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

TIPS FOR 2014: PART TWO

11. THE HYPE THEORY

Over the years I've struggled to enjoy female-fronted bands (apart from the obvious), however 2013 provided me with some bands that are certainly changing the way I feel about lady vocalists. The Hype Theory are one of those bands that have really stood out for me and have matured with their music and are sure to be taking over many rock Festivals this summer.


For Fans Of: Tonight Alive, Mallory Knox, The First


12. GUNNING FOR TAMAR

Okay so the image above is a little incorrect, as they are now a three-piece. After a line-up change towards the end of the year the Gunning for Tamar fellas have been working hard to perfect their sound in order to move forward with the band, and I for one am very excited to see them take on 2014 and create quite a racket.


For Fans Of: Biffy Clyro, Twin Atlantic, Arcane Roots

13. JIM LOCKEY AND THE SOLEMN SUN

Some of the nicest Gentleman in rock, I can tell you that much. Local heroes in their hometown of Cheltenham, 2014 will be the year they tour the UK and travel the World with their infectious melodies and Festival anthems.


For Fans Of: The Xcerts, Frank Turner, We Are The Ocean


14. THE RATELLS

Though to some, they will be a name unknown. The Ratells have had an incredible year, selling out 90% of their UK headline shows and appreciating every single one of their fans for the support, they're blend of warm-hearted indie with a big voice is what appeals to so many. Expect these guys to appear on big support slots and stages over the next 12 months.


For Fans Of: Propellers, Young Kato, Coasts


15. MOOSE BLOOD

Moose Blood, Moose Blood, Moose Blood. Oh how I love you so. The lyrics make you go weak at the knees and they are swiftly becoming the fresh-faces of UK punk music with a sweeter soul. There's no fancy stage shows or mystery behind them, they just love what they do and they do it well.


For Fans Of: Jimmy Eat World, Gnarwolves, Brand New

16. WE THE WILD

Since the demise of Futures in 2012, these two have been busy boys working away on their new music. Their EP 'Vol. 1' is one of my favourites of the year and their clean indie/electro/pop/whatever you want to call it sound has got me pressing the repeat button frequently.


For Fans Of: Bombay Bicycle Club, Bastille, Foster The People

17. FORT HOPE

Fort Hope are proof of why you should always check out support acts. I discovered them whilst at London's KOKO to see Jimmy Eat World and they put on such a good performance that as soon as I was home, I looked them up. Vocalist Jon Gaskin has a mind-blowingly good voice and their songs hit you with a full-force that will only leave a lasting impression.


For Fans Of: Blitz Kids, Hey Vanity, Jimmy Eat World

18. AMBER RUN

Taking on the BBC introducing stage at Reading and Leeds is never an easy task, but Amber Run took it all in their stride. Their music leaves a huge smile on the face and reminds me of various summer adventures. British music at it's finest.


For Fans Of: Two Door Cinema Club, Charlie Simpson, The Rocket Summer

19. CROOKS

Though I don't always fancy angry music as much as I used to and quite frankly the scene is getting a little over-crowded, Crooks are pushing through to prove why they deserve success. The passion oozes out of them in their live shows and they always give their best, whether the crowd big or small. If you want a new band to really get your teeth into, Crooks are for you.


For Fans Of: Mallory Knox, We Are Fiction, Architects

20. SAINT RAYMOND

Otherwise known as Callum (but let's face it, that's not as impressive as calling yourself a Saint), I just can't get enough of this guys voice. The up-beat guitar twangs of single Fall At Your Feet got me hooked straight away. With new EP Young Blood out at the end of January and a brief support slot with Haim, this chappy is going to have a bloody good year, I can feel it.


For Fans Of: Foals, Jamie T, Lewis Watson

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?