff based, released ‘Far Too Soon’ and ‘To Feel Alive’.
Swansea based ‘Suberterrina’ debuted with ‘Benidorm’ quickly followed by ‘Shine’.
Valleys based ‘Wet Paint Ltd’ released their self titled EP.
Newport based ‘Finding Aurora’ released ‘The Never-Ending’ and ‘Repeat After Me’.