It is hard to believe that this is the last Friday of 2023 when I have to roll my lazy bones out of bed and dig through a long list of releases. It is a weekly tradition I will miss in the coming weeks but never fear, the Caustic machine will be fully operational at the very top of the year. Until then, the New Year is a time for reflecting and reviewing everything that happened over the past 12 months. To celebrate what was a fantastic year of refreshing finds, Glide has dug through the countless Caustics to unearth some of our favorite singles/releases from artists who might not have gotten the praise they deserved in 2023.
Check out Glide’s picks for our favorite artists featured in our Caustic Commentary column with less than 50,000 social media followers.
Michael Nau – “And So On”
Accompany
Featured: December 8
The singer/songwriter/multi-instrumentalist Michael Nau released one of the best albums of his prolific career in 2023. Accompany is a stellar outing lined with bouncy arrangements and poetic lyricism. “And So On” has been on repeat since the album dropped at the top of December, a wispy guitar melody acts as the backbone to Nau’s lush vocals.
Old Grape God & Bloomcycle – “Wall King”
I Turn The Room to a Lava Lamp
Featured: June 9
Old Grape God has enough flows to put on a clinic for the less creative and when that is paired with the magical melodies of Bloomcycle, the duo is unstoppable. I Turn The Room to a Lava Lamp is one of the most creative releases hip-hop saw in 2023 and if you skipped over it initially, don’t make the same mistake twice. “Wall King” shows exactly why this high praise is being thrown at the project, Grape God sounds rejuvenated over an off-kilter instrumental that features minimalist yet hard-hitting drums.
The World of Birds – “Notting Hill”
Single
Featured: November 24
The World of Birds is one to get lost in. The young trio is releasing some fantastically lush singles that lean on cloud-like textures to elevate the otherworldly harmonies. “Notting Hill” was the first time I had come across the band and if you’re anything like us here at Glide, you will be instant fans as well.
Max Volante – “Lust & Found <3”
Single
Featured: February 17
A hectic yet beautiful single, Max Volante crashed into our musical scope early in 2023 and he isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. The young virtuosic musician went on a tear with singles this year and when you discover an artist like this, you never forget the first song you heard from them. “Lust & Found” is sonically ambitious, the cosmic arrangement is anchored to earth by Volante’s relatable, heartfelt lyrics.
Hotline TNT – “I Know You”
Cartwheel
Featured: November 3
Hotline TNT released one of the best indie rock records of the year, combining the chaotic textures of noise and punk with ballad-like vocals. Cartwheel should be high on your list of albums to check out if you haven’t already and “I Know You” should point you in the direction of needing more Hotline TNT in your life. The angelic vocals juxtapose the heavy riffs and neck-breaking drum patterns for pure punk bliss.
Chuck Strangers – “A Forsaken Lover’s Plea”
A Forsaken Lover’s Plea
Featured: November 30
Any hip-hop fan should be well aware of Chuck Strangers at this point. The Pro Era producer/emcee has long established himself as a powerful solo act and if his latest single is any indication of what is to come on his next album, a lot more people are going to be aware of Strangers’ true power. “A Forsaken Lover’s Plea” is an emotional rollercoaster as the artist navigates a nimble soul sample with ease. Chuck Strangers will release his album, A Forsaken Lover’s Plea, on March 15.
Squirrel Flower – “Stick”
Tomorrow’s Fire
Featured: October 13
Tomorrow’s Fire might be one of the most overlooked releases of the year. Ella O’Connor is the mastermind behind Squirrel Flower and she made a statement with her 2023 LP, brimming with dense textures and sharp guitar work. “Stick” showcases her musicality while also allowing her moving lyrics to shine, the perfect combination for pure indie rock.
The Blips – “Laika”
Again
Featured: November 17
What happens when you combine a group of seasoned frontmen into one powerful unit? The Blips happen. The powerhouse of Southern rock put out a diverse LP this year with sonic twists and turns that all bleed into one cohesive album. “Laika” is a spaced-out ballad amid some veteran punk music, wonky guitars glide the heaven-sent vocals to a place of solace as the band put together a track worthy of multiple listens in a row.
Flyte – “Better Than Blue”
Flyte
Featured: October 27
For their third album, Flyte broke down their original style to its bare bones for an acoustic outing that leans on emotional vulnerability. Flyte is the perfect album for a snowy day inside, moving poetry about life and love is set to equally emotional, minimal arrangements for a serene listening experience. “Better Than Blue” features one of the best vocal performances on the album as the band navigates their heart-on-our-sleeve approach to songwriting.
SLIFT – “Ilion”
ILION
Featured: October 6
SLIFT has been releasing albums of their unique brand of psychedelic metal for years now, but this upcoming project feels like their biggest one yet. ILION is set to be released on January 19 and its lead single caught us all with our jaws on the floor. The haunting vocals crash over intense melodies and textures for an unforgettable single and an exciting introduction to the next chapter of SLIFT.
Glitterer – “Plastic”
Rationale
Featured: October 27
Once the bassist for pop-punk powerhouse Title Fight, Ned Russin has created a world all to his own with Glitterer. His short yet potent spurts of pure punk are uniquely refreshing and musically impressive. His upcoming LP, Rationale, is set to be released on February 23 and its lead single “Plastic” is nothing short of extraordinary. A thick and heavy guitar melody glides us through the single to what is promising to be a stand-out release in 2024.
Oscar Lang – “Crawl”
Look Now
Featured: July 21
For his latest trick, Oscar Lang taps into psychedelic pop for one of the strongest albums of his career. Look Now is easily one of the most underappreciated albums of 2023, bursting with innovative pop and piano-led balladry. “Crawl” will have you sprinting to hear more of the album, Lang’s falsetto sounds majestic over the bouncy piano melody for a track bursting with infectious tempos.
Kendra Morris – “When I Go To Space”
I Am What I’m Waiting For
Featured: August 4
One of Colemine Records’ most promising stars, Kendra Morris combines classic soul tendencies with smooth jazz for an otherworldly sonic playground. I Am What I’m Waiting For is brimming with the vocalist’s unique approach to melodies as she navigates a sea of minimal yet funky arrangements. “When I Go To Space” puts the concept of escapism to a silky arrangement as Morris pens one of the best tracks of her career.
