And September is upon us - as summer fades away slowly we get into the last quarter of the year with each of these albums to keep us company. I gave my opinions on last year's list and this year more than ever I'm split on the shortlist choices.

ARCTIC MONKEYS - Tranquility Base Hotel & Casino
Now I was more disappointed than shocked that this was amongst the list of nominees. Arctic Monkey's sixth studio album sounded more to me like Alex Turner (and friends)'s debut album. At several points the album felt lethargic in delivery. Lyrically there are some shining moments, however - perhaps partially on account of my high expectations - this album wasn't able to wow me in the way that I'd hope a Mercury Prize nominee to.

EVERYTHING EVERYTHING - A Fever Dream
THIS ALBUM! I am so over the moon that this has made the shortlist because this is one of the best bodies of work that they have put out since Man Alive and it deserves to be recognised as such. Quite a few of my favourite instrumental performances of last year happened on this album. One thing I will say is that I'm unsure as to whether it will top the list, having only made it to number 15 on my AOTY list last year.

EVERYTHING IS RECORDED - Everything Is Recorded By Richard Russell
This was a name that I had expected to see in the line up as soon as it was released. The calibre of artists featured on this project makes it impossible not to be impressed. The project spans a number of genres, emotions and styles and still manages to mesh them together seamlessly. Richard Russell and co did very well with this and after listening to their latest single "Carry Me" I couldn't be more excited for what might be next. This album is a very strong contender for the top spot.

FLORENCE + THE MACHINE - High As Hope
It's no secret the love and adoration I have in my heart for Florence Welch. What a blessing. And so it comes as no surprise to me that she has made the Mercury Prize shortlist. Now, whilst I don't believe High As Hope to be their best work, there is something exceptionally special and more importantly different here. I was wary of FATM falling into a rut and following a blueprint but smething has switched up ever so slightly here. Another album that has a solid shot at the top spot.

JORJA SMITH - Lost & Found
This is probably my "I wouldn't be surprised but I'd be very disappointed if this album won" this year. I have a lot of strong opinions surrounding this album but the overarching one for me is that this was released far too early. It felt rushed and felt like it was rammed down the public's throats in order to keep interest levels piqued whilst she's still a cash cow. I feel like regardless of how good her voice is - and it really, really is - there were some gaping holes in this album and I felt like she sold herself a bit short here unfortunately.

KING KRULE - The OOZ
The first time I listened to this album it was in the perfect conditions - a long and cold commute in London - and upon first listen I really enjoyed it. However, since then I haven't been in the mood to listen to it all the way through again even once. I know that once winter comes back in full force, it'll be a welcomed soundtrack to those colder nights. Although, I don't think that this is quite enough to win it the Prize. However, his ability to stay original and authentic will always give King Krule major points in my book.

LILY ALLEN - No Shame
Lily Allen back doing what she does best - being witty, ironic and at the same time melodically refreshing. The feature artists were what caught my attention initially as they were unexpected collaborations but they definitely complimented each other well. After her unlikely collaboration with Common years ago, I should have known better. My favourite tracks at the moment are "Higher", "Family Man", and "Apples". This might just be a wild card for me on the list of contenders. 

NADINE SHAH - Holiday Destination
It's been a long time since I heard Nadine Shah's name mentioned if I'm honest. When she first popped up on my radar it was as a unique, fresh, up-and-comer and shortly after I saw her featured on Ghostpoet's album Shedding Skin. Now after three years, she's back in my life and with a Mercury Prize nomination no less! Way to make an entrance. The album itself is perfect for right now - lyrically and sonically this is just what we need to hear. It's instrumentally unpredictable and interesting - Nadine does experimental very well. 

NOEL GALLAGHER'S HIGH FLYING BIRDS - Who Built The Moon?
Another name I hadn't heard a lot from musically in a while until this year. Listening to this album made me miss Kasabian at first if I'm honest. I love that instrumentally Noel has taken quite a few risks throughout and has really expanded his use of sound. The intro "Fort Knox" in particular had my head nodding throughout - there are lots layers to unpack. As a whole it's a very solid piece of work - particularly now that a large amount of Indie Rock tends to fall into one generic pit of rhythmic guitars.

NOVELIST - Novelist Guy
I didn't know too much about Novelist before this shortlist came around. Of course I'd seen his name littering the mainstream charts, however I'd never taken the time to do a deep dive. Knowing that he is a Grime artist, I was surprised at how experimental and unique his songs are. The lyrics let him down a little bit and because of this I wouldn't put his hat in the ring to win but he deserves notice for attempting to do something different within Grime.

SONS OF KEMET  - Your Queen Is A Reptile
A new discovery for me. I'd heard the name "Sons Of Kemet" before, but hadn't heard one note or word until this shortlist was released. After hearing the name, I was expecting more of a Metal group so the Jazz caught me off guard. A very welcomed surprise though. After reading the tracklist and realising its connection with the title I was already invested and so the intricate beats and standout percussion were just the icing on the whole cake. Really enjoyed this record. Only qualm is that this hasn't adequately represented each of the quality Jazz albums of this year.

WOLF ALICE - A Vision Of Life
If you'd have given me a crystal ball in 2015 after they released My Love Is Cool and I'd seen their name on this shortlist I would've sighed... heavily. However, seeing their name on the list now, I'm actually not too perturbed. I was super disappointed with their debut because I'd expected something significantly different. A Vision Of Life is much closer to what I'd previously envisioned from them and you can hear the improvement from each member - still not sure that it's a contender but I'm much more satisfied with their entry now.

Your guide to just a few of the albums coming your way this month. Nobody should be able to complain that they've run out of music to listen to these days because every month there is just heaps and heaps of goodness being thrown at us. We just have to grab it...

 

NOEL GALLAGHER'S HIGH FLYING BIRDS - CHASING YESTERDAY
I already know that this will be a good record. Noel has been making a quite a few unpopular comments in the media of late but this might just be one thing he's put out that most of the public will be able to agree on. This was made available yesterday (the 2nd of March).






GHOSTPOET - SHEDDING SKIN
Another fantastic album came out yesterday alongside Noel's but of a completely different genre. After Ghostpoet's awesome debut and sophomore albums, some would expect the calibre to waver a little bit but if anything Obaro keeps going from strength to strength. Check out the chat I had with him here and then go and listen for yourself... you won't regret it.






PURITY RING - ANOTHER ETERNITY
I listened to their latest single "bodyache" a couple of days ago - such easy listening! I feel like I'll really enjoy this album, even though a few of their new singles from it have been a little bit different from past material, I feel it'll still put a smile on my face. Have a listen later today (the 3rd of March).






MOON DUO - SHADOW OF THE SUN
I discovered Moon Duo whilst I was scrolling through soundcloud one day and caught a free download of their song "Sleepwalker". I didn't think too much of it at the time. It was fine but it didn't make me want to find out more about them. However, when I saw that they were releasing a new album on the 3rd of March, I remembered the name and thought - why not?





 

PETER DOHERTY - FLAGS OF THE OLD REGIME
The Libertines' frontman is coming out with another solo record and under the slightly more sophisticated and subtle alteration of his name (Pete > Peter). After listening to the title track I have to say that I am thoroughly excited for this album on the 9th of March.






MADONNA - REBEL HEART
After her recent fall at the Brits' let's see if this album can pick her up a little bit. It's been a while I must see but I am very interested and slightly worried to see what Madonna has to bring to the table. She's quite the musical chameleon so I'm wondering what genre she's incorporating on this one. The album drops on the 10th of March.





  
HEEMS - EAT, PRAY, THUG 
I hadn't heard anything from Heems until his single with Dev Hynes last month here but I liked it so much that I had to do my research. I'm excited to see what a full record of Heems' will sound like on the 10th of March.







CANCER BATS - SEARCHING FOR ZERO
Fast approaching their co-headline tour with While She Sleeps this month, the release of their new album has come just in time. I'm sure that these tunes will sound huge being moshed to and shouted out by fans all over the UK. Get your hands on the record on the 10th of March.







LIEUTENANT - IF I KILL THIS THING WE'RE ALL GOING TO EAT FOR A WEEK
Nate Mendel (bassist of Foo Fighters) is releasing his side project band's debut record. Have a listen to the latest single from it "Believe The Squalor" before you get a hold of the album to get a feel of the new direction that Nate's going in. Out on the 10th of March.





 
SLEEPING WITH SIRENS - MADNESS
I've never properly listened to Sleeping With Sirens but I do love post-hardcore so I'm definitely willing to give them a chance. Four records on might be a bit late but better late than never right? The album hits shelves on the 17th of March.





 

PORTICO - LIVING FIELDS
After hearing the song "101" from this record featuring Alt-J's Joe Newman, I couldn't stop listening to it. It wasn't until a few days ago that I actually found out that the album was coming out this month! If this song is anything to go by, this album will definitely have a great vibe. Get your hands on it on the 23rd of March.







THE STAVES - IF I WAS
My eyes were opened to The Staves late last year here when I was fortunate enough to catch a live performance and man, I am still far from over their angelic voices. After checking out their record Dead & Born & Grown I'm more than ready for a follow up. I am very excited for this release on the 23rd of March.






LAURA MARLING - SHORT MOVIE
So I did end up getting round to listening to her album Once I Was And Eagle a couple of years ago finally and I was pleasantly surprised. Laura Marling is a wonder to listen to, my goodness! It took some time but finally, I'm a fan. I'll be listening out for this album on the 23rd of March.




 

THE CRIBS - FOR ALL MY SISTERS
After getting a taste of some of the tracks from the new album here a few weeks ago, I am certain that this sixth record will be another one to add to the classics. I'm sure that they'll be touring again once the albums drops on the 24th of March.








THE PRODIGY - THE DAY IS MY ENEMY
It's so good to have them back! Their UK tour is coming up in May and so this album release gives us plenty of time to learn the lyrics before. The title track "The Day Is My Enemy" is an absolute banger and the rest of the album is sure to pack a punch. Grab a copy on the 30th of March.




 

ONLY REAL - JERK AT THE END OF THE LINE
I was actually a tiny bit disappointed when I saw Only Real live here at Field Day Festival last year to be honest. However, his studio material always manages to impress me so I'm hoping that this new record won't be any different. Have a listen on the 30th of March.





 
DEATH CAB FOR CUTIE - KINTSUGI
I've always loved the standard, well-known record Codes And Keys but I haven't actually properly listened to any other DCFC records and I now understand that this is probably appalling. So this is where I'm going to catch up. Judging by the response to their upcoming tour announcement and sales, this album is going to be pretty big. Join me and pick this up on the 31st of March.







LUDACRIS - LUDAVERSAL
I didn't actually know that Ludacris was still making solo music. I thought that he was just sticking to the occasional song feature but not according to this! I actually have no idea what this might sound like on the 31st March, whether it will be good or bad, but I suppose there's only one way to find out... 

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.