My Albums of 2016

Well it's finally drawing to a close and regarding politics and celebrity deaths, 2016 hasn't been the best of years. However, it has been an amazing year for music, particularly for the revival of British pop punk we've seen over the last few years. So, in no particular order here are the albums that stood out most to me alongside a list of other albums I've enjoyed listening to.

Moose Blood - Blush 

Without a doubt this is one of my favourite and highly anticipated albums of the year. From chilling track, Spring - to guitar driven Pastel, Blush is a record full of sentimental songs that make you feel all the emotions possible. lyrically, nothing is sugar coated as vocalist Eddy Brewerton comes out with some raw, hard hitting lines such as "The way you died, did it hurt at all?" If there's one thing Moose Blood do best alongside bands such as Real Friends and The Wonder Years, it's keeping 'emo' relevant.

There has been a slight change in the bands sound since their 2014 release I'll Keep You In Mind, but you won't be disappointed. This band are onto something big.

Basement - Promise Everything

I only heard a few songs prior to this album but liked what I heard. Promise Everything quickly became an album I listened to on a regular basis.

If you ever want proof of the phrase 'less is more' then look no further, as Promise Everything doesn't sound overproduced. There's subtle tempo changes throughout, the guitar and drums are complimentary  - there's nothing fancy going on but it works. Upon first listen you may assume they're just another grunge driven band but upon second listen you see how much more has been put into it. Laced with melodies and giving you that melancholy feeling, it's definitely an album to relax to.

Boston Manor - Be Nothing

Despite only having released EP's, Boston Manor has received quite a big following across the UK. So it's not surprising they were in hot pursuit to release debut album Be Nothing.

What I like most about this record is that every track seems to bleed emotion. Upon first listen it's clear Boston Manor must have bent over backwards working on Be Nothing. It is well crafted, atmospheric and full of hooks that will get caught in your head. From opening track Burn You Up, to more melodic tracks such as Fossa, the drums and guitar help fuel the fire that brings this album to life.

One thing I've noticed is how impeccable the songwriting is throughout. Vocalist, Henry Cox isn't afraid to take a dark, nihilistic approach to life experiences. In my opinion Be Nothing comes across as a coming of age album that uses personal experiences such heartbreak, regret and moving on to it's strengths.

Architects - All Our Gods Have Abandoned Us

From intricate rhythms to vocalist, Sam Carter's signature 'bleh', Architects just have that prominent metalcore sound, and it works so well. Looking at song titles such as Nihilist to pulling apart lyrical content, this record gives off an overall apocalyptic vibe and there's no holding back. So much passion has been put into this album and tracks include lyrics about religious connotation, self destruction and politics.

However, if there's one thing I love the most about this band aside from their music it is their ability to stay strong and still continue to tour after the guitarist, Tom Searle lost his battle to cancer this summer. What the future holds for this band is uncertain.

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Letlive - If I'm The Devil

I still struggle to put this band under one particular genre but if I had to I would make it up and say post hardcore/experimental. Being a band that crosses genres can be risky business. However,  Letlive are a band that always seem manage to pull it off.

On this record, the band do well to maintain that punky overlay within each track. Overall, there's catchy hooks and hell of a lot of distortion with an abundance of other styles. The sound has changed slightly since 2013's - The Blackest Beautiful, but if anything it feels more cinematic and atmospheric.

In my opinion, vocalist Jason Aalon Butler is one of the greatest frontmen around in rock at the moment. For a start, his vocal range is exceptional - one minute he will be pretty rowdy and almost preacher like, next he will be almost whispering. Be it his monologue in I've Learned To Love Myself or lyrical content in Good Mourning America, Butler isn't afraid to spill his guts open regarding his views on political incorrectness, oppression and personal reflections.

Blink-182 - California 

This is the first album in five years and their first without Tom Delonge. A majority of fans might argue that there is no Blink-182 without Delonge. However, in my opinion, their choice of replacement Alkaline Trio's frontman, Matt Skiba was exceptional.

The overall sound is pretty divergent to 2011's Neighbourhoods, but it works in their favour. Skiba's vocals gel well with the style and Barker once again provides the backbone on the drums. When it comes to riffs, catchy choruses and 'na na nas', there's still that shimmer of old school Blink listeners will appreciate. This record overall is a bittersweet tribute to their hometown including a song partially about Delonge (San Diego), which Hoppus apparently never wanted to write. Just when you think they got serious they throw in the classic dick humour interludes that fans will love. California is 16 tracks of proof that Blink-182 are just as relevant as ever.

Sum 41 - 13 Voices

After five years, the Canadian pop punk band is back. 13 Voices is a ten track record that completely lives up to the hype. Over the last decade the band have matured their sound. Sure, when it comes to the 'fun factor' and throwing in elements of hip hop, 13 Voices doesn't feel as old school. However, despite changes since the golden days of Fat Lip, there's still the extensive guitar solos, catchy riffs and classic sum 41 traits that will spark the nostalgia.

From song titles to lyrical content,  Singer - Deryck Whibley's personal issues and battle with alcoholism are apparent throughout. It takes some guts to be so open about reflecting on the past, confronting demons. and coming out on the better side of things. There's a presence of hope throughout the tracks and I think that's something which makes this record special.

ROAM - Backbone 

ROAM are another amazing British pop punk band who, in my opinion are underrated. They have worked hard since their EPs No Common Ground and Head Down and manage to stand out above water alongside other brit bands like Neck Deep.

The opener to ROAMS debut album Backbone, The Desmond Show is pretty unconventional and grabs your attention straight away. From there on it builds the anticipation of what's to come. There's something about this record that releases such positive vibes. The songs really get under your skin in the best way possible. Each track has everything you would expect to hear in a pop punk record. Backbone showcases punchy riffs, energetic drums, dual vocals and relentlessly catchy lyrics. It's cliche for the new era pop punk bands to have at least one acoustic track on each album in this case it comes in the form of Tracks. The contrast to other tracks on the album works well and the lyrics resonate.

What I like about this band is that they don't take themselves too seriously. Their fans obviously don't either, as they stitched the band up a few days ago, voting them as the worst UK band according to RockSound. Pop punk is supposed to be about having fun and ROAM provide that plus more.

Real Friends - The Home Inside My Head

Anyone who has listened to Real Friends before knows what to expect (basement shows, songs about hometowns and friends). However, the bands sophomore album THIMH seems more mature than previous releases. Predictably, there's running themes of regret, heartbreak and nostalgia but gone are the days of singing about "sleepy eyes and bony knees." Instead they're replaced with Dan Lambton's blunt, unapologetic lyrics about reflecting on life experiences, and "Fucking up and getting over it." 

There's no denying the essence of mental health within this album. What I love about it is alongside records such as Paramore's self-titled album, is it's ability to tell you that it's ok to not be ok. Although wistful and occasionally cheesy, the content is relatable. I'm not ashamed to say I've had my share of anxiety and depression. So lyrics such as "Last year I was a train wreck, now I'm just a mess" and lines about feeling disconnected stick out. As negative as I make this record out to be, it's really not. If anything, it has the ability to pick you up when you're down, make you realise you're not alone and gives you a glimmer of hope.

Real Friends play to their strengths across this album and although it's not my favourite one they have done, it still remains in my top albums of 2016

Other albums I've enjoyed this year

A Day To Remember - Bad Vibrations
The Amity Affliction - This Could Be Heartbreak
David Bowie - Blackstar
LA Dispute - Tiny Dots
Trash Boat -  Nothing I Write You Can Change What You've Been Through
Bury Tomorrow - Earthbound
Hands Like Houses - Dissonants
Thrice - To Be Everywhere Is To Be Nowhere
Deftones - Gore
Pierce The Veil - Misadventures
Jimmy Eat World - Integrity Blues
Like Pacific - Distant Like You Asked
Balance And Composure - Light We Made
Panic At The Disco - Death of a Bachelor
With Confidence - Better Weather
Childish Gambino - Awaken My Love
Avenged Sevenfold - The Stage
Drake - Views
The Weeknd - Starboy
Issues - Headspace
Beartooth - Agressive
The 1975 - I Like It When You Sleep, for You Are So Beautiful Yet So Unaware Of It
Blossoms - Self Titled
Viola Beach - Self Titled
Mike Posner - At Night, Alone
Russian Circles - Guidance
This Wild Life - Low Tides

Live Review: Kerrang Tour 2015 @ Manchester Academy, 14th February 2015.

Lineup: Beartooth, Bury Tomorrow, Young Guns, We Are The In Crowd, Don Broco.

This years Kerrang Tour sees a variety of genres from metalcore and post hardcore to pop punk. Manchester Academy fills with excited teenagers, university students and lifelong fans of the bands that are performing. What better way to spend Valentines day than at a concert?

Up first are Beartooth, who merely describe their genre as 'Loud' on their Facebook page. They only need to play one or two songs to show that term is correct. For a band who are first up, which is always a challenge, they absolutely nail it. Starting at 6:30, they draw a big crowd and mosh pits open up a few songs in.

Next are British Metalcore band, Bury Tomorrow, who open with 'Man On Fire.'

‘There is nothing worse than a band charging fans money for meet and greets,’ states lead vocalist, Daniel Winter-Bate - during his speech about how fortunate they are as a band. He then says he will be at the merch stand to give fans high fives and to have a chat.

Dan's vocals balance perfectly alongside Jason Cameron's clean vocals, producing spine-tingling melodies. If it was possible for an artist to sound as good as they do on CD then the guys in Bury Tomorrow have done that justice.

Bury Tomorrow play a tight, energetic set and help create what would be the biggest circle pit of the night. They play a couple of tracks from recent album 'Runes' before completing their six song set with 'Lionheart.’ 

The worst part of Kerrang Tour is bands not having long enough sets. However, without a doubt, the best choice made for this years tour was choosing to play the two heaviest bands first. They have certainly got the crowd pumped and waiting for more. 

Young Guns were announced only recently as surprise act for Kerrang Tour 2015 and are only here to play a 15 minute set. The set consists of just three songs including two new singles 'Speaking In Tongues' and 'I Want Out,' before finishing with monster track, 'Bones,'  which everyone sings

along to. 

15 minutes was not nearly enough time for Young Guns, having been absent from live UK shows for a good while. However, it is clear some people in the crowd bought tickets last minute just to see this special event take place, and the band certainly do not disappoint. Young Guns are no strangers to Kerrang Tour having played in 2010 alongside All Time Low and The Blackout. To say they were first band on stage 5 years ago, they have truly exploded in the music scene. It is exciting to have them back. June sees the release of new album 'Ones And Zeros' and a UK headline tour... finally.

Young Guns. (Gustav Wood, Vocalist)

The only pop punk band on the line-up, We Are The In Crowd are up next. The audience becomes a floor full of teens, like something you would see at a 1D concert. 

Jay Tardine's vocal range is brilliant tonight and they manage to get the crowd singing along. However, there seems a slight lack of energy in the audience post Young Guns performance. Just as things are starting to get  a bit samey, WATIC switch it up and play a couple of acoustic tracks. 

Throughout the set, the band play quite a few songs from most recent album, ‘Weird Kids’ before stating they won't be touring for a while as they are going into the studios to write and record a new record. WATIC finish with popular track and biggest hit, 'Rumour Mill.'

WATIC are easily the least heavy band on the bill but it still works well. The organisers at Kerrang after all, do their very best to cater to wide audiences on a yearly basis. I mean, who doesn't love a bit of pop punk?

Up last and headlining this years tour are British rock band,  Don Broco - who fire up the crowd with recent single, 'Money Power Fame.'

Broco perform a few new tracks they have written in prep for this summers album release, yet to be titled. 'Fire,' proves to be a hit amongst the audience.

They bring it old school playing classics such as  'Thug Workout', causing chaos in the pits as fans get down on the floor to start doing press-ups. If you have no idea why then Google ' push-up squad.'

The one hour set is quite varied with songs including ‘Dreamboy,’Fancy Dress,'  before  they finish the encore with popular tracks 'Priorities' and 'You Wanna Know.' 

With tonight's turn out it is clear that the past year has been Don Broco's year,  They manage to squeeze 13 songs into an hours set and the crowds feet barely touch the ground. Rob Damiani's vocals are on form, as are crowd interactions. The whole set is as charismatic as expected. Fusing heavy basslines, The right combination of funkiness, energy and bedlam, the obvious choice as headliners was definitely Don Broco. 

My Verdict.

Aside from Young Guns, who I have seen about eight times, it was my first time seeing all the bands on the line-up which is rare for me. Despite We Are The In Crowd not really being my cup of tea, I was very impressed with what I heard and witnessed. Don Broco have quickly become my new favourite live band alongside Less Than Jake and A Day To Remember. It was a very memorial night and a great way to spend my Valentines Day with friends.