My 2024 was, without a doubt, musically dominated by Sleep Token. I think, technically, I came across them late in 2023, but they were my 2024 musical obsession, and look likely to remain that way through at least the start of 2025.

It’s hard to put a finger on what, exactly, it is about Sleep Token that does it for me. There’s a deep lore, but I haven’t flung myself into that research. I think that they have contrast in their music, that it can go from soft and mellow to Metal Rage and back again in the same song. Musically, they’re 100% solid, but it’s Vessel’s vocal ability that sets them head and shoulders above the rest.

Of course, vocalisation, by itself is one thing. Adding good lyrical content? That’s the hook, that’s what grabs me by the emotional scrotum and forces me to pay attention.

Seems your heart is locked up
And I still get the combination wrong
Or are you simply waiting to save your love
For someone I am not?

(Sleep Token – The Love You Want, off the Album “This Place Will Become Your Tomb”)

Not to mention that I love, adore, almost fetishise a cover that completely reinvents a well known song.

Still, I did listen to other bands, many of them new, at least to me.

Most of my music taste tends towards being heavy on the lyrics, but I did discover one new band that fit my vibe while being lyrically light. I listen to them for focus, for vibes when writing (lyrics sometimes get in the way there), and have been known to play them in the background while streaming.

Inevitably, given my music taste, some 80’s goth throwback also entered the mix. This one, in particular, was found by a good friend and thrown in my direction.

There was also some light and poppy electronica that sunk its teeth into me.

As well as some West Australian post-rock from 2006 (hey, I didn’t promise all new music, just music that was new to me). Laura – Radio Swan is Down.

I also, thanks to a lovely lass (Hi Narky!) discovered Al Jourgenson’s Hillbilly Core side project, Buck Satan and the 666 Shooters. Very late to the party on this one.

He’s getting a bit of traction on social media, and deserves your attention. Ren. Smart, weird and unafraid, broken but working on being fixed. Naked and raw. Unlike most of what I listen to, Ren demands attention. He’s not an artist I can put on in the background, he’s not comfortable, he’s not easy. I look forward to seeing what else he does in the years to come. Much respect.

And, just to round out the year, an artist I stumbled across late in the year. King of None.