2015 has already spawned some incredible records, what with the mighty returns of Blur and Death Cab for Cutie, vibrant debuts from Circa Waves and Courtney Barnett and fabulous follow ups by Laura Marling and Passion Pit. There has, of course, also been the disappointing (we’re looking at you Mark Ronson and Echosmith); but let’s not focus on the past. It’s time to look forward to the rest of the year, and what records we’re waiting to listen to on repeat over the summer months and beyond.
Frank Turner – Positive Songs for Negative People
Frank Turner will return later this year with “a record about defiance, about picking yourself up when you’re down”. Positive Songs for Negative People will be his sixth studio album, and although no release date has been set just yet, expectations are high following the release of ‘Get Better’, the lead single from the album. After dipping into a more love-song filled album in 2013’s ‘Tape Deck Heart’, the information we have so far suggests this album will be a return to the two fingers up to the world mentality Turner is known and loved most for.
– Toby Leveson, Head of Music for Surge Radio (2015-2016)
MS MR – How Does It Feel
MS MR will release their sophomore LP this July, serving as a follow-up to the American duo’s confident debut, Secondhand Rapture, which featured the epic and layered single ‘Hurricane’ as well as the dark, breathy ‘Bones’. The duo have recently released ‘Painted’ which is the lead single of the upcoming How Does It Feel and presents a much more rhythmic sound combined with Lizzy’s (lead vocalist) ethereal vocals and range, constructing a bouncy, intriguing and celestial sound. The vibrancy of the track’s video suggests more of an energetic sound for the upcoming album which combines deep disco vibes with haunting vocals, hopefully enabling MS MR to get the recognition they deserved from their first effort.
– Lewis Taplin, Deputy Editor (2015-2016)
Tame Impala – Currents
Currents is the third studio album from the psychedelic project headed by Kevin Parker, Tame Impala. Following the release of Lonerism in 2012, Currents promises an exciting change for Parker. In an interview with NME, the frontman said he “just realised that [he’d] never heard Tame Impala played somewhere with a dancefloor”- so Currents is set to play host to more of a club vibe (compared with the introspection on Tame Impala’s previous albums, at least). From the sounds of ‘Eventually’ and ”Cause I’m A Man’, Currents is set to get us dancing- and we cannot wait.
– Amy Wooten, Records Editor (2015-2016)
Lucy Rose – Work It Out
Lucy Rose is finally back with a new album, her sophomore record Work It Out. It will serve as the follow-up to the melancholic and heavily acoustic Like I Used To. So far, Rose has released the upbeat ‘Our Eyes’ and ‘Like An Arrow’ lifted from the forthcoming LP, both promising a far more catchy, layered and charismatic musical direction. Speaking about the album Rose has said “it’s hopefully going to sort a few things out – who I am, what I do. It’s direct. I love it.” With the release of said singles, Rose has teased Work It Out‘s new, experimental sound but reassuringly her mesmerising vocals are still promised to be at the forefront.
– Henna Patel, Head of Publicity (2014-2015)
Kwabs – Love + War
After 4 EPs, Kwabs is finally releasing his debut record Love + War into the wide world in September. Speaking about his debut record, Kwabs has said: “I am so excited about finally announcing the details of my debut album. It feels good to release some new music after an amazing 2014.” The lead single, ‘Perfect Ruin’ is the perfect slice of soulful pop, with gorgeous piano lines and Kwab’s effortless vocals soaring over the top. If this is anything to go buy, Love + War is going to be one to listen to.
– Hannah Mylrea, Records Editor (2014-2015)
Kanye West – SWISH
Enough said.
– Hannah Mylrea, Records Editor (2014-2015)
