Buy Local: Twelve Favourite Albums Of 2017 So Far

Today brings to a close the 31-day celebration of homegrown talent that is NZ Music Month, which coincidentally brings us to the mid-point of the year (eeek!!). With that in mind, we thought about the wealth of local releases that have graced our ears up to this point, and decided to take on the hard task of narrowing it down to a dozen we reckon you should throw some of your hard-earned coin at. In no particular order, here's twelve of our favourite albums of 2017 so far....

1.WhyFi - Dishwash Cookie
While word has is that Dishwash Cookie is more a collection of bedroom dabblings rather than an album proper, this a great journey of experimental lo-fi beat production in the vein of American producer Edan that has us excited about what's up next from the Auckland producer. Pick it up over at The Grow Room Bandcamp page.

2. Nadia Reid - Preservation
Described by The Guardian as "lovelorn folk with dirt under its nails", Reid's sophomore full-length offering raised the game even further from her excellent debut outing Listen To The Formation, Look For The Signs. To get your hands on a copy on vinyl or CD head over at Flying Out.

3. Elan Vital - Shadow Self
It took a long time to come out, but it was well worth the wait. Dunedin trio Elan Vital (perhaps jokingly) adopted the term to gothronica to describe their dark synth-driven dance music - and it kinda stuck. But it definitely works. Highly recommend picking this one up on vinyl from label Fishrider Records.

8. Aldous Harding - Party
Wow. Listening to the second full-length album spilled forth from Aldous Harding is a breathtaking (and sometimes heart-stopping) affair. Watching a musical sensation emerge and blossom in front of your eyes is an exciting time. Get your copy of Party on vinyl, CD or digitally through the good people at Flying Nun.

9. Oscar Dowling - Free and Easy
Oscar Dowling emerged from the ashes of the fantastic but short-lived Auckland group New Gum Sarn and quickly earned his stripes as a solo artist with a handful of striking singles. Picked up by Australian label, Spunk, his excellent debut is available on CD over at their site and digitally via iTunes and the like. 

11. Hiboux - Command the Earth to Swallow Me Up
Hiboux (pronounced ee-boo) have certainly forged a firm fanbase for themselves in their hometown of Wellington over the last few years, and now their cinematic debut has put them on the world stage. Get your mitts on the self-released record over at their Bandcamp page.

12. Tei. - OMW
We felt really lucky to have stumbled upon the talented Tei. The emerging Auckland artist low-key released OMW back in April and immediately her style and flow brought to mind the likes of Aaliyah and Missy Elliot. We got her marked as one to watch. Get OMW over here.

Can't wait to see what the second half of 2017 brings...!!!