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
Holy Pinto – ‘Congratulations’
Joining the throng of promising artists emerging from Kent, emo-pop duo Holy Pinto draw influence from the likes of pals of The Format and The Front Bottoms and to add a British twist to a prominent stateside sound. It’s confident, assured and catchy, led by complex yet understated instrumentation.
Hot Mass – ‘Nervous Tensions’
Made up of members of The Ateries, Dividers and 33, Swansea based Hot Mass make one hell of a racket. With tracks themed around the tension in creativity and losing passion, their melodic punk has recently seen them be picked up by The Menzingers for their UK dates.
Johnny Foreigner – ‘Mono No Aware’
After ten years as a band, ‘Mono No Aware’ might just be the best thing Johnny Foreigner have created. Retaining the sound that has cemented the four-piece as stalwarts of the UK DIY scene, it sees them at their most confident, unafraid to sound simultaneously chaotic and whimsical.
Losing Sleep – ‘Fear Of Missing Out’
Losing Sleep’s debut full-length ‘Fear Of Missing Out’ nods to a wealth of influencing genres, from emotional choruses to pop-punk heyday hooks, the record offers a brilliant round-up of foregone eras. It’s powerful with its riffs and subtle in its melody, pushing the DIY sound right to the forefront.
Martha – ‘Blisters In The Pit Of My Heart’
‘Blisters In The Pit Of My Heart’, the sophomore full-length by County Durham based Martha, pushes them to straddle the DIY underground scene and more mainstream attention. Dominated by their social and political commentary, the record rightfully accelerates their upward trajectory, built on upbeat indie-punk melodies that truly have something to say.
Merrick’s Tusk – ‘Regroup and Reform’
Midland four-piece Merrick’s Tusk grow up on ‘Regroup and Reform’, a short collection of songs representing different perspectives of maturity. It also aptly welcomes guitarist James Stewart into the fold, expanding the band’s haunting heartfelt sound and lyrical narrative.
Milk Teeth – ‘Vile Child’
As much opening one door as it closes another, ‘Vile Child’ – the enticing debut full-length release by Milk Teeth – both cements their distinctive blend of soft and heavy, as well as waving goodbye to now Gun Shy member Josh Bannister. It’s the record’s grungier moments, led by Becky Blomfield, that truly stand out, laying out the increasingly promising path in front of Milk Teeth.
Modern Rituals – ‘Stanger Culture’
Featuring former members of The Long Haul and On Histories of Rosenberg, Modern Rituals excel in gnarly sounding post-punk. ‘Stranger Culture’ sees the band deliver expansive and beastly anthems, led by pulsating rhythms, gloomy edges and thundering pop.
Muncie Girls – ‘From Caplan To Belsize’
Having grown in strength since the release of their ‘Revolution Summer’ debut EP, ‘From Caplan to Belsize’ sees Muncie Girls confidently prove themselves as one of the most exciting UK prospects in recent years. Tighter and focussed than ever before, the record is simply brilliant, easily surpassing any expectation or hype placed on them.
Permanent Record – ‘Everyone Is Happy Now’
Having spent some time in punk outfit Pacer, singer-songwriter multi-instrumentalist Dave House returned to his solo project under the moniker Permanent Record. ‘Everyone Is Happy Now’ sees House break out of the niche underground, varying his style between the likes of Into It. Over It. and Death Cab For Cutie, whilst retaining a unique beauty in his compositions.
Check back for 2 more parts.