The best albums of October 2018

Joji - Ballads 1 - It's hard to think of an artist who defines the internet age more than Joji. From gaining internet fame via his infamous internet alter-egos 'Filty Frank' and 'Pink Guy' Joji has made the transition from internet clown to RNB sadboy. Aligning himself with the 88 Rising label seems to have given him more confidence to branch out on his own as a serious artist. At first 'Ballads' seems like a curiously amateurish listen. Joji seems to take inspiration from the piano-led electronica of James Blake  or the downbeat pop-rap of Post Malone. However Joji's vocals are hushed and hidden amongst his instrumental backdrops. Yet this is a part of what makes 'Ballads' so intoxicating. Overall the album has a dark aesthetic that makes me feel as if I've dived into a dark part of his brain. Ballads may lack the professionalism of his peers but the albums imperfections are what makes it so alluring.
Check out - Yeah Right 

Robyn- Honey- It's strange to think that after dominating the start of the decade with her 'Body talk' projects that Robyn has gone a full 8 years without releasing an official album. It speaks volumes about Robyn's credibility as an artist that 'Honey' picks up where 'Body Talk' left off 8 years ago without sounding even a tad dated.  Robyn's mix of house and pop still sounds as fresh as ever. 'Honey' goes to show that no-one can mix euphoria and melancholy like Robyn.
Check out - Ever again

Twenty One Pilots - Trench - I never expected to be as impressed by this album as I was but from the Royal Blood sized bass riff and sirens that kick off the albums opener 'Jumpsuit' I was hooked. From here the album morphs and shifts into a variety of different styles, from pop to rap, electronica to dub. Trench is so varied that it's hard to get bored of. While older fans can possibly appreciate the storytelling and concept that ruins through this record newer fans can still appreciate Tyler Joseph's lyrical wit, and the poignant 'Neon Gravestones' where he rejects the idea of dying young being romanticised and confronts his own mental health issues head-on 
Check out - Clorine

I've also enjoyed...
Daughters - You won't get what you want 
Kurt Vile - Bottle it in
Matt Berry - Television Themes