It’s a difficult time to be British. Our prime minister has packed his bags as other leading politicians have dubiously called it time on their career. At the time of writing the strength of our currency continues to decline. Austerity measures relentlessly attack access to free healthcare, vital benefits and much, much more. If that wasn’t enough, a spate of xenophobia and racism has recently been unleashed, attacking the basic human rights of many. All in all, it’s a pretty gloomy time to be a UK citizen.
So here’s something positive. Despite facing equally uncertain times, the British music scene continues to churn out some of the most exciting, innovative and downright brilliant material. As we cross the half-way point of the year, the list of quality British releases is staggering, and that’s before some of the perceived heavy hitters drop over the coming months. If you’re looking for something to celebrate about being British, this is it. Our Editor Ben delves into the year, over five parts presenting fifty of the best home-grown EPs and LPs from the last six and a bit months. It’s in alphabetical order too. We’ve had enough competition for a lifetime.
Part One | Part Two | Part Three | Part Four | Part Five
Pet Library – ‘The Corners Of My Eyes Hold The Most Vivid Visions’
Released through the UK’s ever-exciting Homebird Records label, ‘The Corners Of My Eyes Hold The Vivid Visions’ introduces Pet Library’s math-rock meets pained emo. Discussing themes of depression and isolation, the record is hinged around honest lyrics and overt misery. Yet it does so through top-notch instrumentation that, along with their themes, sets Pet Library up for big things.
Petrol Girls – ‘Some Thing’
Charged by their active fight against inequality, Petrol Girls’ ‘Some Thing’ is a whirlwind of appropriate fury, packing a punch with its pure raw energy. Despite their notable step into melodic territory Petrol Girls don’t lose any of their impact, instead rightfully giving more prominence to their lyrical content.
PINTS – ‘Still Drinking, Still Smoking, Still Gambling’
A no-holds-barred barrage of noise underpinned by the faintest of melody, the unapologetic ‘Still Drinking, Still Smoking, Still Gambling’ EP by PINTS is exactly what we have come to expect from the Essex punks. At under ten minutes, it’s fast, angry, and debauched.
Pipedream – ‘Secret Beach’
The sound on ‘Secret Beach’ is a far cry from the metropolitan bustle of Pipedream’s Cardiff hometown. Transporting the listener to a shimmering beach, it’s filled with musical imagery of beautiful sunsets and isolated bliss. It displays a muted power; one for long summer days and hedonistic daydreams.
Polar – ‘No Cure No Saviour’
‘No Cure No Saviour’, the third full-length release by Guildford based Polar, is visceral and biting. It surpasses other material by being concise, upping the impact of the global lyrical commentary. The record spins around a theme of homelessness, an issue Polar found themselves exposed to on a daily basis while touring. With that, ‘No Cure No Saviour’ has been released in part to raise awareness of Crisis.
Pretend Happy – ‘Tired Eyes’
There’s a confidence to Pretend Happy’s ‘Tired Eyes’ that gives a real sense that the band have crafted something long-lasting, rather than a fleeting foray into a popular sound. Delivered with strong vocals and notably harmonies, the record is an accomplished and assured debut that should see them rival the scene’s best in no time.
Rain – ‘Symphony Pains’
Rain reclaim British shoegaze with the excellently titled ‘Symphony Pains’, as well as holding their own against modern contemporaries. The three track EP celebrates a dense atmosphere, as free as it is claustrophobic. It’s a ferocious wall of noise hidden behind delicate melody.
Sad Blood – ‘Legion of Gloom’
“We’re happy and sad, all at the same time,” Sad Blood sing on EP opener ‘Heavy Petting Zoo’. “I’m obsessed with depression,” they follow on ‘Formerly Creative’. The lyrics are representative of ‘Legion of Gloom’’s style, outwardly jubilant and inwardly pained. This self-deprecation sits against melodies that the likes of Motion City Soundtrack will be proud of.
Simmer – ‘Paper Prisms’
Upon releasing ‘Paper Prisms’, Simmer admitted the calculated process behind the song-writing, explaining how they came together to develop their own niche – something they could all be proud of. Across its ten tracks, the Cheshire five-piece intertwine their contemporary emo style with often chugging guitars and complex song structures to create something altogether their own.
SO-CRATES – ‘V1’
SO-CRATES have made their mark on the UK scene long before they came to be a band. Having between them enjoyed stints in the likes of the highly influential Reuben, Hold Your Horse Is and The Fleet Booze Hound Gang, it all comes together in a cacophony of gritty, mature and sophisticated math-esque alternative rock.
Check back for the final part.