This album opens with one of my most played songs of the year and closes with one of my favourite duets of the year. Floating in at number 13 is Sydney-based Tonight Alive with their latest album Underworld.

Unfortunately there hasn't been as much Rock music in my library this year and I'm still not completely sure as to why. However, quality over quantity and in this case, quality's definitely won out. I've had some back and forth with Tonight Alive over the past 6 years as both a fan and a critic, but this album has firmly cemented my love for them.  

I remember listening to their single "Disappear (feat. Lynn Gunn)" for the first time on BBC Radio 1, in the car somewhere and I can't tell you how my face lit up as the opening riffs rang out. After being disappointed with their last record Limitless, hearing this single made me so hopeful for the Tonight Alive that I absolutely adored back in 2013. Another top play for me this year, hearing Lynn and Jenna duet together kicked goals that I didn't even know I was holding onto. This is easily one of my favourite moments on the album and this comes alongside so many others. "Book Of Love", "The Other", "Just For Now" and "Waiting For The End" stand out the most to me right now but with every listen something new jumps out that makes me smile.

I have to tip my hat to Dave Petrovic of course. After his work producing The Other Side in 2013, and now putting his hand to Underworld; I'd say that it's no coincidence that I love this album just as much. Jenna's found a way to tug at my heartstrings at least once on every album they've released and this one is no different. Lyrically they are able to articulate simple young adult sadness in the most relatable ways. Although there's a weight to this album, every time I listen through and belt it out I know I'll be smiling inside and out.

Have a look at the album that took the lucky number 13 spot last year here.

Whilst I'm sure that large number of the internet would still be in agreement that Anderson .Paak holds the trophy for the greatest Tiny Desk Concert of all time; I must say that there have been a fair few contenders for the title this past year.


ERYKAH BADU 
The Queen of Neo-Soul back with a pretty rare performance. I have never seen Erykah play either "Rimshot" or "Green Eyes" live but to see them both back-to-back in such an intimate setting and hearing them fit together so seamlessly was quite emotional for me. She's always had a penchant for strong, emotive performances that come across relatively effortless, and this time was no different in that respect. However, something in her TDC broke through to me in a way that I find rarely happens via video alone. This stuck in my memory immediately when thinking of TDCs to choose.



DANIEL CAESAR
After listening to Freudian last year I could not get enough of Daniel Caesar's voice. Such a distinctive and soulful sound, and similarly to Erykah Badu he always makes it look so effortless. As he leans nonchalantly over the piano, singing a story that you can only assume is his own, however could speak towards generations, you can't help but be swallowed up by Daniel's presence. I'm yet to see him live but after this little snippet I can only imagine what a unique experience it must be.



GOLDLINK 
At What Cost was one of my Top 10 favourite albums last year and I absolutely loved what Goldlink's done with it here with a live band accompanying. A lot of the time with Tiny Desk Concerts, artists will opt to perform more stripped down versions of what they bring to their live shows. However, in this instance Goldlink has amped it up a little bit using a mixture of live instruments and backing vocalists, and has reworked the song arrangements to bring a completely new layer of depth to the album tracks. it gave the songs that I already love a new lease of life and it felt like one of the more original TDCs I've seen this year.





PJ MORTON
Okay well immediately when anybody brings a 10-piece string section with them to play a 3 song set in an office, you have to take notice. Now to have them play together as flawlessly and organically as they do; there's where they earn the accolades. This performance made me want to listen to his latest album Gumbo even before the first song was over. It's a crying shame that it took until this year for me to listen to PJ's brilliance but I'm here now and boy am I listening. It has a classic yet relevant feel to it, one that I know will resonate for years to come.




Having leaned more towards soulful concerts, special shoutouts must go to Dermot Kennedy, Julien Baker, August Greene, Haley Heynderickx, Jamila Woods, Lo Moon, Jorja Smith and Superorganism for their concerts. It's so clear that there is a staggering amount of talent that we have access to right now and it's growing by the minute.

In 2019, I would absolutely LOVE to see TDCs from Janelle Monaé, PVRIS, Maribou State, Skinny Pelembe and Ezra Collective. I suspect that we may see TDCs from Blood Orange/Dev Hynes, BROCKHAMPTON, Nao, Childish Gambino, RAY BLK and Florence + The Machine. Either way, if any one of these names was to pop up on my YouTube Recommendations list in the coming months, I will happily continue vouch that NPR's music curator is doing an absolutely stellar job. Alongside COLORS, NPR's Tiny Desk Concerts have been making it very easy for me to fall into the deepest holes of YouTube browsing. I pray that next year will be no different.

After listening to their lead single "Heaven" I was pretty much settled on this being top five - easy. To be honest I would have even thought top three given how excited I was. Well they managed to PVRIS managed to make it into my top five with All We Know Of Heaven, All We Need Of Hell but ohnly just. Don't let that negate how good the album actually is, I just didn't expect there to be so much other amazing music out this year! But let's get into it...

Following on from 2013's pretty stellar White Noise, PVRIS are back with another brilliant album concept staying true to their nature. Practically made to be heard live, and with Lynn's unique vocals, as strong and as enchanting as ever.

My biggest criticism of this album is that they released too many of the songs as singles. By the time it dropped I'd already heard most of the tracks and to be honest a lot of the strongest ones. The visuals were amazing but I reckon if they wanted to get the most out of such a strong concept I would've liked to see them do an enire visual album all released at once instead. I just feel like that would've had more of an impact.

Regardless, my favourite tracks at the moment are "Anyone Else", "Walk Alone", "Same Soul", "Heaven", and "Half". I haven't even gone a week since the album was released without listening to at least one of these songs. "Anyone Else" probably has the least lyrics on any track in this whole record but resonates the most to me. I had that rolling over in my head for weeks and weeks after first listening and I'm sure I'll be listening to this and the rest of the record on repeat until album three drops.

Have a read of my thoughts on last year's very different number five pick here.

My heart. I can't really explain how good it feels to have new PVRIS music in my life honestly. The last time I tuned into a radio station specifically to hear a song debut was when Paramore released "Now" in 2013, I remember it so clearly. I doubt I'll be forgetting the first time I heard this song either. As always, Lynn's giving us those beautiful, strong and gritty vocals over a beat that forces you to move. As much as I enjoyed their debut record, the amount that they've improved as a band is pretty clear.


As big as the track sounded initially, this video brings so much substance to it making it easier to isolate each detail in such an encomspassing sound. People often associate good music with colour and even in black and white PVRIS have managed to paint a bold picture here. The scenes of death and reawakening did remind me of Slipknot's "The Devil In I" concept but as gruesome as it seemed in that video, here PVRIS have managed to make it seem almost beautiful. The album drops on the 4th of August and is available for pre-order right now. PVRIS are playing a couple of small shows this week in London (Shepherd's Bush Empire) and a few more across Europe. I don't doubt that there'll be a few surprises at those shows and I have high hopes for the new album, so if you can get along to see them at some point, most definitely do.

I'd been meaning to properly listen to Circa Survive for the longest time now and if it wasn't for the fact that I hadn't been to a show in so long and PVRIS were supporting; I probably wouldn't have made the clever decision to get a ticket.

After seeing PVRIS in Birmingham earlier this year here and now here in Melbourne, they've cemented their place as one of my favourite live bands this year. Whether they play a full set or just a couple songs, you're guaranteed a good time. Time and time again, they prove to me that they're one of the most exciting things in music of late. As always, singles "White Noise", "St Patrick" and "My House" stirred a huge crowd reaction. I don't know why I hadn't anticipated it but "Holy" got a reaction that was on par if not even more raucous  - great jam, but now I think I appreciate it even more. To top off the incredibly fun set, a crowd fan gifted the band with an adorable penguin teddy, Spencer. 

Now Circa Survive. For a band so reluctant to call it a "show", they sure knew how to put one on! Starting off the festivities with "Child of the Desert" is not what I expected after taking a crash course in Circa Survive before the gig. Either way, it perfectly set the tone.The crowd really moved as the band did - swayed when they had to sway, jumped when they had to jump - it was such a huge collective experience. As frontman Anthony appropriately stated, it was a "shared hallucination". Anthony all together was one of the most theatrical frontmen I've ever seen on stage. Super erratic but captivating to say the least. "Schema" was probably my favourite track of the night. When they came back on for their encore, the band switched instruments, starting off with an improv track called "Sex Dungeon" with some hilarious lyrics which Anthony swore PVRIS wrote. Then after the impromptu laughs, they ended perfectly with "Get Out" - what a strong setlist! The perfect way to start off my list of live shows in Melbourne!

Overall Rating - 7.5/10


Here are some pictures from the night...

On the 18th of April I went to O2 Academy 3 in Birmingham to catch PVRIS' sold out headline show. I wrote about them as a new discovery a couple of years ago here and now they're finally and deservedly blowing up.

First up on the bill was Twin Wild. I'd not heard of this band before the night but I've remembered the name every day since. They really caught my attention. The lead singer's vocals were great and their sons were very catchy. Although I did feel at the time that their set had been the perfect length for them, I would love to see them again live at their own headline show.

Next, Light You Up. I've been keeping up with this band for just over a year now and in that time their fame has just gone from zero to one hundred, just like PVRIS to be honest. I didn't really know what to expect in terms of their live stage presence, all I had to go by was their behaviour in the "All We've Ever Known" video. They absolutely killed it though! Tom is just pure energy! Even from before the set started, Tom was getting juiced up during sound-check. The perfect set to get the crowd ready for the main event.When Tom jumped into the crowd and started singing with and talking to the fans, I'm sure that they gained some new fans in that moment.

Finally, after some unexpected but enjoyable tunes during the interval, PVRIS. That electricity you feel when a band that you love steps on stage. That will never get old. But I swear, that electricity was x100 when Lynn came on - she has a crazy amount of presence. Playing such a small venue off the back of their debut album, I was hoping that they'd play the album in it's entirety. When they started off with "Smoke" followed by "St. Patrick", I must admit that I was hopeful. Even though they didn't play "Let Them In" I was far too caught up in the euphoria to even let it phase me. Everything just sounded so much better live than I'd imagined. The crowd's voices covering the sound of the band even at times! Especially during the album singles - "My House" was frenetic. Everybody knew it was coming but nobody was ready. That is such a huge hit!! As musicians each of them are very multi-talented, well as expected I suppose - it's hard for a three piece band to make such a huge sound, but they did it! And did it very well. Everyone was buzzing after the show - Lynn even tweeting "Birmingham! We all just unanimously agreed that tonight may have been our favorite show ever. Thank you so much!!!" Big show, if you haven't already checked PVRIS out, don't waste any more time.

Overall Rating - 7.5/10


Here are some pictures from the night... 

Alright, so before we actually officially come to the end of January I thought I'd do a big catch up on all things music news this month. "Big" is a massive understatement - so much has happened that I had to split this post into TWO POSTS. January has got the ball rolling fast and I have a feeling it'll even begin to pick up pace in the months to come. Either way, let's dive in...

DJANGO DJANGO NEW SINGLE "FIRST LIGHT"
I can't tell you how long I've been waiting to hear something new from Django Django for! Their debut self-titled album was spectacular and now they're graced us with this new track from their upcoming sophomore record! Good enough to match the songs on their debut but different enough to have not made the cut. In other words, a pretty darn good follow up single. Have a listen here.


DON BROCO NEW SINGLE "FIRE"
Looking forward to the new Broco record - again another awesome debut. This latest single, although good, has already lost the battle of possible favourite on the new album. Lyrically this is slacking just a little bit and in my opinion "Money, Power, Fame" is a better single. However, these things always sound different listening to the record as a whole so I suppose I'll just have to wait until then. But for now, here's "Fire".


LIGHT YOU UP COVER BRING ME THE HORIZON "DROWN"
Light You Up are impressing me more and more each time I hear anything from them or about them. Tom's voice in this acoustic cover is killer! I know that as a full band they're be a marvel to see live! Have a listen to this cover here. I'm actually glad they covered this song because I loved it when it came out and hearing it stripped back has just made me appreciate it that much more.


ALBUM RELEASES
Even though there was already mounds of albums worth keeping an eye out for this month here, there are still several surprises coming from all angles. Actually speaking of Light You Up, they've released their debut album - All We've Ever Known. Roam have released an EP - Viewpoint. Storm The Sky and Cardinals have also both released new records and Foals, Diamond Youth, Arcane Roots and Deaf Havana are all currently in the studio preparing new albums! Tame Impala, Denai Moore and of course Don Broco each already have albums scheduled for 2015 - SPOILT FOR CHOICE!


TURBOWOLF NEW MUSIC VIDEO "RICH GIFT"
Turbowolf have continued to impress me since their support tour with Royal Blood here last year. Really interesting band. As expected, this track is laden with innovative riffs and catchy basslines (listen to this with earphones on). Check out the new video for this banger here.


ROAM NEW SINGLE "SAFEGUARD"
As well as releasing their EP - Viewpoint - this month, Roam have also released a few new singles here and there - this being one of them! In addition to all this, they've even been on a mini UK tour this month. I often find that the hardworking band is the least likely to disappoint. I suppose we'll see what comes of the future.


NARCS NEW MUSIC VIDEO "RHS"
NARCS - one of my favourite new discoveries of January! I actually found out about them after their record label - Clue Records (home to Allusondrugs and Forever Cult) - posted a free download of "RHS" and "Bridge" here. After hugely overplaying these tracks, this new music video came out here. In my opinion, I don't think the video is great at all but being their first, it's onwards and upwards from here.


FESTIVALS FESTIVALS FESTIVAAAAALS
So many amazing festival announcements!!!! They caught us at the worst possible time - when the post festival depression is fully setting in and you realise that you've still got ages to wait. Some huge line ups to have a look at so far are Field Day, Bonnaroo, The Great Escape, Benicassim, Reading & Leeds, and so much more! Summer 2015 is going to be insanely immense.


AS IT IS NEW MUSIC VIDEO "DIAL TONES"
So since hearing about As It Is late last year they have been doing HUGE things! Supporting Save Your Breath on the entirety of their farewell tour (gig review to come soon), getting booked for the entire US Vans Warped Tour and even being the first British band signed to Fearless Records! Now they've released this banger of a single and Rock Sound has even crowned it "the best pop punk song of 2015 so far"... wow! Have a listen right here.


JESS GLYNNE NEW SINGLE "HOLD MY HAND"
I am in love with this woman's voice. Any track she touches turns to gold. Jess Glynne's shown us all this already a bunch of times but mostly on features. Now here she is with a solo song and with this track it's no different. The beat has a very old school vibe about it, which I'm not sure how I feel about yet but there's no doubting her vocals. Check it out here.


LIEUTENANT NEW SINGLE "BELIEVE THE SQUALOR"
In case you hadn't heard, late last year Nate Mendel (Foo Fighters' bassist) was working on a musical side project called Lieutenant and now, here they are with their debut single. It's a little different than I expected, but I suppose that's what side projects are all about - exploring new musical avenues and experimenting. I like it though! Listen in here.


THE SMASHING PUMPKINS NEW MUSIC VIDEO "BEING BEIGE"
Honestly, for me 80% of the intrigue came from the title. I don't know why exactly but I just really like it. Also, I think Smashing Pumpkins are pretty great but that's beside the point. The main point is, this is a jam. First time I heard it, I thought that it sounded a little bit Placebo-esque (definitely a good thing). Cast your verdict here.


WHILE SHE SLEEPS NEW LYRIC VIDEO "TROPHIES OF VIOLENCE"
I have such high hopes for this album! I actually can't remember the last time I was this psyched for this type of album. These new WSS single releases are just getting me more pumped. This has to be one of the most engaging lyric videos I've seen in a phenomenally long time. I would love to get my hands on one of these prints. Feast your eyes on the new goods here.


DUTCH UNCLES NEW SINGLE "DECIDED KNOWLEDGE"
Another album that I'm very excited for this year, and it's out just next month! But until then, awesome new singles such as these will suffice. Have a listen here. When Dutch Uncles head out on tour after this release, get on it! I can solemnly swear that it'll be a liberating experience.


NOTHING BUT THIEVES NEW MUSIC VIDEO "BAN ALL THE MUSIC"
I heard about Nothing But Thieves late last year and more recently have seen their name dotted around on 2015 "Ones To Watch" lists. Then in about the space of two weeks, they were everywhere - featured on BBC Introducing's tour and this track was later chosen as one of Zane Lowe's hottest tracks. A really interesting band, and I love the leader singer's voice - get involved now here.


NOEL GALLAGHER NEW MUSIC VIDEO "BATTLE OF THE MIGHTY I"
A couple of the biggest British rock legends join together to make one awesome track - yeah I'd say that's alright. This is a big arena tune and just in time for Noel's tour! Johnny Marr playing guitar (or generally doing anything) on a track is another quality that often provides best results. In this case, this is still true - great song, enjoyable video. 


BEST FRIENDS NEW MUSIC VIDEO "SHRED 'TIL YOU'RE DEAD"
Best Friends have just recently signed to FatCat Records and in order to celebrate this, they have released this new single here. In my opinion, this band is definitely not the most exciting around for me right now but whenever I hear a single I just know there's so much potential there, I'm just waiting for something to really grab me.


EMMAVIE NEW SINGLE "I HOPE WE NEVER BREAK UP (FEAT. EGO ELLA MAY)"
Ego Ella May is the reason for this discovery actually. The two silky soulful voices really compliment each other. Such easy listening and the sad thing is, I don't actually expect to hear many people talking about either of them any time soon! So if you haven't heard of them yet listen to this. If you like Willow Smith or SZA, then you'll probably like them.


PRINZE GEORGE NEW SINGLE "UPSWING"
It's been a while since I heard anything from Prinze George and I'm normally waiting for their electro-pop beats to make me smile in the spring/summer time. However, now I have this track to take me out of the dullness of winter months. Have a listen to the new one here.


WAYWARD DAUGHTER COVER PVRIS "MY HOUSE"
When I found out that Wayward Daughter were covering PVRIS, I was elated. When I then found out that they were covering one of my favourite songs on the new record I was losing my mind. When I finally listened to it I was gobsmacked - BIG! Jam along here.

So we've reached the top three and this is where it gets really unexpected for me. Each of the top three albums this year I never would have pegged to make it this far.

My third favourite album of the year is PVRIS' spectacular debut White Noise. It wasn't until late last year here that I really discovered PVRIS and got into them. I wasn't even thinking about them releasing a debut to be honest, I was just enjoying their one song "The Heartless". It wasn't until I heard their first single - "St. Patrick" - from the record, that I actually started paying full attention. What an entrance?! After this release, every single rock magazine worldwide seemed to take notice. I could hardly flick through Twitter without seeing somebody mention them. This band are contagious! I listened to "St. Patrick" for weeks on end and could still happily listen to it every day until the end of the year. This trio are brilliant song crafters.

Then their second single "My House" dropped and it was even better! Once I found out the album release date; the 4th of November was etched in my memory. I had to get my hands on it. After a few listens to their singles, I couldn't help but draw comparisons to VERSA (Emerge). Then, I found out that Blake Harnage was actually responsible for producing their record! Everything made sense after that. And even though I didn't think it'd be possible, I was even more excited to hear the finished product. I'm still a little sad that VersaEmerge aren't around anymore but PVRIS have managed to take the genre to whole new levels! Frontwoman Lyndsey Gunnulfsen brings so much power to each song with her candid lyrics and fantastic tone, whilst Brian and Alex make sure that even their softer tracks sound so musically huge and full. The record as a whole just immerses you. 2015 is going to be a ridiculously big year for these three and I'm excited to keep up with them through it.

My favourite songs on the record right now aside from the singles are "Holy", "Fire", "Smoke" and "Mirrors". The whole thing just flows so perfectly - absolutely brilliant debut! 2015, year of PVRIS.