Well, it’s been an interesting year, probably one history will look back on and think what kind of drugs we were all on but thankfully music came to the rescue to save us from politics.
Albums
They may not be the biggest releases of the year but for myself these albums have been on non stop repeat, and for each band, a push in a beautiful direction.
01: Every Time I Die
Low Teens
Low Teens is an album any band should be proud of for the rest of their lives. The band have led a rocky road and this albums sets them in their place amongst the giants – it’s passionate, impressionable, emotional and instantly memorable. ETID set the bar high and for myself nothing came even close to Low Teens this year.
Tracks to check out: The Coin Has A Say, Map Change, Petal
02: Black Peaks
Statues
Upcoming British rock has its triumphant moments. This debut from Brighton’s Black Peaks felt incredibly satisfying and refreshing to hear. Over the last year it feels like they’ve shot out of no where to grabbing support slots with the likes of Deftones and we hope it doesn’t stop there.
Tracks to check out: Glass Built Castles, Hang ’em High, To Take The First Turn
03: Russian Circles
Guidance
Russian Circles quietly released Guidance earlier in the year. These Chicago instrumentalists have a knack for creating albums that will devise a feeling of darkness, mystery and sense of purpose. From start to finish feels like a heavy saga. Although it may not stand out as strongly against their back catalogue it’s still a impressive effort.
Tracks to check out: Vorel, Mota, Calla
Gigs
01: Every Time I Die
London Brooklyn Bowl – 10/12
That night was filled with love, laughs and a band living out their dream. It felt like this show really hit everyone hard, everything a band could want – a sold out sizeable venue in a classy bowling alley, a recent album release that has got nothing but praise and one hell of a lot of appreciation from an adoring crowd. Pits, questionable stage dives, a lot of missing shoes and a stage invasion – ETID earn their place as one the best lives bands you need to see before you die.
02: Heck / Black Peaks
Clwb Ifor Bach – 18/09
Two bands on the same path to make their place in British rock and two bands who have truly grown into their own over the last year. This show was an incredible display of what bands can push themselves to do and where there’s no line between fans and band, everyone is in it together.
03: Korn / Limp Bizkit
Cardiff Motorpoint Arena – 18/12
After an absurd year of politics this tour was a great way to end the year and forget your troubles. Two giant nu-metal veterans co-headlining to an arena of 20/30 year olds who want to feel youthful again. Nostalgia isn’t always a bad thing as both bands proved that night, although apparently it’s pricey.
