How To Dress Well - Love Remains [2010]

Whilst the hype-train for this album has both faded into the distance and, to a degree, been hijacked by a certain Sufjan Stevens album, Love Remains continues to be one of the most awe-inspiring albums of the year. Bringing to mind the same cold, fragile atmosphere of For Emma, Forever Ago, it's almost impossible not to draw comparisons between Thomas Krell's lo-fi dream pop and Bon Iver's body of work, particularly due to the wavering falsetto that he sings with on many of the tracks. Likewise, it is also hard not to see the similarities between Love Remains and much of Burial's more recent work, particularly in the moody ambience and the ghostly, soulful Rn'B infected vocals. Contextually as well, this album is absolutely mind-blowing. Recorded in his bedroom with a 4-track, it is jaw-dropping that Thomas has managed to craft such a delicate and beautiful release, and with winter fast approaching in the northern hemisphere this is the perfect soundtrack for the endlessly harsh, cold nights ahead.