Throughout 2015, the various new music releases drew attention from fans and critics everywhere. From the many different genres in the alternative scene, these are my favorite albums put out throughout the year.
All Time Low - Future Hearts
The latest release from All Time Low, the pop-punkers from Baltimore, marks a very smooth transition from the band’s past work. Though they never had too much of an acquired taste to begin with, the band turned to a sound that was further pop-inspired than ever, even acquiring a top radio hit with their single “Something’s Gotta Give.“ For fans old and new, this record is worth at least one listen before 2016 really kicks off.
FFO: Fall Out Boy; The Maine
Top Picks: Dancing with a Wolf; Cinderblock Garden
Enter Shikari - The Mindsweep
This release from Enter Shikari is, for the most part, what any fan would expect. Heavily riddled with political satire and irony, reaching the ears of consumers everywhere, this album truly made a dent in the music world in 2015. The band has seemingly become even more liberal in their use of the mixing board, filling the album with more electronic and pop sounds than most of their previous tracks. Needless to say, they've retained many aspects of their old music. At the same time, however, they are showing their more maturity in their style. “The Last Garrison,” for example, sends an inspiring message to fans and has a more well-tamed backtrack, contrasting a large portion of the album in a nice way. Though they are certainly a very specific taste, I highly recommend listening to this album.
FFO: The One Hundred; I See Stars; Icon for Hire
Top Picks: The Bank of England; The Last Garrison
twenty one pilots - Blurryface
The second major label record produced by Twenty One Pilots has received many different mixed reviews from the community and critics ever since its release, but it’s hard to make a general claim in regards to the album. The band certainly changed its sound, which now includes inspiration from reggae, quite drastically. The album also contains EDM, ukulele pop, and more genres within its tracklist; the sheer diversity of the musical style makes it hard to remember that there was only one artist involved in production. This has been the band’s most popular album to date, as it currently has a huge mainstream influence; currently, their single “Stressed Out” is rotated on several radio stations. The band has not sacrificed its lyrical depth for this success, however. It is certainly not for everyone due to the band’s free travel between genres, but this album is absolutely worth hearing before new music commands your 2016.
FFO: ??
Top Picks: We Don’t Believe What’s on TV; Hometown
Chunk! No, Captain Chunk! - Get Lost, Find Yourself
The third album from French group Chunk! No, Captain Chunk! didn't receive as much attention as I expected, but it is still undoubtedly one of the best releases of the year. Stylistically, it doesn't deviate very far from the group’s previous release Pardon My French, but the overall vibe it gives off is much more heavily inspired by carefree pop punk, such as early Fall Out Boy or Good Charlotte. One thing that does differ greatly is the inclusion of an acoustic title track, showcasing a cultivated severity that never shone through so profoundly in the past. This provides a contrast to the album; where most songs are very well-written and complex, “Get Lost, Find Yourself” is a simple campfire tune that pairs beautifully with the rest of the songs. This is, by far, my favorite release from this group and I strongly recommend listening to it.
FFO: We Came as Romans; A Day to Remember
Top Picks: Playing Dead; Twist the Knife
Bring Me the Horizon - That’s the Spirit
When I first heard the new Bring Me the Horizon record, my first thought was “Why?” The was entirely different from previous records, which featured much heavier songs such as “Antivist” or “Chelsea Smile”. Compared to those, That’s the Spirit seems extremely mainstream. In fact, the singles “Happy Song” and “Drown” both experienced large airplay on rock radio. In this album, vocalist Oli Sykes believed that what made the album better was the exclusion of harsh, unnecessary screaming at all times. The album is still heavy enough to be considered hard rock, but, as stated earlier, it is an enormous shift from every previous style the band has used in the past. The defining aspect of this album, which reminds fans that this is, in fact, Bring Me the Horizon, is the use of digital sounds; this type of style was featured on Sempiternal and has managed to be retained in the new record. For anyone who has never taken a liking to the band in the past, this album is a necessity, as it is undeniably one of the most unique albums of the year.
FFO: ??
Top Picks: True Friends; Run
Being as an Ocean - Being as an Ocean
The self-titled album from Being as an Ocean has come to greatly satisfy old fans and new fans alike. The group doesn't stray significantly from its previous style, but it does feature more hook-heavy choruses in the midst of its blairing verses, similarly to Motionless in White’s Creatures and other popular rock albums. Vocalist Joel Quartuccio is a very religious man, and this album shows that very readily. It coherently tells the story of a boy, using religion as the primary plot-driver. Even for those who don’t consider themselves religious or Christian, the use of this theme throughout the album is very moving. The success of this band is unjustifiably low, especially given the sheer beauty of this record. This album is one to which everyone should actively listen at least once before dismissing it, as this is without-a-doubt one of the most creative albums of the year.
FFO: Motionless in White (Creatures); Stick to Your Guns
Top Picks: Little Richie; Ain’t Nobody Perfect
Young Guns - Ones and Zeros
The third studio release from UK band Young Guns evoked a great positive response. The band changed its musical style by a fair amount, but fans have been very open-minded in the light of this change. The album retains the band’s rock-based style and sound, but reflects a newly mainstream-accessible rhythm partnered with songs that are more versatile.This style works wondrously for the group; their songwriting has not suffered, either, as they still creatively and concisely cover the same emotional spectrum that they always have. This album also achieved a fair bit of success; though they aren’t a household name by any means, their single “I Want Out” experienced a large amount of airplay upon its release, showing the anticipation that people everywhere had for this album’s release. That anticipation was worth it, as this record is among the best of the year. It is definitely not industry-changing, but I believe that rock fans everywhere should listen to this record before being introduced to the new music 2016 is offering.
FFO: You Me At Six, Fall Out Boy, Canterbury
Top Picks: Speaking in Tongues; Infinity
Ice Nine Kills - Every Trick in the Book
Over their years as a band Ice Nine Kills has put out numerous records, but this is by far their most interesting release to date. The album is based on a concept, in which each song is based on a different piece of famous literature, both antiquated and recent. Such literature includes Frankenstein, Go Ask Alice, and more. Compared to their previous releases, the band has taken a much bolder, more dramatic route the album’s sound, emphasizing the power of literature it represents. The intro track “Nature of the Beast,” for example, features a very theatrical overtone, following a current metalcore trend and straying greatly from their previous musical styles. You won’t be confused, however, because the vocal power of both vocalists will remind you constantly that this is still an Ice Nine Kills album. The band is currently on tour and will continue to do huge things in support of this album, the first release they have made since being signed to Fearless Records this year. I see them as the next big group in this scene and I strongly recommend listening to this album as soon as possible.
FFO: Crown the Empire; Of Mice & Men
Top Picks: Nature of the Beast; Communion of the Cursed
Jody Has a Hitlist - You: My Drug, My Downfall
What might seem shocking to many people is inclusion of this album at all, being that this band never attained huge success. Jody Has A Hitlist was a British band that, shortly after disbanding, released this album 2015. It is, quite simply, innovative pop-punk, putting modern spin on the beloved genre while infusing the finer elements other genres. Regardless of its similarities to other genres, however, this record is entirely unique. The songs feature very well-crafted guitar chords, the most notable, in my opinion, being on the song “Charm Offensive.” Even the lyricism is original, using creative writing styles to describe its common themes. The band is not so far detached from the genre, however, that they are difficult to listen at first. On the contrary, it relatively easy for most music-lovers to develop a taste for this great band. The combination classic pop punk with modern rock styles, in addition their musical mastery, is what has made this album one of my favorites. I strongly recommend that anyone who has not heard this band listen to this album, as I believe it sets high standards for the next evolution of music in 2016.
FFO: All Time Low; Kids in Glass Houses
Top Picks: Charm Offensive (ft. Aled Phillips); Catholic Guilt
