We're already in February and as the year seems to be racing it's way through once again, we thought we'd cheer you all up a bit whilst we're still trapped in the bleakness of the first couple months of the calendar. Here's what to be excited for in 2015...
Tours, albums, EP's, singles, festival line-up's... they're all to come and by the way things are shaping up, 2015 is not going to let you down. From what we know so far, there's plenty to be looking forward to. First of all, let us start with Noel Gallagher and his High Flying Birds.
Noely G announced that his new album, 'Chasing Yesterday', would be released on the 2nd March 2015 in the back end of last year, followed by the unveiling of new tracks 'In The Heat Of The Moment', 'Do The Damage' and 'Ballad Of The Mighty I'. As well as this, sell out arena dates across the UK and dates around Europe to come as well as his debut solo headline appearance at London's 'Calling Festival' in July shapes 2015 into a good looking year for the solo artist.
But there's plenty more to look forward to than just Gallagher's return, Arcade Fire bassist and key's maestro Will Butler is set to release his debut solo album on the 10th March and it's fair to say we cant blummin' wait. The Canadian has so far released two tracks from his forthcoming record, 'Take My Side' and 'Anna', that got both Arcade Fire fans and new one's alone on his side for sure. Not only is Will set to release an album, he is going on a tour across the States and Europe, visiting the UK in Manchester, Glasgow, Birmingham and London. Demand is high and with Manchester already sold out, we advise being quick in getting your tickets. Also, The Libertines are set to return this year, if you hadn't already heard. Though they did make their official return at British Summer Time in Hyde Park last year, new material is finally going to be gracing our ears in 2015. Carl Barat, Pete Doherty, John Hassall and Gary Powell are out in Thailand recording the new record now and though we haven't been fortunate enough to hear anything yet, we're all but sure it's gonna be another cracker from the much praised four-piece.
Also coming up in 2015 is the return of Swim Deep, Theme Park, The Vaccines, The Cribs, Coves and Spector amongst others.
Swim Deep unveiled new track, 'To My Brother' this week and to a great applause. After a year or so away, many thought they was done following the anti-climax of their debut album, 'Where The Heaven Are We'. But, after we admittedly slated them in the past, we're excited for their forthcoming return. With live dates announced and a new album to follow, we feel Swim Deep and their now more matured indie synth pop style are going to propel in 2015. The next return to look forward to is that of Theme Park's. A band of whom went off the radar following their self titled debut album. We've always been fans of their groovy style and can't wait to hear more from the trio in 2015.
You've probably heard The Vaccines and The Cribs being mentioned over the past few weeks and it's no surprise as to why. Two much loved bands who'd been out of the game for a while have both returned in emphatic style and following The Vaccines release of new track 'Handsome', the announcment of a UK tour and the unveiling of the new album, 'English Graffiti' as well as The Cribs announcment of new album 'For All My Sisters' and the releasing of new tracks 'An Ivory Hand' and 'Burning For No-one', 2015 is looking like it's going to explode for the pair. Also the returns of Spector and finally Coves are the two that we're most excited for. Spector last week released new track, 'All The Sad Young Men' that went straight to being our Track of the Week for last week as well as announcing that the new album is closer than ever and that they're set to play their first live show for over a year at The Lexington in London on March 12th, which unsurprisingly sold out rather quickly. Lastly, Coves are set to return in 2015 following the announcment of a tour this March and the unveiling of new EP, 'Stormy', which is to be released soon. We for one can't wait to see them in Leeds on their forthcoming tour.
Other than bands and artists returning, there are new and upcoming one's that are set to blow in 2015. Such as the one's we highlighted prior to the New Year. We tipped garage rock n'rollers The Brookes, Arctic Monkeys sounding Jim Valentine, the charismatic and emphatic Ming City Rockers, former Tribes frontman Johnny Lloyd and groove fuelled indie pop band The Assist to take off in the new year and you can find out why here. As well as these, new duo Lusts are a band that we tip highly to have a massive 2015. The two-piece from Leicester are set to embark on Coves' forthcoming tour as their support and have already supported Childhood at the NME Awards gig earlier this month. You can also find out why we tip this shoegaze and synth orchestrated duo to do so well this year here.
Finally, festival season will be upon us before we know it but let us embrace the most exciting part before it's here. The rumours and the announcments are what every festival goer loves to hear, no matter which one you're pitching your tent at.
We've already seen the likes of Metallica and Mumford and Sons as well as Jamie T and Royal Blood be announced to play Reading and Leeds, Lionel Ritchie to perform at Glastonbury, Fleetwood Mac and Pharell Williams to play alongside The Black Keys and Paolo Nutini at the Isle of Wight Festival and finally Muse, Slipknot and Kiss to headline Download. But there's plenty more announcments to be made. With rumours of The Libertines, Alt J, The Black Keys, Foo Fighters and Florence and the Machine to complete the top of the bill at Reading and Leeds, as well as the likes of The Courteeners, The Cribs and others to turn up at Richfield Avenue and Bramham Park also being mentioned. The Libertines, Florence, Alt J, Foo Fighters, Coldplay and Taylor Swift are the names being branded about around the fields of Worthy Farm at the moment too. And with many great bands artists sure to turn up either way at both of these incredible festivals, it's time for the fans to place their bets.
Well, aren't we all just a tad excited now?