Ambient Pasta's
Albums of the Year
2024
Here in the Pitch | Jessica Pratt
Dan’s Pick
An elevator ride to nowhere is often how I describe the experience of Jessica Pratt’s 2024 album, “Here in the Pitch”. A sensory ride into her nostalgic retro folkscape, Pratt presents ear catching melodies- sung with her iconic and unique 60’s-esk voice. This album has been my go-to all year for when I am unsure what I want/need, leaving space for your thoughts whilst reeling you into its warm and pretty sounds. It scratches an itch with its perfect balance of minimalist songwriting and complex world building. Some highlights for me are “World on a String”- often listened to on a walk around Bed Stuy, reflecting on the different seasons throughout the year. “Empires Never Know”, was an early favorite – drawn it’s the lo-fi piano and Radiohead inspired production. That song sits in a vulnerable and important seat on the album, right in the middle of side B when vibes tend to get more emotional and dreamy. And of course “The Last Year” which in this case, is a fitting song to listen to as we move on to 2025. It makes me happy and sad at the same time (as nostalgic music does), with hope for a continuation of love and gratitude for life. It’s relatable and romantic in the real/less cheesy way, making me remember the past and look forward to the future.
Frog In Boiling Water | DIIV
Tom’s Pick
As I get older, I’ve learned to lean more and more into the hazy limbos of life. Our minds are constantly operating and stimulating beyond their ability to digest everything it’s taking in, resulting in a dissociative static. This makes things like burnout or suppression very accessible. For me, this haze begins to become an escape to combat it all. I love deathly loud to “falling asleep” level music. From massive guitar walls to drones, both soothe the mental burnout on opposite ends of the spectrum. So when DIIV’s new album, Frog in Boiling Water, dropped earlier this year it naturally found its way into my rotation. I’ve been a fan of this band since late high school, walking around the halls stoned on my lunch period. Their sound has evolved and matured over the years but for me, they pushed themselves to new heights on Frog. From arrangements to production, this record creates such a sonic world to sink your teeth into. There is so much feeling in the veins of these songs, the opening riffs of “In Amber” and lush lead lines of “Brown Paper Bag” to the opening harmonics on “Everyone Out” and driving rhythms of “Somber The Drums” leaves space for many listens to gain something new every time. Being a shoegazer myself, these songs bring about so much inspiration to push the genre forward while keeping its core of pure meditative emotion in the lushness of volume. Zachary Cole Smith’s words on our capitalistic society and the impending internal doom that lives in all of us rings true in a dark comfort. “We live in heaven and we live in hell” is a truth to human existence on earth.
The Unwavering Hand | Flawed Mangoes
Mimmo’s Pick
I discovered my album of the year a little late into 2024, but it became an instant default throw-on. The album is The Unwavering Hand by Flawed Mangoes. Ever since my first listen, it would be rare if this record didn’t get a spin daily. Lo-fi guitar melodies and beautiful tones aid in a perfect ambient listening experience. It’s the kind of album that doesn’t demand attention but gently pulls you into its world. Life can be a lot but knowing you have a record to bring you back to center is so comforting. It’s the perfect soundtrack for slowing down and finding balance amidst the chaos.
All for Something | Tiny Habits
Julie’s Pick
An album of the year is a big title to hold. It’s what you found to be most attracted to, what caused multiple emotions to flood out, and of course, what danced inside your ears for months on end. For me, this album was “All for Something” by Tiny Habits. Tiny Habits formed in Boston, at Berklee College of Music – three singer/songwriters met and came together to create a soft but powerful sound. The way their voices blend, leaves you wondering who is singing which part. They weave like yarn in a scarf, unsure where it starts and ends. Tiny habits can be categorized in a lot of different genres – indie folk pop describes their recipe. “All for Something” captures time and memories that are relatable with personal and imaginative details. Songs about love, loss, self doubt, growth, and what path you wanna be on. The album start to finish is a journey – starting soft with “Circling” then building to “People Always Change”, it continues with upbeat songs and gentle melodies that consistently stand strong with incredible harmonies. This album brought me so much warmth and comfort this year. It is an assurance that life is unexpected and at times, painful – but holds so much promise and love if you let it.