I already did my personal top 5 album list for this year. I also figured it wouldn’t be fair not to talk about other very awesome records that did not make the cut yet I’ve still grown fond of since its release. So here it is!
OH WONDER – OH WONDER
I’ve always wanted to be there for at least one band from the start, and I guess Oh Wonder is it! It’s been amazing to watch them grow globally and tour the world from the US to Russia only under the course of a year. Their debut is the perfect choice if you need something soothing to chill out to after a long day. Read my detailed review of the album here!
DON BROCO – AUTOMATIC
Rock meets 80’s synth-pop is how I described the new songs I’ve heard prior release and it pretty much sums this record up. Don Broco did all these changes without losing the boosting energy they’re known for in their music (and during live performances as well).
FRAN PALERMO – FRAN PALERMO
Fran Palermo is one of my most exciting discoveries of the year. The beach goth sound of this debut album provides a unique music experience. What I really love in this record is their method of using many exotic instruments during recording process, like conga and guiro, instead of already-there computer sounds.
FLORENCE + THE MACHINE – HOW BIG, HOW BLUE, HOW BEAUTIFUL
I spent my summer holiday down by Lake Balaton in Hungary. I have this “fond” memory of nearly drowning there when I was about 4 years old, but I can add listening to nothing but Florence as looking out to the water now – the title of the album also describes the place just fine. The mental recharging I got from the experience is why this record is special to me.
IVAN AND THE PARAZOL – THE ALL RIGHT NOWS
Rock and roll music that time travels you back to the 60-70`s is what Ivan and the Parazol are working for the third time now. Not much has changed in style from the previous releases, yet it’s still one fine, entertaining album. If you miss the old-school you will love them.
STATE CHAMPS – AROUND THE WORLD AND BACK
This record is punk-rock goodness at its finest. I believe State Champs are destined to take over the scene big time and become as successful as the current stars of it in a matter of time. They’ve got what it takes to do so.
BRING ME THE HORIZON – THAT’S THE SPIRIT
Bring Me The Horizon got good and bad for this album and the significant changes in style but the overall success of the record speaks for itself. They are surely becoming one of the biggest bands in Britain. It’s about time to shake things up a little anyway.
FIDLAR –TOO
Fidlar’s sophomore record is everything you need if you want to pretend you’re living the Californian skate/surf-punk life (or if you’re actually living it, it’s a must). Awesome sound and high energies flow through the album, and it’s guaranteed to lift your spirit if you’re into this kind of music – I mean, I once did a baking session and this album was my booster. I ended up with 3 cakes! (Editor’s note: Get on her level!)
JAMES BAY – CHAOS AND THE CALM
3 GRAMMY NOMINATIONS F*&K YES! – Well excuse me, while I’m celebrating here. James Bay’s debut is like a road trip throughout the United States. You’ll get this feeling when reading On The Road by Jack Kerouac as the album is playing. Now, I’ll forever connect the two.
FIGHTSTAR – BEHIND THE DEVIL’S BACK
Charlie Simpson may be back with his former pop band, Busted for now, but we must not forget about this brilliantly dark and heavy new album of Fightstar that was released this autumn; mere weeks before the life changing news of our teen-self surfaced, ha! (I still have mixed feelings. He worked too hard to get rid of that image)
Stay tuned for more staff picks all month long!
