So we are a quarter way through 2015, time has flown by right? But we’ve had four months full of music and April was no exception. So here’s what we’ve been singing at PT:HQ with our eyes closed, full of feeling of course….
Diamond Youth â âNo Controlâ
Diamond Youth are painfully cool. but that image doesn’t get in the way of their ability to keep indie-rock interesting. ‘No Control’ is off their upcoming album, ‘Nothing Matters’, which will be one of 2015’s best, at this rate. The band have managed to build on their first few releases, which coupled absorbing songwriting and a sound which isn’t quite indie, nor pop-punk – it’s a perfect mix of the two. [Samarth Kanal]
Timeshares â âTail Lightâ
Sneaking right in at the tail end of the month is Timeshares with one hell of a full length. So, perhaps sneaking really isn’t the best word. The entire record is fantastic. From the first half of the record, “Tail Light” best incorporates the melodic hooks of their first record with the fresh new direction their SideOneDummy debut, Already Dead takes as a whole. It’s short and sweet, but packs a punch which is all anyone can ask for. [Nicole Carter]
Millencolin â âEgocentric Manâ
Millencolin are back, and what perfect timing. ‘Egocentric Man’ the opener from their newest album immediately takes us back to ‘Kingwood’ era Millencolin – fast hooks, catchy lyrics and awesome gang vocals perfectly suited for those sunny European festival slots on the main stage. You may have heard of that other Swedish band come back and make a splash, but Millencolin have thrown down the gauntlet and made their own claim as the kings of Swedish punk rock. It’s almost like we’re back in the golden era of Burning Heart all over again. We can’t wait to see them make a return to Groezrock this year![Mark Gadong]
Stoneghost â âFaceless Ghostâ
Judging from the media attention that this band have been getting recently you would think that they had been around for some time – instead, this four-piece band from London has managed to take most of the internet by storm, purely on the back of being absolutely stunning musicians. Faceless Ghost is the first single off of their debut release The New Age of Old Ways, which is choc-full of absolute bangers like this one. Imagine smashing Lamb of God, Mastodon and Down in a blender and mixing in some cigarette smoke, a litre of JD and some blood and that is how this sounds. With superb riffs, intense breakdowns and vocals that you could cut glass with, this band is rapidly becoming one of the ones to really keep an eye out for in the underground metal scene.[Andy Leddington]
Refused â âElektraâ
âNothing has changed,â sings Refused vocalist Dennis LyxzĂ©n on their first new piece of music in 17 years. With it, LyxzĂ©n is both right and wrong. Since the Swedish punk outfit released the seminal âThe Shape Of Punk To Comeâ in 1998, the scene has changed beyond recognition. Their innovative style which saw them blur the line between punk and the since notorious nu-metal scene has come and gone, often emulated but never matched. But where the scene might have changed, Refused have not. âElektraâ sees them pick up exactly where they have left off, and with it continue to dominate a sound that they themselves created. There are more than a few hints towards their signature âNew Noiseâ, but when nobody manages to match the skill demonstrated those 17 years back, Refused have no reason to change. âElektraâ sees them retake the reigns with a reinvigorated force. Refused are fucking alive. [Ben Tipple]
The Sonics â âI Don’t Need No Doctorâ
While some bands play a genre of music, other bands create them. When The Sonics released their debut studio record Here Are The Sonics in 1965, a trail was blazed that would lead to the creation of garage rock. Now in 2015, yes 50 years later, the Tacoma, WA quintet has returned to release a new studio record. This is The Sonics is the bands first record in nearly two and a half decades and it rips. These guys have not lost a single step since becoming senior citizens. In fact, This is The Sonics may be their most aggressive record to date. Frankly, I could have picked any of the songs on this amazing 12-song full-length, but decided to go with the albumâs opener âI Donât Need No Doctorâ. The influence these guys have had over the years is far reaching. No wonder Eddie Vedder recently joined them on-stage for a Record Store Day performance. [Jeff Takacs]
Lacey â âTonightâ
Taken from their dĂ©but album ‘Under The Brightest Lights’, ‘Tonight’ is four minutes of perfect pop-rock. Jumping straight into a lively and bright intro, ‘Tonight’ rides a wave of melodic guitars and driving drums before exploding into a huge and memorable chorus topped off by excellent vocal harmonies. If there’s one British alternative rock band that are going to move on to bigger and better things this year, then it deserves to be Lacey.
[Chris Hilson]
Scared of Everything â âSpace Pilot 3000â
Scared Of Everything have had a busy old month – not only have they finally released a follow up to their self titled demo (released at the tail end of 2014) but Local Colour Records have stepped forwards with this, a fantastic split with Andover’s CROWN. Merging the bardish songwriting of La Dispute with the musical intensity of Maths, PG99 and Seatia, Space Pilot 3000 is a great example of how strong the south’s emo scene is right now.
[Richard Heaven]
Cobra Skulls â âNew Age (Blitz cover)â
Though some folks might think Record Store Day is a little overhyped every year, it’s nice when great releases come out as a refreshing surprise, even if you aren’t one of the lucky few to snag them. This year, Red Scare Industries put out three 7-inches for RSD (new 7s from the Menzingers, Masked Intruder, and Cobra Skulls). Though the Cobra Skulls – Live at the BBC session isn’t isn’t new material– this was all recorded live at the BBC in 2012 and is just now being released–it’s still a treat for fans who were disappointed about the band’s breakup in December 2013. No disappointment here, though; we get three live pre-released Cobra Skulls songs and an their own awesome spin British Oi! band Blitz’s “New Age.”
[Sarah Scanlon]
Four Year Strong â âWe All Float Down Hereâ
Showcasing a rougher sound than their 2014 ‘Go Down In History’ EP, the first track from Four Year Strong’s forthcoming self-titled album is a three joyful minutes of uplifting easy-core perfection. We defy you to listen to this song without nodding your head so aggressively you’ll need a neckbrace for the whole Summer. [Rob Barbour]
As It Is â âCheap Shots & Setbacksâ
Taken from their newly released debut album âNever Happy, Ever Afterâ, this cut could be the one which makes As It Is, a talking point. A rallying call for the âweird kidsâ the vocal interplay between lead singer Patty Walters and backing vocalist Ben Biss creates an anthem, one which is waiting be be screamed back at the band by live crowds. Itâs one of those songs that the band can play at anytime, and know itâll set the live show off. âCheap Shots & Setbacksâ could and should be part of the soundtrack to your summer. Meet the new leaders of British Pop Punk. [Adam Rosario]
Falling With Style â âDeathbedsâ
This young band from South Wales are on something of an upward curve at the moment and ‘Deathbeds’ is a perfect introduction to them. Its hard hitting chorus and wailing guitars make it powerful enough to want to go back in on repeat listens. The best thing about Falling With Style is that while they’re this good, it’s absolutely clear that the band have it in them to be able to take it up another notch or too and once they unlock that potential, who the hell knows where it could take them. This could be the start of a renaissance within the South Wales music scene. [Chris Marshman]
Crooks â âA Few Peaceful Daysâ
Cheltenham hardcore outfit Crooks spent most of 2014 on the road, jumping on as many tours as they could, with everyone from Mallory Knox and Verses to Hands Like Houses and Being As An Ocean. Now though, itâs time to turn the spotlight on themselves and boy are they drawing an incredible amount of attention with new single âA Few Peaceful Daysâ. The gut wrenching screams of frontman Josh Rogers have been swapped for powerful cleans, which have a sudden urgency about them thatâll send a shiver up your spine. Accompanied by thrashing drum patterns and fast paced, distorted guitar rhythms, âA Few Peaceful Daysâ is a full on, energetic track that will undoubtedly gain Crooks the respect they so deserve. [Tamsyn Wilce]
The Weaks â âNevermindâ
Last year The Weaks won me over with the ridiculously titled EP “The World is a Terrible Place and I Hate Myself and Want to Die” (it’s much better than it sounds, trust me). This year, their simpler titled full length “Bad Year” has been much anticipated for me and it delivers, especially with the poppy and upbeat song “Nevermind.” It’s pretty rad when a band can be so honest and upfront with their lyrical content but maintain a musical output that has you dancing around you a complete fool. Also, those Thin Lizzy-esque guitar harmonies can just really melt the most cynical of hearts at times. VIVA LA WEAKS. [Mike Petruccelli]
Slayer â âWhen The Stillness Comesâ
This is absolute beast. A total and complete beast. By Slayer’s standards, it’s a bit of a ballad. Taken from their upcoming album, which I think is ready to be released, if the whole thing is as good as this we might just had a record as good as 2001’s ‘God Hates Us All’. [Mike Scott]
Alabama Shakes â âThe Greatestâ
While their new record Sound and Color shows both vocal and instrumental experimentation, “The Greatest” shows Alabama Shakes’ punk influence. “The Greatest” has heavy ’70s punk rock power chords and a “5-6-7-8” shout out start up the song. Couple that with an upbeat tempo and some instrumental nuances and you’ve got the most riotous song on the album. Sound and Color will be out April 21st. [Daniella Heminghaus]
Night School â âUnkindâ
Featuring one time Whirr vocalist Alexandra Morte, Night School somehow manage to play a combination of garage-rock and 60’s surf, with an added dash of dream-pop. Following on from last years excellent ‘Heart Beat’ 7″, they have expanded their shimmering sound for a new split with Dott, and the superb ‘Unkind’ is a great example of this. With the weather get warmer and the days getting longer, Night School provide the perfect summer soundtrack. [Glen Bushell]
Tens â âSanta Monicaâ
After dancing up a storm last weekend at the Tens/Dog & Wolf release show ‘Santa Monica’ was the only pick for me this month. It’s catchy, it has a nice sort of breakdown bit, the vocals at the end are on point and what it translates to live is shouting back lyrics as loud as you can “YOU KNOW THAT THIS WILL BLOW OVER, WELL AT LEAST I HOPE”. The Chicago punk scene is what you should be keeping an eye on right now, this is one very good reason (of many) why. [Maryam Hassan]