TOP 10 ALBUMS OF 2013

It's that time of year, everyone is looking back at what has been another incredible year for music and trying to choose their favourite records, bands, festivals, everything! I'm gonna keep it short and sweet for you, so here is my Top 10 albums for 2013...

1. PARAMORE - PARAMORE

Paramore have probably been my favourite band since the age of 15, so it's not surprise they've made it onto this list. This album I feel is significant because it truly shows how much they've developed and experimented with their sound, without straying too far from what they're known for. It's got songs that pack a punch, feel-good anthems and sweet acoustic melodies that appeal to a variety of music fans. 

Favourite Track: Part II

2. THE 1975 - THE 1975

This is a given, right? I don't know many people that haven't called this an album of the year. Rising to fame with single 'Chocolate', The 1975 have had the most outstanding year and will only continue to succeed. Their self-titled debut album is only proof of how they'll survive for years to come. 

Favourite Track: Girls

3. A DAY TO REMEMBER - COMMON COURTESY

After an on-going dispute with their record label, Common Courtesy nearly didn't exist and what a shame that would have been. Fans have waited a while, but it is most certainly worth the it. Brutal breakdowns and pop-punk anthems with HUGE choruses, it doesn't get much better. 

Favourite Track: Best of Me

4. WE ARE FICTION - ONE FOR SORROW

I've supported We Are Fiction massively this year, and their debut album shows why. They've taken the time to craft the record perfectly, ensuring that there are no faults and it shows what We Are Fiction are capable of. With hints of hip-hop and early-grunge influences, We Are Fiction are slowly filling a hole once burned out by the demise of Alexisonfire. 

Favourite Track: Tilt

5. DAUGHTER - IF YOU LEAVE

There are no words to describe how absolutely stunning this record is. Discovering Daughter a couple years back, I haven't regretted my love for them since. With dark, yet elegant lyrics with the most timid vocal layered over acoustic guitars, everything about Daughter's music is stunning. Lay back and enjoy. 

Favourite Track: Touch

6. CHVRCHES - THE BONES OF WHAT YOU BELIEVE

This Scottish trio took me a little by surprise. If you described them on paper I would probably have dismissed them instantly. However, their elctro-indie vibes with twisted words got me completely hooked. Big stars of 2013, I expect only bigger things to come from them next year. 

Favourite Track: Night Sky

7. THE HYPE THEORY - CAPTIVES

First thing's first, let's brush off the Paramore comparisons. The Hype Theory have thoroughly matured with their second record and is certainly leading them on a path to success. I never used to be a big fan of female-fronted bands (other than the big P) but The Hype Theory have definitely changed my mind, and could do the same for you. 

Favourite Track: Reverie

8. MALLORY KNOX - SIGNALS

Mallory Knox have completely blown up this year, and it's strange rewinding back to January, when Signals was released, and remembering they were still fairly unknown. Now, they quickly make their way up radio playlists and are given tour/festival slots many bands would be jealous of. Proof that a lot of hard work goes a long way. 

Favourite Track: Hello

9. GABRIELLE APLIN

I've followed Gabrielle Aplin's rise to stardom since she was around 15 and singing You Me At Six covers on her bathroom floor. Now, she's one of the most humble musicians to grace the industry. She's lyrically, and musically talented and her debut album is full of beautiful tracks to soften any mood. 

Favourite Track: Alive

10. BASTILLE - BAD BLOOD

Another band that have had a brilliant year. I remember interviewing the guys in November last year before they played to 150 people. Now they've got a best-selling album and a handful of sold-out tours under their belt, Bastille are like a breath of fresh air amongst all the varying indie-bands around. 

Favourite Track: Icarus

What are your favourites?

TOP 10 E.Ps OF 2013

1. MOOSE BLOOD - MOVING HOME
Possibly my favourite discovery of the year, Moose Blood have got me swooning over their lyrics, while their unique style of pop-punk sweetens my ears. Moving Home is an ideal teaser for what the Canterbury based boys have to offer. There are no surprises, no standout moments, just six tracks that are bloody marvellous.

Favourite Track: Evening Coffee



2. FORT HOPE - CHOICES
It may only be three tracks long, but it's got enough oomph in it to leave a lasting impression. New Life in particular stands out for me because of the huge, uplifting chorus and pounding drums. 2014 is certainly going to be an interesting year for Fort Hope.

Favourite Track: New Life



3. AMBER RUN - NOAH
After gracing the BBC introducing stage at Reading and Leeds Festival this year, Amber Run quickly became a favourite band of mine. With fast-paced rhythms and catchy melodies, they frequently soundtrack my days.  Noah is a beautifully written EP, with piano highlights and harmonies to warm your heart.

Favourite Track: Noah


4. LEWIS WATSON - FOUR MORE SONGS
This little chap has one of the loveliest voices around, and one of the most humbling artists to hit the spotlight. Four More Songs is well, four more songs from the British solo artist, about summer nights and old school romance. Stick the kettle on, listen to the EP and feel the cosiness surround you.

Favourite Track: Calling


5. WE THE WILD - VOL.1
You may recognise that voice as Ant West, singer-songwriter extraordinaire known for his time spent in Tonight is Goodbye and Futures. Now, he's teamed up with ex-bandmate Casey Roarty to form We The Wild and their Vol.1 EP is a simple taste for what is to come from the duo.
Favourite Track: Float

6. GUNNING FOR TAMAR - CAMERA LUCIDA
Rewind back to May and I was down my local haunt with a pint of cider watching the Alcopop Records alternative Great Escape Festival. There, I met the guys in Gunning for Tamar. Already a fan of their music, we all somehow became great pals and they released a super ace EP. Camera Lucida proves how completely underrated this band are, they have a unique sound of distorted riffs and vocals that just blend so incredibly well.

Favourite Track: Yogging

7. HEY VANITY - BREATHE, BLEED, GROW
Essex boys at their best, Hey Vanity were an early discovery of mine after catching them on tour with Don Broco in February. Vocalist Marc Halls has a gritty tone that matches perfectly with the punchy chords in the tracks featured on the Breathe, Bleed, Grow EP.

Favourite Track: Wading Through Dreams

8. MMX - HEIR
It was difficult to choose between the two EPs that MMX released this year, however Heir just about takes the crown. Heir is three tracks of haunting vocals and flowing ambient/indie sounds that just make some of the most enchanting tracks I've ever heard. If there ever was 'baby making music' this would be it.

Favourite Track: Tremor

9. SAINT RAYMOND - ESCAPADE
I dare you to stick this EP on and not feel an instant lift in your mood. Guitar twangs with summery, upbeat vibes and Saint Raymond (otherwise known as Callum, FYI) with his unique vocal tone that always brings a smile to my face.

Favourite Track: Fall at Your Feet

10. REAL FRIENDS - PUT YOURSELF BACK TOGETHER
Oh I love me some good American pop-punk. Real Friends are levelling up there with The Story So Far in the list of my fave pop-punkers. Even-though the first few bars of the EP sounds like a Bryan Adams song and each track is written about heartbreak from a male perspective, it's the perfect EP to shout/air drum a long too, guaranteed.

Favourite Track: Late Nights in My Car

What are your favourite E.Ps of 2013?