About halfway through Sunbather’s process of running the table in 2013, there were — understandably — predictions 2014 would bring a slew of sound-alikes. But that never really happened. The only notable album that came out this year that might fit that description was As The Stars, from the reclusive Australian band Woods Of Desolation. But WOD aren’t influenced by Deafheaven — if anything, they’re an influence on Deafheaven — and As The Stars isn’t a lesser Sunbather: It’s a rawer, harder, nastier product; less build more climax; street-level crack rather than fine Colombian. But it gets you just as high, and it’s even more addictive. –Michael [LISTEN]