+Artist Favorites 2022: Maneka

In 2022, Devin McKnight became the not so secret guitar weapon that’s been the backbone to many an underground rock band over the years, including his O.G. band, the Boston DIY thrashers Grass Is Green, and more recently, Speedy Ortiz. Dark Matters, his highlight sophomore solo effort from his main concentration, MANEKA, came out swinging hard this year, however, as an alternative rock amalgamation examining American racism through the lens of a Black artist where typically white dudes play the part of the guy with the six-string controlling the narrative.

Dude’s got thoughts tenfold deeper into the void than most heavy shoegaze bands do these days, but the Brooklyn-based songwriter also may know his way around some of the year’s best outlier guitar rock from the year as well based on his list of favorites. Dig up a new bright spot for your regular rotation and circle back to some Dark Matters on your way out, too, below…

MANEKA’s Favorite Music of 2022:

Duster – Together [Numero Group]

Stream Duster’s Together

Nick Hakim – COMETA [ATO Records]

Stream Nick Hakim’s COMETA

Momma – Household Name [Polyvinyl Records]

Stream Momma’s Household Name

Disheveled Cuss – Into the Couch [Self-released]

Stream Disheveled Cuss’ Into the Couch

Mamalarky – Pocket Fantasy [Fire Talk]

Stream Mamalarky’s Pocket Fantasy

Spring Silver – I Could Get Used to This [Self-released]