It’s that time of year when every music website, publication and blog (including this one) are busy compiling end of year lists. This time around, I thought I’d shift the focus to the bands and artist’s who’ve played a ‘BarryGruff Presents’ show this year and ask them for their ‘favourite album of 2012′, ‘favourite song of 2012′ & ‘favourite Irish song of the year’.

Enough chat from me, here’s Jerome aka Imploded View and his picks from the year that was 2012.

Best album of 2012: Nathan Fake – ‘Steam Days’

Beneath the bubbling and crackling yet driving percussion sounds, lie understated warbling synth melodies which are dripping with nostalgia and melancholy. Detuned analogue sounding leads which I love make this an album which nothing else quite matched in 2012.

Best song of 2012: Burial – ‘Kindred’ (from Kindred EP)

I’m a sucker for anything that sounds current, yet sounds like it’s spent decades buried under the earth. Wonderful textures, driven by a swinging rim shot heavy beat which works very well. Dark and moody, this track features a laid back vocal sample which helps everything meld. One of the more unique tracks around and clocking in at over 11 minutes, it makes for a great listen.

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Best Irish song of 2012: Monto – ‘Homage’ (From Best Boy EP)

This is a great track by Wicklow’s Monto (aka Ross O’ Sullivan). A sidechain heavy track, laid back, with a loungey eastern flavour, it features a host of sounds and crackles which really add to the overall texture. Really chilled out and lovely. Taken from the Best Boy EP, which is also recommended.