“If I Can’t Have You”
Formerly known as 13casey, singer-songwriter Diamant quietly had a very busy and fruitful 2018, releasing a pair of majestic EPs and collaborating with Jay Americana on the rapper’s arresting single “Rely.” In November, however, she released perhaps her most accomplished single yet—the aching, sensual “If I Can’t Have You,” which manages to weave her silken voice, spectral and delicate, into an alluring lament on broken love. – GC
“Daisy”
The ‘70s soft rock shuffle on this spellbinding cut from Doug Bleichner is almost completely obscured by the humid production of the track, making it the perfect song for a summer night, but in my head I always hear it through a clock radio that’s been sitting on someone’s front porch since 1991. – RR
“Threads”
Eastern Bloc? Launch codes? Nuclear winter? Lyrically, Eureka California’s fast and furious “Threads” may read like a Cold War spy thriller, but the group’s top-down energy and giddy fuzz guitar propulsion have all the whirlwind rush of an exploding crate of fireworks. Who knew a destructive relationship in danger of collapse could sound so goddamned euphoric? – GC
“Black Cloud”
SMAAAAAAAAAASH! Flamingo Shadow already sound destined for huge theatres and swarming crowds, as the five rockers rip into the stormy forecast for our nation’s future. We have no clue where these birds of the tropics hail from—for all we know, they could be watching that black cloud from their UFO in orbit above Atlanta. – LA
“Norma Bates”
For a while, mainstream media loved to demonize any woman in charge, especially the ones who command men’s bodies. With “Norma Bates,” Stone Irwin owns that monstrous role with impish glee; her wild guitar pickin’ and burbling beats conjure a hellish lair for any transphobic soul who dares cross the knife-wielding lady. – LA
“Limitations”
The debut EP from Atlanta hardcore punk foursome Harmacy was a scathing, world-devouring tour de force. The encompassing dissonance of lead track “Limitations” mixed with some grungy backbeats invokes some serious Pissed Jeans vibes, but when has that ever been a bad thing? – RR
“If I’m Alright”
Although we’ve been keeping our fingers crossed for a follow-up to Illegal Drugs’ formidable 2016 debut, the hard-rocking trio were generous enough to unleash a pair of scorchers this year. Of the two singles, “If I’m Alright” cuts the deepest, its menacing low-end rumble striking with snarling abandon. The band’s ability to inject their songs with both sinuous propulsion and dead-of-night atmosphere is virtually unmatched in the city, landing this murky thriller near the top of Atlanta’s ever-growing post-punk heap. – GC
“Headshot”
Jay Douglas’ best trick is getting a whole room pumped about getting sad, and nothing fires up a crowd like “Headshot.” In a genius twist, though, the verses call out those same moshing DIY kids who take the rapper’s constant presence for granted: “You think we’re best friends cos you heard my latest… if you want a show you should ask my rate.” – LA
“Nice To Meet You Fine I’m Dead”
Not many bands these days deserve the tag “psychedelic,” but Karaoke can truly spin your head around. This swirling romp ends the group’s debut LP, How to Make You Boil, on a fever dream pitch, as vocalist and songwriter Grace Bellury speaks up against the forces that rob her of confidence and life. – LA
“Get Out”
Total liberation has to start somewhere. We couldn’t identify and topple abusers until after women and non-men spoke out en masse about the private power struggles they’ve fought and lost. Ergo, in “Get Out” AC Carter tells us about Ana Echo’s plight to show how the female body gets ensnared, and the perfectly post-punk pitch matches the urgency of the getaway. – LA