First "Speed Reads" of 2016, we've got reviews of the latest music from Enter Shikari, Bury Tomorrow, and Nothing but Thieves. That's right, a U.K blowout! Everything from metal to indie, these three bands are well known and loved among their fans. And those fans are sure to enjoy these new albums (in Enter Shikari's case new single). Click the links provided below to purchase the respective albums/singles. To read the previous "Speed Reads" click this (link).
**Sorry our review of "Redshift" took so long to post. We had originally written a full length review, but upon rereading it, we decided it was better to consolidate and put it here.
The Summer Set have returned, and are set to release their 4th album, "Stories for Monday" April 1st! The album's lead single, "Figure Me Out" dropped last week, and it's definitely one to listen to. If letting you know that the song has the official Luke Hemmings stamp of approval, then there's another reason to listen.
To preorder their album, and instantly get their new single, click the following (link)
Pure Noise Records has a slew of great pop punk bands. Perhaps the cream of the crop are rising stars State Champs. Their sophomore record, "Around the World and Back" was released in October of 2015. And since then, they've had nothing but success. Prior they had stints on tours with 5 Seconds of Summer, and on Warped. Currently they're doing a world tour with fellow pop punk newcomers Neck Deep (whose sophomore album was also a huge success). Poised for world domination, with a growing fanbase, we're happy to have these guys as our first "Featured Band" of 2016.
Remember to catch State Champs on their co-headlining tour with Neck Deep this February/March. Click the following (link) to get dates and locations.
To read our review of "Around the World and Back" click this (link). And to buy the album on iTunes click this (link).
Yes times about four thousand. Hands Like Houses' new album, "Dissonants" is shaping up to be one of the best releases of the year. The record's first two singles, "I Am" and "New Romantics" blew us away with their arena sized choruses and sick hooks. Now "Colourblind" has done it again. To preorder "Dissonants" click the following (link). To read reviews of previous singles, "I Am" and "New Romantics" click the respective links.
The wait is over, Panic! at the Disco's 5th album has arrived! Best Friday of the new year so far? Perhaps. For fans old and new, this album has been shaping up to be something big. And considering how big Panic! can go, that's saying something. Two singles, three promotional singles, three music videos and one tribute to the man himself later the full length album has graced our presence. And in true P!atD fashion, it'll keep fans guessing.
We encourage you to buy the album on iTunes by clicking this (link). And don't forget pre-order tickets to their headlining tour with Weezer, which kicks off this summer!
We're getting closer and closer to the release of Tonight Alive's 3rd album! March 4, 2016 can't get here soon enough. "How Does It Feel?" is the second "official" single, and the 4th overall song to be released from the album. Excited yet? Well there's a good reason to be, but you'll have to read the rest of the review to find out why. Click this (link) to buy the song on iTunes and preorder the full album.
*Do yourself a favor, and just listen to the track. The music video, while interesting, is distracting. The song itself suffers because fans find the video weird, or unappealing.*
It was hard not to just do a list on the best songs from the band's third album, but we've managed to diversify and include songs from all 4 of their albums. The Color Morale has been writing music together about 2006, but have only recently found major success. Their debut album, "We All Have Demons" was released back in 2009, and the follow-up, "My Devil in Your Eyes" in 2011. Then in 2013, the band made their breakthrough album, and underwent a number of changes. But they came out better than ever. Now working on material for the new year, we're happy to look back at their lengthy catalog of songs and pick our favorites.
To see other "Best of the Artist" posts like this one, click this (link). If you think we missed a song, be sure to go to the aforementioned link to check out our honorable mention list. If you would like to suggest a future "BotA" please leave a comment. To see our main Top 10/Quick Picks page click this (link).
Get ready, because there's a storm of kick ass rookie bands coming your way in 2016. Though the year has just begun we've already got bands that are making waves, or have been making waves. So grab some headphones, clear your afternoon, and start searching Youtube or Bandcamp.
*We've limited our list to rookies, bands that have released 2 studio album or less (EPs excluded). Artists are NOT listed in any particular order. To see our mid-2015 list click this (link)
A year and a half after releasing their album "Real.", The Word Alive return with their 4th album, "Dark Matter". Frontman Tyler "Telle" Smith has said, "...the result of our most in-depth writing and recording session we've done and our most dynamic and expansive album to date." With that in mind, the album's first single "Trapped" definitely lives up to that reputation. To buy the song on iTunes, and or preorder the album click the following (link).
