ph5

Shit was looking pretty dicey for a minute there I'm not gonna lie. The very fate of ph5 podcast hung by a thread...would it survive or would it perish after four long, fruitful years? Thankfully, March came ready with the goods. March was easily the best month for new music yet in 2025, with the return of some old favourites and some promising new upstarts. It was also the month with the most significant amount of new heavy music release. Surely just a coincidence. Repeat after me: everything is going to be just fine. Albums discussed below:Backxwash - Only Dust RemainsCorpus Offal - Corpus OffalDeafheaven - Lonely People with PowerImperial Triumphant - GoldstarMikau - AgarthaPlayboi Carti - MusicTeitanblood - From The Visceral AbyssYHWH Nailgun - 45 Pounds

Who named this dumbass month though? Seriously? I stand by February is the worst month of the year and its ridiculous name doesn't really help its case. Did the music of February redeem it? Well...kind of. There were a bunch of good to pretty good records out this month but we're two months into the year and I can't honestly say I've heard anything GREAT yet. Really selling this episode aren't I! It's still worth a listen I swear! Albums discussed below:Anxious - BambiDarkside - Nothingoklou - choke enoughPanda Bear - Sinister GriftPissgrave - Malignant WorthlessnessRichard Dawson - The End of the MiddleVacuous - In His Bloodventuring - Ghostholding

We're back! And we're late! But we're back. ph5, one or two people's favourite monthly music roundup show returns with some big life updates and some good old fashioned music chats. Some of the biggest artists in the world are featured in this month's episode. After drifting further and further into obscurity has Phil finally sold out? Yeah probably! Can you blame him! Albums discussed below.askysoblack - Touch HeavenBad Bunny - Debí Tirar Màs FotosBoldy James - Murder During Drug Traffic / Permanent InkEthel Cain - Pervertsfka twigs - EusexuaKathryn Mohr - Waiting RoomMIKE - Showbiz!The Weeknd - Hurry Up Tomorrow

Originally this episode was going to be at least an hour longer and begin with a really stupid drawn out bit about Santa Claus but all those recordings ended up being unusable so you're getting this instead! You're off the hook this time. It's always fun to look back on a full year of music and attempt to arbitrarily rank them to see how your thoughts and feelings towards records shift as time goes on. One takeaway? 2024 was one of the better years for new music in a while. Albums discussed below in alphabetical order. If you want the actual ranking you'll have to listen to the episode! Yeah! I'm a sicko like that! See you in 2025.Actress - StatikAdam Wiltzie - Eleven Fugues for Sodium PentothalBlood Incantation - Absolute ElsewhereBoldy James - Across the TracksCeremony of Silence - HàliosCharli xcx - BRATChat Pile - Cool WorldCindy Lee - Diamond JubileeCiverous - Mazy EnvyDoechii - Alligator Bites Never HealFloating Points - CascadeFoxing - FoxingInfant Island - Obsidian WreathJulia Holter - Something In the Room She MovesKali Malone - All Life LongKali Uchis - OrquídeasMagdalena Bay - Imaginal DiskMitocondrion - VetriseptomeMustafa - DUNYANick Cave & The Bad Seeds - Wild Godoso oso - life till bonesPaysage D'hiver - Die BergeSpirit of the Beehive - You'll Have To Lose SomethingState Faults - Children of the MoonStay Inside - Ferried Away

Episode 50. What the hell. Make it make sense. In this episode, I attempt to do so, along with talking about my favourite records of November. It's been a wild ride, thanks for sticking with me. Here's to the next 50. Albums discussed below:The Body - The Crying Out of All ThingsBoldy James - The BricktionaryThe Cure - Songs of a Lost WorldPaysage D'hiver - Die BergeKendrick Lamar - GNXMitochondrion - Vetriseptome

Too much going on! There was no way I was going to be able to contain October's episode to the standard 8 album format so I went a bit overboard. Don't blame me, blame all the artists releasing thought provoking music last month. I'm a victim of circumstance. Lots to talk about this month so stop reading this stupid episode description and start listening! Albums discussed below:Better Lovers - Highly IrresponsibleBlack Curse - Burning in Celestial PoisonBlood Incantation - Absolute ElsewhereCharli XCX - brat and it's completely different but it's still bratChat Pile - Cool WorldCosmic Putrefaction - Emerald Fires Atop The Farewell MountainsELUCID - REVELATORHalsey - The Great ImpersonatorImmortal Bird - Sin QuerenciaLowen - Do Not Go To War Tith The Demons Of MazandaranOranssi Pazuzu - Muuntautuja

September! The kids go back to school, the months all start ending in 'ber'...I wonder if that's because it gets colder out, so everybody is always saying 'brr'. Could be. Anyway here's a new episode of ph5. This episode almost didn't happen as I wasn't feeling great but it's okay. I'm feeling better now. Appreciate your concern. Lots of great records this month that moved me both physically and emotionally. Maybe not so much mentally. Also, if you can, please donate to Spirit of the Beehive's gofundme (https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-spirit-of-the-beehive-recover-stolen-gear) as they had over $100,000 worth of gear stolen a few days ago while on tour and they need all they help they can get. They are an amazing band and lovely people so they deserve it. Albums discussed below:Alan Spearhawk - White Roses, My GodFloating Points - CascadeFoxing - FoxingHeriot - Devoured by the Mouth of HellJamie xx - In WavesMadara - GorephiliacMidwife - No Depression In HeavenPyrrhon - Exhaust

August is over, which means the world is growing dark and cold and all the leaves are falling from the trees and the cold that chills your bones is about to set in. Just kidding - that's next month. August was a wild wonderful month with a goldmine of new releases to accompany it. Let's talk about them. Albums discussed below:Concrete Winds - Concrete WindsDoechii - Alligator Bites Never HealFontaines DC - RomanceGel - PersonaMagdalena Bay - Imaginal DiskNails - Every Bridge BurningNick Cave & the Bad Seeds - Wild Godoso oso - life till bonesSPIRIT OF THE BEEHIVE - YOU'LL HAVE TO LOSE SOMETHING

Yeah yeh yeah I know I'm so late. But to make up for it I'm giving you my shortest episode in...years? To be honest this episode almost didn't happen, if it weren't for a few very special records and people urging me on. Also shout out New Friends Fest. Also I'm not going to name names but if you were one of the people who told me to check out the new Eminem album, consider yourself disowned from ever giving me recommendations ever again. Albums discussed below!Ceremony of Silence - HaliosEminem - The Death of Slim ShadyRespire - HiraethScarcity - The Promise of RainShow Me The Body - CORPUS II EP ISpeed - ONLY ONE MODEState Faults - Children of the MoonWand - Vertigo

It's been really hot lately and I haven't been sleeping well and my voice kinda sounds like a duck. Thanks for tuning in to the June 2024 edition of ph5. This episode has me running down my favourite records of June through a hazy fog of sweat and heat exhaustion. I hope it makes sense. Along with the records, I talk about the importance (and rarity) of consistency in music and reflect on why I was such a weirdo about certain music growing up. Albums discussed below!Actress - StatikBoldy James - Across the TracksCamilla Cabello - C,XOXOCharli xcx - BratForeign Hands - What's Left UnsaidSkee Mask - ResortSumac - The Healer200 Stab Wounds - Manual Manic Procedures

First off, RIP Steve Albini. Isn't it wild that that only happened last month? Time isn't real. What IS real is ph5 podcast, and we've got a hot and steamin' brand new episode ready to go for you. Sorry for the wait - I've been busy. I made up for lost time by talking for way too long about things that don't really matter. I'm sure you're used to that at this point. May 2024 was a particularly exceptional month for hip hop, and it was nice to spend some time talking about music that wasn't purely functioning to destroy my ears and brain. There were still a lot of that too, let's be real. Albums discussed below!Chief Keef - Almighty So 2Gatecreeper - Dark SuperstitionKnocked Loose - You Won't Go Before You're Supposed ToMach-Hommy - #RichAxxHaitianPallbearer - Mind Burns AliveShellac - To All TrainsThou - UmbilicalVince Staples - Dark Times

Still out here, still doing this. April didn't reach the absurd heights of March, but was still full of fantastic new releases by some old friends (literally in some cases. Well I guess just one). I tried not to talk about you know what but it ended up happening anyway. She is unescapable. Also yeah I know the recording sounds weird on this one. I think I might need a new mic. It sucks. Album's discussed below!Adult Jazz - So Sorry So SlowCindy Lee - Diamond Jubileeclaire rousay - sentimentDua Lipa - Radical OptimismFull of Hell - Coagulated BlissGolden Drag - Twin ParadiseInter Arma - New HeavenJustice - Hyperdrama

First of all I want to apologize to all the albums I listened to in March and loved and wanted to talk about but couldn't because of these ridiculous self-imposed limitations I've given myself for this show. Surely someone else out there has and will give you the love and attention you deserve. March was insane. I could've done like three episodes on March along. Instead you get this one. I hope you like it. Albums discussed below:Beyoncé - Cowboy CarterCiverous - Maze EnvyFrail Body - Artificial BouquetGouge Away - Deep SageJlin - AkomaJulia Holter - Something In The Room She MovesStay Inside - Ferried AwayTierra Whack - World Wide Whack

If January kicked off the year with a bang, February caused that momentum to come to a screeching halt with more of a slowly deflating whoopie cushion. Maybe I'm being too harsh, but come on - in terms of new releases, it wasn't great. Have no fear, I still managed to find something to talk about for 72 minutes. Really selling this episode, aren't I? Let me start over. Another month, another episode, another batch of fantastic new music! Phil goes deep on February's new music releases and concerts while also spending time reflecting on the moral boundaries we set for ourselves when we consume art. Albums discussed below:Chelsea Wolfe - She Reaches Out To She Reaches Out To SheJob For A Cowboy - Moon HealerKali Malone - All Life LongKanye West & Ty Dolla Sign - Vultures 1Liquid Mike - Paul Bunyon's Slingshotmeth. - SHAMEMk.gee - Two Star & The Dream PoliceSpectral Voice - SparagmosYeat - 2093

And we're back, with the first episode of season 4. Make it make sense. While most years start with a stretch and a yawn, January roared to life with a series of extremely impressive releases by some new favourites and some old friends. Speaking of old friends, the amount of name drops and callbacks in this episode was ridiculous. Talk about fan service. There's no way of knowing for sure, but if the rest of 2024 keeps up like this, we're looking at one of the stronger years in new music in recent history. Albums discussed below:21 Savage - American DreamBoldy James & Nicolas Craven - Penalty of Leadershipglass beach - plastic deathInfant island - Obsidian WreathKali Uchis - OrquídeasKid Cudi - INSANOKnoll - As SpokenNailah Hunter - LovegazeThe Smile - Wall of Eyes

I might be insane releasing this episode two days before Christmas but the reality is that, in a lot of people's minds, the year 'ends' with Christmas and that weird week afterwards leading up to New Year's Eve doesn't really exist with a particular time and space so still focusing on things that happened that year during that week is like uh why are you bothering the year's over just move on with your life. Plus from my general experience ph5 is a huge hit at family parties so I wanted to help you all out. This is the last episode of the year, talking about my favourite top ten records of 2023. We won't be back in action until the end of January so make sure you get your 'phill' of ph5 while you can. Sorry I had to. For all the cowards who don't want to listen to ~3 hours of me talking to myself to determine my favourite records of the year, I've listed the full list for you below. Roast me drag me praise me please just engage with me!! See you next year.25. Jesus Piece - ....So Unknown24. 100 Gecs - 10,000 Gecs23. George Clanton - Ooh Rap I Ya22. Animal Collective - Isn't It Now?21. MSPAINT - Post-American20. Jpegmafia & Danny Brown - Scaring The Hoes19. Horrendous - Ontological Mysterium18. Young Fathers - Heavy Heavy17. Boldy James - Indiana Jones16. James Holden - Imagine This Is A High Dimensional Space of All Possibilities15. Jerome's Dream - The Grey In Between14. Naomi Sharon - Obsidian13. Dreamwell - In My Saddest Dreams I Am Beside You12. Dodheimsgard - Black Medium Current11. Fiddlehead - Death Is Nothing To Us10. yeule - softscars9. Armand Hammer - We Buy Diabetic Test Strips8. Panopticon - The Rime of Memory7. Caroline Polachek - Desire, I Want To Turn Into You6. Bell Witch - Future's Shadow Pt 1: The Clandestine Gate5. Tomb Mold - The Enduring Spirit4. Billy Woods & Kenny Segal - Maps3. Tim Hecker - No Highs2. Jane Remover - Census Designated1. Militarie Gun - Life Under the Gun

Every artist who has ever released music has done so in hopes to end up on a year end list. it's literally the whole point of doing it. I'm mostly kidding, but December is always a fun time of year for reflecting back on the past 12 months and determining how the music you listened to helped to shape and define them. As always, we start of by going through #25 - #11 of my favourite records of the year, before finally finishing things off by going through the top ten. I'll record that episode next week or something I dunno. Maybe someone will surprise drop something and screw the whole list up. I guess it's too late now. Do you agree with my picks? Do you think I'm a tasteless jerk? Let me know!

It's getting cold and dark, might as well settle in with a brand new episode of ph5. October was a bit of a return to reality after the abundance of September. Instead of 3 album of the year candidates we only got one. What a shame! Wild how these things vary month to month. Also, just want to make it as clear as possible that ph5 is wholly against the genocidal war crimes being committed not only in Palestine, but in Sudan and the Congo as well. Ceasefire now. Albums discussed below:Dreamwell - In My Saddest Dreams, I Am Beside YouJane Remover - Census DesignatedNaomi Sharon - ObsidianReverend Kristin Michael Hayter - Saved!Sampha - LahaiShort Fictions - Oblivion Will Own Me and Death Alone Will Love MeTaylor Swift - 1989 (Taylor's Version)Year of the Knife - No Love Lost

Sorry for the wait. September was just a lot to take in. Also I'm sick. After a tepid spring and summer release-wise, last month was absolutely bananas. Sooo much great new music. Narrowing down the list of records I wanted to talk about from September was extremely challenging, but as your willing and gracious host I must do what has to be done to serve the show. Albums discussed below!Animal Collective - Isn't It Now?Anjimile - The KingArmand Hammer - We Buy Diabetic Test StripsDoja Cat - ScarlettOlivia Rodrigo - GUTSOneohtrix Point Never - AgainSarah Mary Chadwick - Messages to GodTaking Meds - Dial M For MedsTomb Mold - The Enduring Spirityeule - softscars

Have you ever tried recording a podcast during an air show? Don't. That was ridiculous. After a brief hiatus from the standard format, we're back with a round up of August's releases after July was too mid to even talk about. August on the whole wasn't too amazing, and I meant to keep this one short and sweet but somehow ended up talking for 80 minutes...I have a problem. With discussions the cyclical nature of popular music, the importance of representation in media, and the dangers of propping up even casual anti-Semitism, this ends up being one of the most impassioned ph5 episodes recorded to date. Albums discussed below:The Armed - Perfect SavioursDJ Sabrina the Teenage DJ - DestinyFiddlehead - Death is Nothing To usHorrendous - Ontological MysteriumNoname - SundialOpen Mike Eagle - Another Triumph of Ghetto EngineeringPrewn - Through the Window

So July was trash (in terms of new music releases anyway - pretty great month otherwise! Instead of wasting your and my time talking about how mid it was, I decided to do an episode on something infinitely more interesting/important - the annual New Friends Festival. Taking place over the August long weekend, the 3 day festival focuses on screamo and screamo adjacent music...and I had the absolute time of my life. On this episode, I'm joined by Bob McCully, Veronika Gorlova and Sean Sadeghi as we recount our experiences at the festival and what the experiences meant to us. Can't wait for next year.

Sun's out. Bird's are chirping. And the music is mid. What is up with that. June was one of the weaker months for releases in recent memory but there was still more than enough to talk about. Not to mention I make a great joke about 'email' that is worth listening to the entire episode for. Despite being pretty low key in terms of good releases, one of my most anticipated albums of the year DID drop...and it actually lived up to the hype. Don't you love when that happens? Albums discussed below:Avenged Sevenfold - Life Is But A Dream...Burner - It All Returns to NothingDjango Django - Off PlanetHome is Where - The WhalerLoma Prieta - LastMilitarie Gun - Life Under The GunPupil Slicer - BlossomThantifaxath - Hive Mind Narcosis

May was Phil's birthday! Everyone drop a Happy Birthday in the comments. Wait you can't do that for podcasts. Never mind. May was cool in that sense but musically it was somewhat sparse. Don't worry - Phil still managed to find something to ramble about for a straight hour. What else is new? Albums discussed below:billy woods & Kenny Segal - MapsBlindfolded and Led to the Woods - Rejecting ObliterationClark - Sus DogDrain - Living ProofJerome's Dream - The Gray In BetweenKhanate - To Be CruelMandy, Indiana - i've seen a wayMidwife & Vyva Melinkolya - Orbweaving

Sorry for the wait. It's been one of those weeks! I promise the wait will be more than worth it though, as April featured some of the best releases of the year so far. Despite my exhaustion and slightly hungover state, I did my best to do them justice. This month featured welcome returns by some old favourites, an unwelcome return by someone just plain old, and the year's first EP inclusion. I'm going to sleep now. Tune in! Albums discussed below:Bell Witch - Future's Shadow Part 1: The Clandestine GateDødheimsgard - Black Medium CurrentJessie Ware - That! Feels Good!Jesus Piece - ...So UnknownJim Legxacy - HNPMMetallica - 72 SeasonsPortrayal of Guilt - Devil MusicTim Hecker - No Highs

Listen. What else was I supposed to do, okay? There were FIVE Fridays in March. And great records released on every single one of those Fridays. Rules are meant to be broken or whatever. On this month's episode, I go long (like, way long) on the unexpected highs (and lows) of March's releases, and muses on the unlikely cultural and foundational growth of one of my favourite genres. RIP Ryuichi Sakamoto. Also sorry Katie Gately, I have no idea why I said you were Australian. Albums discussed below:Debby Friday - GOOD LUCKFever Ray - Radical RomanticsGel - Only ConstantThe HIRS Collective - We're Still HereJPEGMAFIA & Danny Brown - Scaring The HosKatie Gately - Fawn/BruteLiturgy - 93696MSPAINT - Post-Americanslowthai - UGLYYves Tumour - Praise A Lord Who Chews but Which Does Not Consume; (Or Simply, Hot Between Worlds)Zulu - A New Tomorrow100 Gecs - 10,000 Gecs

February. What a stupid word! Like come on. It's like purposefully difficult to say, kinda like how the month is purposefully difficult to survive. I hate February. Didn't hate its music releases though! In this month's episode, Phil gets in touch with his youth, in more ways than one, and reflects on what it actually means to enjoy music. How do we learn to enjoy things that are intentionally impenetrable? Find out the definitive answer by tuning in! Albums discussed below:Algiers - ShookCaroline Polacheck - Desire, I Want To Turn Into YouParamore - This is WhyPile - All FictionSee You Next Tuesday - DistractionsSkrillex - Quest For FireUlthar - Anthronomicon & HelionomiconYeat - Afterlyfe

I don't know how we got here but here we are, at the end of the first month of 2023. As Smash Mouth wisely stated, 'the years start comin' and they don't stop comin''. January started the year off relatively weak in terms of new music, save for a flurry of excellent releases at the end of the month. Is there any better feeling than hearing that first record of the year that you really like? Probably. But that feeling's up there. Albums discussed below:Boldy James - Indiana JonesLil Yachty - Let's Start Here.Mark William Lewis - LivingMOLLY - PicturesqueNicole Dollanganger - Married in Mount AiryOozing Wound - We Cater to CowardsParannoul - After the MagicRyuichi Sakamoto - 12

This was a year filled with opuses so it only seems fitting that we conclude it with an opus of our own! Join Phil on the longest ph5 episode to date as he runs down his top 10 albums (and top 5 songs) of 2022. Come on, its that weird time between Christmas and New Years where nothing exists and nothing matters, not like you're doing anything else important anyway! Thanks as always for tuning in, we'll see you next year.Albums discussed below (in alphabetical order...tune in for the actual ranking!)billy woods - AethiopesBurial - AntidawnEthel Cain - Preacher's DaughterHoly Fawn - Dimensional BleedHuerco S. - Plonkoso oso - sore thumbRosalía - MOTOMAMISoul Glo - Diaspora ProblemsSudan Archives - Natural Brown Prom QueenThe Weekend - Dawn FM

Everyone knows that the only real reason to listen to new music is to make a list about it at the end of the year, and we're finally here! You guys have already read everyone else's year end lists so you might as well check out mine too. Although historically speaking (sample size: 1) the #25-11 episode has the lowest listenership of any episode of the season; good thing I made this one 90 minutes long! The last episode of the season containing Phil's top 10 albums and top 5 songs of 2022 will come...soon. Stay tuned.

Listen. I tried something, it didn't work. Happens to the best of us. Wanna know what I'm talking about? Only way to find out is to listen to the latest episode, a special/not so special two-for-the-price-of-one podcast extravaganza. Don't say you weren't warned! Albums discussed below:Drake & 21 Savage - Her LossDream Unending - Song of SalvationElder - Innate PassageFleshwater - We're Not Here To Be LovedGolden Drag - PromenadeSmidley - Here Comes the DevilSpecial Interest - EndureWeyes Blood - And In The Darkness, Hearts Aglow

Man RIP Takeoff! What the hell! Another young legend gone...I'm getting pretty sick of this crap. Anyway. Death is some heavy stuff, and a lot of the records discussed on this month's episode deal with complicated emotions. Big shout out to Bob McCully for joining me once again so I'm not wading through all this turbulence alone! Albums discussed below:Backxwash - HIS HAPPINESS SHALL COME FIRSTBirds in Row - Gris KleinBurial - Streetlands EPDawn Richard & Spencer Zahn - PigmentsDead Cross - IIGillian Carter - Salvation Through MiseryTaylor Swift - MidnightsShow Me The Body - Trouble the WaterReplyForward

...and we're back. After August's sabbatical (don't worry you really didn't miss any good music anyway), Phil's back with more good meat and potatoes ph5 content. September more than made up for the garbage of August with tons of great new releases...but unfortunately some big disappointments as well. Ain't that just how life goes. Releases discussed below!Alex G - God Save the AnimalsBehemoth - Opvs Contra NatvramBjork - FossoraThe Callous Daoboys - Celebrity TherapistCity of Caterpillar - Mystic SistersHoly Fawn - Dimensional BleedThe Mars Volta - The Mars VoltaNo Devotion - No OblivionSudan Archives - Natural Brown Prom Queen

Does anyone actually know what the deal with Civic Day is? I'm not complaining I just don't understand it. Anyway, what better to do on a completely ambiguous holiday such as Civic Day than spend ~100 minutes discussing the music from the previous month? My thoughts exactly. This month I welcome back Bob McCully to discuss the new Scarcity record and black metal in general, and I go deep on pop's newfound love for early dance music, as well as - of course - my other favourite records from July. Albums discussed below:beabadoobee - BeatopiaBeyoncé - RENAISSANCEblack MIDI - HellfireChat Pile - God's CountryFlo Milli - You Still Here, Ho?Greg Puciato - MIRRORCELLScarcity - AveillutWake - Thought Form Descent

Summertime is in full swing and things are getting hot and heavy here in the city! With a resurgence of fantastic aggressive music, things are getting hot and heavy in Phil's ears too! June saw some of the biggest stars in the world move in some unexpected directions, and featured some of the more intriguing, mysterious music to be released this year. Albums discussed below:Alexisonfire - OthernessArtificial Brain - Artificial BrainCandy - Heaven is HereDrake - Honestly, NevermindElucid - I Told BessiePerfume Genius - Ugly Season Post Malone - Twelve Carat ToothacheShearwater - The Great Awakening

Ah...summertime. Sweat stains, sunburns...and new music! Lots of it. On this month's episode, Phil dives into the music of May, featuring a lengthy discussion on one artist's opus of generational trauma...that's right folks, we're talking about Ethel Cain's new album. Oh yeah, Phil talks about that other one too. You know which one I mean. Albums discussed below:Boldy James & Real Bad Man - Killing NothingCave In - Heavy PendulumEthel Cain - Preacher's DaughterGospel - The LoserKendrick Lamar - Mr. Morale & The Big SteppersLykke Li - EYEYEThe Smile - A Light For Attracting Attention700 Bliss - Nothing to Declare

April was crazy busy and I worked every day this month - thank god for the amazing ambient records that came out this month to help ease the pain. On this month's episode, I talk about ambient's healing powers, some much needed closure with one of my all time favourite bands (that came from an unexpected place) and a few rap records that were wildly different - in both substance and quality. RIP Gabe Serbian. Albums discussed below:ASkySoBlack - Autumn in the Waterbilly woods - AethiopesFuture - I Never Liked YouGreyhaven - This Bright & Beautiful WorldHelms Alee - Keep This Be the WayKelly Lee Owens - LP.8Pusha T - It's Almost DryWhatever the Weather - Whatever the Weather

March always does that really annoying thing where it pretends Spring is beginning like 4 times. It sucks! At least the music was good though. March saw the release of a lot of exceptional yet wildly different takes on pop by really talented women, as well as some old favourites rearing their heads again after extended absences - to mixed results. I promise you I don't talk about Will Smith. Albums discussed below!Charli XCX - CrashDenzel Curry - Melt My Eyez See Your FutureJenny Hval - Classic ObjectsLack the Low - God-CarrierOso Oso - sore thumbRosalia - MOTOMAMISoul Glo - Diaspora ProblemsVein.fm - This World Is Going To Ruin You

February sucks! Luckily, February's new music didn't. On this second episode of the new year (at what point do we stop calling it the 'new year' and just...the year?), Phil runs down a bunch of February's releases, and is joined by guest Matt Bankuti, who has been on the show so many times now (twice) that he might as well take it over. Two white guys talking about Animal Collective...what is this, 2008? Albums discussed below:Author & Punisher - KrullerBeach House - Once Twice MelodyBlack Country, New Road - Ants From Up ThereBlood Incantation - Timewave ZeroBunuel - Killers Like UsHuerco S. - PlonkSASAMI - SqueezeSkin Tension - OMNIYung Kayo - DFTK

Welcome back to ph5! Let's never be apart that long again. I've missed you so. This marks the first official episode of the new year! Phil starts off a brand new season of ph5 by talking about some familiar faces in a familiar format...with some exciting new twists. What was the album that kickstarted Phil's love of music this year? Which album really pissed him off? Were any of his thoughts coherent? Only one place to find out: here at ph5. Albums discussed below:Anxious - Little Green HouseBabyface Ray - FaceBurial - AntidawnCloakroom - Dissolution WaveDeaf Club - Productive DisruptionFKA twigs - CaprisongsFoxtails - FawnGunna - DS4everKrallice - Crystalline ExhaustionThe Weeknd - Dawn FM

This is it! This is what it's all about! Our end of season festivities conclude today with Part 2 of the ph5x5, where Phil counts down his top ten favourite records of the year. Grab some egg nog and switch things up with the family by listening to this episode instead of watching Love Actually or whatever - it's about the same length of a feature length movie anyway! Thanks so much to everyone for tuning in. ph5 will return in 2021.Albums discussed below (in alphabetical order - to see how they ranked you'll have to tune in, sucker!)Ad Nauseam - Imperative Imperceptible ImpulseDean Blunt - Black Metal 2Doja Cat - Planet HerEyelet - The Devil Shining Out Your EyesFiddlehead - Between the RichnessGAS - Der Lange MarschGrouper - ShadeHalsey - If I Can't Have Love, I Want PowerIceage - Seek ShelterInjury Reserve - By the Time I Get To PhoenixKing Woman - Celestial BluesKowloon Walled City - PieceworkLingua Ignota - Sinner Get ReadyLow - Hey WhatMach-Hommy - Pray For HaitiPi'erre Bourne - The Life of Pi'erre 5Playboi Carti - Whole Lotta RedPortrayal of Guilt - We Are Always AloneSerpentwithfeet - DeaconSpectral Wound - A Diabolic ThirstSpellling - The Turning WheelSpirit of the Beehive - Entertainment, DeathSuccumb - XXITaking Meds - Terrible News from Wonderful MenTurnstile - Glow On

The year end festivities continue with the big kahuna, what we've all been waiting for...the ph5x5 (just my dumb way of saying the Top 25 of 2021). This episode, Part 1, covers #25 - 11, and Phil also discusses the first bunch of his favourite songs of the year as well. What made the cut!? What didn't?! How high did Red (Taylor's Version) place?! You'll just have to tune in to find out. Part 2 coming soon!

The year end celebrations will continue! But not today. Episode 12 is a traditional ph5 episode rounding up November's releases. Phil wasn't too impressed with what November had to offer (apart from a few fantastic records) but that's what happens when Adele drops. Shouts out to all those brave artists who released music anyway! Albums discussed below:Burial Waves - Holy GroundConverge & Chelsea Wolfe - Bloodmoon ICorbin - Ghost with SkinEmma Ruth Rundle - Engine of HellGlassing - Twin DreamJon Hopkins - Music For Psychedelic TherapyRichard Dawson & Circle - HenkiTaking Meds - Terrible News from Wonderful Men

The first season of ph5 is almost over! That means it's time for treats. In addition to the standard ph5 episodes to round out the year, we're gonna have some fun with a series of special edition episodes that will switch up the format of the show a little bit!The series kicks off with ...& Friends, where Phil chats with a few of the people in his life about their new music. The first conversation is with Kari Lyn, an east coast songwriter currently living in Toronto. We chat about the re-release of her fantastic debut album Hit The Ground, which is out NOW by the way. The episode also features a discussion with Toronto based 'psychedelic club music' artist (his words!) Wizard Of about his stunning new record Psychic Degradation., which is out on Friday! They are both very lovely so please make sure to connect with them through their various online presences, which I've linked below.Stay tuned to ph5 for more fun end of year content! What's it going to be? Who knows! Not even me! But it's coming!Kari LynInstagram/Facebook - @karilynmusicBandcamp - karilynblacquiere.bandcamp.comWizard OfInstagram - @bobmccullyFacebook - Wizard OfBandcamp - wizardof.bandcamp.com

Because you're not hardcore...unless you live hardcore...and the legend of the rent was way hardcore...School of Rock anyone? Remember that shit? October's round up contains a selection of heavy hitters (in every possible sense of the word) and one of Phil's biggest disappointments of the year. Was it you? Better tune in and find out! Albums discussed below:Every Time I Die - RadicalFrontierer - OxidizedGrouper - ShadeKayo Dot - Moss Grew on the Swords and Plowshares AlikeKnocked Loose - A Tear in the Fabric of LifeKowloon Walled City - PieceworkMastodon - Hushed and GrimYoung Thug - Punk

As the days get colder and darker, so does Phil's taste in music. September's round up is a bit darker than normal, both in terms of the albums discussed and the general mood, as the episode begins with Phil reflecting a bit on National Truth and Reconciliation Day here in Canada. Put on a sweater, put on the kettle and settle in with Episode 9 of ph5, which sees Phil returning to the classic format after last month's rewarding (but admittedly lengthy!) guest feature. Albums discussed below:Common Sage - It Lives and It BreathesInjury Reverse - By the Time I Get to PhoenixLittle Simz - Sometimes I Might Be IntrovertLow - HEY WHATOne Step Closer - This Place You KnowPendant - To All Sides They Will Stretch Out Their HandsPoppy - FluxSuccumb - XXI

What's better than one Phil? Two Phil's! Welcome to another very special episode of ph5! Along with the standard discussion on Phil's top 5 records from August, Phil is joined by friend and hip hop connoisseur Phil Masse for a discussion on the two biggest records of the year so far. You can probably guess which ones. There was a LOT to talk about this month, so fair warning - this episode is a marathon, not a sprint!Also happy to debut the new art direction for the podcast. I think it's a noted improvement! What do you think? Let me know! Albums discussed below:Deafheaven - Infinite GraniteDrake - Certified Lover BoyHalsey - If I Can't Have Love, I Want PowerKanye West - DONDALingua Ignota - Sinner Get ReadyRaccoon City - For Nobody, NowhereTurnstile - Glow On

A whole month off school to listen to new releases sounds like paradise, right? Yeah, not quite. July didn't have much to offer in terms of compelling new music - until it did, that is. Join Phil in an episode where he may or may not have had way too much coffee for discussions on new albums by everyone from Billie Eilish to Alexis Marshall and reflections on the cyclical nature of pop culture and the one unlikely man behind the mainstream's shift towards something new. Full list of albums discussed below:Alexis Marshall - House of Lull . House of WhenBillie Eilish - Happier Than EverBizzy Banks - Same EnergyDARKSIDE - SpiralIsaiah Rashad - The House is BurningKing Woman - Celestial BluesLantlos - WildhundMidwife - LuminolWILLOW - Lately I Feel EverythingYves Tumor - The Asymptotical World EP

Halfway through the year, halfway through the first ever season of ph5! Despite the drought of (good) heavy music released in June, the month more than made up for it with a slew of excellent hip hop releases and other, unclassifiable albums that rank among the best of the year. I also reflect on the show's format and am considering adding a mid-month show to tide everyone over between the monthly round ups - let me know if you're into this idea! As always, thanks for tuning in. Full listen of albums discussed below:Backxwash - I Lie Here Buried With My Rings and My DressesBfb Da Packman - Fat N***** Need Love TooDean Blunt - Black Metal 2Doja Cat - Planet HerPi'erre Bourne - The Life of Pi'erre 5Spellling - The Turning WheelTyler, the Creator - Call Me If You Get LostWristmeetrazor - Replica of a Strange Love

Episode 5 begins with 215 seconds of silence in tribute to the 215 bodies of Indigenous children recently found on residential school property here in Canada. If you can, please donate to the Indian Residential Schools Survivor Society at irsss.ca. May was a strange month, full of change that seemed reflected in the artists' music I was listening to. I was pleasantly surprised by some old favourites...and absolutely flabbergasted by others. Thanks for tuning in. Full list of albums discussed below:black midi - CalvalcadeFiddlehead - Between the RichnessIceage - Seek ShelterIosonouncane - IRAMach-Hommy - Pray For HaitiPanopticon - ...and again into the lightPortal - HegbulbiaStorefront Church - As We Pass

I genuinely cannot believe we are already on episode 4. This episode's round up of April's wealth of new releases features discussions on records by The Armed, Claire Rousay, Leon Vynehall and many more, as well as meditations on sound design in music and how 'strange' music has the fascinating ability to be really good - or really bad.Albums discussed:The Armed - ULTRAPOPClaire Rousay - a softer focusConway the Machine - La MaquinaCruelty - There Is No God Where I AmGodspeed You! Black Emporer - G_d's Pee AT STATE'S END!Gojira - Fortitude Leon Vynehall - Rare, ForeverPaysage D'hiver - GeisterSpectral Wound - A Diabolic ThirstSpirit of the Beehive - ENTERTAINMENT, DEATH

Episode 3 - let's go! This month's episode features special guest Matthew Bankuti and your host Phil Maye discussing Youth Code's new record, as well as the industrial scene in general. We also talk about crawfish for a while - dammit, now I'm hungry. The rest of the episode touches on March's new music from Armand Hammer, Genghis Tron, serpentwithfeet and more from what was overall an extremely strong month (or week) for music overall.