UK rockers Editors will release their seventh album EBM next month, their first with new member Benjamin John Power, aka Blanck Mass. You can already feel his influence from their latest singles, adding a sense of menace. The album title is a mix of their names Editors plus Blanck Mass, but it is also a nod to Electronic Body Music from the 80s from bands like Nitzer Ebb and Front 242. "Kiss" is a thrilling dance floor banger with some late Depeche Mode influences.
Fuck Buttons' member Benjamin John Power's fourth album under his Blanck Mass moniker was a thorough reimagining of 80s and 90s industrial music that was stunning in its ferocity and power.
19.
The Chemical Brothers - No Geography
The Chems got back to basics on No Geography and brought back the fun in their music. They also put together one of the greatest live shows I have ever seen.
18.
Drab Majesty - Modern Mirror
Drab Majesty, a.k.a. Deb Demure, mined from goth-pop artists like The Cure, Peter Murphy, and Clan of Xymox but staked their own claim. Full of massive melodies and atmospheric production, Modern Mirror is a classic of the genre.
17.
Twilight Sad - It Won/t Be Like This All The Time
Twilight Sad have always been good but they seemed to be holding back from their true potential. Apparently losing a founding member, as well as, touring relentlessly with The Cure put a spark in them. It Won/t Be Like This All The Time is a stunning work that is their Disintegration.
16.
Floating Points - Crush
Floating Point's Crush is the perfect mix of dance floor bangers, experimental ruminations, and ambient explorations.
We're at the halfway point in the countdown of my favorite songs of 2019, let's get to them:
30. Blanck Mass - "Love is a Parasite"
Animated Violence Mild, Fuck Buttons' member Benjamin John Power's fourth album under his Blanck Mass moniker, is a monolithic and intense repurposing of 80s and 90s industrial music. "Love is a Parasite" takes the full-on fury of Nine Inch Nails and Ministry and amps it up even further.
29. The Innocence Mission - "The Snow on Pi Day"
The Innocence Mission has been around for over 30 years and they never disappoint. This latest song is probably one of their most beautiful. Prepare to be transfixed.
28. Sandra Kolstad - "Catch-22"
Stunning single from Norwegian artist Sandra Kolstad's new album Burning Love. Her commanding voice stands out among a phalanx of rising synths.
27. Caroline Polachek - "Door"
Former Chairlift singer Caroline Polacheck's first solo single was this absolutely gorgeous pop track.
26. One True Pairing - "Only God Can Judge Me"
Tom Fleming, formerly of Wild Beasts, released his first solo album under the moniker One True Pairing. His stunning baritone is the highlight of this synth-heavy track.
25. Blaqk Audio - "Dark Arcades"
Blaqk Audio, the synthpop side project of Davey Havok and Jade Puget of AFI, released their fourth album Only Things We Love this year. "Dark Arcades" is a darkly epic track with a killer chorus that recalls the best of 80s goth-pop.
24. Ride - "End Game"
Shoegaze titans Ride returned with the album This Is Not A Safe Space. I was captivated by the moody track "End Game" that blends their ferocious guitar attack with a more contemplative, Church-esque atmosphere.
23. Shey Baba - "Requiem"
Moving ballad from singer, song-writer Shey Baba, that is about mourning the past, but moving on from it.
"Time only haunts you once
Pause, and then it will restart
It's a pain I've been holding for years
And now that my moment's come
All disappear inside
It's the truth I've been holding for years
And this is my requiem to the old world
Fading, you're fading
You don't have to be who you are anymore"
22. The Faint - "Child Asleep"
"Child Asleep" is a slamming dance track from The Faint's solid record Egowerk.
Animated Violence Mild, Fuck Buttons' member Benjamin John Power's fourth album under his Blanck Mass moniker, is a monolithic and intense repurposing of 80s and 90s industrial music. "Love is a Parasite" takes the full-on fury of Nine Inch Nails and Ministry and amps it up even further.
