Starting at #10...
 |
# 9 |
I can say I haven't truly picked up a Norma Jean album since 2006's Redeemer. My interest in metalcore and hardcore overall has wained as I have picked up other types of music and mellowed out (lame I know, can't be a hardcore kid forever). However with 2013s Wrongdoers, Norma Jean have created something that grabbed my attention and never let go of it. A strong release from start to finish I was glad I picked up this album as it showed me Norma Jean still can thrown down and do so in a new way that pushed them creatively and sonically.
While in someways this album was a departure from the Strokes traditional signature groove, that has been in flux since the experimentaion on 2011s Angles. Some couldn't connect with Countdown Machine's tweaks (see one way trigger), but I really identified with this album almost immediately. There is just something unique and catchy about almost every song on this album, and it had a high replay value for me all year. There is an unbalanced nature to the flow of the songs, but for me I loved the variety and the transistions from songs like 80s Comedown Machine to the distortion punk vibe of 50/50.
# 8
While initially when this album was released I thought the album art was created by an 8 year old, the music contained on this album was quite the opposite. Jimmy Eat World has grown into a band that is incredibly consistent in their music and even if they never usurp the brillance found on Clarity/Bleed American, you can't deny how enjoyable a listen they are. Damages fits in nicely to JEW's discography and turns down the polished pop feel from Invented and focuses on what Jimmy does best, write catchy pop songs about heartbreak and life. Songs like the opener Appreciation will remind why JEW is as far in their career as they are, and stand out songs like Lean and No, Never reminded me of how JEW can impress with less, while focusing on their softer side.
# 7
Yet another album that was a suprise stand out to me this year. I have not given Alkaline Trio much attention since Good Mourning. But from the opening of She Lied to the FBI it was apparent this album was going to be something all together different. There is such a nostalgic feel to this album that is unique to Alkaline Trio's dark sound while offering a great modern punk vibe that is incredibly enjoyable and novel. The first single and standout song I Want to be a Warhol is a stellar example of this. From guest vocals on I, Pessimist to the ballads Only Love and Midnight Blue this album is solid from front to back, and was in heavy rotation this summer (and beyond). There is an energy and confidence found on this album that is undeniable and true to the heart of who Alkaline Trio are as a band.
# 6
This band on its worst days are simply miles above most music being created in the world today bar none. With their 2013 effort Play With Fire they stretch their jazzy roots farther into modern and contemporary jazz sounds and leave their indie rock roots behind. While on songs like Sing When No Ones Around, and Impossible World shine high above, the album as a whole doesn't quite reach the same heights. I love the bands reckless abandon addressing their faith and beliefs in the open lyrically and love hearing Jazzy christian songs, there is really nothing better than that (Until the #2 spot). While previous fans of the band's efforts may be underwhelmed by this album as it lacks the real punch of those albums, I commend the band for sticking their neck out and releasing an album that is experimental, but still fun and enjoyable as the TROK have always been. Honestly, with LP3 I can only be appreciative, as I am for any album beyond their first, as I highly feared the band wouldn't be able to sustain themselves long enough to continue to produce music. Reign of Kindo keep doing what you are doing and I will be here for you (also please press your discography on vinyl :-)
# 5
Starting the top 5 off right, its A Great Big Pile of Leaves. I can't imagine a better album cover representing the feel of a record so perfectly. Plain brown with an silly but playful menu of snack items. This is AGBPOF and they will soulfully rock you while being incredibly strange and fun sonically and lyrically (song titles such as snack attack, pet mouse, and pizzanomics). You're Always on my Mind is a smooth and energetic ride that is perfect for summer car rides or rainy fall days ("Where did the summer go?"). While the vocals never quite hit the same vibrance as their last album and support the chill and reserved vibe of the album, the improvement in the insanely infectious groove and guitar riffs are more than worth it. While other albums on the this list I love for something specific or nostalgia, this album shines in just being unique and enjoyable. There is no way to listen to this album and not feel like you just hung out with your best friends or played on the floor with cast for an hour.
# 4
I have always appreciated Russian Circles for simply doing what they do no apologies or fluff, also for their consistently short album titles. This was a late addition to the list as it was released at the end of the year, but what a splash it made. Russian Circles with this release establish (if it hasn't already been) how strong of a band technically and creatively they are. While they may always be compared to Pelican due to similar sounds generally, I can't imagine any more clear differences with this album. Continuing on with the traditions of Enter and Geneva, this album simple melts faces with its metal intensity and a post-rock backdrop that is undeniably lush and poignant. Memorial makes good memories and great emotions in each track, while making the listner beg for 1 more song, as this album clocks in at a too quick 37 minutes just as it begins to hit its stride.
# 3
Nicknamed "The Grapefruit Album" (for obvious reasons) this record showcased why everyone should love Saves the Day by now. I was suprised by how consistent and tight this album sounds musically. Chris Conley really makes it happen this time around. A great breath of fresh air after completing their three album arc with 2011's Daybreak. Saves the Day goes the self-titled route and creates one of their most solid and enjoyable albums to date. I couldn't help but acknowledge how easy Conley and Co. make it sound to create such fun power-pop punk with punch that is intricate but still accessable and so catchy your ears might fall off. Saves the Day have proved with this album they haven't lost a step despite myriad of member changes and musical shifts in sound over the years. This is the album that says we've been here awhile, and we are staying awhile, now sit back and relax.
# 2
While this album was increadibly polarizing for fans of Dustin Kensrue's music, as a Christian this release was an absolute joy. Dustin's goal of spicing up and creating great music that has a worship basis is hit out of the park with the Water & the Blood. If I heard this music every sunday I would be so much more enthusiastic about worship music as a whole. There are moments I can hear Thrice on this album which makes me giddy, but between the first two songs, Rejoice and Rock of Ages this record soars while maintaining the intensity of reverance needed to worship Christ the King. There are moments in almost every track I forget I am listening to worship music and realize the genius and artistry of Kensrue's work and get lost in just praising God along with the lyrics. Honestly, there is nothing stronger or more potent in music than that connection between listener and artist, and with this album you can't miss it. This is an essential album for any Christian looking to worship God through music.
# 1
This album literally came out of nowhere. It had been in production for quite awhile, finally got a release date and was released in an uncermonious way. However, this is Moving Mountains masterpiece which is fitting for a band's final release. Moving Mountains has always had a special place in my musical library and every release has been something unique and wonderously creative. The journey through Pneuma all the way to their final breath on Moving Mountains is spectacular, and I hope this band has a true legacy within the scene for years to come. This album hits perfectly (and with its fall release was the essential fall listen). Every single song has an overflow of warmth emotion, and intensity (despite the omission of Greg's usual gutteral screams). Moving Mountains have found away to focus their sound and their energy into nine perfect arrangements and push you into a space filled with pain, love, loss, and joy and after the final note drops, you immediately miss it.
No comments:
Post a Comment