16 top Milwaukee albums and songs to check out in December 2023, from Lakeyah and more

It felt like everyone in the Milwaukee music scene released new music in the final weeks of 2023 — even new Milwaukee Bucks star Damian Lillard.

As a result, this roundup of the top new albums, EPs and songs from Milwaukee artists to check out in December (listed in alphabetical order by title) is pretty robust.

'Call Me a Monster,' Rat Bath

Made up of talented artists from the city's transgender community, Rat Bath ups the ambition with this aptly described "Murder Country Rock Opera," displaying a sweet melodic sensibility behind the raucous cowpunk licks on the album's penultimate track "Perfect Sunrise."

'Count Me In,' Destinee Lynn

"Count Me In" makes it clear that Destinee Lynn is destined for great things in Milwaukee's hip-hop scene and beyond. Everything works so well here: engrossing production, a commanding flow, empowering lyrics, succinct and sharp revelations, even a recurring sonic signature (a laugh) that smartly conveys multiple meanings, from the flirty confidence on “Exciting” to the ghostly sadness on “Location.” And Lynn displays quite the range of emotions across 30 minutes, equally compelling with sex-positive anthems like “Lingerie” and heartbroken and angry ballads like “Not Gone Cry.”

'Dinner With a Friend' / 'Dream Girl,' Ellie Jackson

Where have you been, Ellie Jackson? Actually, she's been busy: Jackson has worked with quite the roster of local artists, including Caley Conway and Social Caterpillar. But these two songs are such knockouts — their smart lyrics, rich sentiments and irresistible pop-rock hooks recalling the craftsmanship of indie-rock songwriting aces like Aimee Mann and Courtney Barnett — I’m hoping we get a whole lot more songs from Jackson soon.

'Everyone Mope Openly,' The Fall Sound

Add another terrific act, The Fall Sound, to Milwaukee’s impressive roster of emo bands over the years. Angsty croons slip into guitar grandeur on opener “For Nowhere,” with the loneliness of EP closer “How Long” surging into singalong choruses. Moping is rarely so inviting.

'Getting to It,' Myaap

National love for Milwaukee's innovative lowend scene continues with this Pitchfork-approved single from rising local star Myaap. The song, which centers its raw and relentless beat around an inspired sample of ABBA's "Dancing Queen," has been the soundtrack for several hundred TikTok videos, including one featuring breakout stars Renee Rapp and Coco Jones.

'Lost & Found,' Reggie Bonds

It's barely 10 minutes long, with Bonds' rhymes set to low-key musical accompaniment like a fluttering flute on "Don't Ruin Us God Said" and a silky saxophone on "Peace, Even at War." But Bonds' latest EP isn't slight. Short, yes, but this is soulful, soul-searching work.

'Mo Money Mo Problems,' Huey V featuring Memphis Bleek

There's a lot of heat around lowend and Milwaukee's street rap scene, but there are rappers removed from that sound who are making national waves — including Huey V, who holds his own with hip-hop veteran and Jay Z protégé Memphis Bleek on this engrossing confessional that comes with a late '90s/early aughts sensibility.

'No Hesitation,' Lakeyah

Lakeyah's breathless output slowed down in 2023, but as a recent eye-popping cypher and this cold but boastful new single prove, she's a master at wordplay. No need to flood people with content; Lakeyah made it clear this year that her songs are always worth the wait.

'Outta My Hands,' Chinese Telephones

It's been 15 years since this punk band has released new music, but listening to this four-song EP, it's like no time has passed. The band is as raucous and fun as ever on three originals plus a cover of the Dictators' "Loyola." Whether this is a one-off lark or the beginning of a new era, "Outta My Hands" is welcome all the same.

'Panic Songs,' Bernadette

Don't say the title didn't warn you. Chris Belkofer's two-track instrumental EP is not the kind of listen you want to put on at bedtime after a stressful day. But as the stuff of nightmares, it's meticulously crafted and sly, the anxiety creeping in ever so patiently, and effectively.

'Room to Grow,' Carmen Nickerson

Breaking through about seven years ago via her partnership with Willy Porter, Nickerson teams up with Porter again as her co-producer on a dynamic debut solo album. Opening track “Emily” recalls Sheryl Crow and Tori Amos, with gorgeous lyrics honoring a late friend who resembled “Technicolor in a sky of gray.” The title track is a total change-up, a smiling, swinging traditional country tune that honors her small hometown in Iowa, while “Spiritual Playboy” is another major shift, a lush and sly kiss-off to a deceptive lover.

'Soup Moat,' Soup Moat

You can practically see the neck veins bulging and spit flying as the fellows in Soup Moat holler their way through the blistering “Big Pink.” We wouldn’t expect anything less from a sweet and sludgy punk outfit determined to go out on top with these final four songs.

'The Afterparty,' Lauryl Sulfate & Her Ladies of Leisure

Sulfate’s sugary, throwback electronic dance melodies and sharp sociopolitical commentary made a compelling combination on their debut project. The irresistible dance-floor-ready hooks and stinging observations remain on the sophomore album, like on the scathing social media-skewered “Probably Sisters,” but Sulfate dramatically expands their horizons — you’ll think of Nine Inch Nails, Robyn and Yeah Yeah Yeahs listening to this album.

'The Road to Recovery Part 2,' Kia Rap Princess

“I push it to no limit,” Kia Rap Princess says as the parting shot of this four-song EP. After crushing her Summerfest amphitheater set this year, one of the city’s most charismatic rappers sounds more confident and cutting than ever. No limit indeed.

'Tu Relato,' Klan 414

Regional Mexican music was the second-fastest growing genre in America in 2023, thanks to artists like Peso Pluma giving a modern-day sensibility to the tried-and-true traditions of golden horn melodies and heart-on-the-sleeve singing. Included in that new wave are artists based here in the States — including the south side of Milwaukee. Klan 414 is getting their own heat, recently wrapping a tour opening for one of the buzziest regional Mexican bands of the year, Yahritza Y Su Esencia (including at the Rave). One listen to this beautiful tune confirms that success and bodes well for a bright future.

"Must-Hear Milwaukee Music" runs on or around the first of every month in the Journal Sentinel and at jsonline.com. If you have a new album, EP or song coming out, contact Piet Levy at plevy@journalsentinel.com for review consideration. Follow him on X at @pietlevy or Facebook at facebook.com/PietLevyMJS.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: 16 top Milwaukee albums and songs to check out in December 2023