2013 has been an exciting year for music. We’ve seen some new bands emerge from the woodwork and show us all that the UK music scene is alive and well. We’ve seen some other bands ascend to dizzying new heights of their career and frankly piss on some of their peers (Foals an Arctic Monkeys anyone?) And we’ve also had some bands reemerge from the silence to bring themselves back into the public ears.
Of course, the year isn’t just defined by the albums/songs released… We’ve also seen an incredible array of gigs come our way– some of which have been generation defining. And, of course, no year is complete without a nod to the Festival Season– which this year was surprisingly devoid of mentions of waterproofs and wellies. Without further ado, I take a look back over my top 3’s of the year.
Albums of the Year:
1: Fenech-Soler – Rituals
Part of why I think this album is my favourite of the year is that I’ve followed Fenech-Soler keenly since 2009– and so, for me, their follow-up album was long overdue… But it certainly proved to be worth the wait. There’s not a weak track on this 60 minute stint into electropop euphoria. Every single track will make you put your hands up in the air and bounce around. And possibly what makes this album even better than it being so hooky– is the fact that this is electropop with heart– there’s real thought and passion and emotion in it, so you can’t help but love it back.
2: Wild Cub – Youth
One of the first albums I really listened to this year was ‘Youth’ by a completely unknown band… And since the first listen I have been absolutely hooked. Borrowing electropop elements alongside the 80’s funk and indie– it’s such an uplifting and danceable experience. Each song is it’s own colourful cascade of sounds and influences that make the album fit with every season and every emotion you might have. ‘Thunder Clatter’ is an absolute tropically-drenched tune and definitely an album highlight.
3: Phoenix – Bankrupt!
Yes, this is the second mention Phoenix get in my top 3’s– but for me, they certainly have proved to be one of the bands that have made 2013. An album full of high quality electro-indie that takes elements of 80’s pop and brings them into the future and finishes it all off with an shimmering gloss of production– it’s maybe not as brilliant as its’ predecessor but it still works out to be a thrilling listen from start to finish.
Honourable mentions: Arctic Monkeys – AM; Franz Ferdinand – Right Thoughts, Right Words, Right Action; Parquet Courts – Light Up Gold; Palma Violets – 180; Vampire Weekend- Modern Vampires of the City
EP’s of the Year:
1: Parquet Courts – Tally All The Things That You Broke
There’s not many bands quite as exciting as Parquet Courts this year and this slice of post-punk pondering perfectly exemplifies why. With rough and ready guitars; fuzzed, care not vocals and tracks that veer in tempo from idle shuffles to get uncontrollable– this EP slots alongside their debut perfectly.
2: JAWS – Milkshake
Channeling a summertime surfer-slacker sound seems to be effortless in JAWS’ debut EP. Destined for lazing around and not doing a lot, every track brings sunshine to your soul and relaxation to the mind. This certainly is the vinyl that’s been played most by me this year.
3: Darlia – Knock Knock
Coming out of seemingly nowhere (Blackpool), Knock Knock is a brief but brilliant introduction to Darlia’s sound. A sound of 90’s grunge rock (Queen of Hearts), the more modern, hooks of indie rock (Napalm) and restless garage band next-door riffing (Choke on Bones)– it definitely makes you sit up and take notice. Ones to watch in 2014.
Gigs of the Year:
1: Phoenix – O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire
By a mile, Phoenix proved themselves to be not only my gig of this year– but one of the best gigs I have ever seen. The gig being the first time the band were on UK shores in three years and set in such an intimate venue– it was electrifying. With a set that spanned their entire career, a crowd-surfing and then balcony climbing Mars and absolute finesse to every note it truly was a show that defined this year. (Review here)
2: Palma Violets – Boston Arms
It was inevitable that a Palma Violets show would end up in my tops of the year (they are the band I’ve seen the most after all)– but this particular show set the tone for 2013. New songs from their debut were aired; their live show refined to strike a careful balance of chaotic and actual performance and the crowd was insane (there were stage invasions, crowd surfers and a surprising amount of nakedness). And the show got discussed on Radio 6 the following day, it made that much of an impression. (Review here)
3: The Killers – Wembley Stadium
After their show at The O2 last November, I didn’t hesitate in buying a ticket to see their summer show at Wembley Stadium– and boy, it didn’t disappoint. With minimal gimmicks or frills– The Killers entertained purely based on their music and showmanship. One of the moments you had to be there for this year was 60,000 people bouncing along to Mr. Brightside like it was still 2003. (Review here)
Honourable mentions: Parquet Courts – Village Underground; Baby Strange – Tipsy; Muse – The Emirates; The Vaccines – The Joiners; Fenech-Soler – O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire
Festivals of the Year:
1: End of the Road
EotR and Secret Garden Party exposed me to a completely different way to festival this year. EotR exposed me to a festival in which crowds were all good natured and friendly (shocking), where the line-up had careful thought so that each band fitted together and each stage had a consistent theme, where there were parties in the forest and comedy in a ditch… I left the festival not only having seen a variety of extraordinary bands but also meeting a variety of friendly people and having a 3am rave in a forest.
2: Knee Deep
For a small, home grown festival– Knee Deep was something special. Giving exposure to smaller bands, as well as local talent, it felt like a community in itself. With the two stages being coordinated– you could walk back and forth and catch every band on the line up if you wished. And then with possibly the best food I’ve ever encountered, and friendly, lovely staff to match– it felt like a Scout Camp with added bands.
3: The Great Escape
TGE has always been one of my favourite festivals (it was my first, so special emotional attachment then) and this year was no different. There was a huge variety on offer across the 3 days in the various venues and, although tiring, it was probably one of the best years. Unfortunately TGE is finding itself facing more people attending than space in the venues– so this year the level of queuing involved was painful, stopping it from scoring higher.
7bitarcade - Archive 