Martin Ilgner * What I’ve listened to in 2022

What I've listened to in 2022

Disclaimer

In the recent years I gave up on my past music nerdiness. The energy outtake to follow all the neofolk/darkfolk/ambient formations and gigs was simply too high and the loss of interest inevitable.

Moreover I became highly suspicious that every newcomer on the scene is a better or worse derivation of something I've already seen. In this uncanny state of the mind I drifted for a good couple of years until I stumbled upon Bandcamp.

When visiting Amsterdam this spring, I found out about the gorgeous Record magazine which restarted my longing for a record player and building up a LP collection.

Skipper's Alley — Skipper's Alley

I've never been to Ireland, but if Dublin is anything close to this release, I'm seriously considering to move there. Skipper's Alley is an all around great group. Deadly craftsmanship in all ways and so much different from clumsy performance of neofolk acts from the root days. I can't help myself but find certain similarities to the early In Gowan Ring.

Sleaford Mods — Spare Ribs

Real Britain reflected in the lyrics with head bopping rhythms to die for. Love 'em!
Fave track has to be Mork & Mindy 'cos Billy Nomates is also utterly brilliant.

Sleaford Mods major in vitriolic rants over concrete-cold beat loops, icepicking away the nasty outer shell of a modern, pompous, imprisoning England. This time, they tidy all the havoc up in the hope of making proper “songs”, also hoping to attack fake authenticity in the process. Favorite track: Nudge It (feat. Amy Taylor).