
Yesterday marked the deadline for our esteemed members to cast their votes for the best releases of 2024, which featured more than seventy entries across six categories, categorised by genre or as closely aligned as possible. Here are the top three releases in each category, (including a short note on the winner of each category), as determined by your votes:
Alternative

Brodu - Kusksu Clan
"Kusksu Clan," the latest album by Maltese alternative rock band Brodu, was released on April 19, 2024. This 10-track album blends Brodu’s signature sound with a fresh experimental edge, showcasing collaborations with notable local artists like Peklektru, Żdong Wesq, Danjeli, and C-Chalee. The album explores diverse themes and moods, ranging from introspective and nostalgic tones to vibrant, high-energy anthems. Standout tracks include “Kung fu karate,” a dynamic, rhythmic piece, “Ti tupa’ rititero,” which delivers an infectious groove, and the title track “Kusksu Clan,” a rich fusion of sounds highlighting the band's Maltese roots. The album is available on streaming platforms like Amazon Music, providing listeners with a creative journey rooted in Malta’s unique musical landscape. Listen Here
Alexandra Alden - Wild Things (a live album)
Eyes to Argus - Reroot
Blues / Folk / Jazz

Vinyl Paradise - Vinyl Paradise
Vinyl Paradise, a Maltese blues-rock trio featuring Ben Bailey (vocals and guitar), Patrick Camilleri (drums), and Antoine Tonna (bass), released their self-titled debut album on November 29, 2024. The album comprises 12 original tracks that showcase the band's distinctive blend of blues, soul, funk, and rock. Notable songs include "Seventeen Suits," "Amsterdam," and "Same Old Mistakes," each highlighting the group's dynamic rhythms and compelling guitar work. The album is available in vinyl, CD, and digital formats on Bandcamp. Listeners can also stream the album on platforms like Spotify and Apple Music.
The New Victorians - Ninni (live from Bir Miftuh Chapel)
Carlo Muscat - The Body Is Only Light
Dub / Hip Hop / Pop

Tribali - Alka
Tribali's album "Alka," released on May 17, 2024, is a captivating musical journey that showcases the band's distinctive fusion of world, ambient, and tribal sounds. The album spans five immersive tracks, including highlights like "Mind Deeper," an expansive and hypnotic exploration of rhythm and melody, and "Barumbara," a track layered with intricate percussion and atmospheric textures. Running for approximately 34 minutes, "Alka" takes listeners on a meditative yet vibrant experience, blending traditional instruments with modern production techniques. The album is available in vinyl and CD formats through Tribali's official website and can also be streamed on platforms such as Apple Music and Spotify, further cementing the band's ability to transcend genres and connect with audiences worldwide.
X-Tend - 1984–2024
Owen Leuellen - Out of the Darkness
Electronic

A Lily - Saru l-Qamar
A Lily's album "Saru l-Qamar," released on April 5, 2024, is a poignant exploration of Maltese emigrant experiences, blending archival recordings with ambient compositions. The project was inspired by historical practices where Maltese families received reel tapes from relatives abroad, often featuring traditional għana songs and personal messages. Through collaboration with Malta's nonprofit heritage foundation Magna Żmien, A Lily (James Vella) accessed these archival tapes and crafted new musical works in response. The album's nine tracks, totaling approximately 38 minutes, include pieces like "Żeżina Ddoqq is-Sħab" and "Ħajti Kollha, Qalbi," which intertwine storytelling with hardware synthesis to create a dreamlike, nostalgic atmosphere. "Saru l-Qamar" is available for streaming on platforms such as Apple Music and Spotify, and can be purchased through Bandcamp. Listen Here
Acidulant - Let's go
Melchior Sultana - Underground
Metal

Storace - Crossfire
Marc Storace, renowned for his tenure as the lead vocalist of Krokus, released his second solo album, "Crossfire," on November 22, 2024, under the moniker STORACE. The album comprises 12 tracks, including "Screaming Demon," "The New Unity," and "Rock This City," encapsulating a blend of hard rock anthems characterized by powerful choruses and dynamic guitar riffs. Produced by Tommy Henriksen, known for his work with Alice Cooper, and mixed by award-winning engineer Olle Romo, "Crossfire" delivers a robust hard rock experience. The album is available for purchase on platforms such as Amazon and Frontiers Music's official store, and for streaming on Apple Music.
In support of the album, the band has released a music video for the track "We All Need The Money."
Listeners have noted that "Crossfire" would fit well between Krokus's "Headhunter" and "The Blitz" albums, highlighting its classic hard rock appeal. Listen Here
Thy Legion - Gtand Cosmic Funeral
Morsrot - Septicemia
Rock

Chasing Pandora - The Weight Of It All
Chasing Pandora, a duo hailing from Gozo, Malta, is known for their emotive blend of folk, pop, and acoustic storytelling. After a 14-year break, they made a powerful return with their album The Weight of It All, released on October 5, 2024. The album is a deeply introspective collection of 11 tracks, reflecting themes of resilience, personal growth, and the complexities of modern life. Songs like "Teatime" and "Mad Race" showcase the band’s hallmark lyrical vulnerability, accompanied by rich acoustic arrangements and heartfelt vocals. The album strikes a balance between melancholic ballads and uplifting melodies, capturing the essence of Chasing Pandora's storytelling style that first won them acclaim in the mid-2000s. Their earlier works, characterized by intimate performances and poignant lyrics, have earned them a loyal following both locally and internationally. With The Weight of It All, the duo reaffirms their position as a unique voice in the Maltese and global music scenes, offering a timeless sound rooted in authenticity and raw emotion. Listen Here
Currant Daze - Celestial Rhymes of Conviction
Ferret - For The Love of Pizza
Melodija extends its congratulations to all artists and bands for the outstanding tunes produced throughout 2024. As we eagerly anticipate the upcoming year, the buzz circulating through the corridors of melodija.eu suggests that it is poised to be an exhilarating and impactful year.
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