Albums to look out for in 2016

Albums Not To Be Missed
in 2016

2015 has come and gone. And as we enter 2016 the usual buzz around albums begins to rise again. Lots of bands have already announced that they will release an album in 2016 - most notably The Last Shadow Puppets - so here's a list of albums to look out for.

The Last Shadow Puppets - Unknown Title

In November this year, people were sent in to a frenzy when they caught wind of the news that Alex Turner and Miles Kane had finished recording a new Last Shadow Puppets album. James Ford the drummer in the group stated in an interview with Chilean music site Rock & Pop that the album was ‘finished’.

‘This year, I’ve just done a Last Shadow Puppets record, which is the guy from Arctic Monkeys and Miles,’ Ford said. ‘So we did the follow-up album to that. That’s the last thing I did.’ All very promising. Then, Owen Pallet of Arcade Fire who arranged the strings on the first release Age of the Understatement tweeted a hint that the group were working on a second album.

So, how will the album will sound? Truth be told, we don’t know. But with the first record-which had a 60s, spy noir feel to it-scoring well across the board we can expect the follow up to have a touch of class about it and will definitely be worth waiting for. In 2014 it was reported that Kane and Turner were writing a 60s style film based on the x-men. Could the album be the soundtrack to that film? We’ll find out in 2016 when the album is released, but rumours will now start to fly.  

Fat White Family - Songs For Our Mothers

Everyone's favourite gang of anarchy-fuelled entertainers are set to release their second album in 2016. The tracks for the album have been recorded in New York.

This is what the band themselves have said about the album While our first LP might be considered an assault, a spasmodic outpouring of disdain generated by the utter tedium of life when it is found unlivable, Songs For Our Mothers is an invitation. It is an invitation, sent by misery, to dance to the beat of human hatred. 

After the bands first album "Champagne Holocaust" had a distinctly garage rock feel to it with the sloppy guitars and careless vocals it will be interesting to see where the band go next. They have released a song taken from album called 'Whitest Boy On The Beach' which still sounds a tad sloppy, but they have added elements that were missed on "Champagne Holocaust" for example, the added synths and trumpets provide a little more flavour. If the other songs follow this template, it could be a step up from the band who always seems to have something not only to say, but to prove. 

Gorillaz - Unknown Title

Damon Albarn certainly has been busy of late. Recording his first solo album, recording Blur's come-back album and also he's writing a new album for his other project The Good The Bad And The Queen. With a lot on, it was surprising to hear that Albarn has given the go-ahead for a new Gorillaz album. Jamie Hewlett - Albarn's partner in crime - has stated that the album will be released in 2016.

"That’s [due]next year. I’m working on it at the moment, and it’s going very well," visual artist Hewlett said of the animated band's next LP. "I’m very excited. I don’t want to say too much about it, but I’m at that phase of experimentation."


Albarn said "I can definitely see another Gorillaz-esque record at some point, yeah," Albarn said. "That will almost definitely happen. I could put a Gorillaz record out next week; I've got enough stuff I haven't finished."

Blossoms - Unknown Title

Stockport five-piece Blossoms have generated a huge buzz recently, with a string of EP's and singles that have caught the eye of many publications and websites. In terms of their sound it's quite indie and psychedelic. They get the most they can from their synths and organs giving them a very full sound. 

On the back of a lot of radio play from the likes of Radio 1 and Radio X, Blossoms have grown their fanbase rather significantly. A fanbase which is now eagerly anticipating an album release. My guess is - in terms of sound - it will be quite psychedelic, leaning towards the likes of Childhood and maybe Gengahr, so that's quite psychedelic, with hints of indie and shoegaze but Blossoms will put their twist on it. 

They've also been tipped by Radio 1 for success in 2016. So keep and eye out for them. 

The 1975 - I Like It When You Sleep, For You Are So Beautiful, Yet So Unaware Of It

Catchy name isn't it? Indie-pop heartthrobs The 1975 are releasing their - at times - difficult second album. After their debut album propelled them in to the public eye and to the hearts of many, the four-piece are hoping to make it count with this new release.

They have released a couple of singles to give fans a taste of what the album may sound like. And for the most of it, it's similar to their first album. In the sense that it sounds very poppy and makes the most of strange sounds. 'UGH!' sounds like a mish mash of random sounds thrown together with front-man Matty Healy singing over the top. A slow burner for sure. 'Love Me' however, is the polar opposite. It's ridiculously catchy, the guitar riff is instantly memorable and is one of those riffs that people would instantly recognise as a 1975 song. 

Will this album propel the group further? With one top track and one slow burner, we need more music to properly judge it. It's due for release in February.  

Eagulls - Unknown Title

Leeds based post-punk oufit Eagulls, certainly made a big impact when their fantastic first album was released in 2014. And now after touring relentlessly the band announced that their second album is all finished. W'e're pleased to say we've now finished our second album and all is well. We'll be happy to let you know the details soon enough.' For a band who really try and push the whole DIY ethic, it's great to see Eagulls returning. 

We haven't heard anything in the way of music yet, apart from when the band toured in mid-late 2014. The band debuted a new track called 'Beneath The Lemon Trees' the track is typical of the band. The riffs are dark, the bass is aggressive and front-man George Mitchell yelps over the top creating a very eerie feel. The only criticism I had about the first album, was that at times the music felt unbalanced. Sometimes everything was so aggressive and in your face that at times it was hard to digest, but that aside, the album was a perfect signal-post in where post punk music is at this very moment.

Be sure to keep a look out for Eagulls, not only is their music a breath of fresh air, live they are class act. The new album will drop at some point in 2016. 

Bad Breeding - Unknown Title

Throughout music, we have always seen bands pop up from small towns and use the town’s mundaneness as a musical direction. Stevenage quartet Bad Breeding are one of these bands. They first burst on to the punk scene in 2014 when they released the double single Burn This Flag/Age Of Nothing. Since then they have been described as the best new punk band in Britain and it’s very easy to see why. Burn This Flag is an absolute explosion of power, mostly driven by front-man Chris Dodd’s angry vocals and the monstrous drum beats provided by Ashlea Bennett.

Their live performances are just as chaotic. Regularly Dodd will leave the stage far behind and perform within the crowd whilst simultaneously giving them chronic ear-ache as he screams through the mic.

Having toured with Eagulls at the tail end of 2014 they are experienced on the circuit and certainly give one hundred percent when performing. They have also stated that they are working on the first album which is something definitely desired. They certainly have the potential to become a very angry voice at the forefront of British punk. The album will arrive early 2016. 

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