With just two weeks remaining in 2018, it’s about that time were DJ Times takes a look back at the most impressive album releases that took place throughout the year leaving a lasting impression on the electronic landscape.
Being the furthest thing from a fresh face in the world of electronic music, Dutch DJ and producer, San Holo, took his career to the next level incorporating live guitar performances to his traditional DJ sets creating a whole new experience for fans. Carrying this concept over to his debut album, album1 featured the use of organic instrumentation resulting in one of the most forward-things productions we’ve seen all year.
Already having quite the track record, the Australian three-piece live-electronic trio unveiled a new chapter of RÜFÜS DU SOL with the release of their third full-length album, Solace. Being both fascinating and captivating, their latest offering served as an ethereal fusion of analogue sound design and emotional songwriting that most would consider flawless.
It had been three years since Wonderland’s critically acclaimed debut album, Run and while she openly admitted there was quite a bit of pressure while producing the follow-up to her successful LP, the Australian talent hit an absolute home run with Awake. Showcasing her songwriting and production ability to the world from an angle which we’ve never seen from her before, there is no denying this emotional rollercoaster ride of a listening experience catapulted her into the realm of electronic dance music’s elites.
Similar to fellow Australian Alison Wonderland, What So Not also went relatively quiet on the release front focusing all of his attention to his debut album, Not All the Beautiful Things. After much successful following his Gemini and Divide & Conquer EPs, Not All the Beautiful Things encompasses everything he stands for as an artist that goes well beyond the album, this includes the music videos, stage production and live performances that followed in support of the stunning 12-track offering.
Being one of the most anticipated albums of the year, one of dubstep’s finest talents officially closed that chapter of his career with Getter releasing his incredibly artistic and conceptual album, Viscaeral. This12-track work shows off a new direction and sound from the producer inviting listeners into personal deep dive into his own life which tells a story of raw human emotions and healing.
Womp and wobble connoisseur, G Jones, was another producer who took monsterous step forward as a producer with his experimental masterpiece, The Ineffable Truth. Being one of the truly groundbreaking album releases of the year, his debut album is a complex musically journey that speaks volumes about the Santa Cruz native’s ability as a producer giving those who decide to take the trip a live look into the creative mind’s of one of bass music’s undisputed superstars.
2018 also saw the release of Lane 8‘s second studio album, Little By Little, which featured a lethal dose of the producer’s trademark stylings of eloquently-textured productions. The 10-track collection represents his melodic, uniquely crafted sound displaying his versatility while maintaining the cohesive sound revered by fans globally.
Coming as no real surprise to anyone, Above & Beyond‘s fourth studio album Common Ground is one of the true highlights of 2018. Featuring festival anthems “My Own Hymn,” “Northern Soul,” “Alright Now” and “Tightrope,” in addition to collaborations with frequent collaborators Richard Bedford and Zoë Johnston, Common Ground once again proves why the English trio has become one of the world’s leading electronic music acts.
After the success of his debut album VOID, RL Grime had gone silent already diving headfirst into album being quite open at the new challenge a follow-up would present and as expected, the trap lord rose to the occasion. NOVA served as his first full project in almost four years which spans fifteen tracks total of RL’s diverse and masterful production including features from some of the industry’s biggest heavy-hitters reminiscent of his star-studded debut.
Quickly becoming one of the hottest names in the world of electronic music, REZZ added some serious fuel to the flame with the release of her second artist album Certain Kind of Magic which introduced the world to emerging talents Deathpact, Kotek, 13 and Fytch. Featuring eight innovative singles and collaborations driven by her signature, menacing soundscapes, Certain Kind of Magic, solidified the reign REZZ which looks to rolling into 2019 and beyond.
