LA ecstatic black metallers Agriculture released one of our favorite metal albums of last year with their self-titled debut LP, and they kept the momentum going into this year with their first East Coast tour and a short-but-sweet new EP, Living Is Easy. On top of that, lead screamer/bassist Leah B. Levinson released Ciao Bella, the new album by her multi-genre solo project Cali Bellow. With the year winding down, we asked Agriculture what their favorite albums of 2024 were, and they made us a list that includes some individual picks from all four members, plus two picks from the full band, including the new album by their recent tourmates, Flenser labelmates, and “Living Is Easy” video co-stars Chat Pile.
Guitarist Dan Meyer, who’s responsible for Agriculture’s soaring clean vocals, picked the new albums by two artists that sound very in line with Agriculture’s clean, melodic side (Mount Eerie and Adrianne Lenker), and the other picks on the list range from harsh noise (Sissy Spacek) to screamo (Senza) to metalcore (Knocked Loose) to some other eccentric records (and some picks that aren’t exactly records) that you won’t find on many major lists. Read on to see all of their picks and what they had to say about each one.
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Agriculture’s 10 Favorite Albums of 2024
Leah B. Levinson’s (vocals, bass) picks:
Sissy Spacek – Bolero Shield
I’ve been a fan of Jon Wiese’s harsh noise project Sissy Spacek for a while now. This hour-and-forty-seven-minute album collects live recordings from the past few years but feels like a greatest hits in some ways. I listened to this on headphones many times when I wanted a little space to myself during touring and travel this past year.
More Eaze – Lacuna and Parlor
Last year we played with Mari’s alt-metal band Fibril in San Antonio and they blew me away, combining heaviness with pop structures with melancholy and sensitivity. This album, on the other hand, gently bridges ambient, electroacoustic, pop, and experimental approaches in a subtle and beautiful way. Been on repeat around the house since its release.
Richard Chowenhill’s (guitar) picks:
Rian the Cormorant – Scented Leaves From A Chinese Jar
The debut album from Ryan McGuire’s (Ehnahre, former Kayo Dot) drone-folk project is stunning, atmospheric, and deeply melodic. Ryan’s idiosyncratic contrabass playing, filled with extended techniques and heavy drones, mingles elegantly with clean sung melodies throughout the song cycle. Additional acoustic instruments and electronic noise provide textural variety throughout the album, and Joshua Carro makes an appearance to contribute percussion and prepared guitar parts. This is the kind of music that simultaneously feels familiar and completely new.
Senza – Celestial Body
I was introduced to Senza when we played with them last year in Oregon, and I was immediately gripped by the energy with which they deliver their special blend of screamo, hardcore, and post-black metal. This EP is a wild ride through five tracks that are essentially movements of one through-composed work. The 12 minute journey is this band at its best: raw, energetic, and brilliantly clever.
Kern Haug’s (drums) picks:
Infinite Willpower Hack: Fibonacci Golden Pineal Waves | 33Hz + 55Hz (Willpower Improving Tones)
I don’t know if this has given me infinite willpower, but it has definitely helped me nap deeper and longer.
Double Sided Galaxy 11/24/2024 on KCHUNG Radio
I’ve been listening to this radio show for years, but have especially been enjoying it this year. A lot of it is live on-air composition from the DJ, Edwin Telford, and it always hits. I listened to the most recent November 24th episode at least three times this week.
Dan Meyer’s (guitar, vocals) picks:
Adrianne Lenker – Bright Future
She is a treasure of a songwriter and I am grateful for her songs. “Free Treasure” is an all time classic, I think.
Mount Eerie – Night Palace
Another thoughtful and deep release from the modern master Phil Elverum. One of the great American Songwriters.
Full band picks:
Knocked Loose – You Won’t Go Before You’re Supposed To
What can you say it just rocks!
Chat Pile – Cool World
Hey! These guys rule.