That's The Spirit - Bring Me The Horizon

Bring Me The Horizon show us a new side with their fifth album 'That's The Spirit', their usual metalcore sound takes the backseat and the album is driven by a more alternative-pop sound. The five-piece rock band formed back in 2003 and since have changed their sound with nearly every album. There's such a range of sounds on the album, yet still staying within the broad genre of rock, and I absolutely love it. I've never been much of a fan of Bring Me The Horizon but this album has changed that.

BADLANDS - Halsey

American singer/songwriter Halsey has made quite the impact since the release of her EP 'Room 93' in 2014. She toured with The Kooks in 2014 and supported Imagine Dragons on their recent Smoke and Mirrors tour. Her debut album 'Badlands' did not disappoint on its worldwide release late August.

Blurryface - Twenty One Pilots

Although this album may not be a brand new release, I couldn't not write a review. For some strange reason I have only just discovered the brilliance of Twenty One Pilots, I'm just glad I finally have because they really are amazing. Quirky and individual, their sound stands out from others and really can't be labelled. There isn't anyone, as far as I know, making music like this. I feel it's my duty to make sure as many people as possible listen to their music, it's something you can't miss out on.

Young Blood - Saint Raymond

'Young Blood' is the debut album from Saint Raymond, aka Callum Burrows from Nottingham. There are quite a few brilliant artists coming from Nottingham right now (Amber Run instantly spring to mind) and Saint Raymond is no different; I have fallen in love. The album has such a brilliant sound that I can't really place, but I can say it's fabulous.

Beneath The Skin - Of Monsters And Men

The five-piece band from Iceland have such a brilliant sound, this second album really builds on their debut without straying from their signature sound. The way their voices blend together is beautiful and they really use this to advantage.

Singing For Strangers - Hudson Taylor

I really love this duo. Two brothers from Ireland, formerly known as Harry and Alfie and now known as 'Hudson Taylor'. I've loved watching these two grow from their little YouTube videos and busking to seeing where they are today with such a well-put together album. It's brilliant and really captures their whole vibe.

Chaos and the Calm - James Bay

‘Chaos and the Calm’ is the debut album from James Bay who shot to fame after releasing his single ‘Hold Back The River’ and winning Critics’ Choice at the BRIT awards in 2015 despite not having an album out at this time. The album was recorded in Nashville with the help of the three-time Grammy winning producer Jacquire King and shot straight to number 1 in the UK upon its release.

5AM - Amber Run

The album ‘5 AM’ is the debut album of Nottingham based band 'Amber Run', and in no way disappoints. Although fairly unknown their song ‘I Found’ brought people in with its beautiful melody and lyrics, for those who are aware of their music already, the album is just as brilliant.

Oh What A Life - American Authors

What's not to love? You have a group of attractive and talented guys making brilliant music. This album has a real feel-good vibe, I find it nearly impossible not to dance, sing along and smile. The band really come into their own on this debut album, there's definitely a distinct sound but not so defined that there is no room for change in the future.

Native - OneRepublic

'Native' is the third studio album from OneRepublic and it does not disappoint. For fans that have followed the band since the beginning, each album is a progression and 'Native' is no different. With that collection of talent it really is a beautiful thing.
Each song stands out, there is not a single thing I dislike about the album. The whole thing seems to say 'carpe diem', if I was to sum up the message from the album this would be what stands out. But more importantly, each song, although with a special meaning to the members who wrote it, is completely adaptable to the listener and their own thoughts and experiences.
Ryan Tedder, the lead singer of OneRepublic and the undercover King of Pop behind countless number ones, has pulled it out of the bag with the help of the other members of the band (Brent, Zach, Eddie and Drew). Not only are the melodies and lyrics beautiful, but his voice is like an angel. I honestly feel like OneRepublic is God's gift to man, the whole lot of them are incredibly talented and bring an individual and loved sound to the market.
One of my favourite features of the album has to be the cello, brought in by Brent Kutzle and performed flawlessly throughout; it is an amazing touch. Personally, without Brent and his cello, I don't think OneRepublic would be the same.
This album really showcases the band's talent, from feel good songs like 'I Lived' and 'Counting Stars' to songs that make your insides melt like 'Something's Gotta Give' and 'Au Revoir'. Each song is perfect in it's own way and I honestly couldn't choose a favourite. Like I said, Ryan Tedder's voice blows me away, some times I seriously doubt that a noise so pure could be someone's voice. Well, after seeing them live twice I can say that it does. (I will make at least one post on that at a later date!) The song's are instantly recognisable, 'Counting Stars' being a great example of this, you can't help singing along and dancing, no matter how bad your dancing is.
Definitely buy this album if you haven't already because it will knock your socks off. It is a must hear album and if you are a fan, you need to see these guys live; there is NOTHING like it. If you are one of the lucky few who live in one of the places where OneRepublic are visiting on their extended Native Tour, get out and buy tickets. If not, keep your eyes peeled because they are currently working on album no. 4 and if the rumours are to be believed then that should be arriving around November this year.

 

Fun Fact : Each animal represents one of the band members :D Think you can guess who is what?

Smoke and Mirrors - Imagine Dragons

I consider myself a massive Imagine Dragons fan, ever since I first heard 'Radioactive'. But when I heard the teaser for the 'Smoke and Mirrors' album (after pre-ordering the deluxe deluxe edition) I'll admit I was a little disappointed, I didn't get the sound and I thought it was too different from 'Night Visions'.
I haven't been more wrong. It's blown me away, I found myself loving every song, if I had to choose a least favourite it would actually be 'I Bet My Life', one that I had liked from the very beginning, before even ordering the album, because the other songs blow it out of the water. In my opinion 'I'm So Sorry' and 'Friction' are to of the most engaging tracks, they make me want to get up and go for a run. Then you have songs like 'Dream' and 'Release' which are so beautiful and you really get lost in the lyrics (which I may go into in another post). But just to funk it up, you have the quirky sound of 'Hopeless Opus' and 'Polaroid' which are completely unexpected, though still amazing.
This whole album reflects a massive range in sound, yet somehow manages to keep a consistency that makes it all fit together beautifully. And despite the fact that many people (like my mother) complained 'Night Visions' was too unlike 'Radioactive', I personally think that 'Smoke and Mirrors' brings a little of that magic present in 'Radioactive' into every song. My 8 year old sister has listened the whole way through once and on the second go round she is already singing along to every song and asking for it to get turned up. I count that as a win. An 8 year old, a 16 year old and a 43 year old all in love with the same album.
So, just to summarise; BUY THE ALBUM! You definitely won't regret it, the progression from 'Night Visions' and within the album itself is clear and certainly a step upwards. I can't wait to see what the guys from Imagine Dragons have planned for the next album.
More importantly, the band is soon to be on tour for this album. For those in the UK, this is in November and if, like me, you are desperate to go, you should definitely buy those tickets now because they are selling fast!

 

And in case you didn't know what the fabulous quartet look like, feast your eyes below!