10. Deafheaven – Sunbather
For as much praise this album received, it received just as much flack. Some critics have argued that it’s overhyped or boring and, while I do agree that it is probably overhyped, I don’t for a second think it’s boring. Sunbather wasn’t my favorite release of 2013, but it definitely held my attention longer than most of this year’s releases.
9. Waxahatchee – Cerulean Salt
I’ve been trying to get anyone and everyone into Waxahatchee for about a year now so it’s no surprise that Cerulean Salt would end up on my top albums of 2013 list. Just do me a favor and check it out.
8. Owen – L’Ami du Peuple
Maybe it’s just me, but I kind of felt like Owen fell off the radar for a minute, but when L’Ami du Peuple was released in July, I fell in love with the musical stylings of Mike Kinsella all over again. I’ve always been a big fan of lyrics, as it’s more likely that the lyrics of a song will draw me in before the instrumentals do, and L’Ami du Peuple has some of the most beautiful lyrics of 2013.
7. Incendiary – The Cost of Living
If you are or ever have been into the hardcore genre, you cannot ignore Incendiary. This entire album is full of in-your-face bangers. I was lucky enough to see the band at this year’s Sincerity Fest and they absolutely tore the place apart. Incendiary is easily one of the best bands currently in the scene and they proved it with The Cost of Living.
6. Twitching Tongues – In Love There Is No Law
You either love Twitching Tongues or you hate them, and I love them. In Love There Is No Law starts off slow, but quickly and ruthlessly smacks you across the face with heavy guitar riffs. I’ve gone back to this album numerous times since its release and I still love it as much as I did the first time I heard it.
5. Modern Life is War – Fever Hunting
Of course Fever Hunting was no Witness, but you have to hand it to these dudes for putting out such a solid record after being on hiatus for close to five years. Fever Hunting both satisfied fans waiting for a new release from their favourite band and brought forth new fans.
4. The Front Bottoms – Talon of The Hawk
I have to throw this album on the list simply for the amount of times I’ve listened to it this year. If you’re still sleeping on The Front Bottoms like I was up until this summer, Talon of The Hawk is great place to start. It has a larger sound than the band’s first self-titled album and, if anything, it’s fun to listen to.
3. Balance and Composure – The Things We Think We’re Missing
This is how Balance and Composure is supposed to sound. I’ve been a fan of Balance and Composure since way back in 2008 when they first released I Just Want to Be Pure. Everything they have done in the years since they have been together is fantastic, but The Things We Think We’re Missing is phenomenal. I never thought they would be able to top Separation, but I was proven to be wrong. On this album, Balance and Composure gave their fans a more mature sound mirroring that of grunge bands like Nirvana. I just couldn’t get enough of The Things We Think We’re Missing this year. In my eyes, it was overall one of the most perfect albums of the year.
2. The Wonder Years – The Greatest Generation
Maybe The Greatest Generation is number two on my list because I’ll always have a soft spot for The Wonder Years. No matter how tough I want people to think I am, you’ll still catch me jumping around and screaming at the top of my lungs to The Wonder Years. I also think it’s fair to say The Greatest Generation is one of, if not the best album The Wonder Years has put out since their start as a band. Each song has a special way of tugging at the heartstrings of fans while still letting everyone know that they’re not alone and everything will be alright. I think when all is said and done and I’m forty years old sitting at home with my kids, I’ll speak fondly of The Wonder Years – much like most of our parents do about Springsteen or Zeppelin.
1. Have Mercy – The Earth Pushed Back
Not only is Have Mercy’s The Earth Pushed Back my top album of 2013, but it’s also my favorite discovery of the year. In a scene where a lot of bands have started to sound too similar, Have Mercy put out an album that allowed listeners a breath of fresh air. I first heard The Earth Pushed Back in early July and it stuck with me for the rest of the year. It has been a very long time since a band was able to so perfectly pair their sound with their lyrics. The Earth Pushed back elicits haunting emotions that won’t let you go, and this album is my number one for that very reason.
Honourable Mention
Drug Church – Paul Walker The World Is A Beautiful Place and I am No Longer Afraid to Die – Whenever, If Ever Citizen – Youth Ghost – Infestissumam
The National – Trouble Will Find Me
