We Are The Physics have been one of my
favourite bands since seeing them play early one morning at T in the Park in
2007. This, their second album, develops the sound of their debut and expands
upon it: everything sounds bigger, fuller, more accomplished. Every song is a
polished nuggest of sci-fi-infused punk, and the band have clearly progressed
as songwriters and musicians. The sense of fun found on their debut is still
there, though: song topics include the redundancy of male genitalia, cancer,
and the web-based black hole that is Facebook. No, it really is fun... where
are you going? Come back!
This one is a little bit of a cheat:
technically, Prisoner was released in
2011 in The Jezabels’ native Australia, but since it didn’t make an appearance
in the UK until early this year I feel it’s worthy of inclusion. Plus, I make
the rules, so there. Building on their acclaimed trio of intricately
interlinked EPs, The Jezabels have outdone themselves with the quality of this
album. If you’ll excuse the cliché, it’s all killer no filler and every song is
well balanced and well placed in the record. Although their sound is a bit of a
throwback, they still manage to be extremely fresh and exciting.
3.
Here We Go Magic – A Different Ship
I happened upon this album by accident
while idly flicking through the pages of a well-known music magazine, and
almost glossed over it. I’m glad I didn’t. Constructed from repeated layers and
riffs and sounds, there’s something a bit different – a bit minimalist – to Here
We Go Magic’s indie rock. It’s certainly inventive and strikes all the right
chords, making it a sublime listen.
4.
Rodrigo y Gabriela & C.U.B.A. – Area 52
I’ve loved Rodrigo y Gabriella for
years, but when I heard they were recording a record with a Cuban dance band I
was a little bit sceptical. I shouldn’t have been. Area 52 is a whole lot of fun bundled up on a shiny plastic disc,
and listening to it never fails to make me smile. Although all the songs have
been featured on the duo’s previous albums, they have been completely
reworked and expanded and, in a number of cases, sound like completely new tracks.
It really is an incredible project, and I hope there’s more to come like this in the
future.
5.
Stanley – Animals With Amazing Disguises
Stanley have long been one of my
favourite local bands, so it was with joy – and a faint sense of relief – that I
celebrated finally hearing their debut album. Recorded and re-recorded,
tweaked and tinkered with and tweaked some more, Animals With Amazing Disguises was undoubtedly a real labour of
love for the band. Showcasing their unique theatrical sound, the songs sound
urgent and vibrant with Stephen Podlesny’s vocals soaring majestically over the
virtuoso musicianship. Although a little more polished round the edges than
their live sets, this is still a cracking display of some of Scotland’s finest
music.
6.
Kyla La Grange – Ashes
I discovered Kyla through a free sampler
CD and was instantly mesmerised by her vocal style and songwriting prowess.
Seeing her live earlier this year cemented my admiration, and listening to this album sums
that all up perfectly: it's a goldmine of perfect pop.
Experiencing a line-up change is never
easy for any band, but Katerwaul seem to have taken it in their stride. Recorded,
I am led to believe, almost wholly live, this is a stunning album of post-rock
riffs and heartfelt lyrics.
Another top band from around Aberdeen,
Carson Wells have been impressing local gig-goers, me included, for a few years
now. Having released their debut album this year, exclusively on vinyl, it was
definitely worth the wait: it’s emo-tinged shouty punk rock of the highest
order.
9.
Be Like Pablo – The New Adventures
This is quite possibly the happiest album
I own, with its synthy choruses and catchier-than-the-flu hooks. It never fails
to cheer me up when I’m feeling blue, or keep me smiling when I’m at my
happiest.
The Cellophane Flowers take indie and pop and
everything in between, and combine them to create something astoundingly
atmospheric. Rooted in 80s new wave and punk, their music instantly feels comfortably
familiar and excitingly new all at the same time.
Honourable Mentions
King Charles – LoveBlood
The Temper Trap – The Temper Trap
ES
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