2020 was a terrible year for so many reasons, and music was arguably more important to our mental health than ever before. Which is why it’s remarkable that, despite the quarantine and social distancing measures that cancelled our live shows, band practices, recording sessions, and the like, the Seattle community still put out so much good stuff this year. I asked our Cinder artists to write little mini-reviews for the music that got them through this year.

1. Floral Tattoo “She”

2. newbrighton “okneverminddon'tfightmewait (live)”

3. limanjaya “a nap”

4. Winks “Faces (feat. BrandonLee Cierley & Spencer Edgers)”

5. After Gardens “1-800-HITMEUP”

6. Mount Sigh “Pose”

7. Carbs “Compass”

8. Carter Vliem “So It Goes”

9. Glacial Garden “Ad Infinitum”

10. Tobijah Rogers “Huzzah for Karamazov!”

11. Samara Lennoxx “What Are You Running From? (feat. Dorothea, Joe August, & Aftersapce)”

12. Big Iron “Dark Night, Deep Fright”

13. Something United “How Far Will I Go”

14. Sea Salt “Pillows”