Ten albums you cannot miss this month – January 2013

Everything Everything – Arc

Released on 14^th January, this album is proof that intelligent music needn’t be uncommercial. It spits melodies over tangles of complex riffs, however it’s a far less fidgety listen than previous album Man Alive.  Arc is quivering with ideas and reappoints core elements of their sound and frames them in a smoother, more subtle song-craft.

The Joy Formidable – Wolf’s Law

The second album from the Welsh rockers is released on 21^st January and is full of much-welcomed experimentation. With more focused tracks and arresting dynamic shifts, The Joy Formidable  have beaten the worst nightmare of every band: the difficult second album syndrome. It’s infectious, irresistible and their best album yet.

Villagers – Awayland

Awayland is a goldmine for beautiful vocals and adventurous song writing. The bold and creative moments of the album transcends any expectation of what Villagers can be. The lyrics are still heavy with a sense of surrealism, but this time are backed up with a tighter band. It’s gloriously mystifying and magical in equal measure. Released 14^th January.

Adam Ant – Adam Ant Is the Blueblack Hussar in Marrying the Gunner’s Daughter

Adam Ant is back with his sixth studio album. Scheduled for release on 21^st January, this highly anticipated record will not disappoint. It’s not a usual play-it-safe comeback record and is drenched in flamboyancy and theatrical twists. It’s fascinating, original and a wayward masterpiece.

Biffy Clyro – Opposites

Heartfelt and brilliantly executed, Opposites is a gripping effort, and there’s plenty here for a new fan to love. Diehards who like the radio friendly pop-rock nuggets of previous albums will find plenty to savour on this record. From start to finish Opposites is crisp and clever, and finds the perfect balance between pop and rock.

Delphic – Collections

Collections sees the Mancunian trio deliver more of their trademark electronica. Its 80s’ synths and choruses, packed with slick hooks make Delphic one of the most interesting British bands. The record showcases a more joyous side to the band, with brighter vocals and a wider scope of sounds. Collections is released on 28^th January.

Local Natives – Hummingbird

Following their acclaimed debut album, Gorilla Manor, comes their second full-length record Hummingbird. It’s a solid effort with soaring melodies and a stately elegance running underneath. The record is packed with harmonies and displays a distorted, indie rock edge to their music. Hummingbird is available on iTunes from 29^th January.

Bad Religion – True North

With this record, Bad Religion have culled the best of themselves from a history spanning over three decades. Unlike other music veterans, they continue to be relevant and exciting. True North  packs an immediate punch; it’s complex and intricate, and although originality may be absent, reliability and accessibility reign throughout the album.

Ra Ra Riot – Beta Love

On 22^nd January, indie-poppers Ra Ra Riot are set to release their third album Beta Love. Their first record since parting ways with cellist Alexandra Lawn; the record is pure pop confection, full of synth,  falsetto and light bounce.  Beta Love has catchy tracks and is a positive shift in direction for the band.

Tegan and Sara – Heartthrob

Tegan and Sara are leaving the indie world behind and seeking out a pop sound with Heartthrob. This offering doesn’t just sound different, it represents a more collaborative way of making music. For the first time, the sisters actually wrote a lot of the songs together. Hidden beneath the glossy surface of the music, is a maturity to the lyrics. It is a striking album and is released on  29^th January.

 Naomi Couper