We've hit May, which means I've been looking at all of the albums that have been released so far. This year has been slow, thanks to this stupid virus which is delaying a tonne of albums from The Magic Gang to Sports Team, we've had to put up with loads of delays. But there's still been some absolute gold released so far, so let's get into it.
10. Baxter Dury - The Night Chancers
Baxter Dury returns with an incredible new album, I've only given it a spin a few times but the synth-laden spoken word heaven of Baxter's music has never sounded so good. With stand out tracks such as "Slumlord" and "Say Nothing" - he has never sounded so open, raw and at odds with his previous self.
9. VANT - Conceived In The Sky
VANT were a band that made raucous punk music before parting ways. Frontman Mattie Vant, reformed the band with none of the other members to make an album that is an incredible piece of pop-rock. The abandonment of their previous style has alienated their former fans, but I'm perfectly okay with it because I never liked their previous stuff anyway.
8. Gengahr - Sanctuary
Gengahr bounce back from their mediocre second album with an album that pours in raw emotion with some great songwriting, and a move into some heavier guitar and drumming than their previous dream-pop efforts. "Everything & More" is like pouring sweet, sweet honey into your ears.
7. Fiona Apple - Fetch The Bolt Cutters
6. Georgia - Seeking Thrills
Georgia's Seeking Thrills is the best fun you'll have this year. The album is packed to the rafters with club smashes such as 'Never Let Go' and 'About Work The Dancefloor', expertly crafted pieces of electro-heaven that prove the electronic drums are not to be sniffed at.
5. Sorry - 925
4. Blossoms - Foolish Loving Spaces
I'm as shocked as you might be to see Blossoms at this point in the list, after their absolutely woeful second album 'Cool Like You', I went into this album with gritted teeth. I was met with beautiful melodies, wonderful songwriting and the catchiest tunes they've ever made. It's an album full of love songs that actually evoke emotions instead of making we want to turn it off like their sophomore.
3. The Big Moon - Walking Like We Do
The Big Moon have certified themselves as one of the most exciting, innovative and impressive bands in the country with their second album 'Walking Like We Do'. A pop-infused rock record that takes on board everything that was wrong with their debut and produces a near perfect album.
2. Bombay Bicycle Club - Everything Else Has Gone Wrong
Bombay Bicycle Club are band I can fall in and out of love with. Their debut album is a post-rock masterpiece that blends together elements of prog-rock with post-punk into the mix. Their music then begins to get into folk-y pop music, then they split up. After 6 years of radio silence the band got back together to record this wonderful indie masterpiece, it's energetic in the right places and introspective the next. It takes you through a repertoire of emotions, simultaneously pleasing that aching bone to sing at the top of your lungs.
A noise-rock piece of art is the only way to describe this abrasive, rough and intrusive record. An album that tries its best to blow your head off whilst also leaving you frozen and astounded at the pure genius bashing your ears. The punchier tunes than Pigsx7's previous efforts means that this is a more interesting album that switches the riffs up without notice and does not stop until the final chord has been struck.