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
Terrible Love – ‘Change Nothing’
Released towards the start of the year before being picked up by iconic British tastemakers Big Scary Monsters, Terrible Love – featuring current and past members of Funeral For A Friend, Bastions, Goodtime Boys and Grappler – have exploded onto the hardcore scene with ‘Change Nothing’. Sounding huge in moments and subtle the next, the production keeps the EP suitably raw. Ultimately it remains one of the strongest debuts by a British act in recent memory, regardless of their pedigree.
The New Tusk – ‘Sloom’
There’s evidently something in the water down in Brighton, where a proportion of The New Tusk call home. In their case it’s resulted in a rock and roll infused indie-punk record with its fair share of raw attitude. Gruff vocals lead the charge, as the sound bounds forward with confident vitality.
Three Trapped Tigers – ‘Silent Earthling’
‘Silent Earthling’, the sophomore full-length by London trio Three Trapped Tigers, is an electronic post-rock wonderland. Like Tron’s eerie cousin, it channels a futuristic dystopia. Far from the silence the title suggests, it’s an unapologetic barrage of visionary soundscapes that effortlessly spiral, both lifting the listener up and crashing them back down to earth.
Tom Jenkins – ‘Screamdogs’
Having showcased his impressive pipes as the frontman for Straight Lines, the Pontypridd singer-songwriter has ventured out on his own for the stunning ‘Screamdogs’, a collection of emo and folk inspired tunes that push both his lyrical and vocal ability to the forefront. The fragile quality that runs throughout the tracks really demonstrates Jenkins’ magic.
Trash Boat – ‘Nothing I Write You Can Change What You’ve Been Through’
‘Nothing I Write You Can Change What You’ve Been Through’, the debut full-length by Saint Albans outfit Trash Boat, sits them right on the edge of international acclaim. Having made a few dents with previous material, their Dan “Soupy” Campbell produced LP establishes Trash Boat as true contenders. Brash at times, and reserved when required, it’s promise mirrors that of early The Wonder Years material.
TTNG – ‘Disappointment Island’
Anyone assuming that ‘Disappointment Island’ is a self-fulfilling prophecy is sorely mistaken. TTNG’s first full-length since dropping their This Town Needs Guns moniker (for self-explanatory reasons) and parting ways with Jamie Cooper, is a math-rock masterpiece. The album’s title may represent the lyrical themes, but it by no means reflects the sheer quality on display.
Weatherstate – ‘Dumbstruck’
Driving guitars open ‘Dumbstruck’, the most recent EP by Bristol four-piece Weatherstate. It introduces a record that owes some dues to mid-90s pop-punk as much as to grunge and its modern reincarnation. It’s the soundtrack to despondency, brimming with a muted anger that runs deep into its veins. “Lately you’ve been lying around,” they sing, “so pull yourself back up and sort this out.” This record might just make you do that.
Yndi Halda – ‘Under Summer’
A decade is a long time. 10 years in fact. That’s how long it’s taken Kent based Yndi Halda to return with the sublime ‘Under Summer’, an elegant and crushing exploration of sound that simmers in its ethereal state. It’s beautify moulds itself to enhance feelings of relaxation, joy and sadness, all at once. The introduction of vocals to their sound has proved an immensely powerful tool.
Youth Max – ‘Wax’
Already making a strong name for themselves with raucous live performances, Youth Man have cemented their fierce energy with ‘Wax’. Through its five tracks, it’s as much rock and roll as it is punk, as much hardcore as it is noise-rock. What it encapsulates most is their affinity to musical veterans, offering a raw, unpolished, rough-around-the-edges sound that immediately sets them apart.
Zoax- ‘Zoax’
Zoax’s debut album is something of a surprise. Rather than replicate their unpredictably frenzied live performance, the record instead presents a much more calculated, sometimes calmer front. With it, ‘Zoax’ builds its own niche with ease. The crossover appeal is remarkable, their sound opening doors to the many crevices of the alternative scene. Yet, safe this is not. Far from it. This is experimental and unusual at its most visceral.
Here’s to another six(ish) months.