Best Albums of 2016
selected by 21 Polish critics

30
Ola Bilińska <BR>“Libelid”

Ola Bilińska
“Libelid”

Ola Bilińska continues her expeditions into the world of Jewish folk songs. After an album filled with lullabies called “Berjozkele” (see our Best of 2015), this time she reaches for the theme of love songs.

Beautiful and full of melancholic tunes of (mostly) traditional origin, “Libelid – Yiddish Love Songs” has been arranged with unusual sensitivity to acoustic instruments and complemented by subtle electronics. The music accompanies words of traditional Jewish pre-war love songs, full of sorrow, thoughtfulness and passion.

Extremely moody and lyrical album, “Libelid” shows different faces of love. Music has been enriched by a wonderful publication with original texts translated into four languages, historical commentary, and beautiful surreal graphic collages. (Bartosz Nowicki)

♪♫ Listen: “Mamenju, lubenju” + album stream

Ola Bilińska on Bandcamp, Facebook, www.

29
Mooryc <BR>“Wiped Out”

Mooryc
“Wiped Out”

If you’re looking for music that will get you through freezing winter, you should definitely listen to “Wiped Out” by Maurycy Zimmermann a.k.a. Mooryc. After publishing two electronic LPs that we could dance to until dawn, Mooryc surprised us with an album full of personal, folky songs.

With simple guitar lines and soothing vocals, sometimes sprinkled with electronics, “Wiped Out” will melt your heart. In this constantly hurrying world full of noise, those eleven beautifully written songs are just waiting to help you relax and enjoy the moment. (Kasia Kowalska)

♪♫ Listen: “Bad Luck” + album stream (Bandcamp)

Mooryc on Bandcamp, Soundcloud, Facebook.

28
Lautbild <BR>“Pulsus frequens”

Lautbild
“Pulsus frequens”

I have to confess one thing – for some time my first reaction to Paweł Kulczyński’s work was often “yeah, a classic piece of overstatement”. Known for an awesome high-energy modular synth live acts, presenting some over the top ideas, unluckily, on his past releases he showed that more complicated doesn’t mean better.

That is why I appreciate his new direction. As the main project called Wilhelm Bras was targeted for those who are in the same time hardcore gear-heads, and dancefloor freaks, Lautbild is still risky, but more accessible. More focused softer sounds are mixed with harsh electronica.

There are still moments when I hold my breath, because there are too much things going on, although I recognize more space for listener’s imagination in these new tracks. Enter the world of Paweł Kulczyński: strange, but not so horrifying anymore. (Andżelika Kaczorowska)

♪♫ Listen: “Dishonest Gymnastics” + album stream (Bandcamp)

Lautbild on Facebook, Bandcamp, Soundcloud.

27
Ryby <BR>“Kenia”

Ryby
“Kenia”

“Poland. Where the unbelievable happens” – this is the official marketing slogan for the “brand of Poland”. Introduced a couple of years ago by the Polish government it quickly became a default ironic phrase summing up any sick things happening in our country at the moment.

It also fits very well with what the band Ryby (Fish, plural) does. To be honest: I doubt that without speaking Polish you can fully appreciate Ryby’s debut album. Their skeletal songs, a bit resembling afro-indie-pop bands like Vampire Weekend or Dirty Projectors, are full of short, funny, absurdist stories.

Take a song about a failed religious sect guru (number of enlisted members: 0). Or a song about a trip to Kenya, which turned out to be a gigantic scam – with Kenyan tourist resort looking more like a provincial Polish town (in fact it was one).

In the year of so many unbelievable events, sometimes I felt like we are living in just another, unreleased song written by Ryby. (Piotr Kowalczyk)

♪♫ Listen: “Polska” + album stream (Bandcamp)

Ryby on Facebook.

26
Jacek Sienkiewicz <BR>“Hideland”

Jacek Sienkiewicz
“Hideland”

Being a music veteran can be a risky business. Either you’ve to play these same songs for your old fans until you die or you’ve got nothing to lose anymore and try out new things. Legendary Polish techno producer Jacek Sienkiewicz has chosen the second path and at the age of 40 he managed to reinvent himself.

After reinterpretation of Wagner’s work and cooperation with Max Loderbauer, on his third release for Recognition he explores further depth and dynamics of electronic music. On “Hideland” he plays by his own rules, combining mechanic rhythm and intensive dub pulse with psychedelic organ chords, tribal African sounds or even orchestral arrangements.

For Jacek, with his great experience, techno music has no borders anymore. (Jacek Skolimowski)

♪♫ Listen: “First Run” + album stream (Bandcamp)

Jacek Sienkiewicz on Soundcloud, Bandcamp, Facebook, Twitter.

25
ARRM <BR>“ARRM”

ARRM
“ARRM”

If a guitar hero has to be a long-haired dude in leather pants, legs spread apart, shredding his guitar solo for 10 consecutive minutes, then Artur Rumiński is not one. But if you’re looking for someone hard-working, open-minded, versatile and avoiding the spotlight – he’s your man.

Being important part of Poland’s finest black metal band Furia (two great releases last year – “Księżyc Milczy Luty” album, which you will find further down this list, and mini-album called Guido), and leading his own post-metal combo Thaw, Rumiński always seeks new challenges. One of them certainly is ARRM, established a couple of years ago and now resurrected to release its full-length self-titled debut album.

“ARRM” contains 50 minutes of instrumental music that would appeal to metal fans – because it’s dark and disturbing – but is formally open enough to attract fans of GY!BE, Earth and the like as well. (Jarek Szubrycht)

♪♫ Listen: “White Water” + album stream (YouTube)

ARRM on Facebook, Bandcamp.

24
We Will Fail “Hand That Heals / Hand That Bites”

We Will Fail “Hand That Heals / Hand That Bites”

Winner of our Best of 2014 with her first album “Verstörung”, the producer Aleksandra Grünholz a.k.a. We Will Fail has not failed at all, and since that impressive debut kept on developing both as a studio experimentator and live performer.

As the title suggests, “Hand That Heals / Hand That Bites” is a double release with two contrasting parts. The healing one is about subtlety, sound details, and features field recordings that may relate to some specific events or memories – or may not.

The biting part, on the other hand, accumulates those less tame emotions and less polished sounds, resulting in a harsh and frugal record intended to, simultaneously, “disturb you and hypnotize you”. (Mariusz Herma)

♪♫ Listen: “Didn’t Work Out” + album stream (Bandcamp)

We Will Fail on Soundcloud, Bandcamp, Facebook, Twitter, www.

23
PRO8L3M <BR>“PRO8L3M”

PRO8L3M
“PRO8L3M”

“We have a problem”, declares rapper Oskar Tuszyński a.k.a. “PRO8L3M” in a track called “2040”. The same could be said about the Polish hip-hop scene. We rarely hear about a band that truly broadens the scope of this genre.

After a great debut “Art Brut”, which was based on samples of Polish music from the 70s and 80s, PRO8LEM takes us into the future, envisioning the development of technology and how it will change our relationships. Musically, the album is also a “problem” as it moves on the edges of hip-hop, very close to electronic music.

“PRO8L3M” was sold out on the day of the premiere, and at Oskar’s crowded concerts, audiences loudly recite every word he has written to the music of Steez. But that’s obviously not a problem at all. (Jakub Knera)

♪♫ Listen: “2040” + album stream (Bandcamp)

PRO8L3M on Bandcamp, Facebook, www.

22
Hańba <BR>“Hańba!”

Hańba
“Hańba!”

A rebellious orchestra from Kraków, Hańba! (Disgrace!) is a kind of time machine. Their artistic reconstruction takes us to the interwar Poland of 1930s, a turbulent period when the country coped with a crisis of democracy, political unrest, xenophobia, and imperial ambitions.

Interwar creation of Hańba! is complete, from the rebellious texts mostly written by pre-war poets, to their stage look and instruments they employ: tuba, drum, banjo accordion, clarinet. Music itself is an ultra energetic mix of punk vigor, klezmer charisma, zestful folk, and political incorrectness.

Despite clear apolitical declarations of Hańba!, their 1930s staging has become the current political reality in Poland. (Bartosz Nowicki)

♪♫ Listen: “Gmachy” + album stream (Soundcloud)

Hańba on Soundcloud, Facebook, Twitter, www.

21
Bartek Kujawski <BR>“A kto jest słaby niech jada jarzyny.”

Bartek Kujawski
“A kto jest słaby niech jada jarzyny.”

For 15 years, Kujawski has been creating abstract electronic music celebrating all kinds of sound defects and quirks. On this basis, he makes surreal musical hybrids.

His new album – the title could be translated as “Let the weak ones eat vegetables” – is an inspiring escape from conventional thinking about club music. Kujawski takes quotes from popular culture (mainstream pop, rave, eurodance) and places them in the context of experimental electronics.

In these 10 tracks, he juggles between genres, toying with narrative and aesthetic habits of listeners. This original fusion is devoid of conceptual weight thanks to Kujawski’s stimulating sense of humour. (Bartosz Nowicki)

♪♫ Listen: “Koper ogrodowy” + album stream (Bandcamp)

Bartek Kujawski on Soundcloud, Bandcamp, Facebook.

20
Better Person <BR>“It’s Only You”

Better Person
“It’s Only You”

For some years now, Berlin-based Adam Byczkowski has been specializing in moody bedroom r’n’b, associated with lo-fi end of the genre.

His songs evoke late night car drives and romantic longings. Think Junior Boys “Last Exit” (minus twisted 2-step rhythms) as if it was recorded with a really cheap equipment. Think George Michael’s “Careless Whisper” – as if it was only written by Sean Nicolas Savage (Byczkowski happens to be his side musician).

Songs on “It’s Only You” move in midtempos, with percussive elements added carefully. The whole thing has been recorded using only one instrument – an old Korg keyboard. It all sounds so natural and intimate. This kind of stuff always holds me in check. (Piotr Kowalczyk)

♪♫ Listen: “Sentiment” + album stream (Bandcamp)

Better Person on Facebook, Bandcamp, Soundcloud.

19
We Draw A <BR>“Ghosts”

We Draw A
“Ghosts”

They seem to do everything in a different way than other Polish projects. They stand behind their music – music should defend for itself. And it works. After a great debut, “Moments”, We Draw A made a second step with “Ghosts”, one of the greatest electronic works released in Poland last year.

A former member of Indigo Tree and many other bands, Peve Lety combines great vocals with technical and composing skills. But the real master of ceremony is Radosław Krzyżanowski from the trio Kamp!, who also seems to be among the most important Polish producers nowadays. While expectations for their second longplay were high, We Draw A remained calm and deliberate in the creative process.

On “Ghost”, danceable electronic meets strong techno influences and full of details, extensive compositions. This colorful album is not as easy-listening as the previous one, but equally intense, catchy and distinctive. (Hubert Grupa)

♪♫ Listen: “Tomorrow” + album stream (Spotify)

We Draw A on Facebook, Twitter, Soundcloud.

18
Rhythm Baboon <BR>“The Lizard King” EP

Rhythm Baboon
“The Lizard King” EP

“Polish footwork” sounds as exotic as “Soviet funk”, “Swiss reggae”, or other weird, but generic local genre that could only fit in some obscure compilation released in a few copies. Surprisingly, in 2016 the juke scene in Poland exploded with fresh movement towards 160 BPM tempo, thanks to collective named simply Polish Juke.

Their extensive work notably contributed to what can be done with this intense dance music originated in Chicago, and cultivated in more experimental manner in Japan. While Japanese juke is more noisy, and psychedelic, Polish one is really “polished” – full of light, and danceable. It doesn’t mean that it lacks creativity, and Rhythm Baboon proves it on “The Lizard King” EP.

His sophisticated sense of melody, and track structure doesn’t exclude playfulness of an ecstatic synths, and prog-rock samples. As a side note, “The Lizard King” is known as the first ever Polish footwork vinyl release, made happened by respectable U Know Me Records. (Andżelika Kaczorowska)

♪♫ Listen: “Seventeen” + album stream (Bandcamp)

Rhythm Baboon on Twitter, Facebook, Bandcamp, Soundcloud.

17
Coldair <BR>“The Provider”

Coldair
“The Provider”

Coldair’s new album is another example of surprising evolution. From simple, yet critically acclaimed, folky sound, he paved his way to becoming even more acknowledged for his digitally crisp synths and powerful drums.

Thanks to deal with the legendary Sub Pop label, Coldair’s work debuted in the United States and was quickly noticed by the most influential music media.

“The Provider” is an effect of extensive research and loads of hard work. Each song is carefully thought out. Together they make up unforgettable material – smart, sharp, disturbing and beautiful at the same moment. Are you ready to expand your musical horizons? (Kasia Kowalska)

♪♫ Listen: “Perfect Son” (live) + album stream (Bandcamp)

Coldair on Facebook, Twitter, Bandcamp, Soundcloud, www.

16
Brodka <BR>“Clashes”

Brodka
“Clashes”

Somehow I managed to see her live four times last year in a few very different settings: at the Great Escape festival (just OK), with a small orchestra at Off Festival (very good), and her most lighthearted show as the headliner of the Budapest Showcase Hub (excellent!).

Brodka’s been clearly getting used to her new, export-oriented material, which originated from her residence in NYC, was written entirely in English, recorded with a producer of Devendra Banhart and Joanna Newsom, and premiered internationally by [PIAS]. The new Brodka seemed less of a pop star, more of an (over?)ambitious singer-songwriter who employed church organs and stage costumes to convey her artistic idea.

We also needed some getting used to. And while many consider this album Brodka’s proper step into the global music career, others think it’s rather the end of her local one. “Clashes” it is. (Mariusz Herma)

♪♫ Listen: “Horses” + album stream (Spotify)

Brodka on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Soundcloud.

15
George Dorn Screams <BR>“Spacja Kosmiczna”

George Dorn Screams
“Spacja Kosmiczna”

George Dorns Screams are a group from the city of Bydgoszcz in northern Poland, who have been around for over a decade. And while they underwent a few turbulences in recent years, the band have survived and came back stronger than ever.

“Spacja Kosmiczna”, their fourth full-length album, sung entirely in Polish, may be their best one yet. Their music might seem inconspicuous at first, there are no immediate hooks or instrumental fireworks, but before you can realize it, you’ll be lost in its hazy ambience.

With its hypnotic blend of shoegaze, slowcore and dreampop, “Spacja Kosmiczna” is most definitely one of this year’s highlights. (Artur Szarecki)

♪♫ Listen: “Spacja Kosmiczna” + album stream (Bandcamp)

George Dorn Screams on Soundcloud, Facebook, Twitter, Bandcamp, www.

14
Zamilska <BR>“Undone” EP

Zamilska
“Undone” EP

It took only three days after release single “Quarrel” from her debut album “Untune” (see our Best of 2014) and Zamilska has become one of the most recognizable and strongest hyped producers of Polish electronic music scene.

Natalia Zamilska is often wrongly called “the first lady of Polish techno”. Wrongly, because the term is by no means exhaustive to describe the style of her music.

On “Undone” EP, released last year, Zamilska continues what she initiated on the debut album: carving in the sounds, oscillating on the border of darkbient and techno, motoric pulse, and inspirations of ethnic music and trance. (Kaśka Paluch)

♪♫ Listen: “F**k frey” + album stream (Bandcamp)

Zamilska on Bandcamp, Soundcloud, Facebook.

13
Hubert Zemler <BR>“Pupation of dissonance”

Hubert Zemler
“Pupation of dissonance”

2016 was a big revival of minimal music in Poland. It clasped different genres: from improvised music, post-rock hybrids – and last but no least – players of contemporary music.

Hubert Zemler is a classically educated percussionist who works with symphony orchestras but he is more recognized as a guy from impro music events.

His new album contains compositions by Steve Reich (“Music for Pieces of Wood” arranged for solo percussion by Zemler), which can also be played as a party banger, as it’s so groovy; “Waves” by Per Nørgård; and Zemler’s “Pupation of Dissonance” (with featuring of Małgorzata Sarbak, leading Polish harpsichordist).

Is playing minimal music innovative or subversive? Nope, but it doesn’t matter I guess. It’s really well-played piece of music, and it will satisfy listeners of any preferences. (Filip Lech)

♪♫ Listen: “Pupation of Dissonancealbum stream (Bandcamp)

Hubert Zemler on Bandcamp, Soundcloud.

12
Wacław Zimpel <BR>“Lines”

Wacław Zimpel
“Lines”

Although Wacław Zimpel has been active on the jazz and underground scenes for about a decade, took part in the recording sessions of dozens of albums and collaborated with dozens of musicians including Ken Vandermark and Hamid Drake, “Lines” is his first entirely solo record.

For its purposes, Zimpel’s not only juggling the instruments, playing different kinds of clarinets, Hammond organs, Fender rhodes or Asian khaen, but also mixing music styles. He serves energetic jazzlike variations next to melancholic tunes, quite futuristic repetitions or ”Deo Gratias” borrowed from… the 15th-century composer Johannes Ockeghem. Sounds complicated? Well, it’s not.

Inspired by the pioneers of American minimalism, La Monte Young and Terry Riley, Zimpel loops his parts one layer after another, developing compositions in a very logical, clear, listener-friendly manner and always (always!) keeping in mind catchy melodies. In other words, his compositions won’t make you feel confused, but rather delighted. (Łukasz Wawro)

♪♫ Listen: “Lines” + album stream (Bandcamp)

Wacław Zimpel on Bandcamp, Facebook.

11
Fisz Emade Tworzywo <BR>“Drony”

Fisz Emade Tworzywo
“Drony”

Fisz and Emade are one of the trendiest and most recognizable duos on the Polish scene. Until recently, rapper/singer Fisz was associated mostly with the hip-hop scene, but this relationship with the genre has been loosening over time.

These days, Waglewski brothers boldly step into pop domain just like on “Drony” (meaning “Drones”), an album filled with catchy songs. On their latest record together, they cover personal matters, complexities of human relationships and the existence of an individual in a harsh reality.

All of this is accompanied by immediate melodies, excellent compositions and an equally excellent production by Emade. (Kaśka Paluch)

♪♫ Listen: “Biegnij dalej sam” + album stream (Spotify)

Fisz Emade Tworzywo on Facebook.

10
Niechęć <BR>“Niechęć”

Niechęć
“Niechęć”

Cinematic, brave, imaginative – this is Niechęć’s music in shortest. On their second, self-titled album, Warsaw based quintet follows the path they chose on the phenomenal debut, “Śmierć w miękkim futerku”, but they go much further. Completely instrumental, rooted in jazz and rock music gives chills. If it were a soundtrack, it would be for film noir.

Labeling Niechęć as jazz rock doesn’t do them justice, they often draw from other genres – punk, blues, trip hop, even minimal music. Well, no labeling does them justice, Niechęć are a constant tour de force and one of the most creative and open-minded bands in Poland. And it’s such a great listen. (Michał Wieczorek)

♪♫ Listen: “Krew” + album stream (Bandcamp)

Niechęć on Facebook, Bandcamp, YouTube, www.

9
Sorry Boys <BR>“Roma”

Sorry Boys
“Roma”

Led by a charismatic singer and songwriter, Bela Komoszyńska, Sorry Boys have been one of the most promising indie-rock bands in Poland ever since their remarkable debut, “Hard Working Classes,” was released in 2010. However, it seems that only now, with their third full-length, they started to get the recognition and acclaim they really deserve.

Their songs have always impressed with captivating melodies and rich arrangements, but on “Roma” the band have surpassed all expectations. With a host of guest appearances – including a renowned singer of Polish traditional music, a gospel choir, and a string quartet – Sorry Boys developed a truly baroque sound without losing a drop of clarity or catchiness of their music.

“Roma” is by far their most accomplished work and probably the best song-oriented album released in Poland in 2016. (Artur Szarecki)

♪♫ Listen: “Wracam” + album stream (Deezer)

Sorry Boys on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, www.

8
Shy Albatross <BR>“Woman Blue”

Shy Albatross
“Woman Blue”

Shy Albatross is a new project from the prolific guitarist, Raphael Rogiński. He is joined by a renowned pop vocalist, Natalia Przybysz, and a versatile rhythm section comprised of drummer Hubert Zemler, and vibraphonist Miłosz Pękala – both acclaimed musicians associated with jazz and contemporary composition.

Most of the songs on “Woman Blue”, however, are beautifully arranged slow- to mid-tempo ballads, drawing from a variety of sources in the Americana tradition, including blues, spirituals, folk ballad, jazz, etc. Przybysz’s yearning voice, singing poems about a woman’s plight, is accompanied by Rogiński’s subtle guitar and sophisticated rhythm patterns of Zemler and Pękala.

The chemistry between the band members is apparent, resulting in blissful music, full of tranquility but, at the same time, deeply moving. (Artur Szarecki)

♪♫ Listen: “See See Rider” + album stream (Spotify)

Shy Albatross on Facebook, YouTube.

7
Żywizna “Zaświeć niesiącku and other Kurpian songs”

Żywizna “Zaświeć niesiącku and other Kurpian songs”

Żywizna’s debut is probably the most mesmerizing record of the year. This unlikely duo of genius guitarist Raphael Rogiński (you may be already familiar with him) and Genowefa Lenarcik, phenomenal Kurpian singer and daughter of legendary folk figure Stanisław Brzozowy, brings new life to Kurpian folklore.

Kurpie is a region in northeastern Poland which is characterized by original folk culture. Kurpie people lived in the primeval forest and developed a strong bond with nature. This is reflected in Żywizna’s name (meaning “nature” in Kurpian dialect) and the music itself. Lenarcik’s raw voice corresponds with Rogiński signature guitar style, drawing from various traditions – blues, West African music, Gypsy music.

There’s one more instrument here, however. It’s the forest. The nature talks to the musicians, you can hear birds singing, dogs barking, crickets cricketing. The way how music intertwines with it is just beyond words. (Michał Wieczorek)

♪♫ Listen: “Ceranecka” (live)

Żywizna on Facebook.

6
LAM <BR>“LAM”

LAM
“LAM”

Instant Classic, the Cracow-based independent label is a truly winner of the year. Many of their productions appear in the most important Polish rankings of 2016 albums including two top spots of this beehype list – and the self-titled record by LAM.

LAM is a jazz trio of clarnetist Waclaw Zimpel, pianist Krzysztof Dys and drummer Hubert Zemler. The support during recordings was an electronic producer Mooryc (see #29). Leader of the project, earlier last year Zimpel also released a well-received solo album “Lines” (see #12). On “LAM”, he turned to calm and romantic music which suits warm, summer evenings perfectly.

“LAM” is full of pleasant sounds which make you shiver. Tranquil, leisurely character of the album takes us through the sophisticated compositions. It sounds like an excellent soundtrack for a nature documentary. Associations with “The Crimson Wings”, a Disney movie with remarkable piece of music from The Cinematic Orchestra, are most appropriate. “LAM” is an album of quiet delight achieved by using simple, but perfectly tailored means. (Hubert Grupa)

♪♫ Listen: “LAM 3 (Part One)” + album stream (Bandcamp)

Wacław Zimpel on Facebook.

5
Julia Marcell <BR>“Proxy”

Julia Marcell
“Proxy”

Julia Marcell’s fourth album marks significant shift: for the very first time she decided to write exclusively in Polish. On the one hand, it might have limited her audience. But on the other – it has introduced some lucky new listeners to a truly great songwriter.

On “Proxy”, Marcell is witty, sometimes bitter, but still poetic (though more in style of indie ironists like Stephin Merritt than, let’s say, Patti Smith). In the single “Tarantino”, she is brilliant underlining the violent language of color magazines. In crispy funk piece called “Tetris” she criticizes the self-satisfaction of cultural establishment always willing to exchange distinctions and diplomas. Doing this, she winks at us, aware of being part of this environment.

Marcell gets even better in a bitter-sweet ballad “Tesko”, which deals with perverse appeal of capitalism. Especially this song made me think that the closest reference for “Proxy” in terms of literary value wouldn’t be Brodka, Nosowska or Koteluk, but Dorota Masłowska with pieces like “All is Right Between Us“.

Even though I’ve focused on the lyrical part of “Proxy”, I must admit that knowing all these verses by heart I am still keen on listening Marcell’s last effort again and again. Therefore her vocal charisma and catchy yet sophisticated compositions must play a part in that too. (Jan Błaszczak)

♪♫ Listen: “Tarantino” + album stream

Julia Marcell on Facebook, SoundcloudYouTubewww.

4
Furia <BR>“Księżyc milczy luty”

Furia
“Księżyc milczy luty”

Furia, which means “Fury”, is a Silesian avantgarde black metal band that started in Katowice in 2003. Together with such acts like Mgła and Infernal War, Furia are one of the finest representatives of the Polish black metal scene.

Their fifth album, “Księżyc milczy luty”, can be also considered Furia’s opus magnum, and a perfect example of their unique music language called “necrofolk” – a majestic fusion of metal, psychedelic and late-90s post-rock at its best.

The album also sees Furia further develop their sophisticated way of composing. Such themes as rhythmically complex “Grzej”, doom-psychedelic “Zwykłe czary wieją” and hard-blues “Zabieraj łapska” are their masterpieces of music writing.

“Księżyc milczy luty” is not only an expressive and intensive journey into the Silesian gloom, but also a brilliant and timeless LP, which in several years could be as powerful and absorbing as today. (Jacek Marczuk)

♪♫ Listen: “Grzej” + album stream (Bandcamp)

Pagan Records on Facebook, Bandcamp.

3
Łona i Webber <BR>“Nawiasem mówiąc”

Łona i Webber
“Nawiasem mówiąc”

Intellectual rap – not to be confused with “intelligent” – should be a cautionary oxymoron. But in the case of Łona, it is a formula which has reached its peak on “Nawiasem mówiąc”: the peak of universalism, accentuation, understanding with Webber – more and more versatile producer.

The rapper is a very good publicist who respect words, as well as an erudite satirist, who – following in the footsteps of the best – can turn vitriol into a dose of high-minded melancholy. And his partner faithfully helps him to be close to essence on one hand, but also to do more than rap to beats. Brilliant. (Marcin Flint)

♪♫ Listen: “Błąd” + album stream (YouTube)

Łona i Webber on Facebook, Twitter.

2
Kristen <BR>“LAS”

Kristen
“LAS”

Over the course of the last two decades and eight studio albums, Kristen have become as ambiguous as you can get in contemporary music. A rock band, avant-garde improvisers, minimal music freaks.

The latter one comes to the forefront on “LAS” (“Forest”), the quartet’s latest effort and the follow-up to “The Secret Map”, which appeared high in our Best of 2014. But their music pulse should draw you in whatever kind of music you usually like – as long as you don’t mind endless, repetitive instrumentals.

Just like the first album on this list, the 35-minute celebration of music pulse is something you should experience in its entirety. But as the first taste, try the single “Salto”, accompanied by some suitable shots from the 1968 Olympics in Mexico. (Mariusz Herma)

♪♫ Listen: “Salto” + album stream (Bandcamp)

Kristen on Bandcamp, YouTube, Facebook.

1
Lotto <BR>“Elite Feline”

Lotto
“Elite Feline”

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♪♫ Listen: album stream (Bandcamp)

Lotto on Facebook, Bandcamp.