Thanks to NPR and Spotify I've been able to discover music in a fresh and exciting way. Most importantly, I've been able to encounter new music as it becomes available! Sure, there have always been bands that I would occasionally track to see if their getting ready to release new material or see if I missed the launch by a couple of days (or years...). But now the music comes to me, whether in the form of a podcast hosted by music experts or an artist radio station via music streaming or in relation to other new discoveries. If feels like the old days when television used to air music videos on the regular.
And thanks to this new-fangled technology (new to me, at least), I've been able to listen to A TON of great releases from this year alone. Without further ado, what to listen to from 2015!
Nota bene: To prevent favoritism, all albums are listed in chronological order.
24 Albums I've Listened To So Far
Sleater-Kinney – No Cities to Love
20 January 2015
I'm actually glad this came first on the list because it's my top discovery so far. Coming out of the northwestern riot grrrl scene of the mid-90s, Sleater-Kinney had an active career in the first decade of their band-ship, releasing 7 albums and maintaining a strong underground fanbase. After a long hiatus, they come back strong with No Cities to Love, making punk fun to listen to again and challenging the notion that indie rock is just for soft acoustic background music in car commercials.
“Bury Our Friends” by Sleater-Kinney
3 March 2015
To me, Of Montreal always seemed like a band too eccentric for me to get into (like the Flaming Lips, but a lot less coherent). It's still hard to listen to Aureate Gloom from beginning to end without scratching your head, but I'm floored not only by the musical complexity of their experimental pop but also by how funky it some of the tracks are. A little bit of trivia: the title for the opener "Bassam Sabry" is a reference to the Egyptian civil rights activist who "accidentally fell from a balcony under unclear circumstances" last year.
“Bassem Sabry” by Of Montreal
Modest Mouse – Strangers to Ourselves
17 March 2015
My only exposure to Modest Mouse before Strangers to Ourselves was their better-known singles and Good News for People Who Love Bad News, and this unfamiliarity with their erratic sound makes it difficult to give an accurate review. I can say that more than once I felt that the album was unevenly paced, with semi-manic vocals being carried by a slow and steady rhythm. If you're not too familiar with the band, I'd suggest listening to one of their other five albums for a more proper introduction.
"The Tortoise and the Tourist" by Modest Mouse
Chastity Belt – Time to Go Home
20 March 2015
I'm not super impressed by Chastity Belt's latest release, Time to Go Home. Having a post-punk atmosphere and a college rock groove, it was a slow burn for most of the record mostly due to a lyricism that doesn't take itself too seriously. However, there are some redeeming moments when the tempo speeds up.
“Joke” by Chastity Belt
Liturgy – The Ark Work
23 March 2015
I never thought I'd be listening to black metal, but here I am... listening to black metal. Granted, the bandmembers of Liturgy (along with their compatriots Deafheaven) would describe their approach as "transcendental black metal" which have the purists up in arms and screaming "Blasphemy!" (how ironic...). Most of the time their sound is an extreme form of shoegazing, but in any case The Ark Work is a totally different kind of animal. The harsh shrieks are replaced by drone chant, synthesizers make frequent appearances and there's even a tinge of hip-hop (see "Vitriol"). It's a decent listen, but I was expecting something more along the lines of "Tragic Laurel". Their longest track, "Reign Array", is an accurate cross-section of all their trying to accomplish in the record. And if for some reason you find the sound unbearable after a minute of listening, at least try to wait out until the bagpipes come in (yes, bagpipes).
“Reign Array” by Liturgy
Courtney Barnett – Sometimes I Sit and Think, and Sometimes I Just Sit
23 March 2015
The sleeper hit of the year, Courtney Barnett's debut LP Sometimes I Sit and Think, and Sometimes I Just Sit is pure garage indie sans the gritty and angsty sound. Simple song structures and a laid-back slacker delivery of lyrics go a long way as the Aussie is able to make ordinary life seem... ordinary, but notable. Life's little ups and little downs can shape you, break you or just leave you unfettered, but even more powerfully they can leave a memory. Though these memories provide instances of beautiful nostalgia ("Depreston"), this is not an album that intends to be taken any deeper than it is. And almost as an insurance, the second song promises that if you expect too much that it'll "only disappoint you".
“Pedestrian at Best” by Courtney Barnett
Death Cab for Cutie – Kintsugi
27 March 2015
Growing up, I got my hopeless romantic fix through Jimmy Eat World and as a result Death Cab for Cutie totally flew under the radar unnoticed. In listening to Kintsugi I was struck by the very honest and mature poetry detailing the throes of modern love as well as the atmosphere displayed by a band that is confident in its craftsmanship. A poignant record for when you're in the mood to contemplate your place in relationships and in the world that both seem to turn oh-so fast.
“Little Wanderer” by Death Cab for Cutie
Sufjan Stevens – Carrie & Lowell
27 March 2015
Known for his deeply personal and complex songwriting, Sufjan Stevens lifts the veil on the struggles he endured during the passing of his mother in Carrie & Lowell. At once arresting and elegant, Stevens paints the picture of his acceptance of reality on the backdrop of religion, relationships and nostalgia.
“No Shade in the Shadow of the Cross” by Sufjan Stevens
The Wombats – Glitterbug
13 April 2015
As the name implies, Glitterbug is unapologetic arena synthpop. The Wombats keep the amp level high throughout the album and maintain enough post-punk revival sensibility to merit a track or two being played at an indie party. As fun as it is, I felt the party went on a bit longer than necessary and that the band neared the borderline of "coming on too strong" many a time.
“Give Me a Try" by The Wombats
My Morning Jacket – The Waterfall
4 May 2015
Like Modest Mouse, I felt that My Morning Jacket is a band that is in such a league of its own in regards to being an "acquired taste" that its hard for an outside listener to give an adequate judgment of their latest release. I did, however, find The Waterfall enjoyable and intriguing. With a sound that strikes a perfect combination of psychedelic and progressive rock and themes exploring the balance of believing others, believing in others and believing in oneself (by the way, all interesting topics to throw around while reading Josef Pieper's essay on faith), it is definitely a record that deserves more than just a passing glance.
“In Its Infancy (The Waterfall)” by My Morning Jacket
4 May 2015
Torres is the artist that renewed my hope in the future of alternative rock. As broad as the genre is, there has been too many years of rehashing musical structure, sound and delivery that not only did nothing appear original in modern rock, but nothing appeared authentic. Torres blows all of that out of the water with her sophomore album Sprinter where she melds folk and post-grunge together with the tactfulness of Adele and the ferocity of Brandi Carlile. To cement such a presence in such an over-saturated scene so early in her career only begs the question: "What's next to come from Torres?"
“Strange Hellos” by Torres
Cheerleader – The Sunshine of Your Youth
15 May 2015
The summer album of 2015, Cheerleader's The Sunshine of Your Youth provides the perfect soundtrack to your next road trip or day out on the beach. Light and airy throughout, it's indie pop rock at its most-approachable.
“The Sunshine of Your Youth” by Cheerleader
Dawes – All Your Favorite Bands
29 May 2015
In All Your Favorite Bands, Dawes play songs about the inevitability of life changing and the choice one has in accepting the good from the past and having that enrich the here and now. Wholeheartedly embracing heartland rock as their modus operandi, the band sounds like a calmer version of the Gaslight Anthem, like young guys realizing they're not so young anymore but wise enough to know that old is yet to come.
“Things Happen” by Dawes
Florence + The Machine – How Big, How Blue, How Beautiful
2 June 2015
As the public has gotten used to the bombastic sound of Florence + The Machine the band has followed suit by writing songs that are much more layered musically and lyrically with each passing release. The latest, How Big, How Blue, How Beautiful, explores the dangers of lusting over your significant other which results in a loss of not only love but of identity; the idolatry that is entertained leaves one a shell driven by base desires that are a shadow of what true love once was.
“St Jude” by Florence + The Machine
Girlpool – Before the World Was Big
2 June 2015
With two girls, one guitar and one bass, Girlpool deliver as sparse a sound as you'll find from a modern band. Resurrecting underground 80s punk, Before the World Was Big is a coming-of-age album that details the dejection of growing up while trying desperately to not grow apart.
“Cherry Picking” by Girlpool
Muse – Drones
4 June 2015
Muse returns to its roots with the alt-rock album Drones. It's what you expect from the band as far as spacey guitar solos and lyrics pointing to political conspiracy theories, but after dipping their toes into symphonic and art rock for the last couple of albums it's hard to shake that influence from their repertoire. Not that that's a bad thing, as it shows Muse's ability to stay relevant while not selling out.
“Reapers” by Muse
FFS – FFS
5 June 2015
The eponymous debut of the supergroup FFS brings together the uniquely eccentric songwriting of Franz Ferdinand and Sparks. A high-energy electropop album, it brings out the best songwriting of both groups but it also proves to be a hard one to follow for someone who isn't used to listening to either band. The collaboration is definitely an interesting endeavor that holds a lot of promise if it continues.
“Piss Off” by FFS
Of Monsters and Men – Beneath the Skin
9 June 2015
While still maintaining the folk rock base that made them a household name in their debut, Of Monsters and Men expand their sound with more flourish and fanfare in Beneath the Skin. With grand choral arrangements and driving melodies the band elevates the primordial struggle of the moral person to a higher level of consideration, the struggle between what one is tempted to become and what one is called to become, between the monster and the man.
“Human” by Of Monsters and Men
23 June 2015
With a single release in 2002, Desaparesidos was fated to be a doomed side project of Bright Eyes frontman Conner Oberst. But with Payola the band proved that it can still serve as an avenue of gritty punk rock. When the album is not punching you in the face its kicking you in the rear, providing a harrowing commentary of current political and social injustices in the United States, especially those targeting the poor and marginalized. While it still surprises me that a musician who wrote a ballad like "First Day of My Life" can rock so hard, I'm reminded that Kevin Devine (who parodied the ballad in "I Could Be With Anyone") can bring the edge when necessary.
“City on the Hill” by Desaparesidos
Senses Fail – Pull the Thorns from Your Heart
29 June 2015
Being masters of post-hardcore, Senses Fail proved themselves again with Pull the Thorns from Your Heart. A loud and dark record from beginning to end, the despair and confusion from previous albums give way to an anger and conviction as lyricist Buddy Nielsen lays out all the baggage from the past he's done with and moves beyond the issues and addictions into a life of guided by love.
“Wounds” by Senses Fail
Ratatat – Magnifique
17 July 2015
When the party starts to wind down but it's too early to call it quits, play a couple of tracks from the electronic rock instrumental Magnifique and you'll have enough groove to hold everyone over. A digital disco of an album, Ratatat's sound borrow's a lot from the funk found in Daft Punk's latest release while paving its own path with a generous helping of neo-psychedelic guitar improvisations throughout. The moment when the head bobbing moves its way down to your torso and hips is the moment when you're correctly listening to the album.
“Cream on Chrome” by Ratatat
White Reaper – White Reaper Does It Again
17 July 2015
White Reaper channels 80s punk rock grittiness with 70s power pop dancablility in their debut LP White Reaper Does It Again. Fast and fun, the band succeeds in making a simply pleasurable rock album.
“Pills” by White Reaper
Wilco – Star Wars
17 July 2015
Wilco pulled a Beyoncé with the release of the curiously-titled Star Wars. A departure from the folksy indie rock the band is known for, this album sees some dabbling with 60s progressive, lo-fi, experimental, electronica and Replacements-esque rock. And even though critics are confused as to how this album fits with the rest of Wilco's discography, the most surprising part is that the band released the album for free on their website and it will remain free for download until 13 August. What are you waiting for... get it NOW!!
“Random Name Generator” by Wilco
Ducktails – St. Catherine
24 July 2015
The marketing for this St. Catherine could not have been more on-point. In scrolling through the new releases on Spotify, I was drawn by the Catholic name of the album, the abstruse photo comprising the wordless cover art and the strange name of the band. What I got when I listened to the latest from Ducktails was an airy dream pop gem. A thoroughly enjoyable and artfully crafted compilation, the album captures the sense of what it feels like to be enraptured by the beauty of nature, art and relationships. Of the name of the album, frontman Matt Modanile had this to say:
The title St. Catherine is a reference to St. Catherine of Alexandria, the saint of knowledge and virtue who was condemned by mortal men for devoting herself to Christ, an act of faith that at the time was seen as a type of dangerous lunacy. "The title track, St. Catherine, is about being blinded by light", says Mondanile of the record's central metaphor, "It's about throwing yourself into a revery, regardless of the consequences."
“St. Catherine” by Ducktails
6 Albums I Want to Hear
Kendrick Lamar – To Pimp a Butterfly
16 March 2015
I'm not too schooled in the rap game, but nowadays I hear the name Kendrick Lamar any time the genre is mentioned. To Pimp a Butterfly has been high on numerous top album lists that I've come across so I figure it's worth a journey into unfamiliar musical territory.
“i” by Kendrick Lamar
GABI – Sympathy
7 April 2015
GABI showcases ethereal vocal chant and chamber-inspired orchestration in her debut Sympathy. The only thing that's keeping the album on the backburner is how slow the songs are, so I'm waiting to listen to it when it wouldn't be the end of the world if I fell asleep in the middle of it (which I assume is partly the intention of the record).
“Koo Koo” by GABI
Speedy Ortiz – Foil Deer
20 April 2015
The following Speedy Ortiz song from the album Foil Deer was featured in a shared Spotify playlist and it picqued my interest in checking out the band's post-grunge sound.
“Raising the Skate” by Speedy Ortiz
Mumford & Sons – Wilder Mind
4 May 2015
The little I've heard from Wilder Mind gives me the impression that Mumford & Sons is evolving away from the strict folk corner that everyone has put them in to show that they can create a more rock-centric album that still packs the same punch-to-the-heart as their predecessors.
“Ditmas” by Mumford & Sons
Hillsong United – Empires
26 May 2015
Whenever Hillsong United releases an album there's always a song or two that become new staples in popular praise & worship, so I'd like to check out Empires to stay a bit ahead of the curve.
“Prince of Peace” by Hillsong United
Public Enemy – Man Plans God Laughs
15 July 2015
Flavor Flav is still around and he and the rest of the Public Enemy crew are back in Man Plans God Laughs. Known for their politically charged material, I'm interested to see what issues they'll tackle in their newest release.
“Man Plans God Laughs” by Public Enemy
8 Albums I'm Waiting For
Gungor – One Wild Life: Soul
7 August 2015
The experimental and post-rock Gungor announced on their podcast that they're back in the studio with an ambitious project: a trilogy of albums (Soul, Spirit, Body) in the series One Wild Life which explores "what it means to live as a human being in this marvelously absurd and extravagant universe". When a talented band such as this tries a new method or direction, I'm all ears.
“Light” by Gungor
Chelsea Wolfe – Abyss
7 August 2015
An expert in gothic folk and noisy ambient, Chelsea Wolfe is set to release her hardest album to date, Abyss. Judging from the muddy doom metal that was featured in her lead single, there's going to be some heavy contenders for tracks being used as background music in modern crime dramas (I'm looking at you, True Detective).
“Carrion Flowers” by Chelsea Wolfe
Protomartyr – The Agent Intellect
9 October 2015
Although the previous material from Protomartyr showed a talented handle of post-punk gloom and hardcore punk aggressiveness, the promotional releases for The Agent Intellect have me looking forward to songs longer than 3 minutes which thus have space to develop and deliver.
“Blues Festival” by Protomartyr
Emilie-Claire Barlow – Clear Day
October 2015
The accomplished Canadian jazz singer and cartoon voice actress Emilie-Claire Barlow is currently recording the final parts of her huge crowdfunded project Clear Day which includes a 70-piece orchestra. This ambitious album will be sure to turn the heads of unassuming guests at lounge and cocktail parties.
{PledgeMusic Promotion} by Emilie-Clair Barlow
Happy Body Slow Brain – ???
Late 2015
The experimental dream pop sound of Happy Body Slow Brain, a musical endeavor spearheaded by ex-Taking Back Sunday bandmates, looks like it will be challenged by a more progressive approach akin to the Mars Volta.
{New Album Teaser} by Happy Body Slow Brain
Dy-Verse – ???
Late 2015
Keeping his fans guessing as far as what next to come, Dy-Verse has been gradually departing from the strict hip-hop vibe he's known for without loosing his groove in the slightest. After recently wrapping up some late-night recording and mixing sections, it may not be long until we hear some more EDM from the Colombian MC.
“Sonshine State” by Dy-Verse
Audrey Assad – Inheritance
Late 2015 – Early 2016
Currently recording tracks for her crowdfunded Inheritance, Audrey Assad aims to deliver reverent and modern renditions of beloved Christian hymns in the spirit and style of her previous independent releases (meaning its going to be prayerful and awesome!).
{No Video Yet...}
Brand New – ???
???
Their first recording since 2009 and their first music video since 2004, Brand New took everyone aback with the release of "Mene" (alluding to the "writing on the wall" in the Book of Daniel) back in mid-April. With no news except that recording is currently underway, I'm just glad that post-hardcore has proven to be more than a passing teenage fad.
“Mene”by Brand New
If you made it this far...
Thanks for sticking through to the end! I wanted to write a big comeback post to declare the end of my hiatus from blogging. I plan to write (shorter) weekly updates from here on out showcasing the great new music I come across. And if you think there's an album that I definitely shouldn't have missed from 2015, be sure to let me know!
Just give me a try,
Kelvin
The Catfish and the Bottlemen's "The Balcony" and Walk the Moon's "Talking is Hard"
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