2019 has been one of the biggest years in heavy music in recent memory, with major players such as Tool, Slipknot and Rammstein dropping long-awaited new albums, while trailblazing up-and-comers pushed boundaries in their own right. For his part, Shiv Mehra released the ethereal debut LP, Here There And Nowhere, from his side project Heaven's Club and one of the best songs of 2019, "Black Brick," with his main band Deafheaven. Here we asked the guitarist to share some of his favorite music from the past year — below is what he offered up.
Weyes Blood - Titanic Rising
One of the most beautiful albums of the year. She has a distinctively old voice with lush, orchestrative structures that uplift from the weight of life. The production on this album is impeccable.
Thom Yorke - Anima
Beyond words. One of my favorite albums. Thom keeps pushing the tonality of synth and polyrhythmic structures of songs. "Dawn Chorus" is one of the most emotionally gripping songs I've ever heard.
Wand - Laughing Matter
These guys are from L.A., on Drag City Records, and are a superlative mix of kraut and psych pop. They're pushing the elements of what bands can pull off and I appreciate it very much.
rRoxymore - Face to Phase
This Berlin producer has been killing it for a while. rRoxymore, in the likes of Octa Octa, are inspiring pioneers to people newly working on electronic music such as myself.
Panda Bear - A Day With the Homies
Noah [Lennox, a.k.a. Panda Bear] is undoubtedly going to write good albums and he presents himself in a lighthearted, relatable nature. This particular album really sat well with me. His vocal harmonies are so out of the box yet nostalgic, and the sample and drum work is thought-provoking.
Moon Duo - Stars Are the Light
From San Francisco, Ripley and Sanae are explorative in the kraut-psych realm. This album is good vibes for any occasion. Upon listening you will find yourself among the stars.
Tim Presley - I Have to Feed Larry's Hawk
Tim from White Fence is one of my favorite songwriters. "Indisposed" off this album is a catchy and highly relatable pop tune — at least for myself. This man has an incredible talent to put together well-structured, catchy pop tunes.
