Roots - Imagine Dragons

Imagine Dragons shot to fame after the release of 'Radioactive' from their debut album Night Visions, the album itself was just as highly talked about. Their second album did not disappoint, and I think I speak for everyone when I say we weren't expecting more. On social media the band were collecting photo's of people's roots under the hashtag #MYROOTS, their own profile pictures were turned black and for a while we were all a little confused and pretty excited. And out of nowhere, they released a single - Roots.

R.I.P 2 My Youth - The Neighbourhood

The Neighbourhood's debut album 'I Love You' blew me away, I fell in love after hearing 'Afraid' and 'Sweater Weather'. Since then I've been anxiously waiting for new music, and after a week of teasing new music we finally have something - 'R.I.P 2 My Youth'. It's the lead single from their second album 'Wiped Out!' and is yet another brilliant song from a brilliant band.

Go Big Or Go Home - American Authors

'Go Big Or Go Home' is the next single released by American rock band American Authors. They've said recently in interviews they don't feel pressured by the success of their debut album, particularly their hit single 'Best Day Of My Life'. After listening to this song you can understand why; looks like writing amazing songs is their forte.

Hozier Live @ The Roundhouse - 1/06/2015

This was possibly the best concert I've ever been to. It was flawlessly beautiful and so effortlessly perfect, I don't think it's possible for anyone to have left being disappointed. They somehow managed to replicate the amazing sound of the album in front of the crowd yet providing a different energy. To add to all this the venue was brilliant and the staff were absolutely lovely! The Roundhouse is probably my favourite venue; the staff are always lovely, the building itself is extraordinary and the quality of the concert (sound and visually) is always perfect, no matter where you sit/stand.

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.

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!