Ruaraidh Gilmour | Editing Team
10. Something Like Happiness, The Maccabees.
After four years absence, The Maccabees released their latest album “Marks To Prove It”. The album has had mixed reviews, but ‘Something Like Happiness’ received stellar reviews from magazines such as the NME and Q thanks to its fantastic depth in a vast array of sounds and instruments.
9. Distant Past, Everything Everything.
2015 was a very successful year for Everything Everything. Their new album “Get To Heaven” received rapturous reviews from magazines and music sharing platforms. The crown jewel of the album is without a doubt a ‘Distant Past’, it’s fast tempo and vocals (at some points almost rapping) create a very energetic, different sound that few other bands posses.
8. No Justice, Astronauts etc.
Featured on the album “Mind Out Wandering,” ‘No justice’ is a very mellow, chilled out song. If you are relaxing at home or stressed this is the song for you. Calming vocals, a simple few cords a single guitar, and a soothing keyboard all culminate into making one of the most relaxing alternative songs of 2015.
7. Loud Places, Jamie xx
Jamie xx’s solo album venture proved to be very successful. “In Colour” is mainly Jamie xx producing the instrumental sounds on a laptop and turn table, while many songs have featured artists performing vocals. ‘Loud Places’ features Romy from the lead singer from ‘The XX’. Romy’s controlled, relaxing vocals coupled with Jamie xx’s genius backing music creates a fantastically eccentric sound.
6. Gimme All Your Love, Alabama Shakes.
Gimme All Your Love, a true 70’s soul-jazz revival has rocked the soul and jazz music scenes. The band displays real soul through the vocals, which are absolutely terrific, along with really jazzy and powerful instrumentals. Alabama Shakes are undoubtedly reviving the soul-jazz movement with their own modern twists highlighted by their mesmerisingly brilliant song ‘Gimme All Your Love’.
5. Bros, Wolf Alice.
The album “My Love Is Cool” includes very smart vocals and fantastic instrumentals from the band. Bros’ splendid vocals are have a definite meaning, matched with quick drumming and keyboard work which provides a real depth to the song making it an absolute must listen.
4. Down, Petite Noir.
The song has a relaxing vibe throughout. Its pace is odd as it personally makes me really focused when I listen to it. The only orthodox instrument used to create ‘Down’ is a drum kit with the help of a little brass and maracas. The backing singer also depth to the song polishing off a great song.
3. Celeste, Ezra Vine.
A real feel good song; the use of backing vocals adds to the song’s feel good vibe. Finger snaps as well drumming provides a steady, chilled beat throughout. Even the lyrics add to the way the song makes you feel; as they at times create a picture and setting vividly.
2. Eventually, Tame Impala.
“Currents” is most likely a break up album created after member Kevin Parker’s split from his partner in 2014, however it yields some of 2015’s best songs. In particular, ‘Eventually’. Its intricate techno sound mixed with powerful, paced drumming creates a fantastic song as the vocals and lyrics are exquisitely executed.
1. Multi-Love, Unknown Mortal Orchestra.
Delicate, soft, yet soulful vocals, mixed with funky drumming and twangy slow guitarist, creates a brilliant progressive sound unlike nothing else. It tops of a very successful year and album from Unknown Mortal Orchestra, a truly incredible song.
