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

This Is The Music Recommends September 2023

In the second of an exciting new series for Music Scene Wales, ThisIsTheMusic recommends six must listen to tracks from September 2023

September was a fantastic month for the release of new music for the British guitar scene and really showcased the quality of bands and solo artists on show! It was a tough choice, but here are my six recommendations from September.

The Heavy North – Give A Little Love 

A surprise release from the Liverpool 6 piece and what a great surprise it was!! The bands 3rd single from their forthcoming second album “Delta Shakedown”, is Melodic and majestic, with an anthemic chorus that’s full of positivity. Roll on album number 2!! 

Northern Hospitality- Runaway Like Me 

Scintillating second single from Hartlepool that well and truly knocks the door off of its hinges. The opening guitar riff is full of intent, that screams attitude and is packed full of energy. The snarling vocal has a hint of Liam Gallagher about. In just two singles Northern Hospitality have shown they are the real deal. 

Subterrania- Shine 

Hailing from South Wales, Subterrania have established themselves as one of the most exciting bands around.  Shine is an effortless anthem, that most bands long to write, full of swagger and soaring stadium ready guitar solos. With a battle of the bands semi final (11 October at Bunkhouse) incoming, Subterrania are a band set to be on everyone’s lips 

Maystones- High Society 

Hertfordshire 5-piece Maystones have thrown everything into their first single of 2023. From huge synths to chugging bass lines and melodic guitars, Maystones have well and truly taken things up and notch with their sound. Supporting The Kairos at London’s iconic Water Rats on October 6th 

Shambolics – Never Be Mine

2023 has been a great year for Shambolics. They’ve released their debut EP U Serious Boi, played their biggest headline gig to data at Glasgow Garage and supported The View on a string of dates becoming their new favourite band in the process. Never Be Mine is a high-octane foot stomper of a track and features the bands trademark vocal harmonies. With their debut album set for release in next year, their time is now… Mon the shams!! 

Come At The King – Old Town Fighter 

If garage rock is your thing, then look no further than Come At The King who released their riotous and instantly addictive rocknroll debut album Overgrown, which is an album of the year contender. Old Town Fighter is a foot stomping anthem packed full of drive, swagger and is sure to be stuck in your head. 

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Mark Speller
ThisIsTheMusic

Come At The King Release New Single ‘Good Bad Influence’

Good Bad Influence’ is the tense and deliberate new single from the hotly tipped London band Come at The King. This new single is destined to catapult the band to newer heights after already enjoying success with previous singles ‘The Chase’ and ‘It’s A Good Life’.

Come At The King (CATK) are a rock and roll three-piece from London, drawing influence from the blues-infused sounds of the early 00’s garage rock revival (The White Stripes, Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, The Vines, Kings of Leon. Blended with the big riffs, hooking choruses and solos, the band’s attitude and swagger is reminiscent of the mid 90’s Britpop scene (Oasis, The Stone Roses,The Charlatans). With an energetic, no-nonsense, memorable performance style that gains acclaim whenever they play. CATK has been described perfectly as “gloriously filthy rock and roll.”

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