New Music- Best Music From 2013 So Far

2013 may only be two and bit months old, but there has already been a great array of new music hitting the airwaves. From some big names making a comeback to others releasing their debut, there has been plenty for music fans to get their teeth into.

Here I’ve included a selection of some of the best new music I’ve heard this year. Some of the artists I’ve included will be familiar, the more mainstream bands. However there are also a few newer artists that have got some fantastic songs out that deserve to be heard. I’m all for promoting new bands/underrated artists who deserve the exposure. It’s not an exhaustive list, and there are bands that I have mentioned in previous posts (Pure Love) that aren't listed, while others will be talked about in upcoming blogs (The Deafening). Basically it’s just music that I’ve heard that’s worth sharing and telling people about. So take a look, have a listen and watch out for potentially cracking albums.

Enjoy J

 Biffy Clyro- Black Chandelier: Ok, so this song might have been around since the back end of last year, but being as the album was only released in January, then I may as well include it here. I wasn’t sure about this song when I first heard it, but it has really grown on me, and now I love it. It’s the first single off the Scottish rockers new album ‘Opposites’ and its vintage Biffy Clyro. There’s a distinctive hook with the “drip” lyric in the intro and a very Biffy Clyro-esque chorus. If you’re familiar with the stuff off their last album ‘Only Revolutions’, then it’s pretty much more of the same with this song. Not that that’s a bad thing. With a headline slot at Reading/Leeds festival this year, they’re showing that they’re one of the biggest bands around at the moment. From the album ‘Opposites’.

Bon Jovi- Because We Can: This new song Bon Jovi I can imagine will really divide people. They will either love it or hate it. Personally I really like it, its harking back to their 80s sound. They have never been afraid to experiment with a different direction, but this song is reminiscent of what Bon Jovi are best known for; big rock anthems. Even though it doesn’t have the same intensity or presence as say ‘Bad Medicine’, its radio friendly sound and sing along chorus mean that it’s still an enjoyable song to listen to. Goes to show that the New Jersey veterans still know how to write a catchy rock song.  From the album ‘What About Now’.

Buckcherry- Gluttony: Buckcherry only really know how to play one way, but they do it so well, why change. This is evident from the lead single off their latest album ‘Confessions’. The theme of the album is based around each of the seven sins, hence the song title ‘Gluttony’. If you know Buckcherry’s style, then you know exactly what you’re going to get here. For those who don’t, they play their own brand of sleazy rock ‘n roll, with lyrics usually based around sex, drugs or partying (but not always) with a guitar solo thrown in for good measure. It’s a formula that works, especially since its music that doesn’t take itself too seriously. Once you understand that, you can enjoy it for what it is; just pure, balls out, rock n roll. From the album ‘Confesssions’.

Crashdiet- California: 80s Hair/Glam Metal has been enjoying somewhat of a revival in recent years. But it is not the Sunset Strip of LA that is busy producing sleaze fuelled rock, it is Scandinavia, and in particular Sweden. It’s where Crashdiet hail from, and they are one a number of bands bringing the sound of the 80s to a new generation. This, the second single off their fourth album ‘The Savage Playground’, is a great example of what the band are all about; huge riffs, big choruses and a sleazy rock sound. It will be a familiar sound to fans of bands such as Motley Crue et al., and it’s good to hear a new generation of bands keeping the genre alive. From the album ‘The Savage Playground’.

David Bowie- The Stars (Are Out Tonight): The return of David Bowie has been dramatic as well as unexpected. With this, his first new material for over a decade, Bowie has shown that the old magic is still there. It’s to be expected that there would be some scepticism about whether age has caught up with him after a prolonged absence, but they are quickly dispelled once the song starts. I think the best way to describe it, is that it sounds like David Bowie. He hasn’t tried to modify his sound to fit in with any current trends, he’s just written song totally for himself, and it’s all the better for it. It’s safe to say that Bowie’s most successful years were before my time, but that doesn’t mean that this, as a stand-alone track, isn’t a good song to listen to. It might be a bit of a slow burner, and take a bit of getting used to, but it’s well worth sticking with. From the album ‘The Next Day’.

Frank Turner- Recovery: If Bowie’s latest song sounds like David Bowie, this song very much sounds like Frank Turner. With a new album due for release in April, this, the first single, gives you an indication of what to expect. To be honest if you’re familiar with his previous work, then there really are no surprises with this song.  Fans of Frank Turner will take to it immediately. People who aren’t, well there’s not much not to like. If you’re looking for a happy sounding, upbeat acoustic song, then you’re in the right place. It’s one that will get your foot tapping that’s for sure. It’s the sort of music made for belting out in sun at a summer festival. From the album ‘Tape Deck Heart’.

Halestorm- Freak Like Me: This song isn’t exactly new to me as the album it taken from was released last year. If you’ve read my previous blogs however, you’ll know I’m a big Halestorm fan, so I’m not going to pass up the chance to tell people to go check them out. Following on from their recent Grammy success with the lead single ‘Love Bites (So Do I), from the album “The Strange Case Of…”, they released this, the third single. This song shows Halestorm at their best; a surging rock anthem with a huge fist pumping chorus. It also showcases the supreme vocal talents of Lzzy Hale, although it’s not unique in that respect. You just have to listen to their other songs to find that out. It does give the song some bite though, something that contrasts really well to the softer songs on the album. A fantastic song from a band that are well on the way to becoming huge and getting the success their talent deserves. From the album ‘The Strange Case Of…’.

Hardcore Superstar- One More Minute: This is, hands down, one of the best rock songs you will hear all year. It is 80s style sleazy rock at its very finest.  The song starts with a tribal chant that slowly builds before exploding into a delicious, Motley Crue style riff. You then get a brief acoustic interlude while the vocals start, but they’re soon interrupted by thumping drums reminding you where this songs heart lies. The verse then builds before it crescendos into a chorus that Def Leppard would be proud of. The tribal chant then returns mid song after another verse, but merely as an introduction to a brutal guitar solo with the big party chorus finishing the song. It’s a fantastic song that is structured perfectly. It has so many elements that grab hold of you, and when put together as a collective are impossible not to get hooked on. Hardcore Superstar was a name that I was aware of in the past. This song though made me sit up and take notice. I suggest you do the same. From the album ‘C’Mon Take Me’.

Houndmouth- Penitentiary: This song may have appeared on an EP back in August, but I only read about this band in the latest edition of Classic Rock Magazine so I’m a bit late to the show. However CRM said that there is an album coming our way this year, so I’m going to use this as a heads up for an album to look out for.  If this song is anything to go by, I’m really looking forward to it. It’s a brilliant blend of country infused blues/folk rock delivered in a gentle and laid back manner. There’s also a wonderful harmony that really hits during the chorus. Furthermore, there’s a slight twang in the vocals that gives you an indication of whereabouts the Kentucky quartet are from. If you like this, the EP is a must. It should be enough until the album comes out. From the album ‘Houndmouth EP’.

Jake Bugg- Seen It All: This guy just keeps going from strength to strength. The latest single off his debut album and it’s another great track. To be honest, that statement is a bit null and void, because the whole album is brilliant. This just happens to be the latest catchy single. It’s another example of Bugg’s Dylan-esque style with an upbeat folk rock sound commentating on the state of working class life. He is a great young talent, and this song is further proof of it. He writes music that is mature beyond his years, which makes it an exciting prospect to see what comes next. Having already sold out 3 separate UK tours in just over a year (finally managed to get myself a ticket for the upcoming one :D ), Bugg is on the way to becoming a huge star in years to come. From the album ‘Jake Bugg’.

Miles Kane- Give Up:  I was a big fan of Miles Kane’s debut album, so when I heard this I was taken totally by surprise. To be honest, when I first heard it on the radio I had no idea it was Miles Kane. I really liked what I heard, but was shocked to discover it was his new song. Gone is the indie, retro sound and in its place you find everything’s just, well, bigger; bigger guitars, bigger vocals, bigger chorus. Just a bigger, rockier sound. The result is the best song that Kasabian have never written. You can still tell it’s him, the same personality and swagger is still there, it’s just delivered differently. Kane has stated that the music on his new album “doesn’t mess around.” From the evidence on show here, he’s right. Album TBA.

Orianthi- Fire: I’ll come clean, this track isn’t exactly new. It features on the Aussie guitarist’s ‘Fire’ EP that was released back in 2011. Those tracks however appear on her new album ‘Heaven in this Hell’, hence the inclusion here. That and she is one extremely talented musician. Her last album ‘Believe’ was brilliant, a mixture of pop rock and rock n roll. This time, I think touring with Alice Cooper has had an effect because this is all rock n roll. The riff is fantastic and heavier than anything on her previous album, and there’s a maturity about the slight change in vocal style as well. There’s a real presence to the song as well as a subtle personality and attitude. All these factors mixed together help create this snarling rock song. I’ve said before that Orianthi is one to watch out for. This is just another case in point. From the album ‘Heaven In This Hell’.

Pulp- After You: Legends of the 90s Britpop scene return with their first new material in a decade. Well technically it’s a previously unreleased demo track, but it means it’s a previously unheard Pulp song, which is good enough. It’s an absolute cracker as well. No surprises it is typical Pulp, which is no bad thing. Jarvis Cocker fronts with his usual effortless swagger and showmanship, with his distinctive hushed vocals. Even though it’s an old demo it sounds remarkably new and fresh, and doesn’t sound dated, like it’s stuck in the mid-90s. It’s a brilliant song, and I hope they follow it up with an album and a tour. But the one new song will do for now. Available as a single to download.

Rhye- Open: I stumbled across this new artist called Rhye totally by accident. In fact if it wasn’t for an advert before another song on YouTube, I wouldn’t have discovered her. I’m glad I did though, because this song is brilliant. Imagine a cross between Eva Cassidy, Dido and Lana Del Rey and that’s the sort of sound that you’ve got here. You may be thinking that there’s nothing new there, but there’s a quality in the delivery of the vocals that hooks you in and keeps you listening. It’s a wonderfully gentle and relaxing song from an artist who is definitely worth keeping an eye out for. From the album ‘Woman’.

Stereophonics- Indian Summer: The first single off their new album ‘Graffiti on the Train’ see’s Stereophonics take a different musical direction. If you’re expecting another ‘Dakota’ or ‘Bartender and the Thief’ style song, then you’re out of luck. What you have instead is a more mature, mellower sound, and you know what, it works really well. There’s still the same Stereophonics character, just delivered slightly differently to how they have on previous albums. It’s a fantastic song, and easily sits up alongside their other big hits. From the album ‘Graffiti on the Train’.

Suede- It Starts and Ends With You: Another 90s band making a return after a lengthy absence, and they’re back with a bang. With this, their first single in a decade, it’s like they’ve never been away. The hooks are there, as are Brett Anderson’s distinctive vocals delivered with his usual swagger. It really shows Suede at their best. The extended rest that the band had has evidently done them the world of good, as they sound remarkably fresh. Anderson describes it as a “bittersweet, bouncy pop song” and that is more than a fair assessment. It’s great to hear Brit Pop making a return, as Suede are one fantastic, yet underrated band, and this song should help them gain a new generation of fans. If the rest of the album is as good as this, then 2013 could be a big year for Suede. From the album ‘Bloodsports’.

 

The Darkness- With A Woman: Big riff? Check. Distinctive falsetto vocals? Check. Slightly crazy video? Check. Is it The Darkness by any chance? Yes it is, with this the third single from their third album ‘Hot Cakes’. They only really know how to play one way, and that’s to wear their heart on their sleeves and play their own brand of hard rocking rock n roll. Nothing new there then. That’s far from a complaint though; you’d expect nothing less. The Darkness know what they want to play, and they do it really well. If you sit back, don’t take it too seriously and enjoy it for what it is, then you’ll find a good, fun record. If anything, this song sounds better live.  If you’re still in need any persuasion, then the video includes a parody of Van Halen’s ‘Hot for Teacher’ with the inclusion of a bear. Fair to say The Darkness have well and truly returned. From the album ‘Hot Cakes’.

 

The Mowgli’s- San Francisco: Another band I wouldn’t have heard of if it weren’t for an advert on YouTube, but I’m glad I checked them out. Folk/Pop/Rock bands are popular at the moment, and these guys fall into the same category. However instead of just writing them off as jumping on the bandwagon, it’s well worth giving them a chance. Sound wise they’re a mix of Kassidy and Of Monsters and Men, which is a real fun and lively mix. It’s the sort of the song that lifts your mood when you hear it. The kind of song to make you forget the crappy cold weather (got to love the British weather) and make you want to crack open a beer on a hot summers day. It’s a really uplifting song, and is seriously catchy. Honestly, give this song a listen. You won’t regret it. Available to download.

The Virginmarys- Just a Ride: I saw this band live last year when they opened for Feeder, and I was seriously impressed. Not just because they were a support, but because they had a rawness and energy that made them stand out. The drummer especially is particularly entertaining to watch. They are band who have been around for a little while, but have only recently released their debut album ‘King of Conflict.’ This song is a great introduction to sort of music they play; pure rock ‘n roll. If you like Foo Fighters style rock, then this will be right up your street. They are getting rave reviews, and from my experience of seeing them, they are bang on. Another band to add to list of artists recently who are showing that rock is in a healthy state right now. They are definitely a band with a big future that’s for sure. From the album ‘King of Conflict’.

What Now- Move Like A Sinner: South African trio What Now announce themselves onto the world stage with this, the lead single off their debut album. Its dark and brooding, but at the same time somewhat elegant. It’s pure simplicity goes someway to helping with that. The song starts with lone piano notes before the drums and bass kick in with a killer rhythm. The electronic beat might not be particularly fast, but it really does keep you guessing as to where the song is heading. Not subject matter wise that is, doesn’t take a rocket scientist to work that out. When the chorus kicks in, you soon notice that singer Tyron Layley actually has a pretty decent voice. Your attention moves from the bass line, to the vocals as the song has big chorus. Using the vocals of guitarist Ryan Morris in the second half of the song is a good touch as well, as it gives the song a slightly different dimension. All in all this song is really well put together. It shows that simplicity can sometimes reap the best rewards. From the album ‘Move Like A Sinner’.

So there you go, 20 of the best songs of 2013 so far. Hope you enjoyed it. Hopefully you may have just discovered your new favourite band.

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Thanks for reading :)