Best of 1994 - The Album List

In the music world, the year 1994 is mostly remembered for the tragic death of Kurt Cobain, who committed suicide on April 5th. Cobain's death marked a pivotal moment for the grunge movement, which had dominated the early '90s. With his passing, grunge reached its peak but also began to slowly dissolve.

During this time, punk rock experienced a resurgence, thanks in large part to bands like Green Day and The Offspring. Green Day's album Dookie and The Offspring's Smash brought punk energy back into the mainstream with a new twist, most notable as skate punk and pop punk.

Across the Atlantic, the Britpop movement was in full swing, with bands like Oasis, Blur, and Pulp leading the charge. Oasis released their debut album Definitely Maybe, which sold 100,000 copies within just four days of release, earning them the record for the fastest-selling debut album in British history.

Next Wave: Telenova

Telenova is a Melbourne-based trio formed in the early 2020s. The band comprises singer Angeline Armstrong and multi-instrumentalists Edward Quinn and Joshua Moriarty. Since their formation, Telenova has released two EPs and several singles, establishing a distinctive sound that blends electronic art pop with influences of trip hop and indie folk. Their music has been noted for its atmospheric qualities and intricate production, creating a unique sonic palette that sets them apart.

Their debut album, set for release in August, is highly anticipated and expected to further cement their place in the contemporary music scene.

photo courtesy of Blunt magazine

TR/ST - Soon

Following his self titled EP release from January this year, Robert Alfons is back with the melodic new single titled "Soon" which is out on Dais Records. This also announces his fall 2024 EU/UK tour.

Xeno & Oaklander - Magic of the Manifold

Xeno & Oaklander have released their first new material since 2021 with the song "Magic of the Manifold." The track is available on Dais Records and coincides with the announcement of the duo's spring tour, which kicked off in Paris, May 14th.

Vicious Pink come back with "Unexpected" LP

British electronic duo Vicious Pink is set to release their highly anticipated LP Unexpected, featuring previously unreleased material. Comprising Josephine Warden and Brian Moss, the duo gained recognition for a series of singles released between 1982 and 1988, most notably their track "Cccan't You See...". In 1986, they released their self-titled debut album, which compiled their single releases. The upcoming album,  "Unexpected," will be released via Minimal Wave on May 21, 2024. Here is a link to a short Interview with Brian Moss conducted in 2009.

Geneva Jacuzzi - Dry

Geneva Jacuzzi is back with a brand new single and video for the song "Dry". This release also marks her debut on Dais records and we hope to hear more new material throughput 2024. 

 

Out Today: Fat White Family - Forgiveness is Yours

Fat White Family has just dropped their fourth studio album, Forgiveness is Yours, via Domino Records. Preceding its release were several singles, such as "Bullet of Dignity" and "What's that You Say." Below is the video for their potential next single, "Work."

Instant Hit: Sharon Mitchell - Handsome Stranger

Sharon Mitchell, an American former adult actress, briefly ventured into the music industry with the release of two singles in the early 1980s. One of these was the catchy and exotic "Handsome Stranger," released in 1983 on two different labels. The song narrated the tale of a Mexican woman in pursuit of a wealthy American lover.

WATCH: Pet Shop Boys - Dancing Star

Pet Shop Boys have unveiled the official video for their latest single, "Dancing Star," now accessible on YouTube. Directed by Luke Halls Studio, the video features breathtaking archival footage of the legendary ballet dancer, Rudolf Nureyev, and was created with the backing of the Rudolf Nureyev Foundation. 

     

Retrovision: Secession - The Magician

Secession's release of "The Magician" in 1987 stands as one of the few singles from their active period between 1983 and 1987. Today, it's regarded as a gem of rare 80s material, a testament to the band's contribution to the era's underground landscape.