Top 10 Albums of 2014

1. PVRIS - White Noise

It's not often that when I discover a band, they can make such an impression on me within the matter of weeks. Welcome PVRIS, a band that I only stumbled across in September time, but when their debut album White Noise was released in November I was head over heels. With dark, haunting words entwined with fuzzy synths and Lynn Gunn's incredible vocal tone, every track is a masterpiece and that is why it's my top album of the year. 

Favourite Track: Fire

2. Lower Than Atlantis - Self Titled

As soon as that bouncing riff in 'Here We Go' made it's way to our ears and firmly stuck itself to our brains, it was obvious that whatever LTA had in the pipeline for the album was going to be huge. They did not disappoint, though more melodic, their fourth studio album is full of anthemic tracks that beg to be played to thousands, all wrapped up with a nice dose of cheeky Mike Duce charm. 

Favourite Track: Stays the Same

3. Twin Atlantic - Great Divide

My favourite Scot’s returned this year with this absolute belter of a record. Taking things in a new direction, a little more wild and with a little more party all put together into a Rock and Roll record - Great Divide has it all. It still retains everything Twin Atlantic are known for but they’ve pushed their sound to it’s peak and delivered bold, beefy tracks that'll have you fist pumping for days. 

Favourite Track: Hold On

4. Moose Blood - I’ll Keep You In Mind From Time to Time
I've been swooning over Moose Blood and their punked up love songs for some time now, but 2014 finally saw the release of their debut album I'll Keep You In Mind From Time To Time. Brimming with emo influences and grainy guitars, it's like a dose of nostalgia with a modern twist. 

Favourite Track: I Hope You're Miserable 

5. Mallory Knox - Asymmetry

I was a huge fan of Mallory Knox's debut record Signals, so there was no denying to see how they'd step up and do better with sophomore album Asymmetry. They certainly delivered, combining Mikey's impressive vocal talent with echoing guitar melodies, they've also improved upon their songwriting abilities - making this album standout amongst many of the others released this year. It has its ballads and it has it's full-throttle, punchy anthems which make it an absolute treat to listen too. 

Favourite Track: She Took Him to the Lake

6. Neck Deep - Wishful Thinking
There's no denying that I have a big place in my heart for pop-punk, having grown up around bands such as New Found Glory, I'm very fond of the new, rejuvenated era that has taken over 2014. Neck Deep are a band that have absolutely dominated the pop-punk scene, with debut album Wishful Thinking scoring them trips around the World and high-fives from the genres heroes. This is a band that the UK should be incredibly proud of and I can't wait to hear what they've got in store next. 

Favourite Track: Losing Teeth

7. BANKS - Goddess

Despite the fact my music taste very much focuses on the heavier side of music, I like the breakdowns and the huge chanting choruses, but sometimes I discover a gem on the complete other end of the spectrum that I just cannot stop listening to. Welcome BANKS, the goddamn sassiest singer that I have completely fallen head over heels for this year. Her debut album twists incredibly dark lyrics, with vibrating basslines and an RnB soul. It's smooth and sultry, with a hidden bite and I can honestly say her voice is one of the most astonishing I've ever heard live.

Favourite Track: Drowning

8. Natives - Indoor War
Potentially the least well-known band on my list, but the debut album from New Forest pop-rockers Natives has been on repeat most days since its release way back in the first quarter of 2014. There's no heavy breakdowns, there's no stadium-ready anthems, but what it is full of is eleven tracks of pure upbeat, bouncing riffs and choruses to make you smile. I'm losing count of how many times I've seen these guys live now and I'm still not bored of hearing their music, good vibes for days!

Favourite Track: The Horizon/Can't Say No

9. Charlie Simpson - Long Road Home

From Busted through to Fightstar and now onto his solo career, I've followed Charlie's music career since I was twelve and we're now in the era where he is at his finest. His debut Young Pilgrim announced Charlie as an established singer-songwriter and the latest addition, Long Road Home has only further cemented his worth within this industry. With beautifully written acoustic melodies accompanied by an old English charm, Young Pilgrim was written for long summer days and cosy winter nights. It's an all-year round record that never fails to please your ears.

Favourite Track: Comets

10. Ben Howard - I Forget Where We Were

My favourite solo artist returned this year, however this time around he's swapped the acoustic for an electric and has created an extremely haunting record with an incredible amount of depth. The guitars are slick and echo alongside Ben's moving vocal tone and this record really flaunts off his skilled musicianship to its finest. It's quite the change from the debut record that threw him into the spotlight, but I Forget Where We Were shows Ben in a whole new light, which makes it even more enticing.

Favourite Track: Conrad

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?

Mid-week Music Videos

Music video's have always been something I've enjoyed. I'm one of those really annoying people that will just sit and flick through the music channels to see all my favourite songs in motion capture and looking at all the different ideas that the artist or director has come up with. Whilst I was studying Moving Image at college my dream was to be a music video director, though that has slowly been pushed to the back of my mind while I focus on more industry related careers, I still love watching music videos and get excited when a band or artist releases their new videos.

So this is my new section, which will hopefully break up my posts a bit more when I'm a little bit lost for time! I'll post my favourite videos from the past week, which I hope you'll enjoy!

1. Gabrielle Aplin - Panic Cord

This video couldn't get much cuter really could it? Plus I'm loving the remastered version of Panic Cord! 

2. Mallory Knox - Beggars

I do like a man in a hat. 

3. The 1975 - Chocolate

This song is on repeat at the moment, it's a simple video, but I like it!

Have you got a favourite music video? 

Sunday Sound #8

I've been a busy bee this week, hopping up to London again, going to and fro' work. Setting up the new blog (see previous post) and generally trying to sort a few things out in my life! Of course though, I've had a soundtrack along my way and here's one of my more recent favourites...

Hey Vanity

There seems to be a bit of a theme running with these posts and the bands I feature. Hey Vanity formed after the demise of a band called Fei Comodo last year. Hailing from Chelmsford in Essex, the boys are still fairly new to the circuit and are building up a strong reputation for themselves. 

2013 has been named as the year for rock music and guitar bands, many are sneaking their way up the radio playlists, bands like Fall Out Boy are making their return and arms are held wide open for new bands with an exciting sound. Hey Vanity certainly fit into the latter, they've got the punchy guitar rhythms that'll have your body moving in all sorts of directions, superb vocals with a gritty tone to them and a handful of tracks that prove their worth amongst all the other guitar bands gracing the airwaves at the moment.

If you've been to one of the recent Don Broco tour dates, as well as catching the brilliant Mallory Knox, you would have seen the Hey Vanity boys tearing things up at the beginning of the night, (if you stood at the bar ignoring their set, then you are quite simply stupid). There's a sure way to win over a crowd who perhaps haven't heard of you before and that is with a cover. Hey Vanity have put their own spin on the pop hit Hey Ya! by Outkast, which is absolutely bloody fantastic and yes, I have been shakin' it all over the place since hearing it. So if you see me with a grin on my face and my bum having a wiggle, I'm probably listening to this. It's pure genius. 

Keep an eye on these guys over the next few months as I have no doubt they'll be getting the success they deserve. 

For Fans Of: Mallory Knox, Lower Than Atlantis, Straight Lines

Find Them Here: http://heyvanityuk.tumblr.com/

https://twitter.com/HeyVanityUK