Most Anticipated Albums 2015
Posted: by Henderson
All Get Out
Naturally, after putting a band on my “Most Anticipated” list for 3 years straight, I’m hesitant to do it again, yet here we are. However, unlike years past, 2015 seems like a reasonable candidate to produce the southern rockers’ sophomore LP. The band’s 2011 debut full-length The Season axed stereotypes of southern hospitality with an unexpectedly ‘in your face’ style, earning the band a tight-knit niche fan base in the process. While only the band knows where they’ll go next: exploring a quieter and more technical sound, or seeking a collection of songs even more aggressive than heard previously, I have no doubt that it will not be anything short of a fantastically interesting listen.
– Colin
alone.
Recently I have fallen in love with Michael Franzino’s (Alot Like Birds) ability to create music. His dynamics are stubbornly played and meticulously articulated. Every note is perfect and the way he blends multiple instruments to create one progression leads to beautiful songs with memorable parts. His side project is supposed to focus more on the softer side of music, leading me to become even more excited at the possibility of him writing classical music and rivaling the old greats.
– Sean
Basement
After returning from hiatus and releasing a surprise EP last year, it seems appropriate that the band would follow up with a full length. Further Sky showed a slight change in direction from Coulourmeinkindness and I’m really interested in how they’ll develop the tone.
-Dylan
Better Off
We got two new songs with the release of Meth Head in late 2014, but Better Off are on a role and a full length would be highly appropriate as they’re coming off bigger and better tours.
-Dylan
Bjork
At time of writing this, this album has leaked and people I know are freaking out over it. I’m going to wait because I love and respect Bjork too much, but I am TOO excited for this. Her newest album since the musical revolution and all-encompassing art/education/aural science project Biophilia. Bjork is the best and such a chameleon of an experimental artist, its hard to not have heads turning whenever she puts out new albums. Oh, and the Haxan Cloak has apparently worked on it aswell which is cool as fuck.
– Findlay
Brand New:
The band that has made everyone’s most anticipated list the last 6 years is finally showing signs of life. While no timeframe, album title, or new songs have been made public, increased touring, merch, and some social media presence point to a long awaited LP. After the backlash Daisy received, I understand why the band might have needed extended time between releases. However, this six year hiatus of sorts makes 2015 the make or break year for many Brand New fans. This record arguably has the biggest build up behind it, giving it some of the highest expectations of anything on our most anticipated lists.
– Morgan
Born Without Bones
When I listened to Born Without Bones debut album Say Hello for the first time in early 2011, I was overcome with an excitement about music I had not felt since I was in fifth and sixth grade “discovering” (stealing) Drive Thru Records CDs out of my older sister’s bedroom. Fast forward a couple of years as the summer of 2013 marked the band’s sophomore release “Baby” – a raw, passionate record that demonstrated growth both lyrically and structurally. With a successful 2014 highlighted by a summer tour with State Lines, and now with 2015 in full swing, whether it be a third full length, or an EP, I’m anxious to see where “BWB” takes their sound. Oh, and let’s just say that if a full release holds up to the quality of a new song they played during the tour mentioned above, it’s a definite possibility that Born Without Bones could make many 2015 ‘End of the Year’ lists.
– Colin
Diamond Youth
Diamond Youth have put out 3 incredible 7”s over the last 4 years (Shake, Orange, and Don’t Lose Your Cool). Now they are finally attempting to record their debut LP. I don’t foresee, Diamond Youth, a band who has consistently put out such good material in a unique style, doing anything different on this upcoming album.
– Hendo
Donovan Wolfington
The band is wrapping up the recordings for a full-length due out some time this year and their EP Scary Stories You Tell in the Dark made it onto my AOTY list, so I obviously can’t wait to see what comes from a new album.
-Dylan
Defeater
I have been a Defeater fan for a while now, I am embedded in their story that encompasses all four for of their prior releases. I promised myself that one day I will sit down and write out every detail of this fucked up WWII family. Maybe this album will not be included in that story, maybe it will. But with Derek 100% healthy after his hip surgery, I am excited to have new music from this band.
– Sean
Death Cab For Cutie
As one of the biggest contenders in their genre, I always have extremely high expectations for Ben Gibbard and Co. Kintsugi is set for a March 31 release and will be the final contribution from founding member Chris Walla. The band’s last album, Codes and Keys, continued the band’s history of intelligent indie rock that thoughtfully pairs melancholy with intricate piano and guitar facets. With Walla’s departure, this may be one of the last times fans truly get a taste of Death Cab’s usual style.
– Morgan
The Early November
If there’s one thing The Early November does well, it would be putting out records of such high quality, that when it comes time for the band to deliver again, you still feel like you haven’t had the adequate amount of time to fully appreciate what came before it. Nearly 3 years removed from their comeback album In Currents, and 2 contrasting, yet fantastic Mess releases sandwiched in-between, it’s finally time for the New Jersey natives to release their fourth LP. Although fans were lucky enough to get a small taste of what the new album might sound like when the band played a new song at their 2 ten year anniversary shows for The Room’s Too Cold in December 2013, I have a feeling that was only scratching the surface. With the band acknowledging the creation of a darker, increasing experimental sound, and a return to more traditional style of song writing together, what’s not to be excited about?
– Colin
FIDLAR
My favorite skate/surf punk band is FIDLAR. Their name stands for Fuck It Dog Life’s A Risk. Their music is the perfect blend of stoner chill and punk energy. They just announced a new record coming soon in a nutso (awesome) cover of the 90’s classic “If It Makes You Happy” that’s the kinda band this is. Stoked.
– Hendo
Foxing
Foxing’s last album The Albatross was our winner of the award for Best Debut Album 2013. They toured extensively in 2014 and are now headed to the studio for LP2. Their songs are like intricate webs of sound, using brass and effects (both vocal and instrumental) that few bands in indie music employ, and mixing them seamlessly. I’m not certain they will live up to the success of their debut, but I’m pretty sure this new album will be great. I’m excited.
– Hendo
Head North:
After a strong showing back in July in a split with A Will Away, Head North should have a full head of steam heading into 2015. The band released an EP last February and is apparently going to drop another one sometime this year—although I’d definitely prefer a full-length. I’d also like to see how Head North distinguishes themselves in a field of pop-punk and emo that is becoming more and more saturated. Either way, the band is sure to break out this year now that it is in the very capable hands of Bad Timing Records, as of December.
– Morgan
Hidden In Plain View
Fresh off of a couple of feel good reunion shows, a few cryptic studio photos, a single posted on Bandcamp, and a small tour scheduled for this spring, would lead one to assume the former Drive Thru greats are gearing up for a comeback release at some point this year. The single, released in the fall of 2014, “No Way Out” combines the crunching sounds heard on Life In Dreaming with the more melodic, dazzling riffs found on Resolution. It also serves as a glorious opportunity and perfect starting point for new, younger fans who enjoy The Story So Far, Make Do & Mend, and Transit to get into HIPV. Ultimately, the balance in sound heard on the new single is one of the main reasons I’m excited about the idea of the band potentially releasing a new album. Here’s to hoping they do just that.
– Colin
Into It. Over It.
Word on the street is Into It. Over It. are working on a new album to be released later this year. Intersections came out in 2013 and Evan Weiss has worked on a variety of projects since then. Expectations are high based on talent alone.
-Hendo
John Carpenter
Yes. Fuck yes. The Master of Horror John Carpenter is generously furnishing us with fully fleshed out and rendered pieces of music that were originally unfinished or left out of his previous films. John’s scores for his own films such as Escape From New York, Assault on Precinct 13 and They Live are nothing short of impeccable, so expect an album rammed with iconic synths, piercing guitars and absolute tons of cinematic atmosphere. Brace yourselves for being blessed with the work of a genius.
– Findlay
Make Do And Mend
This is one band I have not found myself into as much as the rest of ‘The Wave’ (sorry I had to include one reference). Two of the five bands released an album last year and two are expected to release one this year, maybe Touche Amore will hop on the train as well, eh? Also my girlfriend really loves this band so I guess I need to listen to it (sorry again).
– Sean
Modest Mouse
While many outsiders know Modest Mouse only from their singles, indie fans know the depths of their discography. Between The Lonesome Crowded West, Good News for People Who Love Bad News, and We Were Dead Before the Ship Even Sank, they have written some of the best indie rock albums EVER (at least I say so). Their upcoming 6th LP, Strangers to Ourselves, is there first in nearly 8 years and is set to be released on March 3rd. The long delay might have you a bit nervous but the first single from the album is out and it is a Modest Mouse classic. Here’s to hoping the new album is full of them.
– Hendo
Nai Harvest
The UK band Nai Harvest’s debut LP, Whatever, is what originally got me interested in the band. Although fuzzy and a bit messy, it showed songs of songwriting skill. This ability has only become more apparent with Nai Harvest’s EXCELLENT Hold Open My Head EP and a split with Playlounge. They just finished recording the new album with Bob Cooper (which will be on Topshelf) and I am very excited to see what direction it takes. I would love to see Nai’s success in America continue.
– Hendo
Now, Now
Instead of complaining about how long it’s taken Now, Now to generate a suitable follow-up to Threads (an album that still leaves me speechless to this day), let’s appreciate the amount of time, effort, frustration, and agony that has seemingly been put forth to create the band’s next work. With technology and social media creating the type of instant gratification society we’re shackled by today, it’s refreshing to see a band take a patient approach to ensure the extraordinary quality that not only we as fans want, but as the members of the band expect of themselves. Various Instagram clips floating around the web suggest that the band will be taking on a more electronic, pop friendly sound, while not throwing away the somber tones, lyrics, and overall attitude we’re accustom to hearing from the band.
– Colin
Oso Oso
Jonathan Dimitri’s trademark skill is his ability to write menacingly catchy hooks, while still incorporating genuine lyrics about real life experiences. It’s this sentiment that has continually pulled me back to music he and his friends have crafted over the last four years. Garnering some traction from two earnest, honest, and chillingly relatable LPs (Hoffman Manor, and For The Boats) with his former get-up State Lines, and a catchy self-titled EP released under his new mantra on Soft Speak Records in early 2014, it seems like the perfect time for Oso Oso to win over the hearts (and ears) of misfits everywhere with a debut full-length. Be sure to expect Jon’s raspy vocals, and perhaps something a bit more melodic than we’ve heard from him in the past.
– Colin
Pentimento
This is absolutely one of my favorite bands to listen to and watching them mature is no doubt one of my favorite things of my writing career.
– Sean
Petal
It’s been over two years since Pennslyvania’s Petal last released music with their Scout EP. The band has toured with all the right people (Balance and Composure, Tigers Jaw, etc) and it’s about time they gave fans a lengthier release, especially if they want to break out of the opening band role. I’m very excited to have another up-and-coming girl-fronted band on the scene.
– Morgan
Pop. 1280
Pop. 1280 are a noise punk band that totally totally excite me. Industrial and ugly guitars, crashing drums and visceral sounding vocals all amalgamate into a soup that sounds somewhere between Big Black and Some Girls. Too good. The album is due early this year and they’ve released a song from the album sessions that’s actually not appearing on it, and if this is an indication of how the album will sound? We’re going to be worshipping this thing.
– Findlay
Portugal. The Man
Another band that made no indication of a release, it feels about time that Portugal. The Man puts out a follow up to their major-label debut. I wasn’t crazy about Evil Friends but their albums are so diverse that a new release could take a whole new direction.
-Dylan
Radiohead
At the very end of the year it was announced that they are in the studio working on a follow up to The King of Limbs and, though it might not be ready this year, nothing is out of the question with Radiohead. If all goes as planned I’ll be debating whether Radiohead or Brand New wins Album of the Year 2015.
-Dylan
Runaway Brother
Runaway Brother have a off-color vibe about them. It may partially be because the lead singer Jacob was a big Max Bemis fan and part because they just don’t give a single fuck about trying to fit in. While they’ve been writing emotional indie rock with a take it or leave it attitude for some time now, the upcoming album Mother is their labor of love. Made up of songs written over a few YEARS, this is the best Runaway Brother has to throw at us. GIVE’EM THE HEATER RICKY!
– Hendo
The Story So Far
Just last week the band announced that they were writing a new record, and although its release is a long way from being official, I’m as stoked as possible. What You Don’t See was a huge step forward for The Story So Far and with more touring and time under their belt there is no way this release won’t kick ass.
-Dylan
Superheaven
Jar showed phenomenal growth for the band and, after a name change in 2014, it’s time for Superheaven to prove to the doubters that they still know who they are. The band was in the studio with Will Yip during the fall and now we just have to sit back and wait for their SideOneDummy debut.
-Dylan
Title Fight
Title Fight does a great job of avoiding stagnation with each new album and the songs released from Hyperview thus far are beyond promising. The dreamy-punk tones seem like a calmer approach than 2012’s Floral Green, but there’s still the same emotion and intensity we’ve come to expect.
-Dylan
Titus Androndicus
Rumor is Jersey punk veterans Titus Androndicus are working on new material. There are absolutely no limits to what these guys can come up with. The legends live. I just want more songs, more shows, and more Titus.
– Hendo
Tool
You wake up with a start. What’s that noise? Where’s it coming from? It’s faint enough that you know its downstairs but it’s loud enough to wake you up. You put on your housecoat and walk downstairs to investigate. The whispering getting louder but you still can’t figure out the words. A mans voice. The cupboard. It’s coming from the cupboard. Louder now. Not whispering, but rising in volume. Hands trembling. The voice muffled by the thickness of the door. You open the cupboard door. It’s me, hunched over naked in a prayer-like pose, I’m shouting now. “I SWEAR THIS IS THE YEAR THAT TOOL BRING OUT A NEW ALBUM, I SWEAR.” (I hope.)
– Findlay
Winter Break
I loved the band Summer Vacation. The Glocca Morra/Summer Vacation split is still 1 of my favorite splits EVER, but Summer Vacation is no more (same with Glocca Morra soon). They’re now called Winter Break and are releasing a new album. Winter > Summer. DADDY I WANT A WINTER BREAK ALBUM NOW!
– Hendo
The Wonder Years:
I’m always excited for new music from the reigning kings of modern pop-punk, especially after The Greatest Generation became one of my favorite records. It’s hard to truly set one band apart from the next in the constantly cliché pop-punk genre, but somehow TWY always prove be exceptional at their craft. Topping the entire Suburbia trilogy could prove difficult, but with the band’s impressive track record, fans shouldn’t have too much to worry about. Based on other interviews, we can expect the record in the late spring/summertime—perfect timing for the band’s third Warped Tour run.
– Morgan
Zack De La Rocha
Zach De La Rocha (ex vocalist of Inside Out and Rage Against The Machine) is a living legend. However he has long been absent from the music world. After taking some time (years) to work on his solo hiphop album (he’s been working with El P of RTJ) it looks like we may soon hear the product of all this work. I have no idea what the music will sound like, but I know Zach will have something important to say. I will be listening on every word. He may not be what the world wants but he is what world needs.
– Hendo
