25. TOKiMONSTA – Eternal Reverie (Young Art)
“Lucky U” exemplifies the alluring soundscape of TOKiMONSTA’s Eternal Reverie: a seamless blend of lushly synthesized house and pop sensibilities. The album offers a modern electronic shine while paying homage to dance music’s classic roots. In contrast, her previous works, Lune Rouge and Oasis Nocturno, contained more straightforward pop constructions with minimal embellishments beyond the guest vocals.
Eternal Reverie maintains the inviting format of pop songs featuring guest artists but introduces a more eccentric flair, harmonizing TOKiMONSTA’s knack for catchy melodies with the unique elements of her earlier productions. While one might yearn for even more inspired content, it’s worth noting that there are no misshapes to be found in this collection. – Kyle Cochrun
24. Ninajirachi – I Love My Computer (NLV)
Ninajirachi’s I Love My Computer serves as a vibrant ode to the tech-savvy generation, spending far more time with screens than people. Brimming with the high-energy urgency of hyperpop, it could be overwhelming for those over 25, yet it avoids gimmickry through solid beats and heartfelt helium vocals. This is dance music tailored for those skilled in vaporwave surfing. – J Simpson
23. DJ Koze – Music Can Hear Us (Pampa)
As you listen, you might ponder: Is that a dental drill or Damon Albarn chuckling? Is the atmosphere drifting toward “Woody Woodpecker” or an ayahuasca retreat? Above all, you’ll find yourself questioning the familiarity of the samples. DJ Koze thrives on the feeling of déjà vu, reshaping sound snippets, reversing melodies, and layering unexpected textures to craft something genuinely innovative.
Over a span of 64 minutes, he examines every assumption regarding what should sound pleasing. Does nu-metal seem trivial? Then why is “Brushcutter” (featuring Marley Waters) so exuberant in all its neon vibrance? Think “Chipmunk Soul” is outdated? The enchanting vocal flourishes in “Wie schön du bist” (featuring Arnim Teutoburg-Weiss and the Düsseldorf Düsterboys) strike a poignant emotional chord. – Emily Votaw
22. Bicep – Chroma 000 (Chroma)
Bicep has recently released a captivating series of high-concept singles, seamlessly combining crisp breakbeats, thumping techno, and elements of sci-fi futurism. Chroma 000 gathers these eclectic tracks into one impressive collection, showcasing the duo’s innovative creativity and assertive presence in the drum ‘n’ bass scene today. – J Simpson
21. Clark – Steep Stims (Throttle)
Steep Stims marks a triumphant return for Chris Clark. After exploring various intricate styles ranging from art pop to IDM and soundtracks, he channels all his experience into dancefloor-ready tracks filled with energy and creativity. This album flows so smoothly that it resembles a DJ mix, a rare feat that yields a cohesive electronic album rich with singles seamlessly blending headphone enjoyment with energetic dancefloor appeal. – J Simpson
20. Headache – Thank You For Almost Everything (PLZ Make It Ruins)
As various trends resurface, the 1990s seem like a distant memory, reflecting a lost era of optimism and exuberance. British duo Headache evokes this nostalgic atmosphere with an album filled with slice-of-life spoken word pieces layered over downtempo beats and sumptuous synths. It’s akin to The Orb composing a conceptual soundtrack for a spirited day out with Sleaford Mods. – J Simpson
19. Mark Pritchard – Tall Tales (Warp)
On Tall Tales, Mark Pritchard and Thom Yorke navigate an unstable world suffused with existential dread. Kicking off with “A Fake in a Faker’s World”, they build an auditory collage reflective of isolation and uncertainty, stemming from their collaboration during the height of COVID. Each track draws you in, with pieces like “Bugging Out Again” and “The White Cliffs” transcending time and space, forming an elusive, abstract landscape. Moments of haunting beauty abound, highlighted in “This Conversation Is Missing Your Voice”, where stuttering, syncopated rhythms accompany Yorke’s contemplative thoughts on separation. Despite heavy themes, the album offers sardonic insights, exemplified by the ominous “Happy Days”. Tall Tales showcases two artists bravely exploring uncharted sonic frontiers. – Paul Carr
18. Modeselektor – DJ-Kicks: Modeselektor (!K7)
Modeselektor’s addition to the !K7 DJ-Kicks series is a masterclass in subtlety rather than spectacle. Rather than succumbing to the flashy trends of big-room mixes, this package delivers an elegantly energetic and cohesive experience without any filler. Their ability to blend South American bounce and steely futurism showcases a refreshing homage to classic DJ culture while sounding unmistakably current. – J Simpson
17. Death in Vegas – Death Mask (Drone)
Death in Vegas returns to their roots by melding pop sensibilities with a darker, industrial techno aesthetic in Death Mask. Instead of chasing the Big Beat vibes of notable contemporaries, Richard Fearless plunges into an unrestrained exploration of nine tracks that feel razor-sharp and incisive. This album becomes a fitting soundtrack for our tumultuous times. – J Simpson
16. Harvey Sutherland – Debt (Clarity Recordings)
On his vibrant sophomore album, Debt, Australian DJ and producer Harvey Sutherland expands his sound through minimal house foundations fused with funk-laden basslines and disco synths. Tracks like “Chop Chop Movie Boy” and “Cigarette” offer breezy grooves, while the energetic “Running House” highlights a stunning collaboration with hip-hop duo They Hate Change, providing dynamic vocals over infectious beats. Debt is an exhilarating journey, filled with colorful stylings that elevate the listening experience. – Paul Carr
15. Nourished by Time – The Passionate Ones (XL)
R&B’s significant contributions to electronic music often go unacknowledged, overshadowed by debates that separate sensuality from cerebral exploration. Nourished By Time’s anticipated follow-up to Erotic Probiotic 2 challenges this notion, drawing listeners into a distinctive soundscape that fuses eccentric bedroom pop with bold creativity. Baltimore’s Marcus Brown constructs a raw, imaginative world that thrives on untamed artistry, delivering an album filled with emotional depth and authenticity. – J Simpson
14. Marie Davidson – City of Clowns (DEEWEE)
City of Clowns sees Marie Davidson return to her electronic roots after the pop explorations of Renegade Breakdown. This album offers a natural evolution from the sound of her previous work, incorporating a mix of Italo disco, electroclash, and techno, while steering away from the introspective tone of her earlier efforts. In contrast, this album focuses on broader themes, critiquing technology’s pervasive role in society as she questions its implications on our humanity throughout various tracks.
The impactful “Sexy Clown” reflects the intricacies of navigating the music industry as a woman, while “Y.A.A.M” bursts with infectious energy, weaving biting cultural commentary into its thrilling soundscape. Each track masterfully combines wit and penetrating observations, making City of Clowns not just a compelling listen, but a thought-provoking commentary on modern life. – Paul Carr
13. Kaitlyn Aurelia Smith – GUSH (Nettwerk)
Kaitlyn Aurelia Smith marries various genres, including new age, pop, and ambient, crafting soundscapes that speak to the body’s resonance. Her latest LP, GUSH, delves deeper into this theme, with imagery of her contorting body highlighting its focus. The album embodies a dance record infused with her signature quirkiness, filled with electronically-enhanced vocals, layered polyrhythms, and entrancing modular grooves. Smith’s iconic Buchla music easel takes the spotlight, creating a hypnotic listening experience. – Parker Desautell
12. Weval – Chorophobia (Technicolour)
In Chorophobia, Dutch duo Harm Coolen and Merijn Scholte Albers focus on energizing their audience, minimizing their usual melancholy tones. Across the album, they embrace the dancefloor’s liberating nature, igniting it with infectious beats and massive club drops. Tracks like “Movement” employ breakbeat elements to propel listeners into the heart of festivities, while songs such as “Just Friends” and “Head First” build seamlessly on this momentum, encapsulating the exhilaration of the dance experience. – Paul Carr
11. Oklou – Choke Enough (True Panther)
On her debut, French avant-pop producer Oklou masterfully transforms the frenzied energy of hyperpop into a smooth, downbeat meditation that remains relatable yet intimate. Her innovative artistry propels her to the forefront of pop music, marking her as an artist to keep an eye on in the coming years. – J Simpson
10. Maribou State – Hallucinating Love (Ninja Tune)
Despite facing significant health challenges, Maribou State emerges with a vibrant album steeped in joy, defying the expectation of melancholy. Hallucinating Love feels uplifting as it showcases their journey through the darkness. Key tracks like “Otherside” sparkle with intricate rhythms and hypnotic melodies, offering a sense of liberation amidst their collaborations with talented peers. This album stands out as their most jubilant offering to date. – Paul Carr
9. Paul St. Hilaire – w/ the Producers (Independent)
Paul St. Hilaire’s impact on dub techno is monumental, having pioneered the genre with legends like Mark Ernestus. In w/ the Producers, he maintains his hallmark subdued vocals while advancing the sound into new territories. This album is a fusion of soft-focus radiance, offering tracks like “Free Your Mind” and “Let the Night Start” that energize the dancefloor while retaining the genre’s ethereal touch. – Parker Desautell
8. Daniel Avery – Tremor (Domino)
After exploring his creative boundaries in Ultra-Truth, Daniel Avery gravitates back to collaboration for his new album, Tremor. He invites an array of musicians to delve into themes inspired by darkness, drawing influence from diverse sources like film and fine art. Tracks like “Rapture in Blue” and “Haze” showcase the seamless interaction between Avery’s atmospheric electronics and his collaborators’ unique styles, unveiling a fresh chapter in his artistic journey. – Paul Carr
7. Blawan – SickElixir (XL)
On SickElixir, label Blawan explores a world where distortion does not simply signify aggression; instead, it becomes a tool for soothing the listener. The album’s rich, textured grooves and pounding beats captivate amidst an overwhelming sonic landscape, resembling a euphoric journey rather than a descent into chaos. It is a sonic experience that invites listeners to liberate themselves, showcasing the beauty in maximalist overload. – J Simpson
6. Sudan Archives – The BPM (Stones Throw)
For her latest project, Sudan Archives set out to channel movement into her music. Driven by the desire to invigorate both herself and her audience, The BPM emerges as a forward-thinking blend of energizing dance tracks. From the euphoric sounds of “DEAD” to the silky grooves of “A BUGS LIFE”, this album commands attention with its infectious rhythms and sultry themes. This is a celebration of intimacy, movement, and empowerment, showcasing a new evolution of Sudan Archives as an artist. – Paul Carr
5. Guedra Guedra – Mutant (Domino)
Guedra Guedra, the creative alias of Abdellah M. Hassak, produces vibrant electronic soundscapes steeped in cultural resonance, drawing inspiration from the Amazigh heritage. His new album, Mutant, showcases sophisticated arrangements marrying field recordings with digital and analog beats, resulting in an exhilarating blend of melody and rhythm. This record is a striking exploration of electronic music, infused with vast emotional depth. – Adriane Pontecorvo
4. Djurm – Untangled Under Silence (Houndstooth)
Felix Manuel, known as Djrum, challenges the boundaries of electronic music with his genre-bending projects. On Untangled Under Silence, he explores serene piano lines, smoothly transitioning into crisp IDM and lush new-age soundscapes. His work breaks free from conventional molds, instead navigating the emotional landscape through vivid textures and sounds, defining a future that elevates heart over market trends. – J Simpson
3. Yeule – Evangelic Girl Is a Gun (Ninja Tune)
On Evangelic Girl Is a Gun, Yeule captures the breadth of human experience—flirtations, heartbreak, and all the messiness of desire. This album completes a thematic trilogy, balancing influences of emotional chaos with a commitment to pop sensibilities. It reflects personal growth while retaining a sense of cosmic playfulness—each track intertwines terrestrial experiences with an otherworldly charm. – John Amen
2. FKA Twigs – Eusexua (Young and Atlantic)
FKA Twigs’ third album, EUSXUA, asserts itself as one of the most audacious explorations of desire in contemporary music. Each track resonates with the pulsing energy of unreserved intimacy, discussing themes of sexual freedom—from the uplifting “Girl Feels Good” to the raw candor of “Perfect Stranger”. Tracing its roots back to vibrant underground club scenes, the record evolves into a deeply personal narrative that utilizes a blend of techno, trip hop, and house to promote healing through music. The bold sounds and vulnerable storytelling on tracks like “Striptease” encapsulate Twigs’ artistic evolution. – Paul Carr
1. Barry Can’t Swim – Loner (Ninja Tune)
For Barry Can’t Swim, whose debut When Will We Land? brought critical acclaim, the pressure to follow up was immense. In Loner, he reflects on personal growth and the journey towards artistic maturity. This album pulsates with standout tracks like “Different”, a whirlwind of beats, alongside the pulsating energy of “About to Begin”. Each song is distinctly crafted, from sweet piano riffs to abstract vocal samples, demonstrating a breadth of talent that positions him as a rising force within the electronic scene. Loner not only meets expectations but exceeds them, solidifying Barry Can’t Swim’s place as an innovative artist. – Paul Carr
