PS Spring Hall thanks for the Swans stuff. I've been listening and can confirm I do indeed like them. Going to dive in with a few purchases very shortly.
Right here goes my album of the year list:
6. Vessel -- Punish, Honey
I've done a list of Brighton releases for the website that I've really got on with this year. It's been a superb year for local stuff, none of these bands are rolling in it and should be supported where you can.
1. Esben and The Witch - A New Nature
http://esbenandthewitch.bandcamp.com/
FFO - Godspeed, Swans, PJ Harvey.
2. Gazelle Twin - Unflesh
http://gazelletwin.bandcamp.com/album/unflesh
FFO - The Knife, Throbbing Gristle
3. The Soft Walls - No Time
http://fauxdiscx.bandcamp.com/album/no-time
FFO - Women, Deerhunter, Hookworms
4. Merlin Tonto - Tano Dragon
http://merlintonto.bandcamp.com/
FFO - Like a less mathy, more krauty Battles.
5. Lutine - White Flowers
http://fandf.bandcamp.com/album/white-flowers
FFO - Finders keepers label, gorgeous vocal harmonies, minimal folk. Completely original IMO.
6. Slum of Legs - Begin To Dissolve
http://riotsnotdiets.bandcamp.com/album/begin-to-dissolve
FFO - Bikini Kill, Electrelane.
7. Hypnotized - Telesto EP
http://hypnotized.bandcamp.com/album/telesto
FFO - Boards of Canada
8. AK/DK - Synths + Drums + Noise + Space
http://akdk.bandcamp.com/
FFO - I think the album title sums it up!
9. Fvnerals - The Light
http://fvnerals.bandcamp.com/
FFO - Gothic post -rock
10. Great Pagans - Cupid In Error
http://greatpagans.bandcamp.com/
FFO - Smiths, Wild Beasts, Dutch Uncles
Deliberately avoided better known stuff like Royal Blood or The Wytches. Both disappointed me but The Wytches record would have snuck in at the bottom there.
Other worthy releases - Keel Her, Fear of Men, Winston and Goldstein, Eva Bowan, Spit Shake Sisters, Teardrop Factory.
FWIW the Fear of Men is definitely in my top 10. Terrific album.
It's very much your kind of sound isn't it? I found it a bit too one paced and predictable.
Should I be offended by this?
Not seen enough of this beauty in year end lists. Did you get on with the Andy Stott record? It's kind of in the same vein.
Haven't acquainted myself with Andy Stott as yet. I'll see if I can fit it in, as I may well do with AK/DK, as the description you've provided works for me, especially the space element -- I can't break out of the role that Joy Division had on my musical journey, in which I've increasingly come to recognise how Martin Hannett injects space into their recorded output.
On a different note, as much as I love those three FFO bands you've aligned with Esben, from the little I heard I couldn't get on with them. If you want to post a link to a track that you think might prompt a re-consideration, I'm open to re-education.