10. Cloud Control - Dream Cave
Following on from the success of their 2011 record, Bliss
Release, Cloud Control have returned with another glorious pop album. Released
in September, the album was the perfect soundtrack to late summer, with hazy
guitars and synths. Although the sound is much the same as their first album,
it's a formula that works - vibrant but laid-back music that is distinctly
'Cloud Control'.
9. Foals - Holy Fire
With a much heavier and richer guitar sound than many of the
albums on the list, Holy Fire is easily one of the most gritty albums of the
year, making for an exciting sound - a progression from their earlier albums
with catchier melodies, whilst still retaining a rawness that has become their
trademark.
8. Dutch Uncles - Out Of Touch in The Wild
The dancing in the music video for Flexxin should give a
clue to the pulsing rhythms that drive the songs on the album. Hailing from
Manchester, the band has branched out from the guitar rock with which the city
has become so associated, instead creating a niche for themselves - violins
intertwine with xylophones in unusual time signatures.
7. John Grant - Pale Green Ghosts
Recorded in Reykjavik with Icelandic electronic musician,
Birgir Þórarinsson, John Grant's second album has a melancholic vibe to it.
Grant's voice is beautifully melodic, seeming to sincerely believes every word
he sings. With wonderful string sections the album sounds hugely atmospheric - one
can hear the influence the Icelandic landscape has had on him, particularly on
Glacier.
6. Sweet Baboo - Ships
The fourth album from Sweet Baboo (AKA Stephen Black), Ships
is a charming record with simple, catchy melodies. With jangling guitars and
trumpets, it's a triumphant sounding album that has been a firm favourite
throughout the summer months. Despite the morbid title of If I Died..., it's a
wonderfully quirky tune with a sense of fun that is carried across the whole
album.
5. Owiny Sigoma Band - Power Punch
A joint collaboration between musicians from London and
Nairobi, Power Punch has a sound that encompasses the best of British pop and
rhythmic Kenyan beats. The brainchild of musicians in electronic hip-hop
collective, Elmore Judd, it's clear that electronic music has very much
remained an influence in the album. The fusion of the two cultures brings
refreshing sounds to the album, and sets the group out to be one to watch in
2014.
4. Villagers - {Awayland}
Villagers’ second album, {Awayland}, is a clear progression
from their debut. Although some critics disliked the fact they’ve departed from
their acoustic roots, there’s definitely a grittier edge to the album which
makes them seem wiser – perhaps the result of months on the road, touring.
Stand-out track, Nothing Arrived, sounds fresh amongst the more electronic
tracks on the album, with bluesy piano chords wonderfully contrasting with the
crisp clarity of lead singer Conor O’Brien’s voice.
3. The Epstein - Murmurations
Alongside the line-up
changing, The Epstein's original country vibe has also greatly evolved over the past few years, and in Murmurations, has found a new sense of sophistication.
The tracks are refined whilst still retaining a slight rock'n'roll edge,
showing that the band have truly found a niche for their music.
2. Stornoway - Tales From Terra Firma
Sonically, Tales From Terra Firma is far removed from
Beachomber's Windowsill, with a more poppish sound, but, much like their first,
the album is full of maritime imagery – ironic for a band from Oxford, one of
the furthest points from the sea in Britain. Recorded in old churches and a garage, Tales From Terra Firma is
wonderfully rustic, with little quirks throughout that showcase the band’s
extraordinary musical talent – a spoon solo features in Knock Me On The Head.
1. Everything Everything - Arc
The explosive second album from Everything Everything is one
of the most vibrant to hit the Mancunian music scene in a long time. With its
pulsing drum beats and jangling basslines, the album is an exhilarating listen,
and the almost chant like quality to the vocals provides a unique sound which
makes Everything Everything one of the most exciting bands of the year.
