Music Scene Wales’ Top 50 Albums of 2023

  1. Ren – Sick Boi

    “This is a mammoth album of the best futuristic hip hop you’ve ever heard, knocking everyone else out of the park.” – Louder Than War

2. The Heavy North – Delta Shakedown

“This is an album that will be talked about for years, it’s a true blues explosion of sound yet there is more to it, far more. The blues/rock vibe acts as a supporting foundation for other elements to be introduced, elements of funk, punk, classical, gospel and everything in between blend seamlessly with their trademark garage blues ethos.” – Upcoming Bands

3. The Shed Project – Our Fear Is Their Power

“The Shed Project show their talents and growth with their new album. Each track goes from strength to strength, hooking you all the way in. The quality in production and song writing is refined, Roy’s vocals are heartfelt and real and their sound has matured.” – Music Scene Wales

4. CVC – Get Real

“Channelling 60’s California, this Welsh six-piece charm with classy psych-pop made for long summer evenings” – The Guardian

5. Apollo Junction – Here We Are

“Apollo Junction are set to take their hallmark anthemic sound to inspiring new heights and a wider audience with their third album Here We Are”. – Louder Than War

6. Trampolene – Rules of Love & War

“Excellently crafted indie guitar pop or whatever you want to label it…a real earworm” – RPM Online

7. Laurie Wright – Get On The End Of It!

“A force of nature possessing a raw and genuine talent that many can only dream of” – Music Scene Wales

8. The Royston Club – Shaking Hips and Crashing Cars

“The whole piece is an awesome medley of sick strings, relatable life experiences and very singable lyrics. Here is your wake up call…get those hips shaking – try to avoid the car crashing though”. – No Extra Source

9. Skindred – Smile

“Ragga-metal mainstays Skindred crank the attitude and stack up a few more anthems on irrepressible eighth album Smile.” – Kerrang

10. Rogue Jones – Dos Bebés

“Strides confidently and boldly, full of great songs built and presented with excellent musicianship and production.” – Wales Arts Review

11. The Lottery Winners – Anxiety Replacement Therapy

12. Lewca – Boombap for Boomers

13. The Lathums – From Nothing To A Little Bit More

14. The Reytons – What’s Rock And Roll?

15. DMA’s – How Many Dreams?

16. Mr Phormula – A.W.D.L

17. boygenius – The Record

18. Himalayas – From Hell To Here

19. Declan Welsh and the Decadent West – 2

20. Godsticks – This Is What A Winner Looks Like

21. Mark Sharp & The Bicycle Thieves – Unmask The Circus

22. Senses – Little Pictures Without Sound

23. Stellar Echoes – Now Is All There Is

24. Nancy Ackroyd – Light the Lamps

25. Brownbear – Demons

26. The Utopiates – The Sun Also Rises

27. Mace The Great – SplottWorld

28. Andrew Cushin – Waiting For The Rain

29. Brooke Combe – Black Is The New Gold

30. Thrillhouse – Something About This Place

31. The Sherlocks – People Like Me & You

32. H. Hawkline – Milk For Flowers

33. The View – Exorcism of Youth

34. Death Of Guitar Pop – Be Lucky

35. Baxter Dury – I Thought I Was Better Than You

36. Spector – Here Come The Early Nights

37. BDRMM – I Don’t Know

38. King Krule – Space Heavy

39. Olivia Dean – Messy

40. Rebelski – Simplicity

41. The Goa Express – The Goa Express

42. Gallaher’s Green – Dare To Dream

43. Box Of Trash – Candlewood 230

44. Ivan Moult – Songs From The Severn Grove

45. Tapestri – Tell Me World

46. Those Damn Crows – Inhale/Exhale

47. Revolution Rabbit Deluxe – Control Freaks

48. Patio – Collection

49. Come At The King – Overgrown

50. Katie MF – False Starts, Open Endings





Emily Marsden – Editor
#MusicSceneWales
@MusicSceneWales
musicscenewalescymru@gmail.com

Apollo Junction Release New Album ‘Here We Are’

Apollo Junction is a dynamic indie-pop band hailing from the heart of the UK. Known for their infectious melodies, electrifying performances, and genuine connection with their audience, they are on a mission to redefine contemporary music. With a sound that seamlessly blends anthemic rock and catchy pop, Apollo Junction’s music is a testament to the magic of music that transcends boundaries.

Apollo Junction are primed to take their hallmark uplifting, anthemic sound to inspiring new heights with the release of ‘Here We Are’.

Through 10 masterfully-crafted tracks, Apollo Junction pushes the boundaries of their own genre-defying sound to deliver their best collection of tunes yet. Produced by Andy Hawkins and mastered by John Davis at Metropolis, with artwork designed by Matt Lodge, ‘Here We Are’ stands as a powerful affirmation befitting its title.

Brimming with searing new wave synth-pop and liberally seasoned with rock sensibility, Apollo Junction’s third album tells the story of being a band in a turbulent world. While not everyone can identify with such experiences, the album will resonate profoundly with all who have, at times, felt knocked down by life and yet dare to nurture fresh hopes and renewed dreams.

“2022 was quite a challenging year for us as a band,” says drummer Jonny Thornton. “That kind of went into the record, in a positive way. There’s a little bit of our soul in each of these records.”

With glimmering instrumentals and soul-stirring lyrics, ‘Here We Are’ sees Apollo Junction extend a hand to lift those who feel disappointed or alone, issue a stirring call to action to those in need of a push from behind, and celebrate the special people that stand beside us through thick and thin.

“We are nothing without the people who support us; the team around us and the AJ family,” says lead vocalist Jamie Williamson. “This collection of songs is for the moments that we’re looking to share.”

Poised to take a spot on the official UK charts the band have peeled back the curtain on their dazzling new album, little by little, with the release of six singles that helped secure a coveted Blood Records edition — which sold out in less than 45 minutes — and garnered national radio play.

To wit, penultimate pre-lease single ‘Mil1ion’ has been heard on BBC’s Match of the Day each of the last three weeks, and latest single ‘Magic’ has had repeat plays on BBC2. The building momentum has the band eyeing a feat they’ve never before attained: an official UK charting album. “We’ve never really chased the charts,” says Williamson. “Our record label is in a shed in someone’s garden. We are a quintessential, true indie band.”

But on the strength of a passionate (and growing) fanbase who would love nothing more than to see their band get the recognition they deserve, the album is now potentially within striking distance of the top 40. And the band are ready to follow their own advice, per album single, ‘Endings’, to “give it all you’ve got for tomorrow.” To help the chart push, a deluxe version of the album is now available on CD for just £5 and there’s a digital version on iTunes for £3.99.

Ready to embark on their biggest tour yet Apollo Junction has an 8-stop UK tour planned to follow the album’s release, including a few cities the band has never been to before. Several dates are already sold out. The tour kicks off in Blackpool on October 28, with a uniquely Apollo Junction twist. The band have hired a coach, which will take a few dozen supporters from Leeds for a daytime beach jaunt, and an intimate HMV in-store appearance prior to the evening’s gig. “We thought, let’s do it in an Apollo Junction way,” says Williamson. “It’s about being together. It’s going to be brilliant.”

Emily Marsden – Editor
#MusicSceneWales
@MusicSceneWales
musicscenewalescymru@gmail.com

Apollo Junction Release New Single ‘Mil1ion’

Five piece, alternative indie band Apollo Junction are a modern day new Britpop band from Leeds. They have been inspired by the 90’s and moulded by the noughties. Described by Steve Lamacq on BBC6 music as swaggering electro indie rock, the band appeal to audiences who still have a profound love of guitar music of the 80s and 90s.

Taking the phrase ‘independent music’ to a whole new level they released their second studio album ‘All In’ out of a shed in Leeds , which went on to chart at number 3 in the official iTunes album charts. The band are all about independent music and everything they have achieved they have done so themselves.

‘Mil1ion is available now to stream.

Emily Marsden – Editor
#MusicSceneWales
@MusicSceneWales
musicscenewalescymru@gmail.com