Seawind of Battery is the ambient, cosmic experimental project of New York-based musician Mike Horn. In 2024, Mike released his sophomore album, ‘East Coast Cosmic Dreamscaper,’ alongside his collaborator Jarrod Annis, on Charlottesville’s WarHen Records. In addition to his music, Mike also hosts the bi-monthly radio show ‘Battery Operated’ on CAMP Radio, airing on the 1st and 3rd Thursday of every month.
As the years pass, I tell myself I’ll be more selective about the music I buy, but somehow, the problem only grows worse. If loving music and spending a ridiculous amount of money on it is a crime, then I should be serving a life sentence.
With all the “best of” year-end lists out there, I’ve decided to focus instead on some Hidden Gems — albums that deserve more attention and are unquestionably among the best of 2024.
Many of the albums that have been widely recognized this year—like Hayden Pedigo’s Live in Amarillo, Texas, Prairiewolf’s Deep Time, Oren Ambarchi, Johan Berthling, and Andreas Werliin’s Ghosted II, Nala Sinephro’s Endlessness or any of The Modern Folk releases—have understandably made their rounds on numerous lists.
However, I wanted to share a few recommendations and dive into albums that might not have crossed your plate amidst the insane amount of great music this year. With that in mind, I’m excited to present my personal selection of hidden gems, curated down to 30 standout releases (31 if you count the two albums released by one of the artists mentioned). Enjoy the journey!
Part 1 is available here and part 2 is here
The Royal Arctic Institute – I Remember This Place
I Remember This Place is a fascinating collection of unreleased gems, practice sessions, and live recordings that offer a deep dive into the band’s creative process. The album features a mix of experimental takes, from the lo-fi magic of their Hoboken practice tapes to surprise tracks like “Repo Code” and festive tunes like “Christmas Time Is Here,” previously featured in holiday compilations. With contributions from an array of collaborators, this release serves as a charming snapshot of the band’s evolution, packed with raw energy and delightful moments that will intrigue both new listeners and long-time fans. It’s a lovely palette cleanser to set the stage for what’s to come from the band in 2025.
Quintelium – Dream and Reality [Somewherecold Records]
Dream and Reality, the third album from Quintelium (Michael McWay), continues the artist’s pursuit of vast sonic realms, blending drones with ethereal zones. Building on the minimalism of his earlier work, McWay follows up Moonwaves beautifully, deepening his focus on spiritual and introspective themes. This release offers a captivating journey, where subtle, ever-shifting layers of sound invite listeners into a fluid world where time and space dissolve into one continuous, serene flow.
Raoul Eden – Anima [Scissor Tail Records]
Raoul Eden’s Anima seamlessly blends American primitive guitar with Eastern and classical music influences, adding a unique voice to the incredible lineup of artists in the Scissor Tail catalog. The album’s hypnotic fingerstyle technique and microtonal ventures create a deeply reflective tone, alternating between ecstatic repetition and spontaneous improvisation. Eden’s ability to weave these diverse traditions into a cohesive whole makes Anima not only a captivating listen, but a perfect complement to the label’s rich, genre-defying offerings.
Tarotplane – Improvisations For Echo Guitar [Island House Recordings]
Improvisations For Echo Guitar marks Tarotplane’s bold dive into pure, unedited improvisation, where two parallel delay lines shape intricate, evolving soundscapes with minimal interference. On Side A, the artist explores Terry Riley’s “Time Lag Accumulator” technique and Achim Reichel’s method of longer, more complex repeats, built through digital precision on Side B. The result is a complex journey through delay-based atmospheres, where precision meets organic flow, proving that technical mastery can yield both rich depth and effortless beauty.
Human Error – S/T [Astral Spirits]
Human Error’s self-titled effort is a blend of experimental, computer-driven composition and live instrumentation, weaving together organic sound with digital innovation. Jeremy Barnes crafts music that feels like a cross between Bitchin Bajas’ textured, pulsating zones and the groove-heavy instrumental funk of The Beastie Boys’ The Mix-Up. With every track, Barnes pushes the boundaries of sound, using imperfections as creative springboards, creating a deeply original record that pulses with energy, discovery, and spontaneity.
Jonathan Sielaff – Coral City [Tone Poem]
Coral City is a serene exploration of feel and sound, where the deep, hypnotic tones of his instrument intertwine with layered electronics, loops, and manipulated atmospheres. The work is an immersive odyssey, evoking a peaceful, almost dreamlike quality. With its tranquility and elegance, Coral City will appeal to fans of minimalist and ambient artists like Jon Hassell, offering a balanced retreat for the ears.
Kevin Coleman – Imaginary Conversations [Centripetal Records]
Kevin Coleman’s Imaginary Conversations is a striking expedition of guitar music that fuses the raw emotion of American primitive guitar with bold, modern composition. The album’s three tracks span from the vibrant, country-inflected Mammut Americanum, where folk rhythms collide with psychedelic flourishes, to the expansive Imaginary Conversations on Fish Hatchery Road, which incorporates minimalism and cosmic synths in a nearly 20-minute journey. With its masterful use of dynamics and unexpected shifts, the album offers a fresh and compelling vision of contemporary guitar music, balancing technical mastery with emotional depth.
Nicklas Sørensen, known for his work with the band Papir, brings a beautifully restrained solo effort with Akustisk, an album that captures the quiet intimacy of personal reflection through his deft guitar work. Stripping away the layers of his usual band-oriented sound, Sørensen’s compositions feel like intimate conversations, weaving together the delicate subtleties of classic folk influences while showcasing his unique voice in his playing style. The result is a peaceful, blissful experience that mirrors the comfort of a cherished friend, offering solace and clarity with every note.
GROOP – This Place Is The Space [Six Tonnes De Chair Records]
This Place Is The Space by L.A.-based improv collective GROOP is an all-encompassing expedition through uncharted sonic territory, blending raw improvisation with a deep sense of musical exploration. Captured live during their three-year residency at Zebulon, the album showcases the band’s ability to spontaneously create extended jams that are then sculpted into their final form with the help of Grammy-winning producer Mark Rains. With a sound rooted in the cosmic feel of Hawkwind and Ash Ra Temple, the record fuses psychedelic accents, prog influences, and a palpable energy that feels as unpredictable as it is thrilling. Special thanks to Christopher Bruno for the recommendation.
Kane Pour – The Last Wave [Sound As Language]
Kane Pour’s The Last Wave is a deeply personal ambient guitar journey, weaving electronic layers with a sense of quiet reflection on memory, identity, and loss. Crafted during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, the album captures Pour’s introspective walks through isolation, where feelings of loneliness are met with a tender sense of reconciliation. With gentle melodies and a spacious sonic palette, The Last Wave stands as a spiritual meditation on the fleeting nature of time and self.
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