dmp's Mostly Mainstream 2015
Just a quick list of my favorite albums from last year. I know I don't really jam a lot of underground stuff, but oh well. I didn't listen to a whole lot of new stuff, but most of what I did was good. Ah well, this is most of them I think. |
| 1 |  | Silverstein
I Am Alive In Everything I Touch
Fantastic album, Silverstein has really come into their own. Great live band as well. Saw them on their 10 year tour and they were superb. Some of my favorite riffs are on this album, especially The Continual Condition. Favorite Track: Face of the Earth |
| 2 |  | Meg Myers
Sorry
Still jamming this and I'm sure I will be for a long time. I first heard Desire a couple years ago and thought it was pretty good, and the solo made it great. Her haunting voice and strong instrumental backing make this a great release and it has me looking forward to her work in the future. Favorite Track: Sorry |
| 3 |  | Brigades
Indefinite
Underrated album from one of those pop punk/hardcore influenced bands off of Pure Noise. Favorite Track: My Last Heart Attack |
| 4 |  | The Wonder Years
No Closer to Heaven
Another consistent release from one of pop punk's best bands. Soupy's writing continues to get better and his delivery is ace here. Favorite Track: Cardinals |
| 5 |  | Bay Faction
Bay Faction
America's Moose Blood, is how I introduce them. That's just me, but I don't think that's a bad thing. Took me a while to get into this, but it turned out to be an enjoyable listen. Album starts out a little rocky but picks up really quick after the first couple tracks. Favorite Track: Cutter |
| 6 |  | Twenty One Pilots
Blurryface
Not nearly as good as the albums before, but still a solid release from these guys. Also put on an excellent show. Never for a second did the energy fade. Favorite Track: Polarize |
| 7 |  | Fightstar
Behind the Devil's Back
Saw the review of this and checked it immediately. Very glad I did. The atmosphere of this album is one of my favorites of the year, especially with the softer songs. But on the opposite side of the spectrum, the heavy songs are just as good. Really a great album, definitely looking forward to more from these guys. Also I'm making it a must to check their albums before this one. Favorite Track: The Blackest of Birds |
| 8 |  | Too Close to Touch
Nerve Endings
Man, the choruses on this thing are tremendous. This debut is definitely setting the bar high for this band. It's gonna be hard to top this, and with an album coming out this year, I'm curious if they can. Favorite Track: Nerve Endings |
| 9 |  | State Champs
Around the World and Back
Although they mixed it up from The Finer Things, the five piece pop punk group succeed in writing another catchy, attention grabbing, and genre defining album. Even though their previous album was a bit more consistent, this one still leaves you satisfied. One of the funnest albums of the year for sure. Favorite Track: Breaking Ground |
| 10 |  | CHVRCHES
Every Open Eye
Personally, I liked Bones better, but that doesn't stop this from being one of the strongest pop albums of the year. Favorite Track: Leave A Trace |
| 11 |  | Smallpools
Lovetap!
Speaking of pop...it doesn't get much more bubble gum than this record. Doesn't make it a bad thing though. This album may drag a bit here and there, but the high points make it all worth it. Favorite Track: American Love |
| 12 |  | Godspeed You! Black Emperor
'Asunder, Sweet and Other Distress'
Yet again, these guys release another great post-rock record. Not as memorable as it's predecessors, but it's still a strong release nonetheless. |
| 13 |  | I the Mighty
Connector
Very strong release from this group from San Francisco. Mixing multiple genres across an album doesn't always work. They managed to pull it off successfully though, creating a memorable listening experience with plenty of energy and creativity. Another band that puts on a great show, with plenty of stage presence. Favorite Track: Psychomachia |
| 14 |  | The Dear Hunter
Act IV: Rebirth in Reprise
My album of the year. I didn't listen to anything this year more than this. Surprising, considering it clocks in at nearly 75 minutes. But it never seems to get old, or lose my interest. The orchestration, lyricism, and ingenuity of this album make it my favorite Act of the four. Casey's voice carries through the album perfectly, and his guitar work is at it's prime. A near perfect release from these guys. Favorite Track: Waves |
| 15 |  | Joywave
How Do You Feel Now?
These guys are weird. But it all the right ways. May it be their music videos, Daniel Armbruster's surprisingly high voice, or the disorienting instrumentation. All of it combined make for one interesting listen, but I suggest giving it a shot. Very little filler and each song is packed with all types of instruments and beats. Favorite Track: Destruction |
| 16 |  | Robert DeLong
In the Cards
This album may seem to drag a little bit, but by no means does that make it poor. The quirky, and almost awkward Delong creates creepy, upbeat, and catchy instrumentals along with some vocal effects that work perfectly making this experience worth the full listen. Favorite Track: Born To Break |
| 17 |  | Adele
25
I'm an Adele fan, always have been and always will be. Her soulful voice and soaring melodies can never go wrong for me. Although 21 was much better for me, I still enjoyed this very much. Favorite Track: When We Were Young |
| 18 |  | The Neighbourhood
Wiped Out
A huge improvement over their debut. Vocalist Jesse Rutherford has come into his own. Gaining confidence with his writing skills has made this whole group really grow into a much stronger band. Creating perfect beach soundscapes that give off a desolate, haunting vibe. Favorite Track: Cry Baby |
| 19 |  | Don Broco
Automatic
Jam packed with energy, this release from England's Don Broco, make this one of my favorite albums of the year. Lyricism is lacking a bit, but the rest of the band surely make up for it with catchy riffs and impressive drumming. Favorite Track: Further |
| 20 |  | Picturesque
Monstrous Things
A six song EP from one of the best up and coming bands to the scene. Gaining inspiration from Circa Survive, Hands Like Houses, and early Sleeping With Sirens, this five piece band from Kentucky really show their strength here. With choruses that will be stuck in your head all day, this band will be a force to be reckoned with in the future. Favorite Track: Monstrous Things |
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