Summer may be coming to an end, but the race to the best album of the year is just heating up. August brought with it a prodigious array of top notch releases, so Consequence is back with our August Staff Picks. Once again, our writers and editors are here to share the records from this month that turned into our obsessions. Here, in alphabetical order, are what we think are the 14 best albums from August 2023.
Becca Mancari — Left Hand
Our former CoSign continues the journey they began on 2020’s The Greatest Part with their third LP, Left Hand (which they broke down for us track by track). The maturity comes from turning the focus on personal trauma outward, looking at the people in their orbit and beyond for a sense of community. Whether its platonic love (“Don’t Even Worry,” featuring Brittany Howard), romantic love (“Mexican Queen”), or self love (“Over and Over”), Mancari spends 12 lovely songs reflecting on the sort of acceptance that makes us feel at home — both internally and externally. There’s not always a bright light shining the way, but with the electro-psych touches they bring to these indie folk tales, there’s always a beacon of hope. — Ben Kaye
Computerwife — Computerwife
With her self-titled debut, Computerwife is helping revitalize the world of low-fi indie rock. Following in the path of recent favorites of the scene like Weatherday, the songs of Computerwife embrace melody, experimentation, and imperfections, resulting in a project with enough personality to power a small suburban town. With near-perfect songs like “Lexapro,” “Vacation,” and “I Get Better Everyday,” it seems like it’ll only be a matter of time before Computerwife boasts one of the most robust cult followings in underground indie rock. — Jonah Krueger
Foley — Crowd Pleaser
Enchanting melodies abound in New Zealand pop duo Foley’s debut LP, Crowd Pleaser. Quite honestly, it’s an aptly named record; from the most recent single, “What Got Into You,” to the playful “Tongue” and flighty “Smooth It Over,” Foley are approaching playful pop head-on without ever feeling obvious. The album is jam-packed with catchy hooks, which makes it that much more refreshing that these two never feel like they’re resting on their laurels throughout Crowd Pleaser. Start with “Killing Me Babe” and try not to catch yourself humming it later in the day. — Mary Siroky
Genesis Owusu — Struggler
Who knew existentialism could be so much fun? Genesis Owusu’s (our August CoSign!) sophomore effort, Struggler, might take philosophical influence from Albert Camus and Franz Kafka, but the sound of the record is anything but dreadful. Featuring elements from hip-hop, punk rock, funk, and more, Owusu takes the story of a cockroach attempting to avoid the boot of God and injects it with humor, personality, and — somehow — sexiness. Undoubtedly in the consideration for best concept record of the past few years, Struggler offers an experience like no other album from 2023. — J. Krueger
Jungle — Volcano
Jungle have released four albums now. Their first three — which, to be fair, are all enjoyable, effortless groovy albums — seem to be spun from the same web, but Jungle have never quite sounded like they do on Volcano. There’s a push and pull of ego, always a significant part of the band’s approach; the vocals, for the most part, are pitched up, distorted, and treated with a kind of freedom that Jungle wears very well. They expand their production toolkit, leaning into the frenetic grooves of house music more than ever.
But at the center of these songs, often buried beneath giddy vocals or mesmerizing loops, is a kind of openness that the group has sought after for nearly decade. The irresistible mid-album cut “Back on 74” is an example of their surprisingly emotional songwriting, now more developed and engaging than ever. — Paolo Ragusa
