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News Report

Every week we roundup the best music news from the past week!

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News Report

Enter Shikari share ‘Bloodshot’

Enter Shikari – ‘Bloodshot’

Welcome everyone to another edition of our weekly music News Report!

We start this week with the best new releases from the past week and up first are Enter Shikari with their new single, ‘Bloodshot’, which you can check out above.

On the track, lead vocalist and producer Rou Reynolds explains:

“Every day, I seem to be asking myself “Is this article biased?”, “is this claim true?”, “Should I be more furious about this issue? Or less furious?”, “Am I being manipulated? Provoked? Radicalised by my own ‘tribe’?

Bloodshot is about how hard it is to find truth, and how easy it is to stop thinking for yourself and simply repeat your ‘team’s’ mantras.

Everyone’s so fucking angry with everyone else and it’s exhausting. It seems like social media’s main purpose these days is to hypnotise us to hate”.

The track comes of ahead of their upcoming new album, ‘A Kiss For The Whole World’, which is out April 21st.

Pre-order your copy here.

Read our review of Enter Shikari live in London

The Xcerts debut ‘Ache’

The Xcerts – ‘Ache’ ft. Sam Carter

Next up we have ‘Ache’, the latest single release from The Xcerts featuring Sam Carter of Architects.

You can listen to the track above, which follows hot on the footsteps of recent single ‘GIMME’.

More here.

Listen on our Spotify Hot List!

DevilDriver debut ‘Through the Depths’

DevilDriver – ‘Through the Depths’

Our News Report continues with the brand new single from DevilDriver! You can check out ‘Through the Depths’ above, with the single coming ahead of new album, ‘Dealing With Demons Vol.II’, which is out May 12th.

Frontman Dez Fafara says about the single: “‘Through the Depths’ is a conversation between a higher power and humans regarding the power of thinking ideas into existence, but being very careful of being arrogant behind those wants and needs. 

The first lines give this away: “Attention attention, you’re seeking, you’ve asked for, it’s given” (the higher power says) 

Then the lines of the chorus are that same higher power speaking to humans, saying: ‘through the depths to the ascension, nothing you wouldn’t do for my attention, held to the fire it’s not my crime, you’ve pinned it on me for the last time.’ Meaning – don’t blame the Gods (pin it on them) for your fuck ups. Meaning – put it out there and take steps to attain goals and take accountability.

This track is the essence of ‘Dealing With Demons Vol. II’, and the conversations within the record get way deeper than even this. Enjoy.”

Pre-order your copy here.

Listen on our ‘Hard & Heavy’ Playlist!

Therapy? debut ‘Joy’

Therapy? – ‘Joy’

This week saw Therapy? debut their new single, ‘Joy’, which you can listen to above. The group also revealed that new album, ‘Hard Cold Fire’, will arrive May 5th!

Singer Andy Cairns says “Joy started with a term from ‘Waiting for Godot’, by Samuel Beckett, this wonderful line: ‘habit is a great deadener’. I just love that word, ‘dead-en-er’. It’s an amazing word. People get themselves into these habits, and the next thing you know, their life is over and they’ve only lived in a very small circle of experience, often through choice, which is scary.”

Pre-order your copy here.

Listen on our ‘Hard & Heavy’ Playlist

James and the Cold Gun share ‘My Silhouette’

James and the Cold Gun – ‘My Silhouette’

Another band having a great week this week were James and the Cold Gun who unveiled their new single, ‘My Silhouette’, which you can of course check out above!

The band also revealed that their debut album will arrive on July 28th.

Pre-order your copy here.

Watch Episode 18 of our ‘Discover’ New Music Podcast with guests James and the Cold Gun

‘Discover’ New Music Podcast – Episode 18 – James and the Cold Gun

Read our review of Therapy? live in Norwich

IST IST share new single ‘Nothing More Nothing Less’

IST IST – ‘Nothing More Nothing Less’

The new music continues thick and fast in our News Report and up next are Manchester’s IST IST. The group this week shared their latest single, ‘Nothing More Nothing Less’, which you can listen to above.

Chiming with the overarching concept of upcoming album, ‘Protagonists’, out March 31st, the single finds the band stepping into the shoes of a character trapped in a complex relationship and at odds with her true feelings.

Frontman Adam Houghton explains: ““Nothing More Nothing Less” is a simple love song really written from a woman’s perspective who isn’t exactly sure what she wants.”

Pre-order your album here.

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Beans On Toast debuts ‘The Three Stooges’

Beans On Toast – ‘The Three Stooges’

There was also some new Beans On Toast music to enjoy this week as he debuted his new single, ‘The Three Stooges’, which you can check out above.

More here.

Watch Episode 3 of The Full Pelt Music Podcast with guest Beans On Toast

The Full Pelt Music Podcast – Episode 3 – Beans On Toast

Read our review of Beans On Toast live in Norwich

Problem Patterns debut ‘Who Do We Not Save?’

Problem Patterns – ‘Who Do We Not Save?’

Closing out the new releases in our News Report this week are Problem Patterns and their brand new single, ‘Who Do We Not Save?’, which you can check out above.

Commenting on the single, the band say: â€œOur healthcare system has been falling apart for years due to cuts, and the pandemic only sped up the process. We constantly see campaigns telling people to ask for help, especially in regards to mental health, but the reality is that the services we need are under too much pressure. The line ‘We’re one or two paychecks away’ refers to the fact that many of us will be in a lot of trouble if privatisation becomes reality here. The title itself is lifted verbatim from Dominic Cumming’s photo of the white board used to plan the UK government’s early response to COVID. We thought it would be fitting to use it for the single’s cover art, too.”

More here.

Listen on our ‘Hard & Heavy’ Playlist

News Report

John Fogerty announces UK return

Our News Report moves on now to the best tour announcements from the past week and up first is the legendary John Fogerty.

This week saw Fogerty announce his return to the UK with two special arena shows in Manchester and London in May.

“As of this January, I own my own songs again. This is something I thought would never be a possibility. After 50 years, I am finally reunited with my songs. I also have a say in where and how my songs are used. Up until this year, that is something I have never been able to do. I am looking forward to touring and celebrating this year! I want to thank Concord for helping to make all of this happen. And, I am excited for new ideas and a renewed interest in my music 
 like a revival.” said Fogerty.

Tickets are here.

Check out our two Podcasts

Funeral For A Friend announce special tour

The rejuvenated Funeral For A Friend will be back on the road this October for a very special tour celebrating the 20th Anniversary of their debut album, ‘Casually Dressed and Deep In Conversation’.

Along for the ride will be very special guests Dashboard Confessional.

Tickets are here.

Read our review of Hundred Reasons live in London

Highly Suspect reveal UK tour dates

Another band coming to UK venues later this year is Highly Suspect who have revealed a run of dates this September. They’ll be bringing The Picturebooks along with them as special guests.

Tickets are here.

Read our review of YUNGBLUD live in London

The Fallen State announce new UK Tour

The slew of great tour announcements continues next in our News Report with the above trek from The Fallen State set for this July.

Tickets are here.

Read our review of Black Star Riders live in Ipswich

Employed To Serve set for UK Tour

This week also saw Employed To Serve reveal that they are set for a full UK Tour this autumn.

Tickets are here.

Read our review of Bullet For My Valentine live in Cambridge

News Report

Bullet For My Valentine to headline 2000trees

We move our News Report now across to the best festival announcements of the week. Following their bigger line-up reveal last week, 2000trees have now introduced Bullet For My Valentine as headlining this year’s event.

They join the likes of Frank Carter and the Rattlesnakes, Hundred Reasons, Skindred, Eagles of Death Metal, Deaf Havana, Bob Vylan, Electric Six, Empire State Bastard, Holding Absence, Black Honey, Cancer Bats, The Joy Formidable, Tigercub, Dream State, Press To MECO and so many more!

Tickets are here.

Watch Episode 2 of The Full Pelt Music Podcast with guests Press To MECO

The Full Pelt Music Podcast – Episode 2 – Press To MECO

Read our review of Bob Vylan live in London

HAIM set for All Points East

The All Points East 2023 calendar continues to fill up and this week the festival announced their latest headline act as HAIM!

HAIM will be joined by the likes of Girl In Red and Confidence Man at Victoria Park in London.

Tickets are here.

Read our review of Gorillaz live at All Points East

News Report

As always we conclude our News Report with the latest additions to our ‘Discover’ New Music Playlist!

News Report
Any Given Sin – ‘Calm Before The Storm’

Maryland rockers Any Given Sin present their new single, ‘Calm Before The Storm’ ahead of their forthcoming debut album.

“It’s a song about perseverance,” says the front man Victor Ritchie. “You’re standing up to whatever’s in front of you.” Guitarist Mike Conner adds, “You’re not just surviving a traumatic experience though – You’re also becoming stronger because of it.”

Bellwether – ‘Hurricane’

Sydney based Pop Punk band Bellwether have shared their new single ‘Hurricane’ featuring Brooklane.

“Hurricane was inspired by the titular character of the Naruto series and is about wanting to prove the people who didn’t believe in you or dismissed you wrong, and blow them away. While we took a lot from Naruto for the song, we also used our experience in the music industry to ensure that we were being honest and sincere in our performance and why we’re so excited to show off this track – To let people know we’re here and to show off our worth as artists.” – Heath Joukhadar (guitarist)

News Report
Hematite – ‘Run Devil Run’

Hematite release ‘Run Devil Run’, the final single before their debut EP ‘Speak of the Devil’.

“This song was written at a time of my life when I felt like I couldn’t slow down or hell would catch up with me. That maybe if I keep pushing through the flames I won’t get burnt. It’s kind of a take on how we don’t check in on ourselves until it’s too late. Until there’s hell to pay. The reality is once you put yourself into so many fires, you either burn out or become the flame yourself, burning everything around you. In this song, I felt like I was doing both.” -Hematite

Listen, Follow and Discover your new favourite act now with our ‘Discover’ New Music Playlist

Then find out the stories behind the songs on our ‘Discover’ New Music Podcast!

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Read our review of ‘Glorious Sunset’ from Hundred Reasons

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Magazine

News Report

Every week we roundup the best music news from the past week!

Follow us on Social Media

News Report

Your 2022 Glastonbury Festival line-up is here!

Welcome to another edition of our weekly music News Report! Where else could we start this week other than the line-up reveal for the mother of them all – Glastonbury Festival!

Yes, Worthy Farm is set for a spectacular celebration this June which will be headlined by Billie Eilish, Paul McCartney, Kendrick Lamar and Diana Ross.

Highlights on the line-up include Fontaines D.C., HAIM, IDLES, Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds, Primal Scream, Self Esteem, Skunk Anansie, Squid, Supergrass, Turnstile, Wolf Alice and Wet Leg.

All the info can be found here.

Read our review of Wolf Alice live in Norwich

Beautiful Days reveal line-up

No Glasto tickets? Well, perhaps your summer lies at Beautiful Days festival who this week revealed their line-up!

Performing over the weekend will be the likes of Flogging Molly, The Specials, Levellers, The Dandy Warhols, Maximo Park, Seasick Steve, Funke And The Two Tone Baby, Billy Bragg, The Magic Numbers, Samantics, Millie Manders And The Shut Up and more.

Tickets and info here.

Read our review of ‘Nature Always Wins’ from Maximo Park

Latitude Festival announces line-up

Another option for festival lovers this summer is Latitude Festival who this week revealed their line-up. Headlining this year will be Lewis Capaldi, Foals and Snow Patrol.

They will be joined by the likes of Manic Street Preachers, Fontaines D.C., Maximo Park, Self Esteem, Bessie Turner, Gaffa Tape Sandy, JOHN and Porridge Radio.

Tickets here.

Read our review of Fontaines D.C. live in Cambridge

2000trees add Creeper and more

The always incredible 2000trees Festival this week grew their 2022 line-up with the additions of Creeper, The Regrettes, Puppy, Strange Bones, Calva Louise, Sick Joy and Gloo.

They join an already packed bill including headliners Jimmy Eat World, Thrice, Turnstile and IDLES.

Tickets are here.

Read our review of Creeper live in London

Boardmasters line-up gets bigger

The flow of festival announcements continue as we press on with our News Report with the latest line-up for Boardmasters.

Playing the festival this year will be the likes of George Ezra, IDLES, Bastille, Kings Of Leon, The Wombats, Self Esteem, Pale Waves, CRAWLERS and Peaness.

Tickets and info here.

Read our review of IDLES live in London

Live At Leeds In The Park adds more acts

Live At Leeds will be hosting an outdoor edition this year and this week the line-up saw a number of huge additions.

Playing the event will be Bombay Bicycle Club, The Vaccines, Sports Team, The Pigeon Detectives, The Snuts, Dream Wife, The Mysterines, Lauran Hibberd, Kid Kapichi and Zuzu.

Tickets and info here.

Read our review of The Snuts live in Colchester

Bingley Weekender reveal line-up

Bingley Weekender this week revealed a packed line-up for this year including headliners Rag’N’Bone Man, The Libertines and Pixies!

They’ll be joined by the likes of White Lies, Peter Hook & The Light, The Amazons, Sea Power, Lottery Winners, Beans On Toast, The Hara and Asylums.

Tickets and info here.

Watch The Full Pelt Music Podcast with guest Beans On Toast

News Report

Limp Bizkit add additional UK Dates

Our News Report moves on now to the latest tour announcements. We start this week with Limp Bizkit who have added two additional dates in the UK whilst also moving their existing dates to September.

Tickets are here.

Read our review of ‘Still Sucks’ from Limp Bizkit

Salem announce new UK Tour

This week also saw Salem announce a new UK Tour set for April. ‘The Unholy Communion’ Tour will feature guests Bad Nerves and includes a dates at The Underworld in Camden.

Tickets are here.

Read our review of Salem live in Norwich

Von Hertzen Brothers announce UK Tour

Also stopping in at The Underworld in Camden will be Von Hertzen Brothers who this week announced a UK Tour to take place in May.

The tour will be in support of new album ‘Red Alert In The Blue Forest’ which arrives on March 18th.

Pre-order the album and grab your tickets here.

Listen to ‘All of a Sudden, You’re Gone’ from Von Hertzen Brothers on our ‘Hard & Heavy’ Spotify Playlist

News Report

Red Hot Chili Peppers debut ‘Poster Child’

Red Hot Chili Peppers – ‘Poster Child’

New music releases take centre stage now in our News Report, and we start with global superstars Red Hot Chili Peppers. This week the band debuted new single, ‘Poster Child’, which you can listen to above.

The track comes ahead of new album, ‘Unlimited Love’, which arrives April 1st.

Pre-order your copy here.

Listen to ‘Black Summer’ from Red Hot Chili Peppers on our Spotify Hot List!

Placebo unveil new single ‘Happy Birthday In The Sky’

Placebo – ‘Happy Birthday In The Sky’

Another huge act readying the release of a new album is Placebo. This week they released their latest single, ‘Happy Birthday In The Sky’, which you can listen to above.

Commenting on the track frontman Brian Molko says:

“Happy Birthday In The Sky for me, is one of the more heartbreaking moments on the album. Happy Birthday In The Sky is a phrase that I’ve been using for quite some time.  When I say, happy birthday to people who aren’t with us anymore, it communicates the kind of heartbreak that we’re really, really good at communicating I think. You know that sense of loss, that sense of desperation. It’s as if a part of your body and your soul has been ripped from you unfairly. And you pine and you pine, and you wait.

What I am thinking is that this is kind of so visceral and so intense emotionally that it’s really going to communicate something very powerful to the listener. And that’s basically all I’m interested in. At what cost? Who cares. As long as the song really, really moves people, then whatever sacrifices you have to make in order to get there are fine with me. It’s not such a bad thing to inhabit these emotions – you’re very, very much alive and in the moment while you’re doing so.”

Their new album, ‘Never Let Me Go’ arrives on March 25th.

Pre-order your copy here.

Listen to ‘Beautiful James’ from Placebo on our Spotify Hot List!

Puppy debut ‘Shame’

Puppy – ‘Shame’

Another new track to enjoy this week came from Puppy as the band debuted ‘Shame’, which you can listen to above.

The band will release their new album, ‘Pure Evil’ on May 6th.

Pre-order your copy here.

Listen to ‘…And Watched It Grow’ on our ‘Hard & Heavy’ Spotify Playlist

October Drift debut ‘Insects’

October Drift – ‘Insects’

A couple of bands next who we recently featured on our ‘Discover’ New Music Playlist on Spotify. Firstly October Drift who returned with new track, ‘Insects’ this week which you can listen to above.

Regarding ‘Insects’ vocalist and guitarist Kiran Roy says, â€œIt’s a coming-of-age song, about feeling life pull you in different directions. It’s about growing up but finding yourself smaller and more up against it than ever. I wrote the lyrics after visiting the Kelvingrove museum in Glasgow and seeing all the Victorian butterflies and beetles pinned up on display.”
 
The latter is reflected in lyrics of the powerful chorus as Kiran sings, â€œWe’re still insects pinned to walls, trying to crawl, trying to crawl”.

More from October Drift here.

Listen to ‘Airborne Panic Attack’ from October Drift on our ‘Discover’ New Music Playlist

James and the Cold Gun debut ‘It’s Mutual’

James and the Cold Gun – ‘It’s Mutual’

The second of those ‘Discover’ New Music bands in our News Report this week is James and the Cold Gun who this week released new track ‘It’s Mutual’, which you can check out above.

More from the band here.

Listen to ‘Plug Me In’ from James and the Cold Gun on our ‘Discover’ new Music Playlist

News Report

Speaking of our ‘Discover’ New Music’ Playlist, let’s see who has been added this week!

‘Don’t Come Back’ – Guise

The first track added to the playlist this week is the brand new single from Guise. You can check out ‘Don’t Come Back’ now on the playlist.

The single comes ahead of their debut album, ‘Youngest Daughter’ which will be released through Xtra Mile Recordings on April 29th.

‘Lies’ – Cosmic Ninja

The next band added this week is Cosmic Ninja with their track ‘Lies’. The single features on their forthcoming new EP, ‘Dissident Transmission’ which arrives on April 8th.

Commenting on the track, the band said: â€œâ€˜Lies’ is about the dishonesty and corruption rife in UK politics. The endless lies and lack of integrity has reached an extreme level—we are fearful of the consequences and the damage it is doing to society. Politics has lost sight of trying to make a better place for everyone and, instead, those with influence climb to the top and pull up the ladder by any means necessary.” 

“In most lines of work, you would be held accountable for lies, but, for politicians, it seems acceptable practice; a tool that is extremely effective in misleading and wrongly influencing public opinion. This song is about calling out those lies, seeing through the misconception and positively challenging those walking blindly through corruption.”

‘Love Kills The Demons’ – Krush Puppies

Finally this week we have added the new track from Krush Puppies, ‘Love Kills The Demons’. The band will release their debut EP of the same name on May 6th.

It’s an acknowledgment from vocalist and bassist Alexa about the night terrors she had for years, where she’d be up all night seeing shapes in the darkness. Then she met someone and suddenly it all went away as if his presence made her feel safe.

Alexa explains, “This faceless shadowy figure would sit at the end of the bed and wake me by pushing on my chest so that I was gasping for air. I used to be up all night, then I met someone and suddenly I started sleeping all the way through, soundly next to him. I guess I suddenly felt safe, which feels very soppy now I’m having to write it down. But I can’t describe this overwhelming sense of peace that I felt almost instantly. I came into the studio with the chords and melody, then we all finished it that day. A few weeks later we recorded it with John Bisset, and Jenny and I sang the whole song together in unison, so our voices kind of blended to make one. It almost sounds like a whole new band member.”

Thus concludes our weekly News Report. Remember to also check out our ‘Discover’ New Music Podcast. We released two more episodes this week with recently Playlisted acts as guests. Our chats with both Daytime TV and PET NEEDS are available now.

Audio Options here

Share our News Report on Social Media

Watch our ‘Discover’ New Music Podcast with guests Daytime TV

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Magazine

News Report

We roundup the best music news from the past week!

Full Pelt Music News Report Weekly Roundup

Every week we roundup the best music news from the past week in our News Report. To stay up to date with the biggest news be sure to follow us on our social channels:

IDLES announce huge homecoming show

News Report Idles Bristol Poster

We start our News Report this week with our tour section of the best music news.

Up first is this huge homecoming show for IDLES. The band will takeover Clifton Downs in Bristol for what is set to be an unmissable show. If you want to be there on Friday 3rd September 2021 then you’ll need to be quick.

Grab any remaining tickets here.

Read our 2020 Album of the Year Blog

Beartooth announce new tour

News Report Beartooth Tour Poster

Beartooth have announced a run of dates for February 2022. These dates are the bands biggest shows to date and finish up at Brixton Academy. Support will come from Motionless In White and Stray From The Path.

The band will release their next album, ‘Below’, on June 25th. You can pre-order your copy here. For tickets you’ll want to head here.

Listen to ‘The Past Is Dead’ on our Spotify Hot List

Alestorm set for massive UK tour

News Report Alestorm Tour Poster

Pirates rejoice! Another band making their way to Brixton Academy is Alestorm. The band will conclude a massive tour of the UK on December 11th. Along for the ride are Gloryhammer and ÆTHER REALM.

For tickets make your way here.

Gun set for UK tour

News Report Gun Tour Poster

Scottish rockers Gun are set for a lengthy UK tour later this year. ‘The Backstreet Brothers Tour’ will see the band trek around the UK in support of their latest single ‘Whiskey And A Prayer’.

Pick up your tickets here.

Read our review of ‘Smith/Kotzen’ from Smith/Kotzen

Trash Boat reveal UK tour

Trash Boat Tour Poster News Report

Next on our News Report is the return of Trash Boat for eight dates around the UK this October. The dates will finish up at Camden’s famous Electric Ballroom.

Grab your tickets here.

Beans On Toast is coming to an independent venue near you!

News Report Beans On Toast Tour Poster

Beans On Toast is certainly not adverse to playing shows and he has this week announced a whopping tour of independent venues. This tour will be taking in some of the best small venues the UK has to offer.

Pick up your tickets here.

Read our review of a recent Beans On Toast livestream

Wide Awake Festival gets bigger!

London’s Wide Awake Festival just got a load bigger with the addition of a special afternoon set from IDLES! They join a fantastic line-up at Brockwell Park including Black Country, New Road, black midi, Crows, Dream Wife, shame and The Murder Capital.

To be there, grab your tickets here.

Bloodstock Festival needs a little Therapy?

Bloodstock Festival continues to grow. We featured new additions in last week’s News Report and now we have more to report! This week has seen the additions of Therapy? and Bleed From Within to the Sunday Main Stage line-up!

In need of your metal fix, head here for tickets to Bloodstock!

Read our review of ‘The Bitter Truth’ from Evanescence

Black Deer Festival makes further additions

Eridge Park in Kent is set host a stunning looking Black Deer Festival from 25th – 27th June this summer. The event was already set to feature the likes of Saving Grace, Frank Turner, Emily Barker and Imelda May.

The event has now added Foy Vance, Wildwood Kin and Band of Skulls amongst others. To join the fun head here for tickets.

Read our review of ‘Half Drunk Under A Full Moon’ from The Fratellis

Glastonbury set for Livestream event from Worthy Farm

Whilst there will be no Glastonbury Festival this year. Organisers have now announced a very special livestream event from Worthy Farm. Live at Worthy Farm will feature sets from Coldplay, Damon Albarn, HAIM, IDLES, Wolf Alice and more.

To be a part of the action you will need to pick up a ticket here.

Garbage return with ‘The Men Who Rule The World’

Garbage – ‘The Men Who Rule The World’

Finally we arrive at the new music section of our weekly News Report. We start this week with the return of Garbage. The band have released their brand new single ‘The Men Who Rule The World’.

The single precedes the bands upcoming album, ‘No Gods No Masters’ which will arrive June 11th. You can pre-order your copy here.

Listen to ‘The Men Who Rule The World’ on our Spotify Hot List!

Wayward Sons release ‘Big Day’

Wayward Sons – ‘Big Day’

Wayward Sons this week released their latest single ‘Big Day’. You can check out the song above and grab tickets to their upcoming tour here.

The Subways announce ‘Fight’

We conclude this week’s News Report with The Subways. The band have announced that they will release a new single, ‘Fight’, on April 30th. You can pre-order the limited edition splatter 7″ vinyl here.

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Read our review of ‘W.L.’ from The Snuts

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Features

Album of the Year 2020

Photo by Andrea Turner from Pexels

Who is going to make the Full Pelt Music Top 20 Albums of the Year List?

2020 – a year we would all much sooner forget. Certainly not the year we had all envisaged. Real life has been traumatic and upsetting for many. The effects of the virus have been disastrous for the music industry, with the collapse of live music and many delays and production issues for albums.

You’d think therefore that selecting an Album of the Year list would be difficult due to a lack of new music! We are however talking about the most creative and adaptable industry and in fact compiling this list has been hard for the opposite reason. Even through all the sadness and despair this year, we have been graced with some amazing new music.

More so, the uniqueness of this year has created a special connection to the music released during the most troubling times. This is therefore a highly competitive list and all 20 entries deserve high praise!

We have been counting down the list as part of our #AdventCalendar of music over on our Twitter Page. Be sure to follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram by clicking the icons below!

Finally, before we talk through our Top 20 Albums of the Year, a special mention to Yungblud and his new album ‘Weird!’ which we recently reviewed here. Released after the compilation of this list, the album is a stunning piece of work and had it been released earlier would have been competitive at the top of the list! But, now to the countdown…

20

HAYLEY WILLIAMS
‘Petals For Armor’

In a year that doesn’t seem to want to end, January seems a lifetime ago when Paramore’s Hayley Williams announced her debut solo album ‘Petals For Armor’. By the time that album arrived, the world had descended into chaos and all touring plans had been cancelled. When the album did emerge in May it represented a ray of light in dark times, and showed Williams has a lot to offer outside of Paramore.

we suggest you check out:

Hayley Williams – ‘Simmer’

19

DOVES
‘The Universal Want’

When Doves returned from an eight year hiatus in 2018 the band initially basked in that reformation glory. Thankfully for fans though it hasn’t taken long for the band to head back into the studio and the resultant album ‘The Universal Want’ is a timely reminder of what we had been missing.

we suggest you check out:

Doves – ‘Prisoners’

18

AC/DC
‘Power Up’

After a tumultuous few years with the tragic loss of Malcolm and departures of Cliff, Phil and Brian, AC/DC could have been easily forgiven for riding off into the sunset having had one of the greatest careers of any heavy rock band. But then that wouldn’t be the AC/DC way of doing things would it? Instead we get another classic AC/DC album in ‘Power Up’ with Williams, Rudd and Johnson back in tow!

we suggest you check out:

AC/DC – ‘Shot In The Dark’

17

REWS
‘Warriors’

The Shauna Tohill led REWS have somehow managed to equal if not surpass their debut album with sophomore release ‘Warriors’. Packed with punchy, catchy, bouncy rock and roll, we challenge you not to throw your heart and soul into this album just as Tohill clearly has.

we suggest you check out:

REWS – ‘Birdsong’

16

THE STRUTS
‘Strange Days’

With The Struts you should always expect the unexpected. This is not a band that plays by any kind of rule book. So why wouldn’t they team up with guests as diverse as Tom Morello, Phil Collen & Joe Elliott, Albert Hammond Jr and yes the actual Robbie Williams? ‘Strange Days’ solidifies The Struts reputation as the future of rock.

we suggest you check out:

The Struts – ‘Strange Days’

15

ALL TIME LOW
‘Wake Up Sunshine’

‘Wake Up Sunshine’ is somehow the eighth studio album for All Time Low, which makes me feel very old. Thankfully this isn’t an album that rests on any laurels and the band continue to deliver the goods with another very solid album added to that back catalogue.

we suggest you check out:

All Time Low – ‘Monsters’

14

THE KILLERS
‘Imploding The Mirage’

By now we know exactly what to expect from The Killers and thankfully their first album without lead guitarist Dave Keuning still delivers that classic feel. With the likes of Lindsay Buckingham instead contributing on ‘Imploding The Mirage’, there is even an air of freshness to their sound.

we suggest you check out:

The Killers – ‘My Own Soul’s Warning’

13

PHIL CAMPBELL AND THE BASTARD SONS
‘We’re The Bastards’

When Phil Campbell And The Bastard Sons released their debut album, to the surprise of many they delivered a classic rock masterpiece. Any doubters thinking they couldn’t do it again have now been proven wrong with the release of ‘We’re The Bastards’ In our recent review (here) we stated “The bands fans are the loyal kind hence their lyrics proclaim “…’cause we’re the bastards, and you’re a bastard too…”.  If you’re in to good old fashioned rock and roll, give this album a listen and you too will be in that club”.

we suggest you check out:

Phil Campbell And The Bastard Sons – ‘Son Of A Gun’

12

GREEN DAY
‘Father Of All…’

‘Father Of All…’ may not sit highly amongst the bands back catalogue if we are being honest, but an average Green Day album is still a very good album in the grand scheme of things. Despite this album pre-dating national lockdowns the album has remained on rotation throughout the year which is a testament to its real qualities.

we suggest you check out:

Green Day – ‘Oh Yeah!’

11

BOSTON MANOR
‘Glue’

Nobody should be surprised at the quality of Boston Manor’s albums anymore. With the release of their third album ‘Glue’, the band have now delivered three high quality albums with plenty to unpack.

we suggest you check out:

Boston Manor – ‘Liquid’

10

HAIM
‘Women In Music Pt. III’

With ‘Women In Music Pt. III’, Haim have let it all hang out with a statement of an album that takes listeners on a musical journey of wonder. Taking elements of various genres and given them that now classic Haim twist, this album is a stunning piece of musicianship.

we suggest you check out:

Haim – ‘Now I’m In It’

9

PVRIS
‘Use Me’

With the release of third album ‘Use Me’, PVRIS have continued their evolution into something majestic, enormous and vital. The bands growth had been put out there for all to see and this album just encapsulates the power of Lynn Gunn.

we suggest you check out:

PVRIS – ‘Dead Weight’

8

BLACK STONE CHERRY
‘The Human Condition’

On ‘The Human Condition’ we get the Black Stone Cherry that we all love, just doing what they do best. Full of head banging and foot stumping this record sees the band confirm that they are here to stay, and that they have plenty left in the creative tank.

we suggest you check out:

Black Stone Cherry – ‘Again’

7

TRIVIUM
‘What The Dead Men Say’

‘What The Dead Men Say’ is a stunning piece of work that captures a band that has hit their peak. Trivium have mixed the lessons learnt from their past with their recently rejuvenated vigour and have come out the other side with an album that stands up that anything that they have previously released.  

we suggest you check out:

Trivium – ‘Catastrophist’

6

CREEPER
‘Sex, Death & The Infinite Void’

The release of ‘Sex, Death & the Infinite Void’ was a rocky road for Creeper, and not just because of a global pandemic. Various internal struggles and personal demons had to be overcome before Creeper could make their grandiose return. Sadly this return coincided with a certain virus which hampered the typical over the top promotion of a Creeper release. Thankfully for the band the record itself is brilliant enough to shine through even the darkest times.

we suggest you check out:

Creeper – ‘Born Cold’

5

BIFFY CLYRO
‘A Celebration Of Endings’

As we hit the top five Albums of 2020, things are very tight. A terrible year has thankfully seem some amazing music emerge to see us through. Biffy Clyro are another band whose plans were destroyed by this horrible virus, with tours cancelled and the album delayed. The early single releases from ‘A Celebration of Endings’ however provided much joy in the early period of lockdown.

When the full album finally found his way into the public domain, little did fans realise the treat that was in store for them. Biffy Clyro always evolve with each release, but they somehow manage to retain that Biffyness to their music. This is a unique band and ‘A Celebration of Endings’ is a unique record that mixes both the beautiful and the heavy as only Biffy Clyro seem to be able to.

we suggest you check out:

Biffy Clyro – ‘End Of’

4

ENTER SHIKARI
‘Nothing Is True & Everything Is Possible’

Another band whose releases were a small positive in the huge negative that was the first national Lockdown was Enter Shikari. It was clear from the start that ‘Nothing Is True & Everything Is Possible’ was going to be a very special album. The connection felt now with certain tracks only serves to ensure that this album will forever be seen as one of, if not the best Enter Shikari album.

All the normal quirkiness is there, along with the more mainstream elements incorporated into 2017’s ‘The Spark’.  In fact, on this album Enter Shikari may have actually made the perfect Enter Shikari recipe and in turn the perfect Enter Shikari album!

we suggest you check out:

Enter Shikari – ‘satellites**’

3

BRING ME THE HORIZON
‘Post Human: Survival Horror’

Yes, ‘Post Human: Survival Horror’ is technically an EP, but it is just so outrageously good that it had to feature and feature high. Precursors such as ‘Ludens’ and ‘Parasite Eve’ had promised something special but I don’t think anybody predicted anything this good.

When we recently reviewed the record (here) we told you “This new EP takes the best elements from throughout their career and combines them in one stunning masterpiece of an album.”. Bring Me The Horizon prove with this album that the best is still to come!

we suggest you check out:

Bring Me The Horizon – ‘Obey’

2

FONTAINES D.C.
‘A Hero’s Death’

The battle for the number one spot this year was fierce. Actually, the battle for the top 5 was fierce this year. Fontaines D.C. are the band that gets the number two spot, but this album deserves Album of the Year. ‘A Hero’s Death’ shows that the band are no flash in the pan and builds on the basis of debut ‘Dogrel’. This album actually feels a step above that debut album, and is another that has created a huge personal connection during this tough year.

This record has already rightfully brought the band much acclaim and we can’t wait to hear these songs live. Fontaines D.C. are an unstoppable songwriting force and with ‘A Hero’s Death’ they have placed their claim to be the band of their generation.

we suggest you check out:

Fontaines D.C. – ‘I Don’t Belong’

1

IDLES
‘Ultra Mono’

It has been a crazy year, and this list has been heavily influenced by that. As mentioned the top of this list is massively impacted by new music I heard during the height of the initial lockdown. ‘Ultra Mono’ was an album that I was already extremely excited to hear; and the stream of songs released during Lockdown only served to raise that excitement to a fever pitch.

Thankfully IDLES didn’t disappoint and when the album arrived it was a pure masterpiece. It shows a natural progression on the bands first two records and grows the bands sound. It still captures what made us all fall in love with the band but by incorporating new elements into the bands sound the album shows that IDLES are no one trick pony.

Above all other releases this year and those that feature in this list, this was the album that we needed this year. In a year where we have all been knocked down one way or another, IDLES and ‘Ultra Mono’ has been a call to arms, to pick ourselves up, dust ourselves down and keep going.

we suggest you check out:

IDLES – ‘Model Village’

So, there you have it, the Top 20 Albums of 2020 as considered by Full Pelt Music. We are sure that your lists will be different to ours and we want to hear them, so why not share yours with us on social media!