It's no surprise to Volume One readers that the music scene in Eau Claire is thriving, it's helped put our entire community on the map. These are the albums that made the biggest impression in 2022. The five members of Through The Kitchen Hole released Snake Eyes in August.  This absurdly talented group transitioned from performing covers to writing their own material – it soars with old-school rock perfection that is as fun as it is technically masterful. Noah Estrada's Through My Eyes also made our list – Estrada's growth as an artist has been exponential – the fusion of hip-hop, soul, and R&B on his new release features incredible production, lyrical craft and honesty, and an emotive core nothing short of stunning. S. Carey's Break Me Open rounds out our reader's favorites of the year – it is a masterwork in melody and vulnerability, simultaneously complex and accessible. –Cullen Ryan