Hello, darlings! It’s the end of the year, and what a year it’s been in music. Some would say it’s been a bit overwhelming with all the releases, and we’ve only got so many hours in a day to listen, review, and bring you reading material. But as 2023 ends, I’ve put together a playlist with all the songs that sparked joy in my life in 2023 and a top five of everything from albums, EPs, and concerts.
This list was supposed to be very straightforward this year, but I hadn’t looked at any album or EP release calendar because it went in another direction. I’ve always listened to pop-punk and indie. I had made a bet with myself last year that the only music I would listen to was from 2023, and yes, that was hard. Yes, I broke it a few times for good causes, like preparation for festivals or things like EMONITE.
But with that being said, I did find some albums that automatically hyped me up during 2023. Albums that I knew were gems and albums that helped shape my second half of 2023. So, here we go, my top five albums, EPs, and singles. Trust me, we aren’t sticking to one genre this time.
Top five albums
5. The Menzingers – Some Of It Was True
Favorite Track: Try
Our favorite Scranton band, The Menzingers, dropped their seventh album, Some Of It Was True, on the 13th of October, 2023. But unlike After The Party, we aren’t questioning where we go after our 20s; we are more concerned about what is happening in our 30s! I’ll admit, I’m only 31, and my 30s have just begun, but much like on the title track ‘Some of It Was True,’ I do reminisce about my youth and how I thought I knew everything back then, only to be surprised about how little I know.
But Some Of It Was True is good because they keep their standards high and experiment with new sounds but add a bit more heartbreaking lyrics, as we can hear on ‘Come On Heartache’, ‘I Didn’t Miss You (Until You Were Gone)’, and ‘There’s No Place In The World For Me’, which I’ll be honest and say, I feel that our 30’s will be more about, in different ways. So, here’s to The Menzingers and their ability to write catchy songs.
4. Knuckle Puck – Losing What We Love
Favorite track: You & I
Knuckle Puck has, since the beginning, been a band I’ve been fascinated by, but I forgot about them because they sometimes seemed stuck in their early sound and didn’t grow. But Losing What We Love was released and proved me wrong. From the first listen, this album became an instant favorite. The catchy lyrics to the potent and pop-punk riffs, Losing What We Love, show a different side to Knuckle Puck from their earlier material. And for 37 minutes, you’re highly entertained with the album.
3. Movements – RUCKUS!
Favorite tracks: AMP
I’ll admit that I’ve slept on Movements, and I’ve slept on Ruckus! It wasn’t until after a concert that my friend sheepishly suggested I dive into the album, and since that day, I haven’t been able to stop listening to RUCKUS! Movements decided to experiment with different sounds. It’s a fun listen.
2. Militarie Gun – Life Under The Gun
Favorite Track: Very High
Hardcore had a shining moment this year; hopefully, it won’t change next year. But this year, we saw Militarie Gun release their debut LP, and after three EPs, I was very excited about Life Under The Gun. It didn’t disappoint me, from the gruff vocals supplied by Ian Shelton to the punk guitars and rapid drumming on the songs. Even more remarkable, their concerts are brilliant, and the transition from album to live is something they’ve mastered, but again, Militarie Gun is a side project. Everyone in the band had a name prior, so it’s no surprise that Militarie Gun succeeds at everything they do.
1. Hot Mulligan – Why Would I Watch
Favorite track: Smahccked My Head Awf
Why Would I Watch is a rather obvious choice for my number 1 album of the year. And I was right. While my Spotify Wrapped would state that Taylor Swift is my most-heard artist, my YouTube music would beg to differ.
Why Would I Watch showcases the ability to take challenging topics and place Hot Mulligan at their most vulnerable point during the album. As we witness in “It’s A Family Movie She Hates Her Dad,” touching on the subject of a dysfunctional family dynamic, the loss of a much-beloved grandma, one that I related a lot to on “Smahccked My Head Awf.” A few months ago, I went on the radio in Denmark, and we had to bring along three songs with two friends, and we had to bring along three songs that inspired us to become music reviewers, or at least were a part of our journey. For my last piece, I picked “John “The Rock” Cena, Can You Smell What the Undertaker” because this song has been such a driving force throughout my battle with an eating disorder, body dysmorphia, and the loss of faith that I experienced when I lost my grandma at 14. But enough about why Hot Mulligan stole my heart. Why Would I Watch felt like this was the way ahead, and the album has zero songs you end up skipping because they are so well-produced.
NOTICEABLE RELEASES IN 2023
So, we covered the top albums. And that got a bit long, but let’s move on to EPs.
TOP FIVE EPs
5. Scowl – Psychic Dance Routine
No hate, no games. It’s brilliant, a bit trippy, but that’s just how I like it. It’s an infectious EP from Scowl that came out earlier this year.
4. girlfriends – Over My Dead Body
Nothing but vibes on this EP, slightly different from last year’s (e)motion sickness. But it’s a banger.
3. KennyHoopla – BLINK AND YOU’LL MISS IT //
3,2,1 GO – nothing but hard-hitting BOPs to get you through a shitty day.
2. saturdays at your place – always cloudy
Let’s sit down for a minute and look into SAYP. They popped up on the scene in 2021, and in January of 2023, they probably made one of the best EPs and haven’t slowed down since.
1. Pile of Love – Super Sometimes
“But Karina, this EP came out on the 22nd of December, and it’s taking the first place on the list?” YES. The different sounds throughout the EP mark an exciting return for the band, staying true to their pop-rock roots, with some indie mixed in. It makes for a great end-of-the-year EP. They spoiled us.
NOTICEABLE RELEASES
Let’s move on because this is already a long one. And if you’ve read all the through, I admire it and thank you. Next up is the top five singles from 2023.
TOP FIVE SINGLES
5. PUP – How To Live With Yourself/Smoke Screen
I know, I’m cheating. It’s two singles, and gosh, how PUP spoiled us. Or maybe it’s just me. But as we all know, I like PUP, and I think the band is incredible. So, of course, when I saw that they released two songs, I did a little happy dance and listened. How To Live With Yourself is more potent, but Smoke Screen certainly has moments where we get transported back to PUP’s earlier days. So yes, PUP’s two singles get fifth place.
4. Spanish Love Songs – Clean-Up Crew
I loved the album, but I love this single from the album. I kept going back to it before the album was released, and that’s that.
3. KennyHoopla – keep a window open //
If you, dear reader, are like me and enjoyed the sound on ‘how will i rest in peace if i’m buried by a highway?//’ Then don’t worry because KennyHoopla released a single back in August that shares somewhat of the same sound. It’s terrific.
2. Neck Deep – Heartbreak Of The Century
This song is a bloody banger and has excellent lyrics. For a breakup song, I hate myself for getting excited when I hear it. But it’s so upbeat and catchy. I’m so sorry to be BOP’ing in your pain, Neck Deep.
1. Pile of Love – Happy To Hide
Okay, it was released a week ago. But if you’ve heard it, you would agree it’s one hell of a banger. Honestly, Pile of Love is an excellent band with a unique sound. EP was released a week after this was written.
It feels like we’ve highlighted all of the best of 2023. Or what I consider some of the best music of 2023! But what about concerts and festivals? We can’t pretend I sat at home knitting gloves all year. So, let’s move on to festivals and concerts of 2023.
Top five concerts/festivals
5. Militarie Gun, Loppen, DK. The 26th of November, 2023.
Let’s discuss this. If you’ve made it this far, we can all agree that I like Militarie Gun. There is no denying that Ian Shelton has a distinctive voice, but hearing it live, I can’t believe how much better it sounds and how well they play overall. Plus, the energy is impressive.
4. Copenhell, Copenhagen, DK. June 14th-17th, 2023.
Ah, one of my favorite festivals in Denmark. Copenhell has always been good at pleasing its audience, and this year was no different. From Brutus, Parkway Drive, Sleep Token, Fever 333 (who did the most epic stunt, I think it’s on Youtube), Fishbone(!!!!), to BlackGold, there was a good selection. Hands down, Brutus gave the best performance of any band there. I love Brutus.
3. Slam Dunk, Hatfield, UK. The 27th of May 2023.
One day, and a lineup that could make any festival a bit jealous. Slam Dunk was gracious enough to put The Menzingers, Spanish Love Songs, Bowling For Soup, Sincere Engineer, The Academy Is…, Boston Manor, well, basically the whole lineup at the same place, different times, but I got to see some of my favorite bands with some of my favorite people. It was a rather emotional experience, if I have to say anything.
2. blink-182, Royal Arena, DK. The 12th of September, 2023.
FINALLY, fucking finally. After two cancellations of shows in Denmark, it happened. The OG blink-182 came, conquered, and left me with post-concert blues (it’s a thing, okay?!). It was a wild ride, and sure, a generic setlist, BUT it was bangers only. My poor voice. 10/10 I will do it again. And still not review it.
1. Nasty Cut Fest, Copenhagen, DK. May 17th – 20th.
It’s not cheating if you had a festival that you’re personally involved in with a record label you’re personally involved with. This year, Nasty Cut Records put on their first three-day festival in Valby, which was very emotional. Andrew and I were both crying because there’s something about people coming from all over the world to support it. But seeing our friends, our biggest cheerleaders, and bands from Denmark, Croatia, Greece, the UK, and Germany come and knock it out of the park each day, I honestly don’t think I have words to describe it. And yes, it’s returning for another round in 2024.
Top five things I look forward to in 2024
Hmm, I think there are many different things for 2024 that I’m excited for. One of them is leaving in 2023 and just opening a new chapter – festivals and concerts to see if 2024 is as musically packed, but below, I’ve done anything top five.
5. Sleep.
I don’t even think we need to go into a long talk about how important it is to get seven hours of sleep instead of four hours of sleep.
4. COPENHELL
Motherfucking Limp Bizkit is playing. The Offspring are playing. Our favorite band from Boston, Dropkick Murphys, is playing. The lineup next year is 10/10. It’s so beautiful, and it’s at the end of June. Come and have fun with us.
3. Slam Dunk
Hi Slam Dunk, we are planning to return for another round. So, keep doing whatever you’re doing. I’ll be seeing you in May.
2. More time with the family
That’s it – no need to explain.
1. Nasty Cut Festival
We’re back for round two, and I don’t care if this is a shameless promotion. Pkew Pkew Pkew and Phantom Bay are playing!!!!
Well, if you have read it all, we have come to the end of the list. Here is a playlist of songs that have impressed me this year.
