Stereo Brain // Album Of The Year Longlist

Andy Hull & Robert McDowell // Swiss Army Man Soundtrack
Genre: Soundtrack
Label: Lakeshore Records
Released: 24th June
Verdict: Something that's just a bit different - interesting and inventive musically while still capturing the essence of a movie of the same irk.

Architects // All Our Gods Have Abandoned Us

Genre: Metalcore

Label: Epitaph Records

Released: 27th May

Verdict: Loud, in your face and yet incredibly intricate. Certainly Architects best work to date.

Black Foxxes // I'm Not Well
Genre: Alternative
Label: Spinefarm Records
Released: 19th August
Verdict: An album that demonstrates the potential that Black Foxxes showed from early on. Emotional, guitar driven and a must for any list.

Black Peaks // Statues

Genre: Rock

Label: Sony

Released: 8th April

Verdict: Seen by most as the most exciting rock album for years and I couldn't agree more. Anthemic and interesting - it was once described to me as "the math rock early Foals meets the heaviness of Deftones". Incidentally this album is the reason Deftones' record didn't make it on the list

Blossoms // Blossoms
Genre: Indie-Pop
Label: Virgin EMI
Released: 5th August
Verdict: Modern day indie-pop meets 80's in Blossoms' debut album. This album was a hit and made it to UK number 1 for two weeks.

Biffy Clyro // Ellipsis

Genre: Rock

Label: 14th Floor Records

Released: 8th July

Verdict: It's been a big year for Biffy and this album showed what they're still capable of. 'Wolves of Winter'' was one of the songs of the year and it's backed up by a brilliant album.

Daughter // Not To Dissapear
Genre: Indie
Label: Glassnote Records
Released: 15th January
Verdict: Delicate, quiet and thoughtful are words that spring to mind when you listen to Daughter's latest outing. It's pleasant and comfortable listening all the way.

Frightened Rabbit // Painting Of A Panic Attack

Genre: Indie

Label: Atlantic Records

Released: 8th April

Verdict: After making fans wait over 3 years for album number five, scottish indie rock powerhouses Frightened Rabbit did not disappoint. Their latest album shows a new side to the band while maintaining their distinctive style.

FULL REVIEW

The Hunna // 100
Genre: Indie Rock
Label: High Time Records
Released: 26th August
Verdict: A band that only began in October 2015, they've taken social media by storm and created a large fan base of young music fans. The release of their debut album demonstrates how they've managed it - catchy songs, meaningful lyrics and dancy riffs all carried a long with persona of rock stars.

Joyce Manor // Cody

Genre: Emo-Grunge

Label: Epitaph Records

Released: 7th October

Verdict: Joyce Manor's latest outing is that little bit less grunge and a bit more emo than their previous records. This is nothing but a good thing however - it's an album that feels much more open and inviting while maintaining the bands recognisable sound.

FULL REVIEW

The Lion & The Wolf // The Cardiac Hotel
Genre: Indie

Label: Xtra Mile

Released: 7th October

Verdict: After his beautiful debut, The Lion & The Wolf develops his sound on this new record. With more depth and more emotion this one hits right in the feelings.

Modern Baseball // Holy Ghost

Genre: Emo

Label: Run For Cover/Big Scary Monsters

Released: 13th May

Verdict: Their best record to date, on 'Holy Ghost' Mobo look at so much more than bad luck with girls and go much deeper into their own lives in a truly personal album.

FULL REVIEW

PUP // The Dream Is Over

Genre: Punk Rock

Label: Royal Mountain Records

Released: 27th May

Verdict: Listening to this album is like an angry jolt back to reality.

Panic! At The Disco // Death Of A Bachelor

Genre: Alternative

Label: Decaydance/Fueled By Ramen

Released: 15th January

Verdict: I initially described this album as 'pop punk meets Michael Buble' - this was meant as a bad thing but overtime this record has really grown on me and shown what it's really about to become one of my favourites from this year.

Radiohead // A Moon Shaped Pool

Genre: Indie

Label: XL Recordings

Released: 8th May

Verdict: Delicate and experimental. This was Radiohead at their finest. AN utterly beautiful album

Rusty Shackle // Dusk

Genre: Alt Folk

Label: Get Folked Records

Released: 25th March

Verdict: A mix of bouncy fun folk and serious musical talent comes together on the welsh bands finest record to date.

FULL REVIEW

Slaves // Take Control
Genre: Punk
Label: Virgin EMI
Released: Slaves
Verdict: Last years winners come back with a punk-ier and less apologetic follow up to Are You Satisfied?. The record screams potential and the future if Slaves' sound.
FULL REVIEW

Spring King // Tell Me If You Like To

Genre: Indie Rock

Label: Island Records

Released: 10th June

Verdict: One of the best debut records of the year and also features one of the catchiest alternative tunes of they year - 'Demons'

Tigercub // Abstract Figures In The Dark
Genre: Rock
Label: Alcopop!
Released: 11th November
Verdict: Imagine a darker and grungier Queens Of The Stoneage and you have this record. It's musically brilliant and a really great listen.

Viola Beach // Viola Beach

Genre: Indie Rock

Label: Fuller Beans Records

Released: 29th July

Verdict: A posthumous inclusion for one of the UK's most promising bands. Released shortly after their and their managers deaths to commemorate them. Coldplay even covered their song as they headlined Glastonbury.

YAK // Alas Salvation
Genre: Rock
Label: Octopus Electrical
Released: 13th May
Verdict: Loud, unapologetic and grungy. Yak burst onto the scene this year with 2 tours plus a stint supporting The Last Shadow Puppets - all in all it's been a great year for them.

Stereo Brain // 2016 Awards Lists Part 1

Album Of The Year
Andy Hull & Robert McDowell - Swiss Army Man Soundtrack
Architects - All Our Gods Have Abandoned Us
Black Foxxes - I'm Not Well
Black Peaks - Statues
Blossoms - Blossoms
Biffy Clyro - Elipsis
Daughter - Not To Dissapear
Frightened Rabbit - Painting Of A Panic Attack
The Hunna - 100
Joyce Manor - Cody
The Lion & The Wolf - The Cardiac Hotel
Modern Baseball - Holy Ghost
PUP - The Dream Is Over
Panic! At The Disco - Death Of A Bachelor
Radiohead - A Moon Shaped Pool
Rusty Shackle - Dusk
Slaves - Take Control
Spring King - Tell Me If You Like To
Tigercub - Abstract Figures In The Dark
Viola Beach - Viola Beach
Yak - Alas Salvation

Debut Album Of The Year
Black Peaks - Statues
Blossoms - Blossoms
Hacktivist - Outside The Box
The Hunna - 100
Jack Garratt - Phase
Milk Teeth - Vile Child
Spring King - Tell Me If You Like To
Tigercub - Abstract Figures In The Dark
Viola Beach - Viola Beach
Yak - Alas Salvation

EP Of The Year
Cassels - You, Us And They EP
Chroma - Chroma EP
Creeper - The Stranger
Estrons - She's Here Now EP
Heart Of Oak - E.P. | One
The King Blues - Off With Their Heads
Montreux Fires - Trying For The Sake Of Trying
October Drift - This Is Nowhere EP
Parcs - Traces
VANT - Karma Seeker EP

Mental Health Awareness Week // Heart Of Oak Interview

We recently reviewed Heart Of Oak's (aka. Jimmy Broomfield) début album 'E.P. | One' and as he's been touring Germany with the brilliant The Lion & The Wolf we've been discussing over email mental health, his record, life and a bit of politics for good measure.

You just released 'E.P. | One', could you explain the struggles you faced releasing the record?

"It's taken me the best part of eight years to make this record.

There are many reasons it’s taken so long, but the main one is that a voice has permeated in my head almost every day telling me that I will never, ever be any good, that nothing I do or make will ever matter and that I'm a fool for trying. I listened to that voice for so many years, I let him win, and I didn't record anything. I dreamed of making a record, of the day I would hold the CDs in my hand, but it was always that, a dream. Instead, I joked around, I didn't take it seriously, when I went on tour, I burned many terrible, awful demos that I'm embarrassed about and I didn't take it seriously, how can you when everything you do makes you feel like a fool?

But there’s another part of my head that needs to create, to write songs, or write words. The times that I'm singing seems to be about the only time my very, very busy head goes still and quiet, and I need that more than anything.

So many times I thought about quitting, but then realised I had to do it, I had to make a record. I was turning 30 and I’d dedicated so much time and effort into writing and playing these songs. I needed something to show for all that hard work. So, effectively, I tricked my brain. I moved faster than my thoughts could, when I got a message that my friend Bob Cooper had a cancellation, I went to Manchester and in one night we recorded seven songs in one hit, mixed them the next morning and left with a finished record. 26 hours from start to finish. I was nervous and there were a few wobbles in the studio, but I knew I was committed, I HAD to do it.

I won’t lie between then and the release I did everything in my power to sabotage the process, I didn't do things in time, I wasted days panicking about whether it was any good, or anyone would like it, I probably should have done a PR campaign, there were so many things I should have done, but the “lizard brain” as I call it, took over, to the point that, in the last few weeks/days before it came out, I couldn't answer emails or messages from my friends, I hid, so scared of being found out.

But, just a few weeks ago, the CDs arrived in the post and I achieved something I’d dreamed about for a long, long time.

I got to hold the finished CDs in my hand, with the most astoundingly beautiful artwork by my friend Vera Ickler, and I'm so, so proud of 

So when things are going pear-shaped, what coping mechanisms do you employ?

"I’m still learning how to cope, I’m not sure if there is such a thing as a fool-proof coping strategy, but I’m a big believer that when your head is in a bad place, stop denying it the things it wants. Providing what you want, or what brings you comfort is safe and that you have a little spare money, then buy yourself a present, just a cake or something little, or bury yourself in a favourite show, just do something relaxing and comforting that brings you a little joy. I understand if you’re not so good at self-control, those situations might not be the best idea, but it works for me though (admittedly the cakes are starting to show, maybe jogging is the better idea).

I think the one thing I have learned is to be more vocal, to talk about my problems and issues. For the longest time I kept my problems buried within myself and that only made things worse. The old “a problem shared” cliché is totally true and I'm so lucky to have friends and family who are the first to tell me the truth when my head is on the wobble, even if it takes a little while to believe them/for things to sink in.

When they don’t work or if things get too bad, I think the other blessing I have is the knowledge that, when things get too bad, I’m never more than a phone call or two away from my counsellor, but thankfully, I haven’t needed him for quite a long time. I went through a long period of counselling when I was at uni in 2008/2009 and again last year, and I can honestly say it’s the best thing I’ve ever done in terms of learning coping strategies and looking after myself. It’s also great comfort to have an emergency button/safety net, should things get too bad, it is expensive and I’m not sure how I’d afford it right now, but the knowledge that it’s there is a great safety net. I know I’m lucky in that sense. There are people very, very close to me who have struggled to find appointments, counsellors, or any help at all and I cannot believe how inadequate the NHS (and from the sounds of it Germany and several other places I’ve been), can be at getting people the help when it’s needed, I wish I knew what I/we could do to improve that, but alas, with the pretty shitty government we have right now, I’m not sure if anything will change for a while."

Is there any music you turn to when you're feeling down?

"I don't have too many records I rely upon when those days happen. For the most part, if the bad voice is winning I can't listen to anything because every great lyric or awesome melody I hear is more fuel to my lizard bastard brain that tells me everything I do is rubbish and I could never make anything as great as this. BUT, right now, as with everyone in the whole world, I'm deeply in love with the new Pinegrove record and just like everyone else, I will forever and always be utterly in love with the way John K Samson writes a song. His solo stuff and his work with the Weakerthans are probably my favourite “song-writing” of modern times, his ability with words is like some Indiana Jones holy grail shit."

Do you think there's a link between music and mental health, whether that's playing or listening to music?

"I think a lot of people, whether they have specifically diagnosed mental health issues or not, take solace and comfort in music, I know I do when I can! I know there have been studies that have found depression and other mental disorders are far more prevalent in creative people, but I'm always a bit reticent to talk about specifically that one job or mindset. I think when it comes to those issues, it’s far more important that the walls are taken down for every profession, there are probably a million plumbers, doctors, squirrel farmers, or whatever that go home and stay up all night because their brains tell them that they'll never be any good at whatever it is they do. I’m by no means saying that one group has it easier than another, whatever job it is you do, I still think the most important, but yet most difficult and more brave thing you can do is admit to having a problem, only then can you/we start to progress and to talk about these things in the open."

You can catch Jimmy on tour supporting The Lion & The Wolf in Germany this month and grab his new album on Bandcamp.

We gave 'E.P. | One' 8.5/10 in our review, check it HERE

If you want to find out more about the Mental Health Foundation or Mental Health Awareness Week go HERE

Also check out our other articles on mental health & music HERE

Review: Heart Of Oak // E.P. | One

At times, there's nothing more comforting than a quiet, thoughtful acoustic album and that's exactly what 'E.P. | One' from Heart Of Oak delivers.

Heart Of Oak is a Southampton based artist solely made up of Jimmy Broomfield and 'E.P. | One' is his first release and was released on 1st May 2016.

The first song on the album, 'Faded Flags', highlights Jimmy's natural talent for song and lyric writing. His smooth tone is what keeps this album ticking; a somewhat familiar sound but with a personal edge.

Heart Of Oak is currently touring Europe with The Lion & The Wolf

At points this album seriously tugs at the heart strings; 'Skin and Bones' and 'Somewhere, Another Life Is Waiting' particularly are two very emotional songs. 'Skin and Bones' talks about being flawed but fighting and struggling through it, this almost reflects Heart Of Oak's struggle in releasing the record.

Well documented on the Heart Of Oak Facebook, Jimmy talks about the difficulties he faced gaining the confidence to release 'E.P | One' but boy are we glad he did. This album is a delicate and emotional ride and at points is truly beautiful - 8.5/10

-Luke

Artist Spotlight // The Lion and The Wolf

Members:
Thomas George

Location:
Ventnor, Isle Of Wight

Description:
Brilliant, beautiful and depressing melancholy

Songs To Get You Started:
My Fathers Eyes (2015), The Lion and The Wolf (2011), Ink and Skin (2014), Colour (2014), Bar Stools (2015)

Discography:
Studio Albums:

1. Symptoms (2014)

EP's & Singles:

1. The Lion & The Wolf EP (2011)
2. Time On My Hands EP (2014)
3. My Fathers Eyes (2015)

Social Media:
The Lion and The Wolf Twitter
The Lion and The Wolf Facebook

Find more articles on The Lion and The Wolf HERE

Find more artist spotlights HERE

2015 Review

Between the 26th February to the 23rd December I saw 100 bands, safe to say 2015 has been a good year, here are my highlights.

New Bands

The best thing about seeing so many bands is that some you may never had heard before. Bands like Slaves (who I saw on a whim in May), Nothing But Thieves, Pretty Vicious, Wonk Unit and Arcane Roots. All fantastic, but for me 2 small, maybe unrecognised bands stood out above the rest: The Lion & The Wolf and MOK.

I saw both for the first time at Blissfields (full review here) and they were both incrdible. MOK are a genre breaking band with elements of electronic, hip hop and rock all mashed together, a live spectacle and all round pleasing to the ears. Having featured on local BBC introducing radio shows I'm hoping 2016 will be a good year for them because they are a fantastic band.
The Lion and The Wolf are very different for MOK, I saw lead singer Tom (also at blissfields) do a solo performance in a tiny acoustic tent. It was a beautiful set incorporating songs from his first album 'Symptoms' and new material as well as a cover of Death Cab For Cutie's 'I Will Follow You Into The Dark' which reduced my friend to tears. With a new album coming out this year again I'm hoping this artist has a great year,

The Lion and The Wolf @ Blissfields

MOK @ Blissifelds

Incredible Shows

This last year I've some absolutely incredible shows... Foals' secret at Reading Festival, Frank Turner at the tiny The Railway Inn in Winchester, a raucous Southampton show from Modern Baseball, the list goes on. By far my favourite, however, was the first of the three times I saw Slaves.

For the whole of April my friend had been bugging me to go to a gig with him, I'd never heard of the band before but I agreed to it, bought my ticket and the night on looked them up on youtube. I was blown away, Slaves blew me away. I spent all the next day buzzing for the gig, having bought the two singles I could find they'd released - "The Hunter" and "Where's Your Car Debbie" - I spent all day with them on repeat and boy did they deliver a show. To this day every time I think about this show, even as I'm writing this now, I get goosebumps. What a show, what a band and what a 2015 they've had.

Slaves @ Cardiff Students Union Great Hall

Frank Turner @ The Railway Inn

Amazing Festivals

This year I managed 5 Festival; Blissfields, Wickham Festival, Reading Festival, Butserfest and Dials Festival. All of which where incredible and I definitely plan on attending in 2016 as well as hopefully more!

But a special shoutout goes to Dials Festival, a small multi-venue festival in Portsmouth. A fantastic line-up with up and coming bands like Kagoule, Black Honey and Hooton Tennis Club and well deserving of their ULX festival award for Best Non-Camping Festival. (full review here)

FlashFires @ Dials Festival

Kagoule @ Dials Festival

Stunning Albums

Not only has this year been an amazing year for live music for me there have been some amazing, o many I had real trouble picking our shortlist let alone the winner! Here's our nominated acts:

Our Album Of The Year Selection

2016...

I am really looking forward to 2016! I have bands to see like the Temperance Movement, Neck Deep, Will Varley, The Algorithm, Front Bottoms and Wolf Alice to name but a few. As well as many festivals to go to.
Not only that we should have some mega albums this year with LCD Soundsystem, Kings Of Leon, Frightened Rabbit, Modern Baseball, Two Door Cinema Club and Moose Blood all in the studio or with albums ready to release. 2016 should be an amazing year for music.