Taking Back Sunday "Flicker, Fade"

Crazy things are happening in the music world! Taking Back Sunday have released a new video and are going to be co-headlining a tour with The Used, along with support from Tonight Alive and Spencer Chamberlain's new project Sleepwave.

This song is so solid! I am really digging even after the first listen.

TBS will be releasing their new album Happiness Is on 18 March with Hopeless Records. Pre orders are available with numerous bundles.

Tour dates and tickets are available for the tour. Get them before they're sold out!

Balance and Composure "Tiny Raindrop"

PA band Balance and Composure has released a b-side for their track "Tiny Raindrop" off their 2013 album The Things We Think We're Missing.

Check out the track on their SoundCloud and the album on Spotify.

I love this album it was on my top 10 albums of 2013 (see parts one and two). So of course the b-side is good as well. It's much more raw and stripped down from the original track.

If you're in the Buffalo, NY area or Canada B&C will be on tour through out January. Dates and tickets here.

Top 10 Albums of 2013 Part II

I really am not really good at keeping up this blog, it's quite sad. But here is the second installment of the best albums of this year!

The Bones of What You Believe by Chvrches 

Scottish synthpop band Chvrches has been taking the world by storm with this first full length. I first heard their single "Recover" in the spring and fell in love! This is not the type of music I usually enjoy so when something like this on my top of anything list, that means it must be special.  Tracks like "Lungs" and "Lies" have fun danceable beats with grade A lyrics. I cannot get enough of this album.
Check it here.


Modern Vampires of the City by Vampire Weekend

Being a pretty big Vampire Weekend fan, you could say I was pretty stoked for this record to be released. Their single "Diane Young" was my summer song, I swear I listened to it multiple times a day. Though the album was a bit more relaxed than their past two albums it had deeper lyrics which showed the band's increased maturity. No more oxford commas or drinking horchata! Songs like "Unbelievers" and "Everlasting Arms" are two that certainly stand out on this CD.
Album here.

You're Always on My Mind by A Great Big Pile of Leaves

I heard this band because they are going to be touring with The World Is and Into It. Over It. and they rule! If you have a chance to check them out on the tour do it (dates). I love the fun upbeat sound along with droning, dull vocals that somehow come together to create quality. "Snack Time" and "Ambiversion" are good tracks.
Listen.




Shangri La by Jake Bugg

I have been a fan of Jake Bugg's since 2012 and I don't plan on stopping anytime soon. After hearing his self titled album I was nervous about hearing how this was going to sound. The moment I clicked on the first track "There's a Beast and We All Feed It" I was beaming. This kid has some serious chops especially for only being 19. His songs have a folksy country vibe which is unique in modern British music. He's so British, I absolutely love it.
Click here, mate.

Is Survived By by Touché Amoré

For me personally this has been the year of Touché Amoré. I fell in love with their sophomore album Parting the Sea Between Brightness and Me and am now having an affair with Is Survived By. Jeremy Bolm has created perfect poetic lyrics along side brutal vocals and a kick ass band.  Songs that stand out are the title track, "Just Exist", "DNA", "Anyone / Anything" and "Harbor". That's a lot but this album is just so good I cannot just pick two!
Music.


School is starting soon so hopefully I'll be able to still post in my free time. I will hopefully be up to date on new bands that I've been listening to and shows that I attend. Fingers crossed. Have a good 2014 all and hold onto your last moments of 2013!

10 Top Albums of 2013 Part 1

Hey world I am INCREDIBLY sorry that I have not posted since October (that's quite embarrassing when you're trying to run a half decent blog). But to make up for my absence I will be counting down my favorite albums of 2013. They may not be yours but they are the ones that stuck out to me this year.

These are also in no particular order because I couldn't make up my mind what I liked best.

The 1975 by The 1975

This album was shown to me by a friend and it blew me away. I immediately fell in love with their upbeat pop rock and Matt Healy's Manchester accent. Songs like "Girls", "Chocolate" and "Settle Down" were on repeat for at least a month straight.
Check out the album here on Spotify.






Whatever, if Ever by The World is a Beautiful Place and I am No Longer Afraid to Die




This summer I got the pleasure of getting to see The World Is perform in my own hometown and interview their guitarist, Greg Horable (check it here). Their indie post-rock was my album of the summer (along with Saintseneca's Last from 2011). With killer tracks like "Heartbeat in the Brain" and "Fightboat", it is a perfect pick me up when you're feeling blue.
Listen here.




What You Don't See by The Story So Far

The Story So Far graced the cover of Alternative Press in the spring which sparked my own curiosity of the band. I listened to What You Don't See and fell in love. I went into geek mode and went out and bought the physical at Hot Topic. Possibly one of the best purchases I made this year. This album is quality, filled with personal lyrics and gravely vocals. My favorite track is "Small Talk"; I used to scream the line "I'll bite back with broken teeth" at the top of my lungs while driving.
Album is listenable here.


Save Rock 'n' Roll by Fall Out Boy

Fall Out Boy took the world by storm this year after being on hiatus for 9 years. They announced that they were back with a new record and instantly they blew up like never before! It sounds nothing like their older music which is good. They have more hip hop style songs and even very radio friendly tracks like "Young Volcanoes" and "My Songs Know What You Did in the Dark".
I got to see these guys like with Panic! at the Disco this fall and it was awesome. My middle school self rejoiced and can now be forever put to rest.
Listen here.


The Things We Think We're Missing by Balance and Composure

Almost everybody that I know who has good music taste adored this record! I had never really listened to Balance and Composure before this album and I now regret it. This record is on point with stellar tracks "Parachutes", "Back of Your Head" and my friend's favorite "Tiny Raindrop".  With powerful instrumental and frontman, Jon Simmons's droning voice carries you through love and sorrow.
Check it here.

This is just part one!! I will have part two up by this weekend and I will link it here once it is complete.

What're your thoughts on part 1? Am I totally wrong on any of these? TELL ME!

Close Your Eyes stream new album

Close Your Eyes is streaming their sophomore album Line in the Sand on AltPress.

The album comes out on October 29. Pre orders here!