Great albums of 2024

Released on May 29, 2024, Holden's new album, with its emotional depth, dreamy atmosphere, technical mastery, and outstanding performances by Holden and additional musicians—who include male and female vocalists—already earned positive reviews from critics and favourable feedback from fans. 

Australian instrumental experimental rock group Montresor released their most recent album, "Autopoiesis," on May 24, 2024. This ensemble, which started out as a quartet, is now augmented by two clarinettists, a bassoonist, a pianist, and two keyboardists who play additional keys. "Autopoiesis" is the first album by Montresor in nine years and highlights the band's experimental style and instrumental prowess. Considerably influenced by the Rock in Opposition movement, the band's extended lineup on this outstanding album results in complex time signature alterations, otherworldly atmospheres, dense structures, ethereal melodies, and a wide spectrum of musical textures. "Autopoiesis" is a significant work in the realm of contemporary avant-prog and, in my opinion, the best Montresor's album to date.

"If I don't make it, I love u" is an album by the UK trio Still House Plants that offers a unique and experimental blend of musical styles. Their unconventional approach to this album is based on a blend of avant-garde with elements of experimental rock and improvisational music. The band's sound is characterised by dissonant guitar riffs, unconventional song structures, and haunting vocals. The songs on the album often feature sparse instrumentation, creating a sense of intimacy and vulnerability. The lyrics are poetic and introspective, exploring themes of love, loss, and existential angst.

Still House Plants' music is known for its raw energy and emotional depth. Their music is challenging and thought-provoking, inviting listeners to engage with complex emotions and ideas. 

Although it's rather hard to be really innovative nowadays, "If I don't make it, I love u" is a bold and innovative album that pushes the boundaries of contemporary music. It showcases Still House Plants' unique artistic vision and their willingness to uncompromisingly experiment with different sounds and textures while still being organic and pleasantly listenable.

^ Wow, a masterpiece? Really? I listened to the track you posted and then - because a bit surprised by your enthusiasm about this - to the first three tracks on their bandcamp site (couldn't stand much more of it...), but this is exactly the type of unimaginative and clichématic (heavy) prog that made me turn my back to prog in the 90s.

Funny how appreciations can differ so much. Yes, they know how to play, but their songwriting is really without any originality, it is very formulaic prog. You find the singing supreme, but I think it is a singer of which we have 13 in a dozen (when he sings it's OK, but when it veers to screaming it's going from bad to hideous). Really surprised that you find this a masterpiece... But well, I like things that you won't like, so it's just my opinion which differs from yours on this one.

But sure, focusing on this is a nice way to get around the more interesting points I raised. 

^ (Lewian) yes, of course you are correct. Returning to the subject at hand, these are two nice releases of 2024 that I've discovered today:

Resuscitate Immortality Complex 2024 ★★★★★ Prog Extreme Metal/Djent Links: AP BC SPO RYM

Luxury Like Unto Lambs 2024 ★★★★☆ Thoughtful Melodic Prog-Adj Alt Rock/Independent Links: AP BC SPO RYM