My favourite releases of 2024 - LIO

I want to share to you a review of my favourite launches of 2024

El Show Debe Continuar - Little Jesus

When listening to a Little Jesus album, it seems almost impossible not to compare it to their 2013 masterpiece Norte. Away from that afro-folk sound that defined their essence at the time, the band presents in this 2024 El Show Debe Continuar, a more indie album but with very interesting sounds. Songs like the hypnotic Fuego Fuego Fuego Fuego Fuego Fuego, with a constant bassline, envelop us in a peculiar way; while Una Playa En Nayarit transports us to a bonfire with friends by the sea, with a nostalgic and cosy atmosphere. I especially highlight my favourite of the album, La Historia Sin Fin, an indie song in every sense of the word, with lyrics that seem written to dedicate to the love of your life.

Wall Of Eyes - The Smile

Project after project, the genius of Thom Yorke and Jonny Greenwood continues to impress. Just when it seemed they had done it all with Radiohead and their solo works, they surprise with their new proposal, The Smile. In 2024 they release an album that, while bearing similarities to its 2023 predecessor, explores unconventional rhythms, closer to jazz than rock, thanks to the clear influence of drummer Tom Skinner. This approach brings a dizzying bass and guitars that stand out for Greenwood's creative maturity, resulting in an album that is unsettling but never boring.

For those of us who love Radiohead, the emergence of The Smile may keep us from hoping for a new album from the legendary band, but it also confirms that these minds are probably some of the brightest in modern music.

X's - Cigarettes After Sex

Nostalgic guitars, simple basslines that do just enough, soft synthesizers and a slow drum base are the recipe with which Greg González gives us one of the most beautiful and melancholic albums of 2024.

With his unmistakable voice, Greg whispers 10 songs that feel like intimate conversations, perfect to share with someone special at 2am or to accompany a rainy journey while reflecting on longed-for moments. This album evokes the fragility of love, blending sweetness, melancholy and vulnerability in a unique way

CHROMAKOPIA - Tyler, The Creator

It's a bold statement, but I dare say that Tyler, The Creator is achieving in music and fashion what Kanye West failed to do. Tyler reaffirms himself as one of the most relevant creatives of our era with CHROMAKOPIA.

In contrast to IGOR (2019), where he narrated a love affair from beginning to end, CHROMAKOPIA explores more introspective themes: the passage of time, maternal advice and the hypothetical fear of losing a child, albeit without as linear a narrative as his previous works.

The production, in typical Tyler fashion, is exquisite. From industrial sounds and innovative percussion to synthesizers that enhance the emotional intent of each song, this album leaves its mark. Tracks like St Chroma, Like Him and Tomorrow are clear examples of the lyrical and sonic genius on offer.

‘Never in your fucking life, turn off your light for anyone’ - St Chroma, Tyler, The Creator.

Jay de la Cueva - Jay de la Cueva

To speak of Jay de la Cueva is to refer to one of the most important musicians on the Latin American scene. After decades as part of legendary bands such as Fobia, Molotov and Moderatto, in 2024 he bids farewell to his group projects to present us with his first solo album. This work bears the unmistakable mark of producer Adán Jodorowsky and, although it doesn't innovate on the indie scene, it is without a doubt one of the most solid albums of the year.

The album is full of accessible melodies, with Jay's delicate voice wrapped around raw bass, simple drums and guitars and synthesizers that appear and disappear with precision. Without being extravagant, everything on this album is done with impressive mastery and coherence.

Personally, it's my favourite album of the year. So much so that Perdóname, one of the tracks included, was my most listened to song according to Spotify Wrapped this year.