Tag Archives: 2:54

2:54- Shacklewell Arms. 4th December 2014.

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The best things in life are free (thanks Luther and Janet) and also, sometimes the best things are kept a secret. Yesterday afternoon whilst tearing my eyes away from work for a split second (15 minutes) I saw Bella Union’s clue as to who was their secret headliner for their Christmas show at the Shacklewell Arms. The clue was, “an East London bus route.” SO EASY. It’s 2:54. Easily. How did I guess it? Because that’s the bus I spend most of my life on. My plan after work was to go to the gym (this fatty has lost some weight) and go to sleep. Two things I enjoy. I also love 2:54. I love them more than the gym and sleep, and if I didn’t go I’d probably be a bit annoyed. So off I went!

A band called Landshapes were on first., who were mighty impressive. Their singer sounds a bit like both Emily and Jenny from Warpaint mixed with Foals-esque sounds. What I did hear/see was pretty damn good.

At around half 10 Alex, Colette and Hannah took to the stage to perform an acoustic set. Colette told me afterwards that they couldn’t get their gear out of their lock-up and get it to Shacklewell Arms in time, as they finish work at 9pm. The fact that they have day jobs makes me respect them a bit more you know? Most bands I listen to do work as well as in a band, it’s hard. It’s really hard. I can’t pretend I can relate, I wish I could. But not being paid to write about Music but having a desk job during the day isn’t really the same. Being in a band requires more effort and dedication.

I don’t know if it is old age or sheer tiredness, but I cannot remember the setlist. I know they opened with Crest and closed with Sugar. The Monaco was also played. I wish I could remember the other 2/3 songs they did, but it is half 8 and I’ve had 5 hours sleep. I hope today is gentle with me.

Seeing a band like 2:54 do an acoustic set was truly special. I don’t know how everyone else in the crowd felt (there was about 30 people, they all buggered off after Landshapes for some stupid reason) but it was beautiful. If you’ve ever seen 2:54 live you’ll know that it’s quite intense and heavy. They are gentle version of one of my favourite (and ultimately one of the greatest) bands, Sleep. My Gran has got me a Sleep t-shirt for Christmas, she’s the best. 2:54’s sound captures everything I absolutely love about music. They’ve got this heightened sensation in their sound that has really come alive on their new record, The Other I. Everything about their music is dark, ethereal and really intense. I don’t know how many times I play them at work to get me through staring at a spreadsheet. It bloody helps. I probably annoy everyone drumming along on the desk.

Alex, as I’ve said so many times, is easily my favourite drummer around. He’s a pleasure to watch and he just makes you wish you could play the drums. In their set last night he really shone during The Monaco. I love the regimented drumming on it mixed with Colette’s delicate voice. Then we have Hannah. If you ever feel the need to make a list of the best guitarists (please exclude gender as gender shouldn’t be a ruling factor) then she needs to undoubtedly be number 1. I think I spent the evening admiring her gorgeous Fender acoustic and being in awe of how brilliant she is. I could never get tired of watching them live or acoustic. I love how Colette is on stage, her enforcing hand gestures are equally as dominant during an acoustic set as they are during their normal live set-up. I’ve said it before, she moves on stage as if she could bust out a verse by say, Wu Tang Clan word for word with no problem at all. If you’re one of those people who seek to define music by gender or are constantly looking for “the best front-woman” then just look at her. However, if you want a band that have everything and know that gender shouldn’t define a person’s profession, then 2:54 are that band. What I’m trying to say is, 2:54 are bloody great and I want you to love them.

When you see a band you really love in such an intimate setting, it makes you appreciate their music a lot more and you hear the pieces you may not always hear on record. Not only are they an excellent band, they are genuinely the loveliest people I’ve met. Also, I know nothing about fashion but Colette had on a beautiful coat. Just incase you were wondering.

2:54 are out on tour in February playing Manchester, Bristol and London. A drunken decision was made last Friday with my good friend to go see them in Manchester. If I had the funds, I’d do Bristol too. But hey, 2 out of 3 isn’t so bad.

Go to your local record store and pick up the finest band on Bella Union’s new record, The Other I by 2:54. It is full of mystical wonder and heavy sounds, mixed with haunting vocals.

2:54. St Pancras OId Church. 19th November 2014.

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“Nobody here can make the feeling new.”

Second time seeing 2:54, second time seeing them in a church. It is fair to say that their eerie and ethereal sound is bloody glorious in a church, and I would fully back them playing these kinds of venues. Why? Because there is something quite beautiful about seeing a band like 2:54 in a church. I can’t actually put it into words what it feels like, but if you’ve listened to them you know what kind of environment they are perfect for.

Last week they released their second record, The Other I. As someone who is pretty much still obsessed with their debut record, I wasn’t sure if I was ready to let it go and move onto the next. Turns out I am, and I’m of course, obsessed with it. There is something about their music that makes me want to write about music constantly. Maybe it is because everything I adore about music is in their sound. Do I want it to sound a little creepy? Yes. Do I want lyrics that not only I can relate to, but are in awe of how they are placed together and sung? Yes. Do I want music to sound like I’m not where I currently am? Yes. Do 2:54 do all this and beyond? Of course.

The PA system blares out Tender Shoots. A delicate song to listen to through headphones, but through a PA in church, it’s haunting. I cannot remember the setlist, but I remember moments (made use of a happy hour in a bar beforehand, so go with me on this.)

I loved the little jam at the end of Scarlet which went straight into Sugar. Sugar for so long was a song that I played on repeat, then they made a video to it and it just went insane. It’s a song that’s got so much going on in it that my little head can’t get itself around. The drums on it. Oh man. More on the drumming in a bit. Some songs are met with a beautiful smirk from Colette who, on stage seems like this powerful being stalking the stage and commanding it with rapper-esque hand movements. Off stage, she seems the opposite. One of the most genuine souls I’ve ever met, but more on that later. The new songs are adored by the 120 or so of us in the room. I thought, how can they still be playing small venues like this? But the thing is, this is where they sound perfect. Last night’s show was the first of their tour, and anyone who has a ticket is in for a real treat.

The drumming. Alex is pretty much the best drummer I’ve seen live, and one of the best drummers I’ve heard on record. If you’re looking for a group of musicians to influence you to start a band, listen to 2:54 then go see them live. Church or no church, just please go see them. I hope a 14-year-old kid somewhere hears this band and starts something magical of their own. I’m however, 28 with no musical talent, it’s probably why I do this. Ha. Alex has this ability to make the songs sound more brutal live. 2:54’s sound is delicate but mixed with bold moments. Moments that just make you hit repeat all the time. He makes the drums sound like waves crashing around you, a prime example of this is during Creeping. I wish I had the money to do all of this tour just to see him drum. He’s nothing short of brilliant.

Hannah and Colette play No Better Prize together. Just Hannah on guitar and Colette’s blissful vocals. Her clarity when she sings is gorgeous, and you pick up on the lyrics much more. You pick out certain lines, and not only do you identify with them but you’re bloody grateful someone has said it. My favourite part of the gig was a cross between No Better Prize and South. I think I’m sold on South being my favourite off The Other I. It was Pyro but I’m sticking with South. I think the new bassist is called Rich? Sorry if I’m wrong. Anyway, he’s bloody brilliant. Bassists don’t get enough credit I don’t think. For 2:54, the bass really adds something haunting to their sound.

Their heavy sound mixed with gentle vocals is really what appeals to me. It’s like beauty and the beast (none of the band are beasts, I just mean mixing something ferocious with something tame.) There are a small number of bands I could quite happily watch for the rest of my time, 2:54 are evidently one of them.

At the end of the show, I hung around to buy myself a t-shirt (as always, I do my clothes shopping at gigs don’t I.) In complete shock to me, Colette recognises me. “You’re Olivia aren’t you?!” My ability to say something awkwardly daft thankfully past me by (thank you Happy Hour, thank you!) Her words about my writing meant a hell of a lot to me. Firstly, I never expect a band to read anything I write about them and secondly, if they do read it I wouldn’t expect them to remember! She said I write beautifully about the band. It’s easy to write about them because I just love them and I have done for ages! When you really believe in something, it is easy to put that across. I’m just someone who loves music in all its possible ways. Balls to the genre, I just want it to make me feel something. Her kind words are staying with me, and when I feel like stopping writing, I’ll replay them in my head.

I told her I sold my ticket for The Jesus And Mary Chain to be there last night. “I hope we were worth it” she said. You have no idea. Can February hurry up now please?!

2:54- The Other I.

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There are a few bands that you can associate with dark and misty weather. A band that you trudge through muddy puddles just to purchase some grime supermarket sandwich on your lunch break or a band you will happily wander through the streets to get home in a torrential downpour, just because they fit the mood. You can go as far back as you like or you bring it up to date with a band that are just nothing short of excellent. I’m spending my lunch break wisely by listening to The Other I for the third time today and attempting to write something about it that hopefully puts across how great it is. Alternatively, you can skip this and just buy the record next Monday (it’s out 2 days before my 28th, November is an alright month.)

2:54 are a band I have spent a lot of time listening to and really appreciating everything about what they do. I think Alex is one of the best drummers around, Hannah makes me wish I could play guitar and Colette has this gorgeous voice that I part wish I had, and the other part of me wants to have her sing me eerie songs every night before I sleep so I have some wonderfully lucid dream. Everything about 2:54s music is what I love. They have this brilliantly dark tension to their sound which is what made me fall unapologetically in love with their music a few years ago. The demos/b-sides I heard before their first record came out made me realise instantly that they were going to be a band that I would have to always listen to. To this day, I play their first record almost constantly. It makes the journey to and from work a little easier, I push myself a little more at the gym when I listen to it, I walk home imagining their lyrics coming to life. Their words and music are like an old, sacred Gothic novel made for Autumn/Winter. The Other I really brings all I’ve mentioned to life in the most ethereal way imaginable.

I tried to wait until I got home to write about The Other I, so I could spend the rest of my afternoon at work listening to it whilst staring at a screen pretending to know what I’m doing. I obviously, like a child at Christmas, just couldn’t wait.

The first three tracks are ones we have already heard. I’ve written about them previously so you know how I feel about them. No Better Prize and Sleepwalker were made for you to have obscure dreams to. The best way to listen to music of any kind is through headphones whilst laying or sitting on your bed. Do it in the dark, set your mind free and go some place. However, listening to The Other I at work is equally as powerful. The images come through, and as hard as I am trying right now to not shut my eyes and go somewhere; their songs are strong enough for me to do it with my eyes open. Colette’s voice on Sleepwalker is beautifully haunting. Her voice has this perfect gentle tone to it but at the same time creeps you out- on Sleepwalker it really comes to life. The Other I sounds perfect against their debut record, one isn’t better than the other. Both are masterpieces, and I vow to stand by that.

Tender Shoots is a quiet and delicate gem, and before you know it you are hit with The Monaco. I’m pretty sure, if they do this live, the drums are going to sound insane live. It’s slightly more upbeat (tempo wise) than their others songs, but I don’t mean this is something to dance to. You just move your body differently to it than you would to others. On their first record, how you move to Sugar is different to how you move to revolving. Something takes over, and you just go with it. I know I go on about Colette’s voice, but there’s a little breakdown on The Monaco where it just echoes and it is standout moment, for me.

Everything gets heavier from Crest onwards, and you sort of feel like you’re listening to a band that got you through your teenage angst years. Instead, you’ve found the band that allow escapism for adulthood. I’ve been trying to figure out what song I love the most on The Other I. Part of me is besotted with Pyro, but then I listen to South straight after and I cannot choose. So I won’t choose. The Other I, if you’re looking for comparisons, heavier than their debut. There are some “smack you in the face” moments on their debut and there are plenty on The Other I.

I don’t know if I’ll make a list of my favourite records this year, but if I feel the need I think it is safe to say this is my number 1. I’m torn between Pyro and South right now, maybe if they play them live I’ll be able to make some kind of decision but life I guess, is too short to always have favourites. All I know is that The Other I is a perfect record to listen to on this dark, murky day. Just like their debut, I plan on listening to it constantly. Their London show on the 19th (November) has sold out but they’re playing Dingwalls in February.

2:54 are a quiet storm, a sacred listen. If you ignored them the first time, don’t make the same mistake again. They are a band that make you realise that not all new music sucks and not every band is copying what has been done before. The eerie atmosphere that flows throughout The Other I is one of the main reasons as to why I love the record. That, and the fact that a band I really bloody adore and believe in are back, that’s enough to make me happy right now. 2:54 are a band that I want everyone I know to listen to and to love, just because they have this indescribable quality to their music that just makes it feel like you’re listening to something truly precious. I hope some lost teenager hears their music and starts their own band; that’s just how much I really dig this band.

Alright, that’s enough. I’ll go to my work now.

 

2:54-Blindfold.

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Since seeing 2:54 last week, I was pretty much wishing for the next few months to just go super fast so I could finally hear their new record. Some things I am just not patient with.

But to ease the waiting game, they have put a new video out for Blindfold. I really like how vulnerable the lyrics are and how Colette sings them. If you can believe in every word, you know you’ve found something worth treasuring. Blindfold still has that eerie sound that flows through 2:54’s music, but it is less heavy in Blindfold- the dark feel to it is in the lyrics this time, not the music. I just bloody love the lines “I don’t want to find my way back home” and “Everybody says, I’ve got to say what’s on my mind. But how do I say, I’m really losing my way every day.” Words for the soul from the heart.

After hearing Orion, In The Mirror and now Blindfold, I think it is fair to say that The Other I is going to be one of the best things to happen this year.

When you watch the video to Blindfold you can’t help but fall in love with London. Even after my rage towards the Victoria line yesterday morning, I still love this city and probably wouldn’t want to live anywhere else. The video is beautifully shot, and makes you want to wander the streets of London late at night with some 2:54 blasting in your ears. It also makes you want a jacket like Colette’s.

The Other I is out 10th November via Bella Union.

2:54. Union Chapel- 8th September 2014.

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Last night I went to two gigs in one night, remind me to NEVER do that when I have to be up at half 6 the next morning for work, but obviously it was worth it. It usually is. My ability to be alert today slipped away at around 1.30pm when I spilt my lunch down my white Velvet Underground t-shirt.

The first gig that I went to last night was the Bella Union showcase down the road from me at Union Chapel. I know I’m a fan of dark, dingy places to see bands but the Union Chapel is marvelous. Go see something there, it doesn’t matter what or who it is- just go. I’m choosing to only write about 2:54 because they pretty much were my reason for going. Anyone who knows me (sorry about that) knows how much I adore that band. There is something about their sound that makes me want to always write about music and on the flip side of this, makes me loathe the fact that I cannot play an instrument. I’ve got a cowbell somewhere but I don’t think cowbell players are in demand are they?

If you’ve been lucky enough to see 2:54 live, you’ve probably left in awe of Alex’s drumming skills. I left the gig wishing I could beat the shit of the drums like he does. He’s got this incredible way of making every cymbal crash sound like a wave coming over you and you just drift away peacefully into this eerie world that 2:54 create in their music. I know I say it with a few bands I’ve written about, and I’ve probably said it before about 2:54 but the atmosphere in their music reminds of one of the best records ever made- Seventeen Seconds by The Cure. If I get that feeling from a band, then I’m pretty much sold. The kind of music that makes you feel as if you’re lost in the woods with mist descending down on you, and you feel lost. Part of you wants to escape, the other part of you just wants to keep on walking. Hannah, is one ferocious guitar player, and I sincerely hope she is inspiring people to pick up the guitar and make their own noise. Their bassist? Watch him. He’s insanely excellent.

2:54 treat us all to some new songs from their record which is out 10th November (2 days before my 28th birthday!) and it all sounds bloody glorious. Their dark and beautifully moody sound is back to warm our hearts and souls once more. Although, I must admit I still play their debut record every day to and from work. There is something about their debut record that I’ve not found in much else, so I keep playing it. I think it is also because I’m partially in love/awe with Colette’s voice.

As it was my first time seeing 2:54, I can’t think of a better place to have seen them other than at the Union Chapel. The sound in the chapel is perfect, I’m pretty sure me singing Mariah Carey tunes would sound wonderful in there (going too far? Probably….) Some venues are made for certain bands, and the Union Chapel was definitely made for 2:54.

I enjoy sitting down as much as anyone else, but it felt really weird watching them put their all into their set and we were all sat down staring at them. I wanted to be at the front singing Scarlet back at them or air-drumming along to Sugar. When they went into Sugar I just wanted to stand up and move in a questionable fashion, but I’ve got a lot of self-control so I stayed seated. Their mini jam at the end of Scarlet was bloody brilliant too.

I don’t know the names of their new songs, but they did play In The Mirror and they ended with Orion. Colette put her guitar down for Orion, and her stage presence really shone through on that song. She’s got this dominating glow about her on stage that lures you in. One of the songs they did, I think it may have been the third one (possibly) was brilliant, and seeing Orion live made me really excited about the new record, The Other I. They’re the kind of band you’d want to sit down, and just talk about music with. Whether it be their own, or what influences them (can someone sort this for me?!)

After seeing them last night, I’m pretty happy to say that 2:54 are one of the best bands around and are one of the best bands I’ve seen live. Their shows in November cannot come round quick enough!

2:54-In The Mirror.

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There are two reasons as to why today didn’t suck. Number 1- Morrissey announced a London show and number 2- there’s a new 2:54 song.

A few weeks or so ago, the wonderful Colette and Hannah brought the single Orion into the world and got us all hooked. Or maybe just me. I play it a hell of a lot every day. It gets me through work, and their debut record is still getting played daily. There is something about 2:54 that is perfect for grey days like today. As London was battered by rain today and the Summer quickly faded to be taken over by heavy, thick grey clouds- there is only one band you should be listening to (it’s 2:54.)

In The Mirror pretty much justifies why Colette Thurlow has one of the most gorgeous, haunting and entirely gripping vocals I’ve heard in a long long time. She’s got an ethereal sway to her voice that makes those who cannot sing (like myself) wish they could. She sings with this delicate power that immediately has hold of you. She could sing me the Yellow Pages and I’d be utterly captivated.

With a lot of bands they can fall into a trap as they face the release of their new record, but with 2:54 they sound equally as exciting as they did a few years ago when they first came out. I’ve got this horrible feeling that 2:54 are overlooked and underappreciated by so many, I just don’t understand how. They’ve got something that makes them tower above so many. I’m not being lazy wth my word, but I really can’t begin to describe their sound. I think me not being able to describe their sound is really what makes me love their music so much. They are the kind of band that I want to write about always, and make me want to write about music constantly.

2:54 make music for you to wander around under the bulging grey skies that are fit to burst at any time; In The Mirror is another eerie gem by them and has made me even more excited about their new record.

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2:54 will be releasing their second record on Bella Union (so proud!) and is titled The Other I. The record is out 10th November (2 days before my birthday.) Here is the track listing:

1. Orion
2. Blindfold
3. In The Mirror
4. No Better Prize
5. Sleepwalker
6. Tender Shoots
7. The Monaco
8. Crest
9. Pyro
10. South
11. Glory Days
12. Raptor

You can preorder it here:  http://store.bellaunion.com/product/2-54-the-other-i

The artwork is really beautiful.

As the sun seems to be slowly creeping out for the next half hour or so here in Hackney, I’ll welcome the nighttime by playing In The Mirror on repeat.

2:54-Orion.

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Photo by Joseph Piper

 

 

I heard Orion by 2:54 this morning and all I’ve wanted to do was leave work and write about it.

So two things- 2:54 are back (PRAISE WHOEVER!!!!) and they are now signed to Bella Union.

Is Orion any good? Nah. It’s not good at all. It’s INCREDIBLE.

Their debut record is one I still play pretty much every day. Colette’s voice is bloody beautiful, I don’t want to imagine a world where it doesn’t exist. Her voice can make you tremble with how captivating and how haunting it is. Hannah is probably one of the best guitarists around. They make me wish I had a sister so I could form some kind of band like 2:54. Alas, I don’t have a sister. I’ve got a cool big brother who is the best goalkeeper on the Isle of Man. There’s a lot of proof surrounding this.

Orion has that eerie sound that made me fall right in love with 2:54 many moons ago (alright it wasn’t that long ago, it was about 3 years ago.) They have this beautiful moody feel to their music that is unlike anything else around. Sure they’ve had every Goth-like comparison under the sun thrown at them, but who cares?! They are a solid band who are just a joy to listen to. I’ve been waiting for them to come back for AGES. Comeback of the year for sure. Sorry Morrissey, you know I love you..but this is different.

2:54 are going on tour in November, and you can catch them here:

7th – Ramsgate, Ramsgate Music Hall
19th – London, St. Pancras Old Church
20th – Sheffield, The Harley
21st – Glasgow, The Broadcast
22nd – Manchester, Soup Kitchen
24th – Nottingham, The Corner
25th – Bristol, The Louisiana
26th – Brighton, The Hope

The London date clashes with me going to see The Jesus And Mary Chain (it’s alright I’m seeing them in Manchester and their other London date…if you want a ticket to their Troxy date….) Oh and 2:54 are also playing Union Chapel on 8th September (the day I start my new job) as part of the Bella Union, Labelled With Love showcase. Tickets for that and their Ramsgate show are already on sale, and the other dates go on sale this Wednesday.

Orion is exactly what I expected from 2:54, and by that I mean brilliant. You know when a band you love go away for a while, and they come back and all the reasons as to why you love them smacks you in the face when you hear new music from them? That’s pretty much what happened when I heard Orion this morning. Like a giddy toddler who has eaten some Skittles on the sly.

Their new record will be out later this year; perfect for the early dark evenings as you walk through the mist home.

2:54, don’t leave us for that long again!

“Your heart is a thrown and sinking stone.”

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If the mind could take a holiday, would you let it or would you let yourself carry on? Bad things happen and good people go unnoticed. Too many people want to be famous, anonymity is no longer sought after. It’s a shame. Everything is shame; especially when you cannot do anything about it. We remember bad news because it lasts longer than anything good. We condition ourselves to cling onto the bad because it’s a sick form of comfort. The good slips through, as does time. As much as I dislike the concept of time I am utterly fascinated by it. Yesterday I had a job interview near Camden, so afterwards I went for a walk around Camden. On my own. It was pissing down with rain and I wandered round listening to music. If it wasn’t so grim outside, I’d have stayed longer. Camden isn’t my favourite place in London, far from it. I’m not really sure where my favourite place is in London. I just love that city. I used to hate it. I’m not sure why I hated it so much. Now? Now I have less positive feelings for the North of England. Maybe it’s a shame, maybe it isn’t. But you see, the North is always tinted with a shade of grey. London isn’t. It has something else, like no other. Or maybe I’m just really pleased with myself that I can use the tube all by myself without getting lost. Proud moment.

I wandered around the city a few times. No one knew me, and I didn’t know them. When I thought I got lost I just went a different way and got to where I wanted to go. Even if I wasn’t sure if I wanted to be there; I still got there. Time, patience and being aware. In a way, I could apply that to life. My life to be exact. Of course I could. I should. I’m going to try. I took great comfort in nobody knowing who I was. Not caring if I bumped into someone I knew. Stopping to talk to a friend in the street is something I’m not a fan of. I’d rather just sit down with them somewhere. Standing in the street to discuss events and emotions seems to informal. Also, you’re in the way of passers-by. If there’s one thing I dislike, it’s me being in the way of someone. Keeping distance is an art-form. I think I’ve gently got to grips with it. It’s not a tight grip; it never is.

It’s that time of year where I hate myself even more for not having a job or money. Christmas doesn’t bother me; it’s not having money to not go to SXSW that really gets to me. As a music obsessive, SXSW is my idea of heaven. I’ve never been to a music festival nor do I ever want to go to one. Stand in a field surrounded by drunken twats that smell of piss listening to the outline of bass rather than an actual song? No thanks. If I wanted that, I’d go to a club. And I don’t like clubs. SXSW seems like a classier affair. Where people actually care about music. No one is there to get so drunk they throw up and pass out. They are there to discover new music in brilliant venues. Bands from all over the world are there. Shit..last year The Jesus And Mary Chain played. I watched a bit of it on the internet and felt a rush of self-hate mixed with love for that band merge as one. I don’t know what I felt, but I just wished I was there. One year, I will go. I just have to. Maybe I should play the lottery, maybe that’d increase my chances.

I haven’t written anything for a while. I don’t know why. I haven’t even written any lyrics or poetry in my notebooks for a long time. I expect too much from myself at times with that. I’m not some literary machine. I never will be. I’ll take inspiration where I can, and when. I’m 100% sure I’d have found a lot at SXSW.

But all is not bad. After waiting for many years, I finally have tickets to see Beach House in 2 weeks in London. Two days after I’m seeing Foals. If there was an award for “Best Girlfriend In The Universe” mine would win. Not only just for this, but for her general being.

So this week will be spent mostly wishing I was at SXSW in small and sweaty venues with bands that would blow my mind. There’s always Record Store Day to look forward to.

Arousing Sounds: Albums Of 2012.

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As if thinking of my favourite songs of the year didn’t hurt my head enough, I’m going through albums. This year I listened to less new music, mainly because my obsession for certain bands (that are either dead or split up) just came back. I may have missed out, I may not have. Who knows, why should you care. I do stand-by that EPs were better than full length records this year, but again; just my opinion. I found some obscure bands at 2am due to not being able to sleep, I also couldn’t get enough of Girls Aloud’s greatest hits (Something New is the best pop song of the year easily.) Some amazing debut albums came out this year from Emeli Sande to 2:54 to Willis Earl Beal. This year, in every sense has been alright. For me personally it picked up in July. Oh and when I saw Crocodiles FINALLY in September. Anyway. I’ve given myself a headache trying to think of my favourite albums of the year. My top 5 is a solid decision, but those before? I cannot put them in order. So what I’m going to do is be a boring twit and list the first 5 in no order. Then the 5 after will be in order. I’m making life hard for myself again, I know. It’s what I do. It is the only way I know how to function it seems.

Ellie Goulding-Halcyon.

The XX-Coexist.

Beach House-Bloom.

Cat Power-Sun.

Garbage-Not Your Kind Of People.

Spiritualized-Sweet Heart Sweet Light.

Willis Earl Beal-Acousmatic Sorcery.

Toy-Toy.

The Creeping Ivies-Stay Wild.

Bowl Cut-Anti-Everything EP.

Okay, I’ll stop listing records and write about my top 5.

5. Pop.1280- The Horror. Probably the most intense record released this year. It is dark, it is creepy and best of all; it is sinister. Everything cryptic you could feel is conjured up in this record. It’s not a record you play in the background whilst doing mundane tasks. No way. This is a record you play when you are alone. Do not listen to this when surrounded by anyone because they will just distract you from the music. The basslines and aggressive drums blow-up your eardrums and just freak you out. If this doesn’t move you in a menacing manner, then you’ve listened to it wrong. Simple as. I love The Horror because for me, it just has everything I love about music. I’m not a morbid person, I probably give off that vibe because I am prone to being grumpy (people need to stop being arses, that’s why. But I’m a bit shit so it all works out I guess) but this record takes you to a dark place in such a poetic manner. It’ll haunt you, but you don’t want it to leave you alone. Go with it.

4. Tamaryn-Tender New Signs.Every year a record comes out that makes you feel like you are living in a dream. It grabs your soul, and sways you. It is the much-needed hug at 3am when you cannot sleep and you miss the one you love because of distance. It is the comfort that you need when you feel hopeless. It is music for the soul, and it warms your bones. It owns a piece of your heart, and the ethereal vocals do something that just soothes you like no other. Tender New Signs was that record, for me. It is much like what The Fool by Warpaint was to me in 2010. It is on that level. So pure, and so divine. Tender New Signs is a dream that you cannot bring yourself to wake up from. Not many things in life are perfect, but this record is.

3. 2:54-2:54.The next three records are as follows: debut record of the year, EP of the year, favourite record of the year. 2:54 put out the best debut record of the year. Everything about it had that mind-blowing eerie vibe to it. Like you are being hunted down in a forest. Let’s be honest, you wouldn’t mind Colette or Hannah hunting you down would you. No, you wouldn’t. I just think they’re the best UK band around because they have something different to other bands. You can tell they are serious about the music, and play with such passion. I remember hearing the demo to Creeping in 2010 and just being hooked. I wanted more, but there wasn’t much around. I played it to death, and I’ve pretty much done the same with their record. Every song sends you into a trance that you never want to be shaken out of. I know I compare everything to Seventeen Seconds by The Cure, but I truly felt the same way listening to 2:54’s debut as I did when I first heard Seventeen Seconds years ago. Some people get excited about Christmas and such, I get excited over bands that make raw music like 2:54. If Sugar didn’t make you jolt your body, then something was up with you.

2. Dum Dum Girls-End Of Daze. EP OF THE YEAR. Anything DDG do just amazes me. Dee Dee’s songwriting on this EP just left me in awe. Season In Hell gave me hope, Mine Tonight broke my heart, I Got Nothing made me feel less alone and Lord Knows made me feel less shit about the bad in me. The cover of Trees And Flowers reduced me to tears (doesn’t take much, shut up.) End Of Daze feels like starting over. When you listen to End Of Daze, you feel as if you are being cleansed of all the bad that has gone on. Any bad you have done or any bad you have had done to you; it all fades as you listen to the glorious EP. I’ve taken walks listening to Dum Dum Girls, I’ve nearly broken gym equipment listening to them. I’ve found peace listening to them, in Dee Dee’s words. It is like finding a safety net, a cure for all. If you want hope and love, you will find it in a Dum Dum Girls song. Season In Hell is one of my favourite songs of the year because it just makes you feel like everything is worth it. When she sings, “Doesn’t the dawn look divine” it just lifts you up. End Of Daze is the purest healing process you will ever be exposed to. Be vulnerable, and take the words in.

1. Crocodiles-Endless Flowers.To hell with what anyone thinks, this is the best record of the year. You shouldn’t need telling why, but whatever. Maybe you do. Everything about Endless Flowers is wonderful. Summer Of Hate and Sleep Forever were quite brutal and raw. Endless Flowers is a gentle caress. No Black Clouds For Dee Dee is a gorgeous ode to Brandon’s wife (Dee Dee from Dum Dum Girls) and I think anyone who is in love will fully relate to the song. Everything about it is innocent and beautiful. Dark Alleys is my favourite. It’s over 5 minutes of euphoria. Seeing some of the songs from Endless Flowers, Summer Of Hate and Sleep Forever was truly one of the best things I experienced this year. Maybe it was because I had waited over 3 years for it. I guess I could class 2012 as just waiting things out, because the good finally happened. My girlfriend gave me a copy of Endless Flowers on vinyl as a Christmas present, and part of me doesn’t want to ever play it because I want it to stay as perfect as it is. Then the other part of me wants to hear it in all its fuzzy glory. I obviously will play it. Maybe I love the record even more now she bought me that, and it just reminds me of her. But it is truly my favourite record of the year because well, I just love Crocodiles. They’ve been a crutch over the past 3 and a bit years; Endless Flowers just reinforced my love for them. Not that it needed doing, but you get my point. I could go on forever about this record, but I’ve said enough. It’s my favourite, simple as.

2:54-Killer (cover.)

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“Is there still a part of you that wants to live.”

I’m going to try not to rant a lot about my love for 2:54 because, most are probably tired of it. It is pure love and admiration. They make me wish I could play an instrument and make haunting music. Instead I just write lyrics/poems that no one will ever see. Mainly because I’m ashamed. It’s weird, and it pisses me off. I don’t need telling that I’m being stupid, I already know. I really do.

I dislike covers. Well, I dislike covers that are badly done. I hate “talent” shows because it is generic and dull. You basically stand there, sing and you are either told you aren’t good enough or “you’re going to be a star.” We don’t need that. Yet most seem to love watching it. I don’t understand. So basically, 2:54 have taken one of the best songs of the 90s and made it incredibly haunting.

If you have their debut record (if you don’t, please buy it. Record of the YEAR!) you will be familiar with their eerie and hypnotising tones. Colette’s voice is easily one of the most distinctive and powerful voices around. Some may assume that being able to hit a stupidly high note means you are a strong vocalist, I don’t believe that. The strongest singers are the ones that give you so many feelings. The strongest are the ones that sing in a way that captivates you and grips you- you never want them to let you go.

Their take on Adamski/Seal’s track, Killer is nothing short of perfection. For me, the only way to do a cover well is to just make it your own. This is why I love it when the likes of Cat Power and The Kills cover songs, because they make you think THEY wrote the song. 2:54 do exactly that with their take on Killer. You fall for 2:54 even more when you listen to this, and you truly believe in the words again. I was only 5 years old when the original came out, but I remember being utterly obsessed with it. Now I am obsessed with 2:54’s version of this timeless song.

You can listen to the stunning cover here : http://soundcloud.com/twofiftyfour/2-54-killer

They’re also touring in November. If anyone wants to get me some tickets for the London date as an early birthday present, that will be most welcomed 😉