The World is a Beautiful Place & I Am No Longer Afraid to Die celebrated the 10th anniversary of their debut album Whenever, If Ever with a full-album tour this year, singer David F. Bello released the new solo album Almost Heaven (Not Yet), and the band has plans for 2024, including a tour with The Ocean and Outbreak Fest. With the year coming to a close, members of TWIABP have made us a list of their favorite albums of 2023.
The list includes contributions from David F. Bello, guitarists Chris Teti and Anthony Gesa, and bassist Josh Cyr, and picks range from André 3000 to Fiddlehead to The Hope Conspiracy to Dreamwell, with commentary on each pick. Read on for what they had to say.
TWIABP tour dates here.
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TWIABP’s Favorite Albums of 2023
David F. Bello:
André 3000 – New Blue Sun
I’m always looking for stuff that sounds like Laaraji, and this hit the spot. Maybe some people would be disappointed that he’s not rapping, but I found myself very pleased with this calm, instrumental masterpiece.
Fred again.. / Brian Eno – Secret Life
I didn’t think songs from John Prine’s last album he made before he died could be any sadder, but the samples from it on this floored me. Also, hearing “Enough” was … enough … to keep me going through some real sad shit this year.
John R. Miller – Heat Comes Down
Speaking of John Prine, nobody condenses meaning into songs these days like John R. Miller. “Conspiracies, Cults & UFOs” is the 2023 version of “It’s the End of the World (and I Feel Fine)” that actually captures the spiraling paranoia and stress of rural America.
Chris Teti:
Fiddlehead – Death Is Nothing To Us
I have no shame in saying this an AOTY for me, even though I worked on this album. I truly love the record and it is probably my most listened to record this year. Unfortunately, even though Pro Tools is significantly more expensive than Spotify, there is no Pro Tools Wrapped at the end of each year.
Chained To The Bottom Of The Ocean – Obsession Destruction
Make Chained your new favorite heavy band. They’re an evil, slow wall of sound.
Anthony Gesa:
The Hope Conspiracy – Confusion/Chaos/Misery
Welcome back to the best hardcore band in the world. This record is angry, fast and deliberate. They have an extraordinary knack for raising the bar for what a hardcore band should be. After being away for 14 years, the hope conspiracy returned with the most aggressive piece of music the band recorded to date. The lyrics are a visceral and poignant outlook and reflection in what’s going on in today’s world.
’68 – yes, and…
This record is an incredibly fun, chaotic and at times claustrophobic listen. The ability they have to work within the confines of a two piece band live to re-create all of this is such an incredible and admirable feat. Ive been on board with this band since the first EP and will continue to love their abrasive and catchy style of rock n roll.
Full of Hell/Nothing – When No Birds Sang
A very unexpected collab from two bands that continue to push the boundaries of their respected genres. No record sounds the same from either band but still feels deliberate and familiar. When No Birds Sang is no different. Its so hauntingly beautiful and arguably the heaviest record to come out this year. Each track compliments the next and never for one second feels tired or boring. Each listen is a new experience. It’s a perfect record.
Josh Cyr:
Dreamwell – In My Saddest Dreams I Am Beside You
Beautiful and relatable lyrical content, phenomenal note playing, outstanding chugs, extraordinary wee-woos.
Cinema Stare – The Things I Don’t Need
The best pop punk record to come out since the ’90s.
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Top photo by Amanda Hatfield from Elsewhere in 2021. More here.