Top 10 Of 2014
What follows is purely subjective: |
| 10 |  | Minus the Bear
Lost Loves
Beware: this isn?t your typical collection of B-sides that normally earmark a band running
out of ideas. If anything, these Planet of Ice, Omni, and Infinity Overhead rejects prove
this Seattle outfit is one of the most consistent rock groups in music today.
Favorite track: Broken China
Alum rating: 3.4/5 |
| 9 |  | Circa Survive
Descensus
One peak at the opening track, ?Schema,? is all listeners need to realize this Philadelphia
quintet have all but shed their Juturna weirdness for a more straight-forward?and
significantly bigger?variant of post-hardcore. All the classic elements of Circa Survive
are still here; but they are delivered in more mature and focused package.
Favorite track: Only The Sun
Album rating 3.6/5 |
| 8 |  | Foxing
The Albatross
Foxing has crafted a debut that?s as genuine as it is enthralling. With emotion
permeating through every well-placed note and lyric of the American Football-inspired
emo, the tinges of post-hardcore, and the soft flourishes of post-rock instrumentation,
listeners can?t help but get lost in their own nostalgia.
Favorite track: Bit By Dead Bee pt. 1
Album rating: 3.9/5 |
| 7 |  | Hans Zimmer
Interstellar
Simply put, Christopher Nolan?s newest epic would not be the same without Zimmer?s
escalating suspense and touch of haunting thematic dissonance. Heads will roll if Zimmer
doesn?t win an Oscar for combining the celestial with the visceral in a movie that needs
to be both seen and heard to fully grasp.
Favorite track: Mountains
Album rating: 4/5 |
| 6 |  | Pianos Become The Teeth
Keep You
?The Wave? music scene has gotten a much-needed breath of fresh air; this former post-
hardcore outfit has all but abandoned their aggressive tendencies for clean vocals and
subtle, climactic builds while still heightening the emotion. Keep You is arguably one of
the most surprising?albeit, divisive?albums to drop this year.
Favorite track: April
Album rating 4.1/5 |
| 5 |  | Tides of Man
Young and Courageous
Abandoning the form and structure of their post-hardcore/ progressive leanings, and
turning back to their roots, Tides of Man have created their most honest collection of
songs to date. While most listeners will miss Tilian Pearson?s soaring croons, there?s no
denying this Florida outfit seems right at home letting their instruments tell the story.
Favorite track: Mountain House
Album rating: 4.1/5 |
| 4 | | Flying Lotus
You're Dead!
Massive in scope, and intricate in only the way a jazz fusion record can be, this genre-
bender shatters conventional pop boundaries while carrying the listener through novel
territories and celestial landscapes. This is Bitches? Brew for Millennials.
Favorite track: Moment of Hesitation
Album rating: 4.3/5 |
| 3 |  | Sianvar
Sianvar
Let the comparisons to Saosin?s Translating the Name begin. And who could deny that
the post-hardcore landscape has not had such a cathartic and expertly-crafted batch of
songs in over ten years? Comprised of members from Dance Gavin Dance, Hail The Sun,
A Lot Like Birds, and Stolas, this super group has combined all the right elements:
experimental guitar work, constant tempo-shifts, and shrill vocals that are still
undeniably catchy.
Favorite track: Your Tongue Ties
Album rating: 4.5/5 |
| 2 |  | From Indian Lakes
Absent Sounds
Not since an As Tall As Lions release has a more cohesive and focused effort emerged
from
Triple Crown Records. Every arpeggiated note, cymbal splash, and subtle electronic
effect is tinged with Joey Vannuchi?s growing trademark of poignant emotion. It?s catchy,
dynamic, haunting, and worth spinning again and again.
Favorite track: Ghost
Album rating 4.6/5 |
| 1 |  | Closure In Moscow
Pink Lemonade
Here?s a once in a decade album that many listeners have dismissed. Deep in the citric
pink pools?beyond The Mars Voltaian prog-infused, manic, fret board wizardry?lurks an
allegorical metanarrative about technology and humanity?s quest for enlightenment the
likes of which listeners have never heard. This Aussie rollercoaster is wholly novel,
incredibly intelligent, and a true Tour de Force, effectively distancing it from any other
album released this year.
Favorite track: Church of the Technochrist
Album rating: 5/5 |
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