This Years Winner Is… are a five man pop-punk band from Onchan, Isle of Man. Their new album ‘Audiobiography’ is the bands first full length début With only a few EP’s under their belt, the long wait is finally over for their fans.
‘Audiobiography’ is an upbeat classic pop-punk album, with the use of pop melodies collaborated with fast-paced rocky tempos. The record displays genius instrumental talent from Ben Wilde (guitar), Dario Leonetti (guitar), Ashley Hogg (bass), and Darren Shields (drums).
After listening to the first three tracks on the album, ‘On With The Show’, ‘Let’s Not Do That Again’, and ‘Models & Mirrors’, the songs seemed to lack originality with little contrast between them. However, forth track ‘Don’t Go Now’ sped up the pace with some awesome drum and guitar work, and catchy lyrics. ‘Better Altogether’ follows this style, with these two the favourites from the record.
The use of acoustic guitar for the introduction of ‘Always Leaving…’ adds another musical dimension to the album, the song also features special guest vocals from Harry Radford, another extra treat! Applause for ‘I’ve Got A Feeling We’re Not In Kansas Anymore’, which is an exceptional piano piece that is simply poetic.
I feel this up and coming pop punk band are just starting to find their feet, the next album they produce could be outstanding. Listening to the record I felt the music was superb; Wilde, Leonetti, Hogg and Shields have absolutely smashed it, however, the vocals could be stronger.
Elliot Kinrade has a very typical, generic American twang, even though he’s British. The lyrics lack catchy chorus’s for fans to sing along to. Elliot’s voice personally reminds me of The Rocket Summers’ Bryce Avary.
If you enjoy the likes of You Me at Six, Four Year Strong, New Found Glory, then I recommend you give This Years Winner Is… a listen. I look forward to hearing the bands progress over the next few years, although I feel they’re still yet to find their individuality and own flare to really make their mark in a crowded pop-punk scene.
3.5/5
‘Audiobiography’ by This Years Winner Is is available now.
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Words by Chantelle Kelly.
