TIPS FOR 2016

Let’s face it, you’re going to be reading a hell of a lot of ‘Tips for 2016’ features, heck, I’ll even be part-responsible for some of them. Many will include the same names over and over again, whether that’s because of sheep following sheep or the sign of incredibly talented acts, is down to you to decide. That’s why, I want you to read this post as more of a, “They may not make it big but you should 100% give them a listen anyway” guide. So, here you go, a long list of acts who all deserve your attention in 2016. 

Crooks

Once a hidden gem of the hardcore world, Crooks have developed and adjusted their sound substantially within the past twelve months, dropping one of the most standout albums of the year with ‘Are We All the Same Distance Apart’. Gutsy screams and erratic riffs are less present compared with the early work and instead you hear spine chilling vocals, raw and emotional songwriting with an intensity that’ll take your breath away. I cannot sing their praises enough and with a support slot alongside Cohered and Cambria and Glassjaw in the near future, things are only going to get bigger and better for Crooks. 

Boston Manor

These chaps crept their way into my life almost exactly a year ago after interviewing them on the January ’15 Moose Blood tour. Since then I’ve watched them play shows with As It Is, This Wild Life and Creeper, sweat their guts out at the Summer Festivals and establish themselves as one of the most exciting acts in pop-punk with a major signing to Pure Noise Records. 2016 will only see Boston Manor grow even more, and I for one am cheering them on because hell, they deserve it. 

Wallflower

British emo at its finest. I managed to catch Wallflower recently and I was genuinely surprised at how bloody brilliant they are as a live band. Sure, they're not doing anything overly new or groundbreaking but their grunge influences, moody persona and knack for crafting a melancholic masterpiece is what grabs your attention.

A Will Away

These Connecticut emo-punks are a recent addition to my record collection, and their EP ‘Bliss’ is currently on a constant rotation. There’s no denying that there has been a surge of emo-influenced bands since Moose Blood hit the scene, but these guys tug on heartstrings with pop sensibilities and a Jimmy Eat World-esque aura. Tracks such as ‘Ten or Eleven’ and ‘Be Easy’ have already got me lusting after hazy summer days and I cannot wait to hear what is to come from these guys in 2016. 

Zoax

All you need to do is watch Zoax live to understand why they are utterly fantastic, and with their debut album out sometime within the next 12 months, shit’s about to drop. 

KYKO

I begun working with KYKO in the very early stages of his career, when his debut single ‘Animals’ was taking the Soundcloud world by storm. His debut EP of the same title was released in the spring and gained him a lot of recognition, and having signed with independent UK label LAB records in the latter part of the year, 2016 will see the young songwriter flourish. If you adore the sounds of Saint Raymond and The 1975, KYKO will be right up your street. 

Jack Garratt

If there’s one man who EVERYONE will be talking about next year, it’s Jack Garratt. He’s already nabbed the gong for the BRITS Critics Choice Award, making the BBC Sound of 2015 long list (which he’ll probably win) and has sold out all of his headline London shows thus far as well as recently joining Mumford and Sons at the O2 recently. With a voice to melt butter and a beard to make men envious, Garratt’s technological skills will see him go far in 2016. 

The Beach

Remember when Ben Howard was nothing but a chill surfer from the shores of Devon, who created outstandingly beautiful music with just his voice and an acoustic guitar? Say hello to The Beach, a young solo artist who’ll get your emotions all up in a tangle. Since Mr Howard wondered down a path filled with dark and electric melodies, the UK has been somewhat lacking in unique and soulful male acoustic artists (and no, Ed Sheeran doesn’t count), and The Beach most definitely fits the bill. Stick on ‘Home’ and wind down with a candle or two. 

The Gospel Youth

I’m totally allowed to be biased here, because, well, it’s my blog. I’ve been working alongside The Gospel Youth since the first half of 2015 and although sometimes they make me mad, I could not have more faith in this small group of guys. All of them are incredibly talented musicians, Sam’s voice is soulful and powerful while Julian makes magic happen with his songwriting, producing and overall work on each and every song. 2015 was only the beginning for The Gospel Youth and I could not be more proud and excited to see what is ahead. 

Fatherson

It’s a fact that Scotland produces the best music, with Twin Atlantic, Prides and The Proclaimers all calling it their home. However, a personal favourite of mine is Fatherson, a trio from the delights of Glasgow. Their debut album ‘I Am An Island’ still frequents my record player over a year since its release and vocalist Ross Leighton’s vocals are one of few that can send shivers up my spine. Having signed to Easy Life Records recently and with new material and a UK tour on the way, 2016 looks to be a magnificent year for Fatherson.  

Broadside

By far, one of the most underrated pop-punk bands of 2015, more people need to pay attention to Broadside. Their debut album ‘Old Bones’ has left me in a whirlwind of pop-punk meets hardcore riffs for months and I have no intention of calming down whenever I put the record on. If A Day To Remember and State Champs were to have some form of musical baby, then Broadside would be the end result and if that’s not enough to convince you to listen then I don’t know what is. 

Rory Indiana

Big, beefy and from Brighton (F yeah alliteration!). Rory Indiana have got that enticing Arcane Roots vibe, destroying your ear drums with mind blowing riffs, while retaining a sort of indie swagger and English charm. Expect new material from these young lads very soon and trust me when I say it’ll blow your bloody socks off. 

Faux

Being biased again but whatevs. If you like your indie-math-pop then Faux will tickle your pickle. Recent single ‘Swimmingly’ has racked up a whopping 10,000+ views on YouTube and that’s just the beginning of what’s to come. The new EP will be a treat for fans of Foals, The Xcerts and the like and will undoubtedly put them on everyone’s radar. 

Youth Club

There’s no denying that pop music has had a large influence on my music choices the past year, and Youth Club’s jingling melodies make it impossible to be sad when listening to them. Supported by LAB Records and with recognised nods from BBC introducing and the indie blogs, these guys deserve a place on your summer soundtrack. I dare you to listen to their songs and not dance, GO ON, I DARE YA.  

Walking On Cars

Another one for you folk/indie lovers. Irish bred Walking On Cars grabbed my attention with debut single 'Hand In Hand' last year, and each release since was warmed my soul that little bit more. I finally managed to catch them live at Reading Festival in the summer and they did not disappoint. With their debut album due for release at the end of January, I for one can't wait to let the grainy, yet soothing vocals of Patrick Sheehy whirl around my mind while the twinkling piano melodies fill me with joy. 

Authors

We’ve all been waiting for a band to come along with a vocalist that can match the angelic tones of Jonny Craig, just y’know, without the massive ego and idiocy. Welcome Authors, from Birmingham, this alternative outfit have got a huge amount of power in their songs and although small have the talent to really make something of themselves. New single ‘Terminal’ is just a small taster of what is to come from the band and I eagerly await the next instalment. 

Think I missed someone off this list? Let me know! 

*Image from: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/428897564488586426/

Monthly round-up.

And there was me thinking that the start of 2014 would be a bit of a slow one with not much going on. Christ alive was I wrong! I don't think I've stopped since New Year, trying to cram in gig after gig, review after review and everything else around my working hours. Not that I am complaining I have had an absolute blast the past month.

Now we've entered a new one and my diary keeps getting important dates added into it and it's safe to say I'm very excited with the way things are shaping for this year.

See ya January, here are my favourite things about you!

THIS ALBUM.

I was lucky enough to go to the album launch show at Camden Barfly, which was completely insane. I was also then invited to the special Album party at Redbull Studios, (free bar AND free pizza, THANK. YOU.) which again, was so much fun and I'm super proud of Blitz Kids for already achieving so much success with the album. You can see my full review of The Good Youth here: http://www.bringthenoiseuk.com/201401/music/reviews/album-review-blitz-kids-the-good-youth

THIS SONG. 

I have literally had this on repeat for the past three weeks. It's not usually what I go for but something about it has got me completely hooked. Maybe it's the super smooth and soulful vocals, maybe it's the handclaps and beats. Who knows? All I can say is, it is magnificent and I can't wait until the Years & Years headline show at Oslo in March. 

FESTIVAL ANNOUNCEMENTS.

Reading & Leeds: You Me At Six, Architects, Royal Blood, Issues, Disclosure, The 1975

Isle of Wight Festival: Red Hot Chilli Peppers, Kings Of Leon, Rudimental, John Newman, Passenger

Bestival: OUTKAST, Foals, Chvrches, Disclosure

Takedown Festival: Funeral for a Friend, Kids in Glass Houses, The First, Verses, I Divide Canterbury

BRB going to the bank to get a loan. 

THESE BANDS.

Neck Deep:

Pixel Fix:

Crooks: 

Statechamps: 

These have been the four main bands soundtracking the first month of the year. Neck Deep and Statechamps in particular because they bring a nice dose of Summer to this utterly horrific Winter weather we're having at the moment. Pixel Fix make some of the most hauntingly beautiful music around and Crooks are just non-stop touring right now, so a big pat on the back for them! 

What music has soundtracked your January? 

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