1. Tim Hecker - Virgins
Tim Hecker's last solo album, Ravedeath 1972, was a solid entry in his discography. It was full of haunting sounds that somehow still seemed uplifting, an odd mix of emotions and tones that complimented each other. His music washed over in waves of warm sound, constantly evolving and mutating. On Virgins, he takes a slightly different approach without sacrificing any of the impact. Virgins sounds a bit more percussive and "musical", utilizing live orchestral instrumentals. Piano-type sounds echo throughout the album, only to be interrupted with outbursts of distortion (give "Live Room" a listen for a good example of this method). At other times, he displays a very tight control on minimalist sounds, squeezing everything he can out of loops of a single instrument. It's a very interesting method of musical exploration, done in a way that only Tim Hecker could do. The best thing about Virgins is its ability to take you to a different place. It feels like a mystical cathedral that could actually exist on another planet, a place you could go to let your mind wander in all directions. It sparks the imagination and keeps you engaged throughout its entire runtime.
Are there any experimental albums from last year that you think deserve a shout? Let us know in the comments below!