Faustiandan Albums of 2014 - No.1

Current 93 - I Am the Last Of All the Field That Fell

Please – maybe the easiest decision I have had to make all year. Not just because I’m an unashamed, diehard fan-boy; this is also a truly great avant-folk record. David Tibet’s idiosyncratic vocal stylings are in fine form, as are his occult/quasi-religious lyrical rants. Musically, it retains some of the simplicity of the Michael Cashmore golden period, but with a free form psychedelic rockband sensibility (the drums are particularly effective throughout the record). Throw in the obligatory roll call of heavy weights from underground music queuing up to work with them (including a brilliant turn from John Zorn) and you have an undeniable Current 93 classic on your hands.

Faustiandan Albums of 2014 - No.2

Swans – To Be Kind

This is the third epic release since the Swans returned in 2010. They remain both brutal and powerful, a brooding colossus in the realm of experimental rock. After more than 30 years producing records, it is obscene how good this is. Yes, To Be Kind is a marathon to listen to and subsequently not easy to digest, but it is worth the effort.

Faustiandan Albums of 2014 - No.3

The Soft Pink Truth – Why do the Heathen rage?

I can’t think of a better way to irritate prejudiced, true black metal fans than reinterpreting some classic tracks as electro hits. In doing this, Drew Daniel of Matmos fame has not shirked away from the themes and style of black metal; in fact, it is more accurate to say he has emphasised them. This results in a record that often falls into parody and, by doing so, dissipates the more sinister elements of the genre. It is even more amusing to hear some tracks result in being, quite frankly, camp; another irritant for your true black metal fan. Yet most importantly, this is an engrossingly enjoyable record that has reconstructed black metal in a captivating way – transcending the KVLT!

Faustiandan Albums of 2014 - No.4

Scott Walker and Sunno))) – Soused

Scott Walker remains one of the few artists who consistently releases uncompromisingly uncomfortable, but equally breath taking records. The end of his contemporary trilogy, Bish Bosch, provided a logical conclusion to The Drift and Tilt. This collaboration doesn’t move far from that template, but has a level of accessibility (relatively speaking) not heard since Climate of the Hunter. Walker bombards us again with a punishing, yet exquisite aural palette, and his demented baritone voice is in fine form. What ties it together more neatly than Bish Bosch is Sunno)))’s complementary drone metal emphasis driving each track. Highly recommended - downright frightening!

Faustiandan Albums of 2014 - No.5

Francis Harris – minutes of sleep

Having a taste for microhouse and minimal techno, I always like to grab a couple of records in these genres each year. What I didn’t expect with this release was the emphasis on live instrumentation. This is still DJ production designed for the bedroom instead of the dance floor, but it stands out because of its Jazz sensibilities. It’s like a jazz band has been submerged under an ocean of distortion and intermingled with distant, deep beats and drones. Certainly rewarding for the patient listener.