Almanac Music – The Best Australian Albums of 2021

In spite of the carnage that two years of Covid have wrought upon the performing arts industries, the depth and variety of new offerings being produced by local musical artists suggests that we are continuing to experience a golden period in Australian music. In particular, the sheer volume of interesting and enjoyable new music being released by female, indigenous, and ethnically diverse artists is surely unprecedented.

 

For a second consecutive year, finding myself with more time to listen to music was one of the only upsides to the seemingly endless lockdown that we Melburnians endured. Being so spoilt for quality and breadth of choice, it was a terribly difficult task to whittle down to only ten my picks for the best albums of the 2021 crop. Then I found it even more onerous to select the best album from those ten. For me, there were four absolute standouts, so for the best of the best I have declared it a four-way tie.

 

 

1. Ruby Fields – “Been Doin’ It For A Bit”

 

From the opening lines of the brilliant first track ‘Song About a Boy’, about a musical festival romance, Ruby Fields ushers the listener deep into a personal journey of life, love, and growing into adulthood. The album varies from rockers such as ‘R.E.G.O.’, ‘OUCH’ and ‘Pretty Grim’ to the reflective ‘Airport Cafe’ and the celebratory ‘Kitchen’. The lyrics are consistently raw – on tracks such as ‘Pretty Grim’ surprisingly so (I’m hungover again, fourth weeknight on the piss) – but the album is so much better for it. My favourite track is ‘Bruises’ – catchy, beautiful and honest. Wise beyond her years, Ruby Fields has produced a wonderful and warm debut album.

 

1. Rumjacks – “Hestia”

 

The Rumjacks were formed in Sydney in 2008, but are now based in Europe and have not performed in Australia for many years. Nowadays, only three of the five-man group now are Australian, and indeed, the sacking of controversial lead singer Frankie McLaughlin could have spelt the death-knell for the group. Instead, it heralded the arrival of the talented Bostonian Mike Rivkees, whose hiring has proved a masterstroke. It has provided the band with a new impetus and he is the driving force on “Hestia”, which was recorded in lockdown in Milan in late 2020. It is a glorious showcase of a band at the top of their game, and the musicianship is a joy to behold. It is a rollicking, foot-stomping, raucous affair, with tracks such as ‘Light in my Shadow’ impossible not to sing along to. ‘Motion’ is a joyful foot-tapper, and ‘Through These Iron Sights’ is an amazingly constructed re-telling of the Battle of the Bulge. Pogues influences are dotted throughout. Sure, Celtic-punk is not everyone’s cup of tea but it is definitely mine, and this is the best album of its type that I have heard in years. (Dropkick Murphys – please take note!) The Rumjacks are the real deal, and I cannot wait until they return to our shores.

 

1. Even – “Reverse Light Years”

 

It is difficult to fathom that a band formed in 1994 could deliver an album (a double-album, no less) as stunning as this, but this is exactly what Melbourne indie legends Even have done. I have long believed that Ash Naylor is Australia’s best rock guitarist, and on this record my opinion is reinforced, as his magic is displayed on track after track. There are hints of Byrds-like psychedelia, 60’s Small Faces type-fare, and early 70’s surf-rock (‘Life in a Box’ could have been on the ‘Morning of the Earth’ soundtrack). But overall, it is basic guitar-bass-drums rock. From the simple, jangly pop of ‘Be Still’ and ‘Roses’ to the aural soundscape he weaves on the glorious ‘Chase the Sunset’, Naylor is simply peerless. And there is no end to the quality. Hopefully, repeated listens to this record will reward you as much as they did me. This album is epic in scope and quality. Some twenty-seven years into their existence, Even are still one of Australia’s great bands.

 

 

1. Pierce Brothers – “Into The Great Unknown”

 

Upon Melbourne’s awakening from lockdown, the first gig I was fortunate enough to attend was a joyous Pierce Brothers show at the Corner Hotel. I can confirm that they are a powerful live act, and they poured even further energy into the tracks on this brilliant record. The sound produced by this multi-talented duo was simply awesome. As for the album, it is a collection of excellent tracks, featuring light and shade, and many personal observations. The catchy bluegrass-inspired ‘it’s alright’ gained some airplay on Triple J, while ‘one’ is the most tenderly exquisite love song I have heard for many years. The harmonies are alternatively sweetly dripping with honey or rocking as hard as nails. I just could not stop playing this album. Twin brothers Patrick and Jack Pierce deserve greater fame, and surely will achieve it if they keep to this standard.

 

5. Tori Forsyth – “Provlepseis”

 

I can honestly say that I had never heard of Tori Forsyth before accidentally stumbling into this album when it was released. Produced by Shane Nicholson, this is a noticeable change of direction from her previous country-inspired incarnation. The album rocks from start to finish, with the excellent ‘All For You’, ‘Redundant’ and ‘Courtney Love’ showcasing a voice that has range and versatility. A singer-songwriter with an abundance of talent, I expect to hear much more of Tori Forsyth.

 

6. Bamboos – “Hard Up”

 

The Bamboos are a tight unit, and have a way of producing an infectious groove all their own – ‘Upwey Funk’ is a prime example. But it is the dynamic Kylie Auldist who steals the limelight on this album. She has an amazingly soulful voice, and she uses it to great effect on this album chock full of powerful tracks. Try ‘The Thing About You’: the voice, the horns, the beat. You will be hooked. Like I was.

 

7. Middle Kids – “Today We Are The Greatest”

 

Prior to giving this album a chance, I was not the Middle Kids’ most enthusiastic fan. While I found some previous efforts enjoyable, especially ‘Edge of Town’, I could not get into their debut album ‘Lost Friends’. But for me, this album was a major turning point. compelling Guitarist Tim Fitz (singer Hannah Joy’s husband, and a collaborator on Ruby Fields’ album) makes his influence felt, but it is Hannah’s compelling vocal presence – bordering on ethereal – really grabbed me.

 

8. Genesis Owusu – “Smiling With No Teeth”

 

On first listen I wondered what all the fuss was about. But after a break of a few months, I gave it another couple (of hundred) plays and this non-believer was suddenly a convert. It is difficult to believe that the Ghana-born Canberra-raised Owusu-Ansah was only 22 years old when he recorded and released an album of wide-ranging styles that run the gamut of hip-hop, funk, soul and rock. Lyrically, it covers issues as varied as depression and race. Just settle in and enjoy the ride. This album unsurprisingly cleaned up at the ARIAs, and was named Double J’s album of the year. Prediction: Genesis Owusu will be Australia’s next international music superstar.

 

9. Alice Skye – “I Feel Better But I Don’t Feel Good”

 

Another to emerge in this superb wave of talented female first-nations artists, Alice Skye’s second record contained so many good songs that it was a go-to for me from the time it was released. Her unique, breathy vocals are on show on superb tracks such as ‘Grand Ideas’ and ‘Stay In Bed’ and the sweet ‘Party Tricks’, and often convey a sense of melancholy which I found strangely forceful. ‘Homesickness’ featuring Jacob Diamond, is a standout, as is the tender ‘Hot Car’. More please, Alice.

 

10. Chet Faker – “Hotel Surrender”

 

A fine return to form from Nick Murphy, who has reverted to his previous stage name. The groove of “Oh Me Of My” and then “Low” sucks you in and holds you captive, and you are held there for a succession of sensual, chilled-out numbers. A criticism could be that it is all a little similar, but individually, the tracks are strong enough to counteract that argument.

 

Best of the rest:

Odette: “Herald”

Rufus Du Sol: “Surrender”

Gretta Ziller: “Judas Tree”

NGAIIRE: “3”

Murlocs: “Bittersweet Demons”

Robbie Miller: “Little Love”

Goonsax: “Mirror II”

Allday: “Drinking With My Smoking Friends”

Big Scary: “Daisy”

Emma Donovan and the Putbacks: “Under These Streets”

Gretta Ray: “Begin To Look Around”

Parcels: “Day/Night”

Vika & Linda: “The Wait”

Birdz: “Legacy”

Tones & I: “Welcome To The Madhouse”

Pond: “9”

Nick Cave & Warren Ellis: “Carnage”

 

Those which did not appeal:

King Gizzard & The Wizard Lizard: “L.W.”

King Gizzard & The Wizard Lizard: “Butterfly 3000”

Hiatus Kaiyote: “Mood Valiant”

Rubens: “0202”

Holiday Sidewinder: “Face Of God”

Jungle Giants: “Love Signs”

Flight Facilities: “FOREVER”

Courtney Barnett: “Things Take Time, Take Time” (I know I am swimming against the tide here, but I find her very difficult to listen to).

 

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