Alice Hoddinott ’ s Album of the Year
Alice Hoddinott ’ s Album of the Year
Before I begin , I just want to give a special mention to Creeper because The Stranger EP was one of the highlights of my year .
1 . Black Peaks - Statues
My life has been filled with Black Peaks since they released their debut album , Statues , back in January ; an album which made me putty in their hands . It is full of blistering riffs , gripping hooks and destructive breakdowns . Whether it be in the core of Hang ‘ Em High , the body of Say You Will or the chaos of White Eyes , there is a constant monumental sound and it is completely irresistible . Seeing Black Peaks play various venues , festival slots and even acoustically in a forest has made me love Statues even more too . It translates so beautifully live ; I was truly spellbound the first time I saw it played out in front of me and I still get transported to that place whenever I hear it on record . I really love Statues , it ’ s as simple as that really .
2 . letlive . - If I ’ m The Devil
Not ranking this album alongside Black Peaks as my Album of the Year was so hard because If I ’ m The Devil is another record I am fully enamoured by . It ’ s letlive . at their most meaningful and fun and it is full of special moments that have made me put them on the highest of pedestals . It ’ s just another incredible release from an incredible band .
3 . Architects - All Our Gods Have Abandoned Us
All Our Gods … is an absolutely blistering record . It ’ s been talked about in the highest of regards even before it was released and since the passing of Tom Searle it has become more meaningful than ever . It ’ s the most technically wonderful album I have listened to this year and it is the first time I have truly enjoyed an Architects record in it ’ s entirety .
4 . God Damn - Everything Ever
God Damn have always been a band I ’ ve been thoroughly excited by . This year they released their second album Everything Ever and it is one of the most fun records I ’ ve bought this year . Still full of meaty riffs and grizzly vocals , this time round God Damn have added more poppy melodies to their sound and it is great .
5 . Biffy Clyro - Ellipsis
I ’ m a little sad that Ellipsis isn ’ t my number one album of the year but being a huge Biffy fan , it still had to make my top five ! The trio ’ s seventh studio album saw them take on another new sound , one that is catchy , fiery and an absolute party . Okay , it ’ s not my favourite Biffy album , nor is it my favourite album to come out of 2016 but it ’ s still an exciting record from one of the best rock bands around today .
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