Feature: Alter The Press! 2011 Preview
For our 2011 preview, we compiled a list of over a 100 bands and artists and then asked our writers to pick out 50 acts to feature. We'll admit it was tough and there maybe some obvious names we've missed out but nevertheless we can promise 2011 is going to be a great year, with both new and old bands set to make their mark.
YellowcardWords by Jon Ableson
After a two and a half year break, one of the most influential pop-punk bands of our time is back! Yellowcard will return in March with their seventh studio album, 'When You're Through Thinking, Say Yes'. If the record sounds anything like the recently debuted live track, 'For You, And You Denial', we could be looking at possibly an early contender for one of the best albums of 2011.
Title FightWords by Jon Ableson
One of the most highly anticipated releases of next year. The rightly-so dubbed, "buzz" band of 2010: Title Fight. If you thought 'The Last Thing You Forget' EP was great, wait till you see these guys live. The band will release their debut full-length on a new label this Summer.
DaytraderWords by Jon Ableson
Who said good things don't come out of bad situations? When Long Island heroes, Crime In Stereo called it a day, guitarist Gary Cioni formed the pop-punk supergroup (featuring members of Crime In Stereo, Bridge & Tunnel, The Motorcycle Industry), Daytrader. With only a three-track self-released EP under their belts, the band have announced they will release their Run For Cover debut release, 'Last Days In Rome' early next year.
The Front BottomsWords by Jon Ableson
One of the hottest up and coming bands from NJ, The Front Bottoms are set to release their new EP this Spring. 2010 has already seen the band receive exposure with the recent, 'Slow Dance To Soft Rock' EP, with rave reviews and packed out shows.
Man OverboardWords by Sean Reid
Having ending 2010 on a high with a successful UK and European tour, Man Overboard will continue their rise on 2011 with a new EP and a 7". The former will be released on the bands old label, Run For Cover, whilst the 7" will be released on their new home of Rise Records. With so much momentum going into the year, expect Man Overboard to continue the "pop-punk revival".
The Get Up KidsWords by Sean Reid
After deciding to ditch the plan to release a series of EP's in favour of a full-length, the legendary Kansas group return in 2011 with 'There Are Rules'. To be released on their own label, Quality Hill Records, The Get Up Kids returns sees the band picking up where 2010's 'Simple Science' left off; a blend of ever consistent song-writing mixed with a progressive and at times experimental touch.
Blink-182Words by Sean Reid
2010 saw the legendary pop-punk make their return to the UK and are set to continue their comeback with a series of arena shows and festival appearances in the summer. Nevertheless fans will be hoping the band live to their promise and release new material in the spring. Whilst some may question if the new album will be any good, others are thankful that the band are back together.
O'BrotherWords by Sean Reid
2010 was a somewhat quiet year for the Atlanta, GA group. Although having played shows with the likes of Circa Survive, Manchester Orchestra, Moving Mountains, The Felix Culpa, and Biffy Clyro, 2011 will see a new album called 'Garden Window' and is produced by Andy Hull and Robert McDowell from Manchester Orchestra. With a sound that is very much at home on Favorite Gentlemen Recordings, expect to hear more from O'Brother in 2011.
The Cape RaceWords by Sean Reid
Having spent most of 2010 working on their début release, Manchester's The Cape Race are set to release new material in 2011. Working with producer Pete Miles (Canterbury, Futures, Your Demise, Francesqa and more), The Cape Race's brand of urgent, inspiring rock is set to gather plenty of attention in the coming months. The band will be kicking the year off on a high when they release a new single ('They're Young, They're In Love') on New Years Day.
Nightmare of YouWords by George Gadd
If Morrissey was born in the 1940s and took the role of John Lennon in The Beatles then Nightmare of You is what they'd sound like. Crooning lyrics as illustrated in songs such as; 'I Want To Be Buried in Your Backyard' and 'Heaven Runs on Oil', the band still remains to be relatively unknown despite writing pop songs with beautifully crafted lyrics. Expect the 1960's tinged release around summertime.
AstronautalisWords by George Gadd
Following their collaboration on the brooding closure of 'The Story of My Life' from the album 'Pomegranate', which received favourable reviews from a number of music websites including absolutepunk.net. The folk/rap artist, also known as Charles Andrew Bothwell, is currently recording a collaboration album with P.O.S. who also had a critically acclaimed album with last year's 'Never Better', think of a hip-hop Bad Books.
Jamie WoonWords by George Gadd
Also featured on BBC's Sound of 2011, Jamie Woon has a lot of hype to follow after releasing his song 'Night Air' which presents his eclectic range of musical styles all blended into one song. The release of 'Night Air' saw critical acclaim from The Guardian, as well as garnering airplay from Radio 1's Zane Lowe, the Ramadanman and Burial remixes only brought more attention to the song. Expect an album Spring 2011 and be sure to catch him on his February/March UK tour for perhaps the most intimate but intense gigs of 2011, get there before he headlines arenas the year after.
Manchester OrchestraWords by George Gadd
'Simple Math' has been described by Andy Hull as a concept album influenced by his wife as well as southern folk-rock legend Neil Young, due for release in March, we've already heard an acoustic rendition of the title track as well as short snippets of the erupting 'April Fool'. By the sounds of it, this album is going to easily be a contender for mainstream radio and if you're not on the Manchester Orchestra bandwagon yet, I highly reccomend you get on it quick.
Bloodhound GangWords by George Gadd
After releasing an aptly titled Greatest Hits album ('Show Us Your Hits,') alongisde the new halloween themed track 'Altogether Ooky' as a precursor to their new album. The band is in the early stages of promoting for the long awaited follow up to 2005's 'Hefty Fine'. You may recognise the bands ubiquitous songs 'The Bad Touch (Discovery Channel)' as well as 'Fire Water Burn,' which are both still prevailant in our heads as well as on our radios a decade later. Keep your fingers crossed, 'Getting Laid On A School Bus' should be released early 2011, but the band has pretty much said that every year, Expect cover art to be just as interesting as the music itself.
Tall ShipsWords by Connor O'Brien
Having released two EP’s in 2010 it was a busy year for Tall Ships, supporting Minus The Bear and 65daysofstatic to name a few took them on tours around the UK and Europe. They will be entering the studio in 2011 to record a single but an album has yet to be confirmed.
ArchitectsWords by Connor O'Brien
These brutes are coming out with one of the first big releases of 2011 in January. ‘The Here and Now’ is released on 24th and by the sounds of ‘Day In Day Out’ fans are going to get something a bit different from the absolutely beast of ‘Hollow Crown’. And if you’ve been living under a rock they are going out on a UK tour with Bring Me The Horizon, Parkway Drive and Devil Wears Prada in April.
Crazy ArmWords by James Berclaz-Lewis
After releasing their debut 'Born To Ruin' in 2009 to wide-spread acclaim, Crazy Arm have made it a priority to religiously tour around the country stamping their distinctive brand of country-tinged melodic punk rock into the hearts of everyone that dares to give them a listen. If 'Ambertown', the first single of their upcoming 2011 album, is anything to go by then we can expect a sensational year from Crazy Arm and will definitely be a band to follow come the new year.
TubelordWords by James Berclaz-Lewis
2009 saw the release of their debut album 'Our First American Friends', an exciting cocktail of math rock, pop, post-hardcore and the secret ingredient X. They followed it up in 2010 with their unusually named 'Tezcatlipoca' EP which saw them slow their style down and offer a fresh take on their music. Bubbling with creativity, it's hard to tell what could come next, which makes 2011 that much more exciting for it.
TellisonWords by James Berclaz-Lewis
In 2007, these math-popers were awarded the Rock Sound Best Unsigned band. A few years along the road, Tellison have refined their sound as proved by their most recent single 'Collarbone'. Far from toning down the adorable geekiness of their style, they seem to have updated it and polished their lyrics to remain relevant. If we are to believe the quality of their first album, then their sophomore album should be a right corker.
SucioperroWords by James Berclaz-Lewis
Arguably the soul-mates of fellow Scotsmen Biffy Clyro, Sucioperro have been gracing the rock scene with their exciting and angular guitar rock for a few years now without ever breaking out into the mainstream. However, their underground credibility and fan loyalty has allowed them to continue against all odds in the shadow of their more successful fellows. After releasing their new album's debut single 'Threads' in 2010, it seems they still have more than enough in them to create some of the most exciting rock you're likely to come across.
DrawingsWords by James Berclaz-Lewis
Like many others out there, the loss of Reuben within the British alternative rock scene was a significant blow for the emerging scene of the time (mainly consisting of the likes of Hell Is For Heroes, Hundred Reasons, Reuben, Million Dead and the like). Only a very small number of bands have thus hinted towards the character and charisma these bands showcased. That is exactly the reason for Southampton's Drawings, who mix hard rockness with unexpected melodies and vocal harmonies while still managing to sound like the casual lads having a laugh down at the pub. Get in this before it's too hot.
Tell It To The MarinesWords by James Berclaz-Lewis
Currently writing their debut, younglings Tell It To The Marines seem to walk the very fine line between indie and that infectious rock we're all looking for. Sewing epic vocal lines with atmospheric guitars the band intertwine various levels of noise by always keeping an eye for a melody. Don't come here looking for a hook though, these guys are in for the intricate instrument lines. Indie haircut haters, though, beware as they still need a little time to mature.
Texas In Julywords by Connor O'Brien
It’s been two years since their killer debut album ‘I Am’ was released in 2009 and since then they have signed to Equal Vision Records, lost and gained a guitarist and toured relentlessly across USA and Europe. They’re currently in the studio writing a new album which is due for release this year and will no doubt get out on the road again.
Rival SchoolsWords by Connor O'Brien
We were all stoked to see Rival Schools get back together and play some shows this year. Their long awaited second album ‘Pedal’ is due for release in March and they’re also heading out on tour across Europe with And You Will Know Us by the Trail of Dead so 2011 looks to be a big year for their come back.
Pianos Become The TeethWords by Connor O'Brien
‘Old Pride’ has received great reviews this year and although it’s unlikely we will be seeing a new release from these guys in 2011 they are finally making their way over to Europe in April with Suis La Lune.
Lower Than AtlantisWords by Connor O'Brien
2010 was a big year with ‘Far Q’ and touring and there’s more to come from Lower Than Atlantis in 2011. The new album is titled ‘World Record’ and is set for release early in the year.
We Came As RomansWords by Dan Issitt
Looking to build on their substantial success in their native US, Troy Michigan’s We Came As Romans are set to go. They have a co-headline UK tour with The Word Alive booked for April, and a new album set to drop in the summer. If metalcore with synths and plenty of beatdowns is your thing, We Came As Romans are set to be your new favourite band.
Asking Alexandria Words by Dan Issitt
Based in Yorkshire, but far bigger in the US, 2011 could be the year metalcore mob, Asking Alexandria finally make a bigger name for themselves in their homeland. They followed their 2009 debut ‘Stand Up And Scream’ with an EP and track for the 'Punk Goes Pop' Compilation this year, but 2011 holds two big releases for the band. Following in the footsteps of Bring Me The Horizon, January will see the release of ‘Stepped Up & Scratched’ a remix album, hotly followed by their sophomore effort in March.
BellevilleWords by Dan Issitt
One of the hottest properties from Kent at the moment, eclectic four-piece Belleville have big plans for 2011. Following hotly on the heels of their recently released ‘The Promises EP’, the band will be hitting the studio to record a long awaited debut album. Guaranteed to be full of dance-enthused epic Indie numbers, it’s definitely something to keep an ear out for. Anticipated slots at the summer festivals, and a busy countrywide touring schedule, mean this band will be at your door and in your lives before you know it.
StatesWords by Dan Issitt
A band very much in it’s infancy, States, featuring members of both Lydia and Copeland, released their debut EP ‘Line ‘em up’ at the tail end of this year. States play upbeat female-fronted indie infused with 60’s pop sensibilities. The inevitable likeness to Paramore will be drawn upon, due to frontwoman Mindy White's friendship with Hayley Williams, but musically their is no comparison. Sure to be picked up by a major label this year, expect this band to be all over the music press and airwaves in no time.
AlaskaWords by Dan Issitt
Bleak hardcore in the vein of Rise and Fall is the order of the day for this young hardcore mob. Alaska boast one of the most brutal sounding vocalists in the UK right now, and if the progession from their demo ‘MMX’ to the two tracks on their recent split with End Reign are anything to go by, whatever they release next will be mind-blowing. Straight-up with no gimmicks, these boys will provide the perfect soundtrack to the bleakest of years
Scarlet GreyWords by Dan Issitt
There is no question that given the right break, this band could easily go stratospheric. Based in LA, the band play the kind of stadium orientated rock, that 30 Seconds To Mars play, but on a less egocentric level. Their ‘Fancy Blood EP’ and backing by AFI’s Davey Havok may suggest to the uninitiated some kind of goth tendencies, but this is far from the truth. When the full length from this band drops, they will explode.
Blitz Kidswords by Chris Marshman
This lot have a potentially massive 2011 ahead of them, having seemingly picked up a head of steam in 2010, they now have the weight of some pretty powerful players behind them, with their just released tantalising teaser of their upcoming album; 'Story' is a big step up for these guys, featuring a guest vocal from a certain Aled Phillips, it sees them transform their brand of techy pop rock into something spectacular and if the album follows in it's footsteps, we could very well see this band reaching the heights of their guest vocalist.
Not Advisedwords by Chris Marshman
This band have potential written all over them, after a relatively quiet 2010, Not Advised are ready to bounce back with a bang with an as yet unwritten album for 2011, easily the best pop/punk/rock band in the UK at the moment, their penchant for writing a catchy hook is second to none, and with the mainstream starting to take notice in the form of You Me At Six taking them out on tour, it's only a matter of time before they get the recognition they oh so deserve.
Bright EyesWords by Chris Marshman
After the utterly spectacular 'Cassadaga' 2011 sees the hotly anticipated return of Conor Oberst and co. in the form of Bright Eyes, new album "The Peoples Key" is set for a February 15th release and Bright Eyes are set for yet another historic show, headlining Londons prestigious Royal Albert Hall in June, tickets are selling fast, but you can still pick up some limited seating, it promises to be a special show and you'd be mad to miss out.
Straight LinesWords by Chris Marshman
2010 saw the emergence of perhaps one of the biggest surprises of the year, Straight Lines' debut album 'Persistance In This Game' has headed a fair few peoples top 10 of the year, earning rave reviews throughout the scene, and quite rightly so! 2011 now sees the pressure being turned on, with the expectations of maintaining their own high standard, it's going to be a big year for the lads in Straight Lines and we have no doubts they'll make it their own.
Dance Gavin DanceWords by Chris Marshman
Perhaps one of the most exciting releases in 2011 will be Dance Gavin Dance and the release of their new album 'Downtown Battle Mountain II', having recently reunited their original line up, the presence of Jonny Craig with the spectacular technical ability of Dance Gavin Dance promises one of the most anticipated releases of 2011, if you're not convinced then the band are in London in May to showcase their new album and their 2007 classic 'Downtown Battle Mountain' and its soon to be released follow up, on two separate dates, get down and see them, and you'll soon see what all the fuss is about.
The Dangerous SummerWords by Nick Robbins
Baltimore’s The Dangerous Summer released Reach for the Sun in 2009 to much critical acclaim, though not a massive amount of commercial success. A UK tour in 2010 in which they opened some tiny venues seemed to ill-fit a band with a quality back-catalogue. Anyone who heard their 'Live in Baltimore' CD will appreciate how tight this band sound live and how well their album sound can translate on tour. 2011 will see them release their second full-length, and if the early release of track 'Good Things' is indicative of the rest of the album, 2011’s AOTY could be sewn up already.
Moving MountainsWords by Nick Robbins
For those who missed out, 2007s Pneuma was a quite phenomenal record. Mixing post-rock with melodic hardcore, the album created sweeping sound-scapes all the while remembering they were a rock band. After signing to Triple Crown Records, former home of Northstar, Brand New and Hot Rod Circuit, they are gearing up to release their second album in 2011. The wait will almost certainly have been worth it, and it is doubtful that it will remain the cult-classic Pneuma became. Jump on this band-wagon now.
Taking Back SundayWords by Nick Robbins
Nine years after ‘Tell All Your Friends’ was unleashed on the world, Taking Back Sunday are back to their original line-up and set to release their most anticipated album. While I expect most people who read this site will be familiar with TBS it is always worth mentioning them. I have no doubt this will be many music writers’ most anticipated album of 2011, and the album most people will have been waiting for since John Nolan and Shaun Cooper left the band.
Kyoto Drivewords by Nick Robbins
Brummie rockers Kyoto Drive have been steadily releasing solid records since their inception, with last year’s 'This Is All We Ever Wanted' being criminally overlooked by many. If you liked Spitalfield or The Early November then Kyoto Drive are definitely for you. Look out for them realising another album this year.
CanterburyWords by Nick Robbins
Their album, which was distributed on a pay-what-you-want platform, was a free treat to many but was well worth the price of a normal CD. Their follow up single “Gloria” garnered them a fair amount of play on the music channels and their newest EP “Calm Down” has built on that success. At the forefront of the UK revival in pop-rock, Canterbury look just about set to emerge as its leader. A current support slot with You Me At Six might potentially see their roles reversed in the not-so-distant future.
Freeze the AtlanticWords by Nick Robbins
Formed out of the ashes of a raft of quality UK hardcore bands and featuring Guy Davies from Reuben on drums (one of the best drummers I have ever seen live) Freeze the Atlantic are yet to officially release anything bar a few tracks on their MySpace page. Luckily these tracks are all of a high enough quality to put their debut full-length (being recorded currently [Nov 2010]) at the top of my most anticipated list. Inevitably sounding like a cross between Reuben, Hundred Reasons and Hell is for Heroes, this should be a welcome listen to anyone still mourning the deaths of their favourite UK bands.
PolarWords by Matt Buck
Polar have already been tearing up venues up and down the country in 2010 and expect more of the same in 2011. The most energetic live band you’ll ever find, recently signed to A Wolf at the Door Records and fresh from a stint of shows with Gallows. Polar are ready to take their own brand of punk hardcore to the masses. Expect a new release on the February 21st, followed by the Relentless/Atticus tour with TRC, Feed the Rhino and Heart in Hand beginning in April.
Cav OKWords by Matt Buck
2010 was been a big year for Cav OK, playing bigger and better shows and really creating a buzz around the underground scene with their unique blend of electro, indie and rock. Expect the band to move onto a new level on 2011. Definitely ones to watch, they have a new EP out in the early part of the year followed by their biggest show to date, playing the IndigO2 venue at the O2 arena.
Mute MathWords by Matt Buck
Mute Math are quite simply one of the best bands I’ve ever seen live! Mute Math enjoy a moderate level of success over in the States but have never taken off over here, why? No label support! Quite why a label wouldn’t want to sign them over here makes me very worried about the state of the music scene. Simply check them out on Youtube and you’ll see why they deserve your attention. They’ve just released a live DVD/CD and you can expect another glorious album of grandiose rock in 2011. Fingers crossed they’ll make it over here, because they will quite simply blow your mind!
What Nowwords by Matt Buck
Recently seen touring with The Xcerts and having enjoyed coverage nationwide and here on Alter The Press! Originally from South Africa but now residing in London, What Now have just released their debut EP; ‘Take Control’. With comparisons being made from Blink 182 to The Swellers, via Jimmy Eat World and Midtown, I’d say that they have got they sounds pretty spot on, ready for the masses. If they can get a full length out in 2011 then who knows where it will take them?
Fin Razielwords by Matt Buck
Having released the ‘Fallout EP’ in 2010; Fin Raziel managed to capture the imagination of people all around the world with their brand of epic melodramatic synth rock, most notably becoming one of the most popular new rock acts in South Africa. Having played a handful of sell out shows in and around London the band went straight back into the studio to record 2011’s release; ‘Become the Sea’. Expect the new EP to drop around March and the band to make many more friends around the UK and beyond during 2011.
To Catch a Thiefwords by Matt Buck
To Catch a Thief scored a 5/5 EP review in 2010 on Alter the Press! Everyone should be excited to hear what they come up with when they finally release their debut album in early 2011. If they continue where they left off in 2010 then they simply cannot fail to succeed. One of the ones to watch in 2011 for sure, its definitely onwards and upwards for this band.
Twin Atlantic
words by Matt Buck
2010 was a huge year for Twin Atlantic, releasing the EP; ‘Vivarium’ led them to tour the UK countless times and head over to the States. They ended up playing arenas with the likes of Blink 182 amongst others and selling out the Glasgow ABC in a triumphant home coming show. Expect more in 2011 as the band release their debut album. In the words of Sam from the band; "My ambition is so great for this band that I'm never going to be really happy until we're one of the big guys". Well I think it will be mission accomplished in 12 months time.
In addition to these 50 acts, expect releases from the likes of Death Cab For Cutie, All Time Low, Panic! At The Disco, D.R.U.G.S. (Destroy, Rebuild, Until God Shows), Stagecoach, Ute, Pegasus Bridge, Jumping Ships, Deaf Havana, You Me At Six, The Republic Of Wolves, Castevet, Grown Ups, Defeater, Caravels, The World Is A Beautiful Place & I Am No Longer Afraid To Die, Fireworks, GDP, The Ocean Between Us, Delta/Alaska, La Dispute, Balance and Composure, Former Thieves, Into It. Over It., Such Gold, The Felix Culpa, Athletics, Moonlit Sailor, The Lions Rampant, Emmure, Radicus, Hear The Sirens, A Shipwreck A Castaway, What Hands Are For, This Or The Apocalpyse, Me and the Mountain, Life On Repeat, Mozart Season, The Dear and Departed, Eisley, Kids Can't Fly, Cuba Cuba, Don Broco, Brother, Basement, Starters, Hang The Bastard, Transit, Burn The Fleet, He Is We, Gracer and many, many more.
Edited by Sean Reid.
Words by Jon Ableson, Sean Reid, James Berclaz-Lewis, Dan Issitt, Chris Marshman, Matt Buck, Nick Robbins, George Gadd and Connor O'Brien.
