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.

Continuing the countdown is one of the most charismatic artists on this list, making some of the silkiest Sunday afternoon tunes I've heard in a while - at 24 it's Mac Demarco with This Old Dog.

I feel like if you'd asked me to review this album after first listening in May, and then asked again now, the two reviews would be near on exactly the same. This is probably one of the only albums on the list that has held the same consistent feeling for me this whole year. Even speaking about the title song "This Old Dog" when it dropped here, I can see that my opinions haven't changed since.

As I said before, this album has received a lot of lazy Sunday afternoon plays and featured heavily on walks, but after seeing Mac live for the second time at Primavera Sound this year it really struck me just how different his performances are from his songs. His shows always feel pretty adrenaline driven, with the band really giving heaps of energy on stage, and so listening to this album to mellow out almost doesn't seem to make sense. However, Mac plays both sides of the coin effortlessly and never lets the differing tones affect the quality of his fantastic songwriting. This album is a prime example - jam after jam after jam.

My clear cut gems from This Old Dog are - "My Old Man", "Still Beating", "One More Love Song" and "On The Level". I feel like this record might just be Mac's best in regards to flow and cohesiveness. Every note seems deliberate. Despite it sounding effortless, the fact that he played every instrument and produced every note on this album; it becomes clearer and clearer with each listen just how much of Mac went into this. Perhaps Mac Demarco's most personal album yet and if I'm honest, perhaps my favourite of his so far. I'll be listening to this for many Sunday's to come.

I know I don't often do EP reviews but after putting together a list of some of my most memorable EPs from last year; it's about time I started giving attention where due, so along that train of thought... enter MAYPINE. Pop punk band based in Brighton, UK bringing you that South Cali Pop Punk and oh so effortlessly.

Right off the bat, lead single "A Little Sooner" is a song that gives every member of the band a chance to shine. Every now and again you hear songs or albums that rely on a specific member to carry the band; none of that here. As the EP opener, it's a strong start and a blinding display of the band's potential. Following on with "North/South Divide" - an instant favourite of mine - Jason's vocal performance on this track in particular blew me away. Also, there are little pockets throughout that reminded me of The Swellers which is never a bad thing.

"Inside Out" and "Never Far Apart" add that sweet middle ground to the EP giving us a bit of acoustics whilst also adding in the fast-paced rhythmic riffs that we've begun to associate with bands like Neck Deep. It's between "Day After Day" and "North/South Divide" for my top spot at the moment. From start to finish on "Day After Day" I'm hearing riffs that I haven't heard and have been waiting to hear for a very long time, I'm hearing varied vocals, I'm hearing creative drum fills. I mean there's not much that I can fault on this one. A strong opener and a strong closer; In The Back Of My Mind is the best first impression that I've had the pleasure of listening to in a while.

This would be an awesome album to hear/see live. Already described as "one of the most exciting new pop-punk bands in the UK", MAYPINE show you why with just five tracks. For any artist, and upcoming artists in particular, it's important to release music that they'll be proud of and happy to stand behind, and I don't expect that MAYPINE will be having any trouble with this one. Head over to Deadbolt Festival in Manchester this August to hear this all played live and grab the EP when it comes out on the 4th of August.

Overall Rating - 8/10 

Well, you know what they say, "good things come to those who wait" and that could not be truer of Sampha's debut. I'd like to say that I was cautiously optimistic on first listen but mostly I was just itching to have it on repeat. This came to us on a day of music release mayhem and it's made a point to standout...


1. Plastic 100°C
Out of the non-singles, this song is my current favourite. Sampha has one of the most distinct voices around at the moment and whilst rising to the top; when his voice chimes in on this track, the sound just washes over you. I remember thinking, "this is a song that I could wake up to for years to come". Every time I hear this, it sounds like a new beginning. Talk about starting as you mean to go on... 

2. Blood On Me
Prior to listening, this was my favourite single and one of my favourite songs and videos released last year. Now, having listened to it in the context of the album, more than ever, the feeling still stands. As familiar as it sounded, it was given a new lease of life on the album and although I didn't think that I could - I love it even more. So intricate and so simple.
 
3. Kora Sings 
I would love to hear a Hiatus Kaiyote remix of this one actually. The instrumental wins this song hands down for me; I was just immersed in the way that the beat transitions. So many influences held together with Sampha's signature sound. Strong track and early standout for me.
 
4. (No One Knows Me) Like The Piano
After listening to Sampha's Dual EP over the last 3/4 years, as soon as I heard the opening chords on this single it brought me back to those six tracks and how much they made me appreciate piano-centric music. Hearing his vocals on this song I could feel every word he sang, and finding out that he wrote this album and in particular this song, shortly after his mother died; only made me adore it even more. 
 
5. Take Me Inside
This was probably the least memorable song on the album for me after first listen. Although listening to it as I write this, I can say that it's good song, something about it just underwhelms me unfortunately. To me it felt a lot more like an interlude than a full length song. However, I love the way it seamlessly bleeds into the next...
  
6. Reverse Faults 
So I'll be spontaneously singing "took the breakpads out the car", for the next few weeks. The beat after this line is one of those 'close your eyes, lift your hands' kinds of beats. This track and the next might be the most different of the ten but here it fits in so, so perfectly; you almost don't notice the vibe change. This might turn out to be the dark horse that people refer to whenever you discuss the album. 

7. Under
My feelings towards this song change every time I listen to it. Occasionally it feels like a b-side, but then I listen again and it holds my attention and leaves me wanting more. Maybe after a few more listens I'll have a more committed feeling for this one.

8. Timmy's Prayer 
Here's the single that I'm waiting to listen to live. At first I didn't latch onto it as much as the general public did. Then I heard it after a while on 'Insecure' and gave it another chance. Since then, it's grown on me more. My head knows that this is probably one of the strongest songs all-round on the record, but whenever I've come back to the album, it's sadly not been near the top of my list to go to.

9. Incomplete Kisses 
Almost as soon as this track started, I had a visual in my head. A while ago I read a comment on YouTube where the person had written "this must be what colour sounds like". In a way, I feel that with this; like when you listen to a song and you imagine yourself in the video, here I see it as if watching a dream.

10. What Shouldn't I Be?  
What I think Sampha's managed to do beautifully with this album is create a clear journey. Every feeling that has brought me to this closer was vivid and distinct. Also, this is one of the most, dare I say it, exquisite songs of 2017 - and I know it's only February but I say that with the confidence that it will likely not be outdone by many. 


I think with this album I just have to remind myself that it's actually a debut record, because as a debut, it's near-on remarkable. After all of the anticipation, I have to say that I was a tiny bit disappointed with parts of the record. Some of the standouts made the "good-but-not-great" tracks easier to pick out and a little less memorable in my opinion, and I think that I prefer the first half to the second. However, this album lyrically is one of the most beautiful pieces I've come across in a while. I will definitely be returning to a lot of this for years to come, but whether or not I'll listen to it over and over again as a whole, remains to be seen. After I catch him live next month I'm sure that I'll return to the album and hear something completely different.  

Overall Rating - 8/10

Here we go, welcoming us into the top five is ScHoolboy Q with Blank Face LP. This album has been a blessing to my 2016. Some of my favourite songs of the year come from this record alone; it's just great to have one of the masters of Top Dawg Entertainment back for what I think is his best album yet.

I'd be surprised if you managed to go the whole year without hearing "THat Part (feat. Kanye West)" played somewhere - this song has been all over the place and for me, everytime felt like the first time. The amount that I listened to it, I should have been bored with it towards the end but I was just as hype every time. With a 17 song tracklist, I was definitely expecting the album to waver at some point during the middle, but ScHoolboy showed his lyrical strength the whole way through - I can only imagine how many songs didn't make the cut.  I was left smiling, head nodding and sometimes even laughing at the lyrics and brilliance of the beats throughout. Q truly put a lot of a work into curating and producing these tracks.

Some of my favourites from the album are "Groovy Tony/Eddie Kane", "WHateva U Want" and "JoHn Muir" but that changes with almost every listen. Each song has been a favourite at some point. After catching his set in Birmingham last week (gig review pending), it simply solidified his spot on the list. His personality comes through strongly on the album, not even close to being overshadowed by a crazy list of features. Quincy gave me one of my favourite rap albums of the year (there were many other amazing ones) and it stood out so much to me because he spoke about life as candidly as J. Cole but gave us some of the best beats in the business whilst keeping it fresh and thought-provoking. Also, the visuals to back the singles up were some of the most memorable I've seen all year.

ScHoolboy's given us a classic with this one, I'll definitely be referring back to this for years to come. A big future must be on the cards for Q after this gem.

I am full to the brim with excitement to finally be reviewing this record! Firstly because I've been waiting for this record to drop ever since I was enchanted by Daughter's debut, If You Leave in 2013. Secondly, because I've just finished reading NME's review of this album and it's hilarious to see that they've finally jumped on the bandwagon after slating their debut. Lastly, because it's definitely cemented my view of Daughter's true musicianship and made me hopeful for 2016.


1. New Ways
New ways indeed! This whole album definitely started as it meant to go on, something familiar but distinctly different about this second record. I absolutely love the guitar on this track. Reminds me a little bit of The xx I have to say, but way that this track swells is something that only Daughter could have done.

2. Numbers
As a stand alone single, this track didn't originally stick to me as much as I thought it would. It wasn't until I heard it in the context of this record that I could appreciate it for what it is and honestly, it might just be my favourite track on the album! Those thumping, urgent drums that I loved so much in "Home" have returned, yet with more certain and definite lyrics - telling rather than asking.


3. Doing The Right Thing
Most gut-wrenching song on the record, but I love how transparent Elena's become. She leaves less room for guess work lyrically, while pensive pauses leave us wanting more still. As deep and melancholic as Daughter have always been, this record seems heavier, like there's a lot more to digest and this song is exhibit A.


4. How
This'll be a great live track - Igor's always been a fantastic guitarist but for me I've always felt like Elena was the main event. On this record, there's no escaping how much Igor's riffs bring to the tracks and this is definitely one of those instances. The first few times that I heard this song, all I heard was the instrumental, I barely paid attention to the lyrics.  Big instrumental performance track.

5. Mothers
This song was over before I wanted it to be. Elena has always mentioned "mothers" and "motherhood" in a lot of Daughter's tracks to date and to now hear an entire track dedicated to it, I was looking forward to hearing something that explained why they dwell on the subject so much. I didn't find out but at least I found a good track.

6. Alone/With You
This is one of my favourite lyrical performances on the record. Witty lyrics on feeling emotionally distant but not wanting to be close either. This could've actually easily been a b-side on their debut record. Touches of winter-y coldness but a despondent kind of "over it" feeling at the same time. Good track.


7. No Care
I found myself bopping my head and tapping my foot to one of Daughter's songs for the first time in a long time. I'm so used to just drowning in the worlds that they create but this instrumental is something different. Like I said about the first track - familiar but distinctly different. I'm a little surprised that this isn't one of their singles yet.

8. To Belong
I'd love to see what this would sound like with Yannis Philippakis featured on it. The thing that I liked most about this track is that it felt like it should be a duet, or at least it felt like there should more voices, yet Elena continued to chant "I don't want to belong, to you, to anyone". It's like the conscious choice to be lonely echoes not only in the lyrics but the instrumental as well.

9. Fossa
This point is probably when I was certain that this was exactly what I wanted from their sophomore release. I've had a couple of sophomores really disappoint me in the past couple of years but this is exactly what I asked for from Daughter and maybe even more. This track in particular is one that I might have overlooked on the first few listens but upon further reflection, this might be the silent standout for me.

10. Made Of Stone 
Since the album came out, this is probably the track that I've listened to the least, but upon first listen I thought that this tied the whole album together perfectly. As I said earlier, I'm used to drowning in the worlds that this band create but this track just washes over you. Towards the end, the instrumental sort of reminds me of Imogen Heap's "Hide and Seek". Great end to a great record!


Four years later and I'm still overplaying their debut record just like I said I would here. I'm not actually sure if they've topped their debut with this, they've definitely put out a fantastic body of work. To be honest, speaking from a "journalistic" point of view - this is indeed a bigger and better record. I just think that I feel a stronger attachment to their first. 

Overall Rating - 8/10

This review's been a long time coming to be honest. I can't believe how long it's taken for me to listen to this in full! An album's first listen deserves full attention so finally, 2 weeks after release I got down to it. Here's my track by track...


1. What Went Down
Biggest song on the album! I don't actually think I'll change my opinion on that - this song is a juggernaut! The build on this is stellar. It's easy to compare this to "Inhaler" but it's a completely different  type of aggression fueling this. That grit-your-teeth-steel-yourself-confrontational type of anger in the bridge is nothing like the crowd-hyping-blood-boiling electricity in Inhaler. People will lose their minds to this - live or not.

2. Mountain At My Gates
This track chimes in so sweetly after that but in just as big a way. This is a belter - one for the thousands to sing. Very catchy hook. In short this song just felt confident. A safe but enjoyable track - I can't fault it.

3. Birch Tree
So this might be the most forgettable track on the album in my opinion. Still a solid track - radio-friendly, but nothing about it really jumped out at me. Nothing really held my attention throughout the track.

4. Give It All
Foals really show their undeniable versatility on this record. The way this track swells is almost soundtrack-like. The band's ability to paint a picture with their tracks has just grown and grown since Total Life Forever. Such a simple track but strikes a chord with Yannis' crooning and Walter's unmistakable "oohs" in the background.

5. Albatross
Next to "What Went Down" this is up there with my favourite songs on the record right now. The bass on this creeps up on you. It wasn't until around the 2 minute mark that my ears really pricked up. Everything just comes together so perfectly on this track - the synths mesh so well with the guitar.

6. Snake Oil
I'd seen videos of this performed live at their Rough Trade in-store before I listened to the record in full. The fact that I recognised the riff instantly after hearing maybe ten seconds of it live just says enough. This will definitely be one of the ones to stick in your head. I did expect the song to build up a little more urgency towards the end, so was shocked that it stayed pretty level. However, there is so much wiggle room for live performances on this song. I can already see the circle pits!

7. Night Swimmers
This song sounds like what it's called really. The guitar mimics ripples throughout. Again the bass though - Walter really kicks ass on this record! This track was a bit of a slow burner for me but by the end I was head nodding, air drumming and completely captured. Tune.

8. London Thunder
Three-quarters of the way through the album and I'm content. I feel like this might be the track that I return to the most on the album (out of the non-singles). I had to play this twice when I first heard it just so I could take in every last bit. Lyrically, conceptually - this song has an overwhelming presence, it just washes over you. 

9. Lonely Hunter
This instrumental is fantastic. Whilst I was listening to this I remember thinking "I'd love to hear a feature artist on this track" and then I realised that four albums in and Foals have never had a feature artist on any of their records. Foals have covered so many different sub genres throughout their career, touching rock to mainstream without the help of outside influence - big kudos.

10. A Knife In The Ocean
Here's where Jack shines most in my opinion - I love the drums on this. Strong ending (particularly instrumentally) to a consistent record. Although stepping away from a sound that has already been critically acclaimed is a risk in itself, this track did make me wish that Foals had risked a little more. Nothing on this record made my heart jump more than, or even as much as, the title track. There are no bad songs on this album but there could be more edges.


The last track didn't feel definitive; I expect something like a part two to this album - there's just so much more that Foals can do. It seems ridiculous to think it after they've given us so much but they've proven that they're a band that gives more every time and it's quality. I'm excited for what might be ahead.

Overall Rating - 7.5/10

How beautiful indeed! I've always thought of Florence as a masterful songwriter but this record is musically and lyrically brilliant. I was expecting a lot after a 4 year wait and it did not disappoint. To be honest, I liked it so much that I'm going to review the bonus tracks too...


1. Ship To Wreck - This was the second single from the album so to be honest by the time the record was released I'd already overplayed this track quite a bit. Nonetheless, it's a brilliantly written song. As often, heavy imagery, metaphor and obviously Florence's effortlessly ethereal voice.

2. What Kind Of Man - I've already written a lot about this single here but now that I've heard it in the context of the record, I maintain that it isn't the best song on the album but that is definitely just because FATM are that good! This song is just a quality piece amongst diamonds.

3. How Big, How Blue, How Beautiful - Speaking of which - probably my current favourite on the album. This soaring, expanse-filling, captivating song is just all of my views on Florence rolled into one song. It has so many levels to it. I feel like it would've been a great album finisher but either way, whatever the track placement - it shines. The instruments take the lime-light on this song though, each part is so perfectly crafted. If the last couple of minutes don't make your mind swell; stop hearing and listen.

4. Queen Of Peace - Another stand out track in my opinion. Goodness, THE INSTRUMENTS ON THIS ALBUM ARE ON TOP FORM! This is a bit of an old school shout out, I totally hear some J Lo "Waiting For Tonight" and a liiiittle bit of Fleetwood. BIG tune! Definitely one that'll get you out of your seat and that chorus will be stuck in your head for some time.

5. Various Storms & Saints - The build in this song is so immersive, the first time I listened I didn't even realise it had happened until basically the end of the track. A welcome switch in the vibe of the album. This will receive various plays.

6. Delilah - Another upbeat jump in the album. The vocal range on this track, my goodness!! Florence is truly a marvel to behold.

7. Long & Lost - Yes! I'd been waiting for a haunting, ominous type of track. Again, the instrumental is like honey to my ears and actually the backing-vocals really caught my attention in this song. Barely there throughout but when they appeared they were inescapable.

8. Caught - To be honest, when I heard the "ooh ooh ooh's" in the beginning I wasn't sure that I was going to like this song but it definitely grows on you. The chorus is a big part of this track's enhancement in my opinion. Lyrically though, stellar.

9. Third Eye - Continuing with the "oohs", except this time I was really feeling it. The song just feels bigger, more anthemic. Definitely one that I can just imagine being majestic in arenas and festivals. Beautiful, beautiful song.

10.  St Jude - Even though I'd heard this song before the album was released, for some reason it felt renewed in the context of the album. It just sounded clearer to me. I don't even know how to say this without sounding mad but the song sounded crisp. Stand out track for sure.

11. Mother - The guitars! The harmonies! The bass! THIS SONG! To be honest, this entire record. As far as huge choruses go, this album is full of them. The electronics at the end of this song just added to the 101 levels already demonstrated. This album is probably the most musically diverse out of the three in my opinion and this track was a brilliant note to end on.

12. Hiding (Bonus Track) - This had me bopping my head within the first 30 seconds, with barely enough time to realise that the actual album was over. Again Florence demonstrates her vocal acrobatics - great song.

13. Make Up Your Mind (Bonus Track) - Another great song! I thought that I would be able to at least say "ah I can see why this didn't make the final cut" but I honestly can't. Both bonus tracks reach the high standards of a final cut. This just leads me to again reiterate - Florence + The Machine are just that good!!!! Also, humungous shout out for her demo "Which Witch" because WOW!


This album has just cemented the fact that Florence has a voice with many, many stories to tell. I just hope she continues to take us along for the ride. I don't see this falling from the top of my "albums of 2015" list for a while.

Overall Rating - 9/10

I wrote about The Bongo Club as a new discovery a couple of years ago here and I've been waiting patiently for them to blow up over here in The UK and I think that now is finally the time.Their debut album dropped on Sunday and I've been listening to it ever since! Here are some things I thought whilst listening through...


1. The Hush Hush Song
I wrote about this single here after the video came out. I must admit, I wasn't expecting it to be the first song on the album but no complaints here, it's still a cool and catchy tune.

2. High Horse
As soon as this track started playing I was bopping my head and smiling. I feel like this'll be the track that I overplay and go straight to from now on. Big tune! I love this song - can't wait to hear it live. It's simple but still entertaining... and that breakdown!!!

3. Turn Off The Lights
This is just an album full of singles - every one of these tracks is pretty much stand-alone. When I first listened to their music I thought they'd be "a band of the summer", one of those bands you'd only keep on your summer playlists but the more I listen to them, the more I just enjoy their music independent of the season.

4. I Don't Wanna Dance With Your Daughter
This is the belter - that chorus is huge. I can just imagine hundreds of people shouting this already. Again, it's not even the most complicated song it's just a lot of fun.

5. Get Myself Together
This was the next single after "The Hush Hush Song" and a great follow up in my opinion. I love the swagger that it has about it.

6. Who Are You To Say
This track can be played anywhere, from adverts to clothes shops to pubs. Great riffs, great lyrics and just a great sound. This is currently one of my favourite songs on the record. The breakdown at the end is awesome.

7. Lucy
From the title I kind of expected this song to be a little more like the ballad of the record... I was wrong. Keeping the pace going as well as the quality - strong song.

8. Hound 
When the song started I thought that it would be one of those songs at the end of a record that makes me feel like there's still another song coming afterwards but they ended it quite nicely and sealed off the album.


I could have done with a couple more songs on this album for sure but as far as debuts go, this is a good'un. The very consistent and strong set of songs - all killer, no filler. It's time for people to start taking notice. Stream the album on soundcloud or Spotify, purchase it on iTunes or simply head out to a live show when they have one on. Tell your friends, tell your enemies.

Overall Rating - 7/10

Ghostpoet dropped his third album recently and after interviewing him here, I thought I'd give my two cents about the new record too. A couple of weeks since its release date and I've had more than enough to time to listen to it over and over again and form a valid opinion for each song! Plus, it's been far too long since I reviewed an album and there have been so many to talk about. So here's the track-by-track...


1. Off Peak Dreams - The first single that I heard from the record and the first concrete evidence I had that this was going to be another triumph for Ghostpoet. Such a smooth opening song - as easy going as it is, it doesn't hold anything back musically, it just dives straight in and I like that in an opener.

2. X Marks The Spot (feat. Nadine Shah) - Already a quick vibe shift with a slightly slower and more swampy sounding song. I like how consistent the instrumental is too - as well as adding another level to the record, the track itself doesn't have too much going on inside of it. Simple but effective.

3. Be Right Back, Moving House (feat. Paul Smith) - In keeping with the slower tracks, this song in particular gives you the chance to properly listen to and take in Ghostpoet's lyrics - and I love how straight forward they are, not hiding behind too much metaphor or wordplay, just there.

4. Shedding Skin (feat. Melanie De Baisio) - The second single that I heard from the album and the first that I'd heard of Melanie De Baisio. I'd say that it was a pretty good first impression! Hearing this after "Off Peak Dreams" I had no idea of what the rest of the album might sound like at all. Two pretty different songs, both bringing memorable moments to the record. I was singing "You think you know me, you'll never know me..." for a long time afterwards. 

5. Yes, I Helped You Pack (feat. Etta Bond) - I love, love, love Etta Bond's voice mirroring Obaro's throughout the song. They mesh so well that you barely notice that there are two voices singing by the end of it. This is one of my favourites on the record overall. Again, a simple song but just the little things push it to greatness. 

6. That Ring Down The Drain Kind Of Feeling (feat. Nadine Shah) - Right now, I think that I slightly prefer this song to the other Nadine Shah feature. The sluggish bassline makes you feel just as defeated as the title suggests.

7. Sorry My Love, It's You Not Me (feat. Lucy Rose) - My current favourite on the album actually - I just love the riffs on this. When I first listened to the album, this was the song that I had on repeat. I would've expected this to be the next single - a great driving song.

8. Better Not Butter - This song had me nodding my heading before it hit 5 seconds in. I love how sinister the instrumental sounds and the guitar adds so much whilst being so minimal. Held together mostly by the rhythm section this song is a belter for sure - look forward to seeing this live at some point.

9.The Pleasure In Pleather - I love the repetition towards the end of this song and the escalation. The best drum part on the whole record in my opinion.

10. Nothing In The Way - This piano part was the perfect way to end this album. It felt like a movie soundtrack almost - sort of like the end credits. This song is just refreshing. It sounds very clean and when it ended the first time I heard it, it did make me feel like I'd come out of something, or literally "shed" something. Brilliantly placed song.


This album just cemented my opinions of Ghostpoet's fantastic story-telling abilities. To me this body of work just feels like a continuation of everything that he's put out prior - like a little update of his current feelings in life. I look forward to the next installment. 

Overall Rating - 8/10

Well here we finally are. After weeks of deliberation and multiple mind changes, we've finally arrived at my number one album of 2014!

It looks like debut records really dominated the year for me because in at number one is Marmozets with The Weird And Wonderful Marmozets. I am absolutely in love with this record... and it jumped into my life so quickly and so spontaneously I'm still trying to think how it could have made it's way to my number one spot.

I'll never forget the first time I heard Marmozets. I was sitting in my lounge flicking through music channels and "Move, Shake, Hide" came on. I listened for a while and thought "Hmm, this is really good." I mentioned it briefly in a post here but that was just more of a reminder for myself to properly check them out. Of course, student life got on top of me and I forgot all about them. It literally wasn't until I saw them at Reading Festival this year that I really realised how badass this band were. They absolutely blew my mind! After that I was super psyched to get their debut when it came out. To be honest, I was just happy I hadn't missed any of their albums with all of my dilly-dallying. I was so excited for this album in fact, that I listened to it when they put it on full stream before the actual release date. I normally never do this so I definitely had high hopes for it. Often when I have high hopes for an album it doesn't quite meet the expectations but this one certainly did, and afterwards it was just the gift that kept on giving.

After the first few listens I was thinking "Sweet! Yes, this is a great debut, very well done Marmozets" but after about a month of listening to it pretty much every single day and loving every single song, no matter what order I listened to them in, I was sure that this was something special. Everything that I've learned about this band since then has made me like them even more and seeing them support Taking Back Sunday here recently just cemented my feelings. My favourite tracks on the record right now are probably "Particle", "Why Do You Hate Me?", "Captivate You" and "Hit The Wave" but that's literally just at this moment in time. Tomorrow, I'll most likely have all new favourites. Also, their new b-side "Broken Reflection" is immense. I have no idea how they'll be able to top this debut but I look forward to hearing anything new. Most exciting new band of 2014, in my opinion.

Closing in on the top spot and just thinking about these top two albums is getting me excited! They are both just so good!! But without further ado...

First runner up is Royal Blood by Royal Blood. The most record breaking album of the entire year! These boys went from two very normal Brightonians, to some of the most talked about and listened to musicians in the world... in the space of a year!! I was stupidly gobsmacked by how fast the whole thing happened. I'll never forget the first time I saw them live here and nobody was even lifting their arms up or moving around and people after the show were just like "Oh! That second band, they were alright weren't they?" Now, anyone who is lucky enough to get a ticket to their shows, knows and shouts every lyric to every song (b-sides included) and barely has room to breathe with all the pits forming and bodies pushing. Royal Blood are the new definition of viral.

When I first started getting into them here, I figured that they'd do well but never this well! "Out Of The Black" is easily one of my favourite songs of 2014. After ridiculously overplaying their singles I was just waiting on the edge of my seat for the record to drop. I will never forget the first time I listened to this thing in full. Beginning to end I was beyond impressed. EVERY. SINGLE. SONG. The whole album was great - lyrically and instrumentally. The only reason it didn't make it to my number one is - because I liked it so much, I overplayed it quickly and so grew tired of it pretty early on. To the point where just hearing people talk about the album made me like it a little less. After a little break from it, I came back to it and remembered just how good those songs sounded the first time I listened to them. As simple as some of them are, they each just sound so huge. Every track has been my favourite at one point or another but right now I'd say my favourite are "Blood Hands", "Ten Tonne Skeleton", "Better Strangers" and "Little Monster".

Even the b-sides on this record are killer. "Hole" for ages before the actual album came out, was my favourite track by them! And now "You Want Me" is up there in my favourites - another example of simple but awesome. Royal Blood are doing humungous things in the music industry right now. I just hope that they continue to move up and show that this wasn't just a (absolutely brilliantly executed) fluke.