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

Mid-Week Music Video's

Anybody else noticed it's been all a bit quiet on the music front? There seems to be waves of single/album releases and then nothing for weeks and then EVERYTHING all comes at once. Hence there not being one of these posts for a week or so, but fortunately music video's are popping up again, HOORAY! Here's the best of the bunch from the past week:

1. Paramore - Still In To You

I'm absolutely rinsing the new album at the moment! Anyone else think Hayley looks like a piece of candy?

2. As Elephants Are - Youth Blood

Keep an eye on these guys, they're going to have an interesting year!

3. Fall Out Boy - The Phoenix

Poor Patrick, he's not having a very good day is he? Poor bugger has had his hand cut off!

4. Gunning For Tamar - Another Season

Bit of an eery video. This is the second single from the new EP Camera Lucida, which you should definitely go spend a few bob on! 

5. Natives - Stand For Something

Let's all get a bit teary eyed at the hopes and dreams of everyone featured in the video

Any favourites?

Sunday Sound #1

When I started this  blog, it was for me to write about music and all my favourite things to do with it, whilst rambling on about other lifestyle related subjects. Ultimately though I have always wanted to promote music and inspire people with my thoughts on a certain band, song or album. Over the past couple months I feel I've dwindled too much away from the music side of things and I want to bring that back, which is why I'm starting this new section. Each week, on every Sunday I will post up a band or artist I am particularly loving at the moment for you all to treat your ears. I'm really hoping to stick with this one so any comments about your thoughts on the section would be great!

Let's start things off then.

Gunning For Tamar

Gunning For Tamar are a fairly recent discovery of mine, after catching them at Southsea Fest and Underground Fest where I was massively impressed with their sets. The guys throw themselves about the stage, no matter what the size, sweating bucket loads but sounding completely flawless. Already receiving praise from various radio faces and big name music magazines, Gunning For Tamar have a slightly darker vibe about their music, but the guitar slicks are strong and the chorus’ will have you flailing your arms around air drumming. Signed to Alcopop Records, the guys released their single Dark Sky Tourism as a free download in August, so get your hands on a copy and although they're not touring just yet, keep your eyes out for dates because it will be a show not to miss, I can guarantee that. 

For Fans Of: Twin Atlantic, Straight Lines and Deaf Havana

Find Them: http://www.facebook.com/gunningfortamar

http://soundcloud.com/alcopop/dark-sky-tourism