![\"\"](\"https:\/\/alreadyheard.com\/staging\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/hiddengems-1024x364.jpg\" "\\"\\"")
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Over the past 12 months, the Already Heard<\/b> team has been privileged enough to hear some outstanding records, as well as some unfortunately disappointing, even forgettable, releases. And while we’ve celebrated 10 of the best records of 2018<\/a>, we all know there have been far more incredible albums this year.<\/p>\n So to round the year off, the AH team has picked out five “hidden gems” that may have passed you by in 2018.<\/p>\n With a refreshingly fresh take on modern alternative rock, UK power trio Winchester<\/strong> delivered a seriously classy record in \u2018Life Begins at These Dead Ends\u2019<\/i> back in February. Packed with well-arranged numbers that show off some serious songwriting talent, the loosely conceptual ‘LBATDE’<\/i> has got a hell of a lot going for it, whether its the attacking riffs and killer hooks or the multiple textures of their more complex tunes.<\/p>\n Although they are seriously heavy and have mastered the art of controlled aggression, tracks like ‘Diamond\u2019<\/i> or the mosh-friendly \u2018Line Up\u2019<\/i> nail killer choruses without sacrificing any of their harder edges. Other high points include ‘Life Begins’<\/i> with its varying rhythms and textures, the instrumental \u2018At These\u2019<\/i> with its sinister chimes, pulsating bass line and staccato riffing, and the banger that is ‘Problem’<\/i>. There is a more emotional side on display on \u2018Safe in Sound\u2019<\/i> and the reflective \u2018Set Me Apart\u2019<\/i> to balance out the aggression and showcase their versatility. All told, this is a great record from a seriously talented band with a bright future. (EL)![\"\"](\"https:\/\/alreadyheard.com\/staging\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/Winchester-Life-Begins-At-These-Dead-Ends-300x300.jpg\" "\\"\\"")
<\/p>\nWinchester – Life Begins at These Dead End<\/h1>\n
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