5. Kurt Vile – (watch my moves)

Philadelphia’s darling indie rocker, Kurt Vile, delivers yet another gem with his 2022 full-length (watch my moves). Standout tracks “Hey Like a Child” and “Palace of OKV in Reverse” capitalize on Vile’s ability to interweave urban synth soundscapes with slinky, slacker rock songwriting. “Thoughts runnin’ ’round in my cranium like pinball machine-a-mania,” Vile mutters over a bevy of padded synthesizers and jangling guitars, creating the perfect backdrop for a melancholic rainy day drive. 

Verdict: 7/10
Standout Tracks: “Like Exploding Stones”, “Hey Like a Child”

4. Dawes – Misadventures of Doomscroller

In perhaps their most daring effort to date, LA Americana rockers Dawes take a step into the realm of 70s yacht rock with their recent release Misadventures of Doomscroller. Peppered to the brim with lengthy, Steely Dan-esque instrumental jams, Dawes showcase their musicianship like never before. While elements of classic Dawes still shine through – earnest songwriting and booming 3-part harmonies – Misadventures of Doomscroller takes a turn into the experimental, resulting in a refreshing record that sounds both modern and vintage. 

Verdict: 7.5/10 
Standout Tracks: “Someone Else’s Cafe”, “Everything is Permanent”

3. Spoon – Lucifer on the Sofa

Fine wines better with age. Austin-based indie rockers, Spoon, are no exception. Lucifer on the Sofa marks the outfit’s tenth studio album since their inception in 1996, and surprisingly could be considered one of their best. Standout tracks “The Hardest Cut” and “The Devil & Mr. Jones” channel the gritty, minimalist production Spoon has become known for and infuse aspects of polished, modern rock leanings. A tight, succinct record from front to back, Lucifer on the Sofa hits the mark in each and every track.  

Verdict: 8/10
Standout Tracks: “The Hardest Cut”, “The Devil & Mr. Jones”

2. Gang of Youths – Angel in Realtime

Australian alt-rockers, Gang of Youths released perhaps the surprise indie rock record of the year with Angel in Realtime (February 2022). Failing to make much a global impact before the release of lead single “The Angel of 8th Avenue”, Gang of Youths became one of the rare acts to actually benefit from the Covid-induced halt of live music. Lead singer David Le’aupepe is a profound storyteller who leaves listeners on the edge of their seats, recounting his fables of bereavement and the overall human experience. Synthesizing the best brooding aspects of introspective rock groups like The National, Angel in Realtime tells a story riddled with strife, grief, and eventual triumph. 

Verdict: 9/10
Standout Tracks: “The Angel of 8th Avenue”, “You in Everything”

1. Harry Styles – Harry’s House  

Crowned as the modern-day King of Pop, Harry Styles delivers perhaps the most complete pop record in recent memory with 2022’s Harry’s House. Channeling expansive aspects of indie rock, pop-funk, and intimate singer-songwriting, Styles manages to create a record oozing to the brim with charisma, earnestness, and deep delicate emotion. Lead single “As It Was” is contemporary synth pop at its finest, while deep cuts “Little Freak” and “Matilda” strike nostalgic heart cords reminiscent of the early 2010s folk revival. Having never been a huge Harry Styles fan, this record threw me for a complete loop, and is an absolute must listen.

Verdict: 9.5/10
Standout Tracks: “As It Was”, “Little Freak”, “Daylight”