Probably the toughest of all awards, best release was one I did not award blithely. after much consideration, and numerous nominations it became clear that Icarus was one of the most complete tracks of the year. Possibility the next evolutionary step, Icarus is at times soulful, retro, and emotional. One of its greatest achievements is that it often makes you forget the chip source of the instruments, not due to overproduction but thanks to great songwriting, arrangements, and sound design.
It was clear why Trash80 “Missing You” was chosen often in the mainstream to represent this years scene in news reports and radio programs, because it was an overwhelming positive foot forward that captured the spirit of the community, yet was unrestrained by any of the cliches or traps that chip artists too often fall into.