Happy New Year and welcome to back to Already Heard. As you can see we’ve given the site a lick of paint and to kick off the year, we’re bringing you our annual list of bands to watch in the coming year.
In previous years our list has been made up of firmly established acts and up and coming bands. For the 2015 edition we’ve taken a slightly different route with the feature. Whilst there is a sprinkling of familiar names, we’ve decided to put the focus on bands that you may not know much about but we think you soon will!
Nevertheless putting together this list of 50 bands has taken the Already Heard team many hours, so much so that we had to exclude many names that didn’t make the list.
We hope you discover something exciting and new from the list. Let us know what you think to our list on Facebook and Twitter.
Knuckle Puck
Without a doubt pop-punk has been going through a massive resurgence in recent years and 2015 is going to be no different, especially with bands like Knuckle Puck coming through. Hailing from Chicago, Illinois, this quintet have been gaining a big following over the past 18 months with tours alongside Senses Fail, Man Overboard, and Modern Baseball on their résumé. Whilst their latest EP, ‘While I Stay Secluded’ is a solid collection of bouncy, honest pop-punk that backs up the hype. They’ve just inked a deal with Rise Records, so expect to hear a lot from Knuckle Puck in 2015. You can see them on these shores alongside Neck Deep in January and February before a full-length drops in the summer. (SR)
Knuckle Puck links: Facebook|Twitter|Bandcamp
As It Is
2014 was an eventful year for these Brighton pop-punks. Having released their brash second EP, ‘This Mind Of Mine’ in March, they spent the rest of the year playing shows alongside the likes of The Summer Set and Roam before ending it on a high by signing with Fearless Records. 2015 looks to be an even busier year for the quintet. With their debut full-length, shows with the departing Save Your Breath and an appearance on the Vans Warped Tour, you can expect to hear a lot about At Is Is over the next 12 months. We’re sure you’ll fall for the bands through and through pop-punk numbers that wear their heart on their sleeve. (SR)
As It Is links: Facebook|Twitter|Bandcamp|Tumblr
Better Off
At the back end of 2013, we discovered Better Off and their outstanding debut LP, ’(I Think) I’m Leaving’. Now 12 months on the Nashville quartet are on the cusp of better things. 2014 saw them play shows with New Found Glory, Fireworks and Young Statues as well as appearing on the Vans Warped Tour before joining up with Equal Vision Records. Their recent ‘Meth Head’ 7″ points towards Better Off taking a more straightforward approach, yet has the same lyrically crushing sentiment that made us fans first time round. We can’t make to hear what they have in store next. (SR)
Better Off links: Website|Facebook|Twitter|Tumblr
Oceans Ate Alaska
Having played shows The Word Alive, Blessthefall and The Color Morale in the past, 2015 is set to be a breakthrough year for Birmingham progressive metalcore act Oceans Ate Alaska. Having inked a deal with Fearless Records this past October and a tour supporting Chelsea Grin and Veil Of Maya taking place next month, expect to hear a lot from Oceans Ate Alaska in the coming 12 months. Their debut full-length is scheduled to be released early on in the year, and as songs like ‘Blood Brothers’ show, we expect a mix of a plethora of heavy, twisting riffs, pummeling drums and monstrous screams with the occasional bit of ambience thrown in for good measure. (SR)
Oceans Ate Alaska links: Website|Facebook|Twitter
Hawk Eyes
It seems Leeds noise-makers Hawk Eyes have been on the cusp of great things for quite some time, and it looks 2015 may just be their breakthrough year. February 9th sees the release of ‘Everything Is Fine’ and delivers an abundance of rip-roaring riffs, breakdowns, twisting melodies and tons of energy. Songs like ‘Die Trying’ and ‘Permission’ are more focused and sees Hawk Eyes revitalised. You can also see them on the first of probably many tours next month too. (SR)
Hawk Eyes links: Website|Facebook|Twitter|Bandcamp
Boston Manor
Since we first heard Boston Manor way back in May of 2013, we’ve watched the Blackpool group go from strength to strength. 2014 saw them release their punchy second EP, ‘Driftwood’ to much acclaim. Their sound is pop-punk at the core yet lyrically they are thoughtful and honest. They’re kicking off 2015 touring with Moose Blood, which we’re sure will be fantastic shows. After that we expect Boston Manor to more musical goodness. (SR)
Boston Manor links: Website|Facebook|Twitter
Creeper
From the ashes of Our Time Down Here comes Creeper. The Southampton five piece released their self-titled EP last summer and their reputation has been growing ever since. With their fast, melodic punk style that is reminiscent of old AFI and Alkaline Trio, tracks like ‘Gloom’ and ‘VCR’ have become personal favourites. With shows lined up alongside Funeral For A Friend for the new year, we’re excited to hear what Creeper have planned for the coming year. (SR)
Creeper links: Website|Facebook|Twitter|Bandcamp
Pvris
This Massachusetts trio known as Pvris (pronounced Paris) have been making a name for themselves on both sides of the Atlantic. Since releasing their debut full-length, ‘White Noise’ in October to public and critical acclaim, the trio of Lyndsey Gunnulfsen, Alex Babinski and Brian MacDonald have been turning heads for their mix of synth-infused alt-rock. Tracks like ‘St. Patrick’ and ‘My House’ are built on massive, slick hooks that demand repeated plays. They’ll be making their UK debut in the spring when they join Lower Than Atlantis on their headline tour. (SR)
Pvris links: Website|Facebook|Twitter|Bandcamp|Soundcloud
No Devotion
When news of No Devotion formation was announced last summer, many were interested to see what the group would produce. With former Thursday vocalist Geoff Rickly teaming up with Lee Gaze, Mike Lewis, Jamie Oliver, Stuart Richardson and Luke Johnson from the defunct Lostprophets, No Devotion marks a new beginning for all those involved, one that seemingly has a bright future. Singles such as ‘Stay’ and ‘10,000 Summers’ sees the Welsh-American sextet embrace 80s synth-influenced rock sound with brilliant results. Add a hint Rickly’s bleak lyrics and a distinctive The Cure/Joy Division influence, and you’re left with a band that has an exciting future ahead of them. Expect to hear a full-length in the coming year, but if you can’t wait you can check them out supporting Gerard Way soon. (SR)
No Devotion links: Website|Facebook|Twitter
Gates
We’ve been following New Jersey’s Gates for a couple of years now and following the release of their latest full-length, ‘Bloom & Breathe’ this past October, their reputation has continued to grow. ‘Bloom & Breathe’ sees the five piece combined the gorgeous post-rock guitar lines of previous releases with a grand, cathartic emo sound that simply works. Tracks like ‘Bloom’, ‘Not My Blood’ and ‘The Thing That Would Save You’ are capable of easily taking your breath away. They’re beginning 2015 with a co-headline run alongside Young Statues in the States. We hope to see Gates making their UK debut in coming year. (SR)
Gates links: Website|Facebook|Twitter|Tumblr
Have Mercy
Like a few bands on this list, Baltimore, Maryland’s Have Mercy have gradually been building momentum for the best part of 18 months. With 2013’s ‘The Earth Pushed Back’ and its 2014 follow-up ‘A Place Of Our Own’ receiving glowing reviews from this very site, its no surprise Have Mercy have made it on the list. The latter LP neatly shows the bands growth as songwriters. Songs like ‘Spacecrafts’ and ‘Pete Rose and Babe Ruth’ have an accessible aura whilst ‘Two Years’ have a heartfelt intimacy that leaves you hooked. Although ‘A Place Of Our Own’ has only been out for a matter of months, they’ve already announced their next release; a split EP with Boston’s Somos in late February. After that we’re hoping to see them step foot on these shores. (SR)
Have Mercy links: Website|Facebook|Twitter
Hindsights
If you’ve been reading Already Heard for a couple of years now, then you’ll know we’ve been admirers of Berkshire alt punks Hindsights for awhile. 2013’s ‘The Thoughts That Weigh Me Down’ was welcomed with open arms by the AH team, and we’re sure their forthcoming debut LP, ‘Cold Walls/Cloudy Eyes’ will receive the same treatment. Having heard two cuts from it already, we expect the quartet to be more dynamic with their blend of emotional alt-rock and pop-punk. Thankfully we’ll find out soon enough as ‘Cold Walls/Cloudy Eyes’ is released on February 23rd, and if you can’t wait until then you can catch them alongside Milk Teeth this month.
Hindsights links: Facebook|Twitter|Tumblr
Bad Ideas
Having released ‘The Better Parts Of You’ in the latter quarter of 2014, Bad Ideas are set to ride the momentum they’ve created and have an even bigger 2015. A full length should soon be in the works and that’s certainly not a bad idea. (MB)
Bad Ideas links: Website|Facebook|Twitter|Bandcamp
Omaha
Leicester’ Omaha started out as budding metalcore band but on their new EP, ‘Chapters’ they have found their feet. The six-track release sees the quintet find comfort in their anthemic alt rock skin, one that sees them being compared acts such as You Me At Six and Mallory Knox. Recent single ‘Devilish Acts’ is slick, powerful, honest and leaves you wanting to hear more. (SR)
Brawlers
2014 was certainly the biggest party Brawlers have experienced. An EP and single have all been top quality punk songs for parties and getting wasted to. However, most parties last longer than 20 minutes. A debut album on Alcopop! seems fully justified and would give Brawlers more excuses to royally F everything up the best they can. Sorry 2015, but Brawlers have you in their sights. (MB)
Brawlers links: Facebook|Twitter|Bandcamp
Roam
Following in the footsteps of former tour buddies Neck Deep comes Eastbourne pop-punks Roam. 2014 saw them build on the success of 2013’s ‘Head Down’ EP with shows alongside Light You Up and As It Is (both who also feature on this list) as well UK pop-punk “veterans” Me vs Hero. In November they inked a deal with Hopeless Records (Taking Back Sunday, New Found Glory, The Wonder Years) and it certainly seems like 2015 is going to be a busy year for the quintet. With an EP (‘Viewpoint’) set to be released in January and a full-length expected to follow later in the year, we predict Roam will be one of many leading the UK pop-punk charge, and even possibly taking it Stateside… (SR)
Roam links: Facebook|Twitter|Bandcamp
The Winter Passing
We’ve supported them from the beginning and The Winter Passing have honed their sound into their debut album ‘A Different State Of Mind’. Somehow it’ll be possible to love this band even more in 2015 and when they’re making it onto bigger things we’ll be the first to say “We told you so”. (MB)
The Winter Passing links: Facebook|Twitter|Tumblr|Bandcamp
Algernon Doll
Grunge is alive and well with Algernon Doll flying the flag up in Scotland. The band have been recording their new album with Steve Albini (Nirvana, Pixies) which leads 2015 to see Algernon Doll stepping into the limelight. (MB)
Algernon Doll links: Facebook|Twitter|Bandcamp
Calls Landing
Calls Landing have been one of the brightest prospects on the West Yorkshire music scene for ages now. With a string of well-received EPs already under their collective belt, they recently joined forces with longtime ally producer Bob Cooper to complete work on their debut album. Although yet to receive a confirmed release date, the record should see the band’s massively uplifting bonhomie enthused take on emo edged rock win them plenty of plaudits far beyond their Leeds home. (DW)
Calls Landing links: Facebook|Twitter|Bandcamp
The Wilde
After receiving rave reviews for their debut EP ‘Young Libertine’ and completing their first headline tour of the UK tour late last year, Yorkshire’s The Wilde are perfectly placed to make themselves one of the breakout British rock acts of 2015. The five piece’s hook-laden super tight brand of Don Broco meets Twin Atlantic radio ready pop-rock is already winning them tonnes of admirers. And with The Wilde set to bring their highly rated live show and inescapably huge choruses to even more venues up and down the country in the coming months, theirs is a name you’ll be hearing plenty of in the year ahead. (DW)
The Wilde links: Website|Facebook|Twitter
The Colour Line
Sunny ol’ Hull isn’t so sunny. If anything it’s loud, chaotic and chaotic. So chaotic that it needs to be repeated. If you’ve managed to see The Colour Line this year then you’ll understand. If you’ve not then there will certainly be more chances to witness destruction in 2015 when the band finally release some new music. Have the emergency services on hold. (MB)
The Colour Line links: Facebook|Twitter|Tumblr
ilovecolour
If Justin Vernon was in Manchester Orchestra with Andy Hull and they grew up on punk then ilovecolour would probably be the outcome. The band are breaking out of Huddersfield with tiny baby steps, but causing a very mouthy following in their wake. A new EP will shake things up yet again, but trust those mouths to keep on talking. (MB)
ilovecolour links: Facebook|Twitter
allusondrugs
Their name has been heard more and more as the year has gone on and a tour with Marmozets and Lonely The Brave will have certainly done them a wealth of good. Expect more relentless touring and hopefully more of their psychedelic grunge for you to get weird to. (MB)
allusondrugs links: Facebook|Twitter
The Gospel Youth
Brighton’s latest export combine pop rock with the incredibly infectious and almost R&B vocals of Sam Little. Whilst 2014 saw the demise of Kids In Glass Houses, it also saw the inception of The Gospel Youth and quite possibly a rightful heir to pop rock. The end of 2014 was only the beginning, and there’s certainly a long career ahead of them. (MB)
The Gospel Youth links: Website|Facebook|Twitter|Bandcamp
Lacey
Having been quiet for the best part of 2014, Nottingham four piece Lacey are lined up for better things in 2015. With work on their debut full-length complete, the quartet promise to deliver a bolder, catchy alt-rock sound. If they deliver songs as infectious as ‘Burning Out’ and ‘Let It Go’, then we’re sure Lacey will fill the void left over from bands such as Kids In Glass Houses. If you can’t wait to hear the album, you can see them playing with People On Vacation in coming months. (SR)
Light You Up
For some Birmingham’s Light You Up may just be another band in the UK pop-punk charge but delve a little further and you’ll find out they are more than that. To put it simply Light You Up have paid their dues and bided their time. Having played shows with A Loss For Words, Set Your Goals, Decade and an array of others, 2015 sees the five piece step things up. Their debut LP, ‘All We’ve Ever Known’ drops on January 26th and promises to be a boisterous collection of some of the finest pop-punk we’ve heard in quite some time. With Sam Pura (The Story So Far, State Champs, Basement) handling production and a UK tour alongside Four Year Strong and Hit The Lights lined up, Light You Up have all the ingredients for a fantastic 2015. (SR)
Light You Up links: Facebook|Twitter|Bandcamp
Maycomb
This Wolverhampton rock four piece were quiet for the most part of 2014 before surprising us with a new EP (‘Little Ease’) in October. Over the course of three songs, Maycomb made us realised how much we missed them; solid harmonies, tight musicianship and strong hooks that demand repeated plays. The EP showcased the bands growth displaying a more organic songwriting and varied musicial style. They’re starting 2015 playing a handful of shows with Bad Ideas and hopefully they can deliver some more musical goodness shortly after. (SR)
Maycomb links: Facebook|Twitter|Bandcamp
Sworn to Oath
Stoke lads Sworn to Oath are one of many good bands that are hanging on the fringes of increased success, trying to make their way through that curtain and made good strides in doing so in 2014. Following the release of their album ‘Pillars’ they have toured throughout the UK in support of the album and rounded out the year with shows supporting Raging Speedhorn. Don’t be fooled by their angry metalcore sound, they are three lovely guys who are looking to be heard (trust us.) Don’t be left behind! (HF)
Sworn to Oath links: Website|Facebook|Twitter
Napoleon
Since first coming to our attention two years ago, Napoleon have seen a dramatic rise in their fanbase as a result of determined attention to social media and in particular some key support slots in 2014 alongside likes of The Amity Affliction, Architects and Comeback Kid and with appearances at Tech Fest and Days of Fury Festival. Napoleon start 2015 with a European and UK tour with Obey the Brave in March as well as Impericon Festival in April. These guys are set to explode next year in their mission to keep the melodic posi passion groove alive! (HF)
Napoleon links: Website|Facebook|Twitter
Beach Slang
“I’m a slave to always fucking up” sings Beach Slang’s James Snyder on ‘Filthy Luck’. It’s music for hedonists played by people who should know better – but by God does it sound inviting. Recalling the reckless excitement of The Replacements or the more contemporary fist-in-the-air and heart-on-sleeve anthems of Japandroids, the Philadelphia three-piece released two of the best EPs of 2014 with ‘Who Would Ever Want Anything So Broken’ and ‘Cheap Thrills on a Dead End Street’ – and now they’re set to claim 2015 as their own with a full-length scheduled for release on the ever-excellent Tiny Engines. They’re also confirmed for 2015’s Groezrock, so get in on the buzz early… (RM)
Beach Slang links: Website|Facebook|Twitter|Bandcamp
The Color And Sound
Like Beach Slang, The Color And Sound are another band that left us eager for more in 2014. This time, just a single EP was released (‘Peace of Mind’ on Black Numbers), but it was a full on riot of fizzing punky pop songs and incredibly catchy indie. Like the twisted indie-pop of The Format or The Red Hot Valentines, The Color And Sound throw out contagious three-minute pop songs with wanton abandon. Combine this effervescence with some dark lyrics and some infectious boy/girl duelling vocals and you’re on to a real winner. (RM)
The Color And Sound links: Website|Facebook|Twitter|Bandcamp
Old Flings
Bursting out of Ashville, North Carolina, Old Flings play punk rock in the style of Samiam, Texas Is The Reason and Gameface, mixing up meaty guitars with swathes of melody and hooks aplenty. The trio first hit the scene with the release of their debut, ‘Spite’, in 2012, before contributing to a number of split singles, including one on the Birmingham-based indie Speedowax, meaning some UK fans with their ears to the ground are already ahead of the game. Now, they’re gearing up for a big 2015 after teaming up with Animal Style Records for the release of their second album, which promises to break the group into the wider scene. (RM)
Old Flings links: Facebook|Twitter|Tumblr|Bandcamp
Milk Teeth
Although Milk Teeth have only been a band for about 18 months, they’ve already made quite a name for themselves. Having opened for emo/grunge heroes Balance and Composure, they were then handpicked by alt-shoegaze revivalists Nothing to support on their UK tour. To say they complimented both bills is a massive understatement. Powerful but fuzzed out, the West Country crew recall everything from Sonic Youth to Nirvana to My Bloody Valentine – yet combine it off with youthful exuberance and verve. The ‘Sad Sack’ EP, which will hit your ears in January, should set them up for an even bigger 2015… (RM)
Milk Teeth links: Facebook|Twitter|Bandcamp
Bloody Knees
There’s something in the water over in Cambridge at the moment. And, after Lonely the Brave stole our hearts in 2014, Bloody Knees look all set to rummage through our desecrated corpses in 2015. Musically a world away from their Cambridge brethren, Bloody Knees play dark fuzzy indie pop that takes its cues from the Misfits but which never veers too close to parody or schlock. Instead, Bloody Knees serve up a rip-roaring take on punk which recalls the punkier moments of the Titus Andronicus back catalogue, yet remains unmistakably British. (RM)
Bloody Knees links: Facebook|Twitter|Soundcloud|Tumblr
Forrest.
It’s been far too long since we heard from these South Wales emo rockers but as you may have seen, the quartet are back in action after two years away. Having teased us with ‘Close To Me’ a few weeks ago, Forrest. are set to release their debut full-length in early 2015. Expect eight songs of powerful emo alt-rock along the lines of Balance & Composure. (SR)
Forrest. links: Facebook|Twitter|Bandcamp
Get Inuit
Hailing from Kent, Get Inuit are an indie pop/rock quartet that has been compared to the likes of Vampire Weekend. However as their recent single (‘Dress of Bubblewrap’) shows, Get Inuit take a more summery “surf-pop” route with plenty of jangly guitars and distinctive bouncy hooks. 2014 saw them share the stage with Slaves, PUP, and DZ Deathrays before joining the beloved Alcopop! Records. With their full-length tentatively scheduled for a summer release, they’ll be giving us a preview of what to expect when they release the ‘001’ EP on February 23rd. (SR)
Get Inuit links: Facebook|Twitter
Bluebird
With their sound moulded as a mix between delicate emo and intricate math rock, Nottingham’s Bluebird have quietly be gathering momentum over the past 18 months. Tracks like ‘Prey’ and ‘Predator’ prove to be jangly and are carried by their upbeat momentum yet have a “emo revivalist” tone that is easily likeable. 2015 will see the quartet releasing a new EP, play more shows throughout the UK and possibly venturing into Europe.(SR)
Bluebird links: Facebook|Twitter|Bandcamp
Bohica
Cheshire four piece Bohica combine elements of punk, emo, grunge and post-hardcore with a hint of shoegaze. In other words Bohica have a lot going for them. Last October saw the release of their ‘Wait Here’ EP and sees the quartet fit nicely under the label of “for fans of Title Fight and Basement.” Songs like ‘Bitter’ and ‘It’s All You’ have a raw, DIY edge that is well-combined with downbeat melodies. They’re currently working on their second EP. (SR)
Bohica links: Facebook|Tumblr|Bandcamp
Atlas Losing Grip
With tons of twin guitar riffs, a tight rhythm section and soaring vocals, Sweden’s Atlas Losing Grip have a lot to offer. Their third full-length ‘Currents’ is set to be released later this month and it once again sees the quintet neatly merge punk rock with heavy metal. ‘Currents’ marks the bands first release with new vocalist Niklas Olsson yet the bands passion and energy is still firmly in place. Songs like ‘Cynosure’ and ‘Nemesis’ are bold with a thriving tempo whilst ‘Cold Dirt’ and ‘Closure’ sees the band taking a stripped down, cathartic approach but keeps the momentous tone consistent. (SR)
Atlas Losing Grip links: Website|Facebook|Twitter
I, The Lion
This Cheltenham post-punk trio formed back in 2011 but with their a new EP, ‘Run’ set to see the light of day in February, we think I, The Lion are about to solidify themselves within the British post-punk scene. With comparisons to Biffy Clyro, Reuben, and Fightstar, ‘Run’’ proves to be a punchy, raw effort with soaring choruses and twisting guitars. The three piece are made up of a videographer, a tattoo artist and a cage fighter, so expect a creative, energetic and passionate output in the coming months. (SR)
I, The Lion links: Website|Facebook|Twitter|Soundcloud
Weatherstate
Bristol-based quartet Weatherstate describe their sound as “Green Day’s ‘Longview’ having a grungy love child with Reuben’s Jamie Lenman with infectious pop punk melodies.” In other words, they produce a very likeable brand of punk rock that is refreshing and instantly makes you feel good. Don’t believe us? Well then just check out their recent ‘Dead Ends’ EP. Tracks like ‘The World Has Got It In For You’ are upbeat yet have an introspective, angsty lyrical edge. Although their is plenty of life left in ‘Dead Ends’, we may also hear a follow up in 2015. (SR)
Weatherstate links: Facebook|Twitter|Bandcamp
Jaded
Birmingham four-piece Jaded formed in late 2013 and spent their first year as a band playing shows alongside Seahaven, Nai Harvest, Dowsing, and The Winter Passing. Their self-titled EP was released last month, and over the course of four songs Jaded showcased their knack for producing admirable grunge-infused melancholic emo-punk. Songs like ‘Cold’ and ‘Fickle Friend’ have a Title Fight-like hum with twisting guitars and an overall tight-knit song structure. (SR)
Jaded links: Facebook|Twitter|Bandcamp
Going Away Party
We first came in contact with Slough emo three-piece Southpaw in July when we featured the band as part of our “Recommends” series. The trio have now adopted the name Going Away Party (apparently theres plenty of other bands and DJs called Southpaw.) Nevertheless they thankfully still sound the same with 90s emo being a distinctive influence. Last years ‘Better Days’ was an emotional and musically raw release that bought comparisons to bands like The Get Up Kids. A debut full-length is expected to see the light of day in 2015. (SR)
Going Away Party links: Facebook|Bandcamp
Southlakes
We’re suckers for twinkling emo and when we heard Norwich trio Southlakes we knew they deserved a mentioned on this list. Past releases are reminiscent of American Football and Empire! Empire! (I Was a Lonely Estate) but with a more raw and British edge. The three piece are planning on writing a new record in 2015. We predict a set of tighter songs that will back the bands early potential. Certainly ones to watch. (SR)
Southlakes links: Facebook|Bandcamp
Milestones
Having only been together for only a short time there isn’t much to say about Milestones. However having listened to debut single, ‘More To Me’ on repeat we expect you’ll be hearing more from the North West alt pop-punks in 2015. The aforementioned track is a thriving slab of pop-punk with an alternative rock edge; pummelling, fast-paced verses with a very insatiable chorus. It’s early days but the future is bright for Milestones. (SR)
Milestones links: Facebook|Twitter|Bandcamp
The Blue Period
Emerging from Nottingham’s burgeoning DIY scene comes The Blue Period. With their downbeat melodies and lo-fi approach, the indie emo quartet’s latest EP (‘And Suddenly The Days Draw Long Like Light – Years’) had a tendency to easily charm us. Songs like ‘Words Of All Kinds’ and ‘300 Hz’ prove to be sweet and cathartic. Whilst we don’t know much about the bands plans for 2015, we expect to appear at your local DIY venue sooner rather than later. (SR)
The Blue Period links: Facebook|Bandcamp
Water Canvas
Brighton based quartet Water Canvas formed last February and quickly got to work on their debut EP. The final result was ‘At Least’, four songs of finely tuned emo punk with nostalgic melodies. Their sound produces a well-balanced mix of old and new comparisons; Basement, Tigers Jaw, The Promise Ring and Mineral. ‘At Least’ showed plenty of potential, lets hope its follow-up backs up their promising beginnings. (SR)
Water Canvas links: Facebook|Twitter|Bandcamp
Pretend Happy
Devon trio Pretend Happy first came to attention last June with the release of their ‘MMXIII’ EP, a collection of old songs that were firmly rooted in 90s alt rock. They followed it up in November with ‘Mood Swings’, four songs that showcased the bands development incorporating elements of grunge, emo and punk along the way. We have high hopes for Pretend Happy and we’re eager to hear their next release. (SR)
Pretend Happy links: Facebook|Twitter|Bandcamp
Secret Stuff
Whatever you may think of the “emo revival” you have to agree it has developed some brilliant bands, and we think Nashville’s Secret Stuff will be a name you’ll be hearing more of in 2015. Last March’s ‘Learning Not To Care’ EP had its roots in the Midwest emo sound however the band have stated its follow up will be different. Having premiered a new song called ‘I Lost My Dinosaur’ just before Christmas, the trio seem to be taken a more indie rock route that keeps the introspective lyrics intact. (SR)
Secret Stuff links: Facebook|Bandcamp
Toundra
2015 marks the return of Spanish instrumental quartet Toundra. With their fourth album set to be released later this month, their first in three years, ‘IV’ sees Toundra build on past releases which saw them embrace a powerful post-rock sound with luxurious soundscapes. ‘IV’ sees Toundra at their most compelling as tracks like ‘Qarqom’ and ‘Kitsune’ ebb and flow taking you on a musical journey along the way. Also interestingly enough ‘IV’ is a concept album of a story of two foxes that need to escape from the forest because of a huge fire. Interesting… (SR)
Toundra links: Facebook|Twitter
Words by Sean Reid (SR), Mikey Brown (MB), Rob Mair (RM), Heather Fitsell (HF) and Dane Wright (DW)
