The year 2019 saw a lot of artists and bands release new albums left and right. Yes, the music scene is alive and kicking. And here in my opinion are the best releases of 2019.

"Hereafter" – Polar Lows

I will go on a limb here and say that Polar Lows’ "Hereafter" is the best local shoegaze/dreampop album since Sugar Hiccup’s "Womb." Lush. Intricate. Dreamy. This one hits all the right notes in the stratosphere. And the last track, “Verses” is epic. And that awesome cover by Polish artist Michal Wrega completes the package.

"Limasawa Street" – Ben&Ben

The indie folk group’s finest effort to date. Ben&Ben channel their inner U2 and come up with a more expansive sound. In fact, it reminds me of the Big Music types that came up during the mid-1980s except Ben&Ben do not lose their trademark intricate arrangements and pop shine. And "Limasawa Street" wins the best album packaging award for the year. Hands down.

"Victorious" – Valley of Chrome

The fourth time is the charm for this metalcore band. Valley of Chrome ups the ante with their fourth album, "Victorious Slicker" production. Tighter performances. Buzzsaw licks and propulsive drumming that sounds like a thousand skulls being bashed on a kick drum. And there’s that awesome cover by noted metal music painter, Brazilian master, Marcelo Vasco.

Not only is this the band’s best album, but it also spurred them to cross over into the international metal scene.

"Basura Songs" – Esremborak

A thoroughly entertaining band whose songs are catchy and live performances win crowds everywhere. The debut offering from this East Rembo, Makati City quintet features songs with wit and heart. They bring the fun back in music, a sound not seen since Parokya ni Edgar, Grin Department, Siakol, and even Yano. Did you hear their impromptu Christmas song, "Chrisremborak"? Yes, it is the season to be jolly?

"Kolateral" – BLKD x Calix

An incendiary release by two of today’s best rappers BLKD and ghetto priest himself, Calix. Along with punk band, Dead Brains’ debut, "Mental Disorder," BLKD and Calix take a huge shot at the extra-judicial killings and the deep chasms in our society. While it is bold and telling, time will tell if this will be our version of "It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back."

"Fatigue" – Assembly Generals

No sophomore jinx for the Assembly Generals. "Fatigue" is even better than their self-titled debut. I love the creative nature of their releases using military insignia in patch-like pockets for CD jackets. Having said that, there is nothing superficial about this hiphop group. "Fatigue" drips with social commentary. While not as overt "Kolateral" or "Mental Disorder," the Assembly Generals ask you to make your own conclusions.

"Crossing Oceans" – Sonnet LVXIII

Believe it or not, this album was recorded in 1996. While it never saw the light of day as a proper release, the band, 23 years later, puts it out on vinyl form. Sonnet LVXIII were the first real shoegazers in the Philippine club scene and were regulars in legendary joints like Club Dredd. With the recent shoegaze revival, this release is timely and apt; and actually, finds the bands’ sound timeless.

"The Curse of Spirals" – The Spirals

Oh, my. This post-punk music from this Cebu-based band reminds me of my love for Interpol and Joy Division as well as the Goth rock that came up in the 1980s. Intoxicating.

"Fools & Foes" – Fools & Foes

When I listened to their debut (and have seen them a couple of times now), I somehow thought of a more indie pop rock Up Dharma Down. They have the singer with a beautiful voice, the band with chops and technical proficiency. I just got that hauntingly beautiful and moody vibe with this album. Like a moth to a flame. I am not fooled. This is a darn good debut.

Honorable Mentions:

"A Drop In the Blue" by the Bloomfields
"King’s Music" by Red-I Meets King Spade
"In Stereo" by Two Hit Combo