It’s a difficult time to be British. Our prime minister has packed his bags as other leading politicians have dubiously called it time on their career. At the time of writing the strength of our currency continues to decline. Austerity measures relentlessly attack access to free healthcare, vital benefits and much, much more. If that wasn’t enough, a spate of xenophobia and racism has recently been unleashed, attacking the basic human rights of many. All in all, it’s a pretty gloomy time to be a UK citizen.
So here’s something positive. Despite facing equally uncertain times, the British music scene continues to churn out some of the most exciting, innovative and downright brilliant material. As we cross the half-way point of the year, the list of quality British releases is staggering, and that’s before some of the perceived heavy hitters drop over the coming months. If you’re looking for something to celebrate about being British, this is it. Our Editor Ben delves into the year, over five parts presenting fifty of the best home-grown EPs and LPs from the last six and a bit months. It’s in alphabetical order too. We’ve had enough competition for a lifetime.
Part One | Part Two | Part Three | Part Four | Part Five
Architects – ‘All Our Gods Have Abandoned Us’
Never ones to follow the convention of the British metalcore scene, Brighton’s Architects not only cement themselves as true pioneers with their seventh studio album, ‘All Our Gods Have Abandoned Us’, they also present a harrowing call to arms. Architects continue to fly the flag for a genre that might otherwise become notably stale.
Austeros – ‘Painted Blue’
Hiding their serious lyrical content under a sea of upbeat summery melody, Bristol and Cheltenham based indie-punks Austeros offer a glossy veneer over tales of failed relationships, mental health and the dreaded feeling of uncertainty. ‘Painted Blue’ provides a necessary rest-bite from this anguish though, and pushes Austeros to the forefront of the UK DIY scene.
Bad Ideas – ‘Bad Ideas’
Lincoln four-piece Bad Ideas announced their farewell with a bang, dropping their absolutely sublime self-titled full-length. The swan-song presents their best music to date, ultimately a bittersweet pill to swallow. In his farewell, the band’s Sam Cook notes the time, love and energy injected into ‘Bad Ideas’, something that flows throughout the record with abundance.
Bellevue Days – ‘Sad Boy’
Croydon alternative rockers Bellevue Days continue their atypical style on ‘Sad Boy’, the follow up to 2015’s ‘The Sun Came Up When We Were Young’. The EP packs more of an immediate punch than its predecessor, working towards stamping their own identity on a sound that has previously garnered comparisons to Brand New and their ilk. It’s a new wave of grunge-emo-alt-rock, and it’s brilliant.
Black Peaks – ‘Statues’
Few, if any, bands sound like Brighton genre-smashes Black Peaks. Having celebrated high-profile support slots and festival appearances since their debut album release, not least joining Deftones at Wembley Arena for a stunning indication of things to come, the four-piece provide an invigorating blend of quirky metal with a vocal delivery destined to make hairs stand on end.
Boxkite – ‘This Is How God Loves You’
With their raw hardcore, Plymouth outfit Boxkite deliver a churning dirge of unpolished drums, down-tuned guitars and lingering bass. ‘This Is How God Loves You’ is downright sludgy and grimy; a brief trip of nightmarish proportions.
Brawlers – ‘The Black EP’
Declaring their lack of affinity with the British pop-punk scene, Brawlers’ ‘The Black EP’ takes them away from their relationship focussed lyrics of yore, instead opening up about the everyday mundane quandaries. Speaking of the hatred of day jobs and drinking to forget the monotony, ‘The Black EP’ is the everyman’s mantra.
Brightr – ‘Year One’
Waving goodbye to his days in full bands, Brightr’s Laurie Cottingham set out on his own. His debut album, ‘Year One’, is beautifully heartfelt and subtly devastating. Combined with his honest and open live performances, Brightr has commanded emotions around the UK and Europe over the past six months.
Britney – ‘Britn3y’
Edinburgh noise masters Britney don’t fit in your box. In fact, they haven’t ever seen your box. Your box is a dot to them. Much like any idea of musical convention. This ferocious trio dip their toes into sludge, doom, thrash and hardcore, but as long as it’s messy, they’re happy.
Cheap Meat – ‘The Parts That Show’
Released through Hassle Records, Cheap Meat’s debut EP, ‘The Parts That Show’, is celebratory retrospective. Hailing back to the triumphant mid-00s era of British rock, it also channels a healthy dose of 90s pop-punk. EP closer ‘For A Moment’ still stands tall as one of the best songs of the year, balancing a Tony Hawks Pro Skater vibe with a serious dose of fun.
Check back for 4 more parts.