Throughout December we at PT:HQ are bringing you end of year lists from bands, labels and promoters. We’ll have a new one for you everyday so keep your eyes peeled for them! See all the lists here.

Empire

 

Top 3 albums of 2014

Marmozets – The Weird And Wonderful World Of The Marmozets

This is one of the most creatively inventive British (or otherwise!) albums to be released in a long while, the riffs are out of this world, the energy is just inspiring and Becca’s vocals are incredible, those hooks…

Every Time I Die – From Parts Unknown

They are the kings of the riff. It’s like a riff jukebox with them, they just keep smashing out the best songs with a load of swagger, angst and musicianship. Masters at work.

The Xcerts – There Is Only You

This really resonates with band types – as it feels like a culmination of a lot of hard work from these guys and they just absolutely nailed it, with hook after hook. There is such a nice scope of sounds on this record as well.

Top 3 Songs of 2014

We Are The Ocean – Ark

We’ve been fans of We Are The Ocean for a while but you can literally hear the ambition of the band pulsing through the veins of this song, it’s so grandiose and orchestral in a modern take on Led Zeppelin kind of way. Love it!

Arcane Roots – Over & Over

We have always been full of admiration for these guys and this song is a really great showcase for them. It has all the elements you expect from an Arcane Roots song and more. Any Roots song where Mr Groves sings about building houses, is all good with us!

Royal Blood – Little Monster

It’s the riff isn’t it? As soon as it kicks in, you are like, these guys mean business. Not only that, it’s got this MASSIVE chorus in it, which just lifts it into the realms of pop greatness as well.

Ones to Watch for 2015:

Black Foxxes:

Their new EP Pines has just come out. It’s like Brand New and Manchester Orchestra made babies and they started a band called Black Foxxes. It’s a really great release with real integrity and great songs! We hope to catch them at some of the festivals next year.